I Like Music WOMAD 2009 Review

The BBC Radio 3 stage, hidden in a picturesque cove surrounded by trees, was the home to all manner of other worldly festivities across the weekend. From the irrepressible rhythmic energy of the Channi Singh Bhangra Band, the beautiful, tender timeless presence of Sengalese musician Malick Pathe Sow (former sideman to Baaba Maal) to the undulating, colourful "ho ho ho's" of Slovakian hot gypsy jazz purveyors Mec Yek.

American soul legend Solomon Burke headlined Friday evening. Sitting centre stage upon his trademark 'stage throne' a wealth of experience shone through both his presence and unforgettable voice. Highlights included a cover of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gunna Come, Everybody Needs Somebody To Love and a stage which ended up full of over 20 musicians and audience members.

Portico Quartet, one of the few UK representatives at WOMAD, intertwined material from their forthcoming second album along with favourites from their 2008 Mercury Prize shortlisted debut, Knee Deep In The North Sea. The London based foursome gently brought forth the notion of contemporary jazz with an intricate, hypnotic set expertly combining erratic twists and turns of alto sax and double bass with the gentle blossom of signature percussive instrument the hang, the Swiss cousin of the Caribbean steel drum.
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