Umbria Jazz July 11th

Our first evening at the Umbria Jazz Festival and he had two super concerts to see.

First in the Arena Santa Giuliana were legendary rockers Steely Dan. A favourite of mine since the early 1970's and one of those bands that I grew up on album after album, but was never lucky enough to see live.

Becker and Fagan are legends of the scene and wrote between them some of the most iconic sounds of at least two decades.

The show was slick, beautifully played and featured most (but not all by far) of the songs you would hope to hear. Sadly, for me though, the show lacked any real spark - the band were distant at time tucked away in their own little world (not helped by the lack of on stage cameras - their choice for the big screens, which meant the one main camera was constantly hunting for a soloist or decent shot) and lack of engagement with their audience.

The midnight show at the Morlacchi featured an all together different proposition. Roberto Gatto and his 'Progressivamente' show. featuring tunes from sources diverse as Pink Floyd and King Crimson this show was full of energy and surprise. Great playing from all on stage especially Fabrizio Bosso (trumpet), Gianluca Petrella (Trombone) and the voice of John De Leo made this a compelling show worthy of the packed audience. No wonder Gatto wore a broad smile all evening!

Tonights show features Simply Red with Mick Hucknell rolling back our ears and Gianluca Petrella's Cosmic Band featuring of of my favourite if not favourite Trumpet player Paolo Fresu.