For me, and for many I am sure, seeing Morcheeba live was something I had been wanting to do since Big Calm was released in 1998. Of course there would have been opportunities, I had just never personally had the chance.

A trip-hop, electronic band, Morcheeba’s music is somewhat chilled and live, you would expect them to be enjoyable but laid back with a very serene atmosphere. However, that wasn’t the case for their set at Cheltenham Jazz Festival at all. They bring a new meaning to the album title Big Calm on stage because whilst the music was still rather calm, live they gave us such a big sound.

The level of musicianship on the stage was off the scale. Skye Edwards distinctive and melodic vocals were just as pure and sweet from the day we were first introduced to her. Ross’s slick guitar skills were phenomenal and the rest of the band whose names I didn’t quite catch were equally of high calibre. I believe the drummer is Skye’s son and what a talent he is. The music was on top-form and incredibly rhythmic throughout with smooth, soulful, cool jazzy beats and electronic, Trip-hop sounds that filled the Big Top tent.

An incredible vibe from the audience, this was a sold out show and it was easy to see why. The energy was high and full of life and you could really feel the nostalgic love from the fans. The atmosphere was immense during the 90’s moments that came from various tracks from the Who Can You Trust? and Big Calm albums such as Trigger Hippie, Never an Easy Way, The Sea, Friction, Part of the Process and Blindfold. Even the newer songs including Oh Oh Yeah, from the album Blackest Blue felt just like the old days proving their music is timeless.

The lighting on stage and across the Big Top Tent which included moments of just seeing Skye’s Silhouette helped set the mood of a smoky Jazzy nightclub.

Ross Godfrey explained at one moment, (after a song he says is their only Jazz song) that they feel like they have imposter syndrome being at Cheltenham Jazz Festival as they aren’t really Jazz but that one song makes them qualify to be there. He then went on to say “now we are going to play some country music” and played Part of the Process. I had never really thought of that song as country before, but listening to it on the way home I understood. Funny, because as a website that mainly focuses on country music, I often feel like I have imposter syndrome at Cheltenham Jazz Festival but that one song now makes me qualified haha!

The entire show was energetic, atmospheric, fun, emotional and so much more! Every moment felt like being invited into an exclusive club but at the same time it felt like we were outside in the height of summer watching a headline set at the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

The demand for the encore was crazy! People were not going to leave until they had one. I didn’t think we would get one as is a festival and not a headline show but am so glad that we did!

How can that set be beaten? It’s definitely going to be difficult! Morcheeba are headline worthy status! It’s probably one of the best shows I have ever been to and I have been to a lot! What a moment, what a memory!

Cheltenham Jazz Festival, please bring Tricky or Portishead next!