Bringing their own unique blend of sophism fused with a smooth ting of poetic jazz to the Birmingham Festival 23 (B.Fest 23) as the lunchtime crowds in the city was treated to the likes of locally based bands, The Seekers, A Hologram Maze, Insurgent and Santu, amongst others.
After kicking off with the daily Sense Wellbeing Sound Bath, from their album ‘Journey of Light,’ a mixtures of Sufi, jazz and exotic rhythms, The Seekers, led by Rubaya Pirzada, brought their own blend of poetic enhancement, together with traditional south Asian dance - by Aruna – to the growing hordes of men women and children, with a great deal of them regularly tapping away to the sound and surroundings of a mild midday sun.
As the sun was “actually”, “genially” glinting on the glass front of The Library of Birmingham, there was no shortage of entertainment throughout a day of reflection and optimism. And, as such, their own mesmeric contusion of rhythms lent itself to just another of the B. Fest 23 attractions that so many people have been treated to – to date!
Representing a rich multicultural heritage and the wider Great Britain, A Hologram Maze was testament its diversity, as their ‘jazzed-up’ take on the shear vibrancy of Birmingham was clear for all to see, as their variation on their own theme was a delight and easy on the ear. From easy listening melodies, to frenzied brakes, this was on another lever.
“They’re different gravy,” as one onlooking ‘metaphorically’ described them. And, true to form, they were, with their music unfolding equally in gently weaving turns – from Be-Bop, Latin, to Electro and beyond, their set was the perfect treat for lunchtime workers, shoppers and mere passers-by.
Others on hand throughout another Birmingham Festival 23 day; including Birmingham Rep’s ‘Grimebot’, the Bimm Birmingham Rock & Metal Show and the Sofunk Dance Fitness, would only add to the splendour of what the city’s finest have to offer. And, with days yet to go till its end, anyone who’s planning to venture into the centre of the second city, would do well to take in it’s beautiful, enchanting eclectic musical and dance mix.
And there’s still more to come from B.Fest 23!
