Andy Sheppard

Tony Benjamin reports back on some strong performances as this high-calibre festival makes a welcome return

Located a short drive from Belgrade, Pančevo offers an excellent jazz festival in a more laid back and relaxed way than its big city neighbour

They came together in the hands of the British jazz star Andy Sheppard and the young Korean gayageum player Kyungso Park in a late show at the Royal Albert Hall’s cabaret-styled Elgar room part of the Korea-focused K-Music festival.

But maybe it was a nod to the year of austerity that five jazz musicians playing a Serious Productions Christmas show made enough varied noise for about 15.