The second double-header at this year's festival was a real gem.

A tribute to the pianist Bill Evans, with Gareth Williams (piano) and Dave Green (bass) opened unconventionally with a breath-takingly beautiful slow ballad.

What followed, including Waltz For Debbie, Spring Is Here and Come Rain Or Come Shine, sustained the emotional impact, with perfectly crafted solos and a crisp and sumptious sound - all credit to the sound mixer for the clarity balance and richness of the miked-up piano.

William's playing was percussive and highly lyrical, with expert control of chord voicings, Green's bass lilting, almost nonchalant yet faultlessly solid. The warm embrace of their musicianship was over all too soon.

The Printmakers, led by Nikki Iles and Norma Winstone brought a more funky style with bossa nova rhythms and enjoyable and engaging solos again from all of the band members throughout.

There were compositions by Winstone and Iles, Ralph Towner, John Taylor and others, but the highlights for me were Joni Mitchell's Two Grey Rooms, and Nikki Iles’ own piece High Lands.

A full house at the Ropetackle and a really uplifting evening with some great music and a real buzz.

Five stars