On Saturday I found myself at the most unexpected of places watching live Jazz from The Julian Martin Trio featuring Ben Thomas. It was a marvellous gig – bustling, vibrant and lively – not to mention the music (which was sizzling too)!
Coaltrains is a quirky coffee shop situated on the platform of Barry Train Station in South Wales. I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest. My experience of station cafes is mixed (to put it mildly) – I often find myself negotiating delayed and cancelled trains looking down the barrel of a pasty looking sandwich or lava hot tea! Coaltrains is very different however. It’s a gem - full of colours, art, music and the aroma of ‘proper coffee’ PLUS a very enthusiastic crowd of followers and (rather amazingly) brilliant live music - it's a magnificent and confident creative hotspot – and it’s just what is needed in a potentially stressful environment. A sanctuary for travellers, passing each other in time and somewhere that embodies the spirit of exploration. A moment of escape and possibilities!
I was told to get here early to avoid missing out. I was a little skeptical that people would be able to penetrate the Transport For Wales security posse and navigate the penetrating platform announcements, but actually the place was full to the brim - (to paraphrase) build it and they will come! There were familiar faces, loyal followers, families, lone travellers and plenty of opportunistic passers by too, all stopping to immerse themselves in the music.
Full credit to the band - the music was captivating and they seamlessly adapted to the life, movement and sounds of Barry station; trumpeter Ben Thomas like a scene sketching impressionist, Ian Williams is a very cool and creative ‘alt’ drummer, Ross Thomas made my heart groove, Julian Martin in his element – passion filled and zestful. They inspired me to move, photograph, write (this) and sketch (abstracts of course).
Speaking to owner Alan Edge, it's clear that he has a Bohemian spirit and imagining for Coaltrains. There are a multitude of arty happenings on the go at any one time and art materials on hand too! I loved the colour and freedom of expression in the cosmic jazz artwork that I noticed adorning the walls and I couldn't resist taking home some Coaltrains art badges!
We need more music at the spaces in-between (and high foot traffic areas). Music shouldn’t be exclusive to ‘acceptable places’ – and plonking pianos for all-comers on station floors isn’t necessarily the answer. String quartets, didgeridoos, thrash metal – I don’t care what it is so long as it has something to say – and I want to experience these things whilst walking through, passing by, calling in – why isn’t this a thing? Why isn’t there music everywhere we go to – somewhere, around the next corner? It’s an exciting prospect and I hope it’s a vision of the future.
If you'd like to check out Julian's trio featuring Ben performing live you can do so at the following event happening soon in Penarth:
JAZZ ON THE PIER