Last weekend was the annual brass band festival where bands from all over Europe come to Amboise to entertain the tourists as well as us locals. Not only is a band stand setup in the main square but the bands also stroll through the streets and the Sunday market.
PS I was shocked to say the least to hear one of the bands playing a tune ("Birdland") by Weather Report, one of my favorite "jazz-fusion" bands from the 1970-1980s. Believe me it was no brass band! Anyway, what a truly global world we live in.
I think it's wonderful that brass bands still attract so many players and I guess one of the secrets is to adapt any music! Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, I heard tunes from a very wide variety of styles and cultures.
Deletehow fun and pretty setting to listen to music!
ReplyDeleteYes, a lot of people were sitting under the trees (out of the photo to the left) and enjoying a nice concert.
DeleteI love brass bands, especially in a parade.. at the Anzac parade a while back I lost count of how many there were AND playing the most surprising tunes, it was fabulous. Your brass band here are splendid in their red waistcoats, you would have been thrilled to here one of your fav tunes Stuart.
ReplyDeleteOn Saturday morning, each band parades into the main square for a sample of what's to come. It's very cool.
DeleteA beautiful setting for a band!
ReplyDeleteYes, the open square is perfect for such events.
DeleteBeautiful setting and a fun event! I love such festivals.
ReplyDeleteYes, they're fascinating. And each band seems to have so much enthusiasm and joy in their performances.
DeleteWell you got over the shock, that's the main thing! :-) I'll always associate brass bands with Great Britain and in particular the Salvation Army around Christmas. Funny how our minds work.
ReplyDeleteI should have added to "shock", the word "pleasure" since it was really a nice interpretation of an otherwise quite electric tune originally. It is interesting how a tune, or for that matter a smell or an image, can trigger such strong recollections from so many years ago.
DeleteNow that tune is going to be in my head all day... ;)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. While that tune was their most publicly successful, it's not really one my favorites of theirs.
DeleteHey! Birdland, Weather Report.... great memories... :-)
ReplyDeleteBTW, Stuart, don't forget Jazzin'Cheverny next week (26-29 June)! I hope to see you there !!
I would love to come but will have to work out the logistics. I'm still studying for my French driver's license !
DeleteA fun event no doubt.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to sit out in plaza, listen to the music, watch the tourists go by, and maybe have an ice cream.
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