Day three of Love Supreme 2025

The final day of Love Supreme began not with music, but with a panel discussion chaired by Barney Jones, looking at the day’s news. Panellists were insightful and fascinating - Iain Dale, Ann McElvoy, Catherine Meyer and Anand Menon - with discussion of everything from the future of UK party politics to free speech and incitement, and special mention of the Glastonbury/BBC coverage last weekend.

The first musical event of the day was bassist Daniel Casimir with his big band. In these days when this large ensemble format is prohibitively expensive for most composers, it’s truly wonderful to see a collection of musicians like this - most of them, I’d pay good money to see individually.

Dan Casimir with his Big Band, including Camilla George (far right) and Binker Golding on MD duties

Next up, I caught a little of another bassist - Amy Gadiaga - and just a few minutes of Jazz FM award winning corto alto.

Amy Gadiaga

The afternoon passed in snatching glimpses of bands and some truly outstanding jazz.

The Pete Roth Trio

One of my choice shows of the festival was the Pete Roth Trio with Mike Pratt on bass and the legendary drummer Bill Bruford. This is quite a new ensemble but it has come together brilliantly, with a real sense of collaboration between these great British jazzers. I loved the combination of simplicity and complexity as the musical ideas passed between the three players, with rhythmic and melodic themes were carried effortlessly across the stage.

Between interviews for a special Harmonious World episode, I caught a little of Branford Marsalis and then finished Love Supreme 2025 with amazing, inventive jazz from the Neil Cowley Trio and then Avishai Cohen with his quartet. I'm hoping to get the former on as a guest to talk about the revamping of his trio. Cohen's stunning set included work from his stunning Ashes to Gold album. This is stunning music, with the trumpeter also moving on to an ethereal, evocative flute.

The Neil Cowley Trio

Avishai Cohen

A fabulous afternoon and early evening with some class, inventive and intuitive acts.

Love Supreme 2025 may be finished, but some of these performances will stay with me. The good news about all the artists I missed is that many of their sets will be replayed on Jazz FM.

Hear interviews and more on the latest episode of Harmonious World

PS - latest news! The organisers have announced today that the 2026 edition, which will take place from Friday July 3rd - Sunday July 5th, will feature three days of Main Stage programming for the first time. Reflecting the festival’s continued growth and ongoing evolution, next year’s event will expand beyond its traditional Saturday and Sunday Main Stage schedule to also include headline performances on the Friday. 

Super Early Bird tickets for Love Supreme Jazz Festival 2026 are on sale now from lovesupremefestival.com.