A CORNUCOPIA of contrasting musical styles was served up to thousands of festival-goers in Upton last weekend.

Those who visited the 17th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival were treated to intri-cate, coruscating solos from the likes of Angelo Debarre, who lived up to his billing as the world's foremost gypsy guitarist. He was matched by the brilliant Christian Garrick, whose violin had an almost vocal quality.

Another highlight was the masterly double bass playing of John Benson, one of Kenny Ball's Jazz-men, who despite appearing minus their celebrated leader (who is recovering from an operation), still produced a performance that showed why they are so highly regarded in the world of trad jazz.

At the other end of the scale were festival favourites Lamarotte, who did not let flawless musicianship inhibit them from doing their very best to make sure everyone could have as much fun as possible. Bas Van Gestel combined wonderfully soulful trombone playing with a fantastic singing voice, ably abetted by Arthur Brouns on alto sax and the manic Jan Hoes, who finished Friday night's set outside the Talbot Hotel by singing through his pint.

Seasoned comedians Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band were also good value for money at the less serious end of the spectrum, with the ex-Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band member leading fellow players through a programme of japes and surrealism, including a haunting melody played on a large saw with a violin bow.

Saturday's colourful procession saw Upton packed with a mixture of bands, and umbrella-wielding Secondliners.

Organiser "Sir" Alan Buckley hailed the event as the best yet.

"It was absolutely brilliant," he said. "It was a great weekend, with no trouble and the weather stayed fine, except for a bit of rain late on Sunday afternoon."