As we recommended last March in our article, The best music festivals in London 2024, our team at Reading West visited the highly anticipated Jazz Cafe Festival – and here’s our review.
The inaugural Jazz Cafe Festival 2024 had all the ingredients for a standout event, and while it hit some high notes, there were a few areas where it fell short. As with any brand-new festival, some teething problems were to be expected. However, certain missteps, particularly in the VIP area, left attendees feeling underwhelmed.
The VIP experience, in particular, did not deliver as promised. Many guests paid extra for the perks, but the so-called VIP queue jump didn’t exactly speed things up. In fact, many found themselves waiting just as long as general admission ticket holders. The VIP area itself, while exclusive, offered an almost non-existent view of the stage, which was frustrating for those hoping to be closer to the action. Additionally, the space was overcrowded, leading to long waits for drinks and a distinct lack of the “luxury” experience that VIP ticket holders were expecting.
One of the most glaring issues was the “luxury” toilets – of which there were only three! Female attendees, in particular, found themselves queuing for quite some time. Once inside, the facilities were indeed luxurious, but it seemed that the festival organisers had forgotten to arrange a proper cleaning rota. As the day wore on, the sparkle of these high-end loos began to fade, leaving many unimpressed.
Despite these hiccups, the festival delivered far more positives than negatives. The vibrant and diverse crowd reflected the festival’s eclectic music line-up. It was a kaleidoscope of cultures, styles, and attitudes – a true celebration of jazz’s global influence. From colourfully dressed attendees to those smartly or casually attired, everyone was united by their love of music, and it showed in the way people danced freely to the different tunes filling the air.
Musically, the festival was a triumph. Rapsody brought fierce energy to the stage with her electrifying blend of hip-hop and jazz, proving why she’s a force to be reckoned with in modern music. Buena Vista Social Club offered a dose of nostalgia, delivering their trademark Cuban rhythms to an adoring crowd, turning the venue into a sea of swaying fans. Rising star Eliza was another standout, her soulful voice captivating the audience, while Nils Frahm created an atmospheric, almost cinematic experience with his unique fusion of electronic and classical sounds.
A special highlight of the festival was the touching tribute to the audience itself, with a Latin jazz rendition of Coldplay’s ‘Clocks’. This unexpected cover, reimagined with vibrant Latin rhythms and soulful trumpet solos, struck a chord with the crowd, creating a beautiful, shared moment of connection. It was a perfect example of how the festival celebrated the power of music to unite people from all walks of life.
Overall, the Jazz Cafe Festival 2024 had its fair share of organisational issues, particularly in terms of VIP logistics. However, these are problems that can be ironed out with time, and given the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere generated by the music and the crowd, there’s plenty of potential for future festivals to improve. With such an incredible range of artists and a crowd eager to celebrate the best of jazz and beyond, the foundation is certainly there for this festival to become a major annual event.
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