By Paul Strange

It’s not all about the big headlining acts at the Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival. As in previous years, there was plenty of music to enjoy for free in the town’s fringe venues.

On Sunday afternoon (26 May) the Charlie Hearnshaw Jazz Trio performed at 14 Miles East. Squeezed into a corner of the packed café, saxophonist Hearnshaw led Marcus Darc (bass) and Philip Clouts (keyboards) through standards, including “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” and “There Will Never Be Another You”. The trio were excellent, and the crowd were most appreciative.

It was a similar story at The Chattery café, where the Jess Molins Guitar Duo were tucked into a corner. Guitarist Molins and bassist Kevin Sanders gently took us through “In Walked Bud”, “Good Bait” and “How Deep is the Ocean” as excellent cake and coffee were being served. It was all highly agreeable.

Away from the free music, the ticketed daytime shows at the Blackmore Gardens focused on bigger acts. On Sunday, Lady Nade fronted a tight six-piece band and performed a tribute to singer, composer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. With a powerful voice that evoked memories of Simone, Nade blasted out “Feeling Good”, “Work Song” and “I Put a Spell on You” with aplomb.

The all-instrumental Jazz Defenders are the only act to have been booked at all three Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues festivals. On this showing, it was easy to see why. Powerfully melodic and blessed with gutsy players, they tore the place apart, with numbers such as “The Long Haul”, the vibrant “Meanderthal” and the challenging “Snakebite Playfight”. It started to rain during their set, but the Defenders battled on regardless.

The afternoon’s final act was Snowboy and the Latin Section, led by multi-percussionist Mark “Snowboy” Cotgrove. Described as “Europe’s premier Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble”, initially the eight-piece band were on sizzling form, punching out numbers such as “Snowboy Special” and “Charge Your Batteries”.

Unfortunately – as torrential rain swept in – there was a power cut on stage. It was at least 15 minutes until Snowboy and co were back in business, regaining their composure with an assured “Straight from the Gate”. With some dazzling playing, it was a strong finish to a memorable afternoon.