And the appetites of local jazz fans for the forthcoming festival were whetted in style at St Andrew's Hall last Wednesday night when Academy Swing, under the direction of Tony Spencer, and Phil Mason's Bute Jazz Friends took to the stage in an evening of entertainment organised by the Rotary Club of Rothesay.

More than two hundred local jazz fans attended to enjoy the music and to contribute more than £1,450 to local, national and international charitable causes associated with the Rotary Club.

Unfortunately we missed Academy Swing's contribution to the show, arriving at the hall just as some band members were heading for home, but we were soon plied with glowing tributes from those who had heard a set which included many of the band's favourite numbers, and a few new tunes too.

Academy Swing's set also included a new departure for the band in the shape of a couple of vocal solos, with Lauren Nicoletti singing Fever and Megan Harwood I Don't Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar, both to enthusiastic receptions from the watching audience.

After a short break Phil Mason and the Friend took to the stage - the Friends comprising Tim Saul on sax, Paul McKay on bass, David Gray on drums, Ray Bruce on banjo and Wilf Peers on clarinet - and Lady Be Good opened a set which also included On The Sunny Side Of The Street, In The Sweet By And By, Frankie and Johnny, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (the last two with guest vocals by Jenny Brown) and much more too.

And their ever-loyal audience was clearly delighted with the show, too. One observer was heard to marvel: "They never have music, they never seem to practice - and yet this just happens!"

Alex Bennett, president of the Rotary Club of Rothesay, said: "I, and my fellow Rotarians, wish to express our sincere thanks to all those who contribued to such an enjoyable and successful evening.

"Special thanks to Tony Spencer and Academy Swing, vocalists Megan and Lauren, Phil Mason and Friends, Jenny Brown and the members of St Andrew's Church for the free use of their hall.

"Once again the residents of Bute have come up trumps in supporting this event - I look forward to their continued support in the future."

Next up for Phil and his Friends, and Jenny too, is their traditional opening slot on the first night of the jazz festival, on Thursday, May 1.

Academy Swing are also back on this year's festival programme - they'll appear at the festival's private Patrons' Reception, and then in public at the Pavilion Jazz Club on the afternoon of Saturday, May 3.