My wife Liz has been a member of Sax Bandits for nine years, so when she told me the band were celebrating their 10th anniversary by throwing a festival, I was excited to know more!
I’m not a musician myself, but I do love listening to and watching great music – especially anything featuring a saxophone. Growing up listening to Supertramp probably had something to do with that! I’ve also watched Snake Davis perform live several times over the years, so I knew we were in for a treat. What I didn’t expect was just how much I’d enjoy the entire evening at SaxoFest!
Hannah Horton
Opening the stage was Hannah Horton, playing both Baritone and Tenor saxophone, accompanied by an outstanding rhythm section. I’d never heard Hannah perform before, but within minutes I was completely drawn in. Her original compositions took the audience on an emotional journey, from beautifully tender moments to lively, uplifting pieces full of character. She shared the stories behind the music with warmth and humour, making the performance feel wonderfully personal. I even discovered what musicians mean when they talk about “noodling” – a word I found myself googling later!
Redtenbacher’s Funkestra
Next came Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, and what a fantastic change of pace. Their infectious energy filled the room from the first note. Led by Stefan Redtenbacher, the 7-piece band produced an enormous sound that blended jazz, funk, and groove into something completely irresistible. The talent of every musician was exceptional, and the audience couldn’t help but be swept along by their enthusiasm. The performance had a wonderfully retro feel in places and I found myself imagining scenes from a 1970s Dirty Harry film playing out to their soundtrack!
Snake Davis
Finally came the headline act, the Snake Davis Band. As the lights dimmed the sound of a solo saxophone echoed around the room and the audience fell completely silent. It was one of those magical moments where everyone knew they were witnessing something special.
Snake Davis’s effortless musicianship, gentle humour and easy rapport with his band made the performance feel both world-class and wonderfully intimate. From famous saxophone solos, including the iconic Baker Street, to the unexpected finale of Jubel (which I think was a world premiere), every song was delivered with the confidence and brilliance that have made him one of the most respected saxophonists.
As the evening came to a close, I realised I wasn’t ready for it to end. The atmosphere throughout had been warm, relaxed, and full of people who simply love great music. It felt less like attending a concert and more like spending an evening with friends who just happened to be extraordinary musicians.
SaxoFest also included a wide range of stalls, activities, and live music during the daytime. Read more here
Photography by Tyler Mobey.
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