Firstly, massive thanks to Mihai Muguescu, the ultra respected organiser of this Open Air Festival in Brezoi, as well as the international musical artist, broadcaster, presenter and dynamo, Kaz Hawkins, for inviting and enabling me to be at Brezoi's Open Air Blues Festival! Indeed, I was beyond privileged and honoured to be representing the UK on the Romanian Blues Challenge international jury with other respected European music experts, namely Marc Loison (France), Tommy McEwan (Australia), Ena Georgieva (Bulgaria) and Peter Podlovics (Hungary). These elite professionals each brought their individual unique experience and knowledge to the role in a magnificent display of collegiate collective responsibility!

As any one knows who follows the Blues, it has many shades and hues. From the traditional roots, to raw Rock Blues. The ten bands who participated - and congratulations to each of them for entering and entertaining the eager, enthusiastic audience - were absolutely representative of the Romanian Blues scene both at a high profile level, as well as looking at the variety on the European scene. Each band gave it their all on stage for 20 minutes and were rightfully applauded, namely (in order), Straight From The Bottle, Midnight Bloom, Rares Totu’s Midnight Sun, Give‘n’Take, Andrei Cerbu Band, Marcian Petrescu & The Night Train Blues Band, Cri Gri, Jacqueline & The Initiative, Alex Tomaselli Blues Band and Steel Blues. Every artist was worth watching and enjoying, however, in the end there could be only one winner, evaluated according to the European Blues Union criteria and with an aggregate scoring amalgamated from each individual juror.

Having analysed, photographed, videoed and reviewed the whole process as a member of press in the UK, as well as internationally at European Blues Challenges, being tasked with participating in the serious selection process of Romania’s entrant into Portugal's 2027 European Blues Challenge, required considerable concentration and focus from 6pm to just before midnight, when the winner was finally announced! Also the the macro and micro skills of enthusiasm, objectivity, empathy, listening acutely, visual appreciation, concentration, endurance and objectivity, all demonstrated the combined collective skillset of the jury panel!

I also want to especially thank our bodyguard and US Veteran Dave, whose fabulous drawling Blues style voiceover on the English version of the visually stunning and alluring 45 second promotional video for this Open Air Blues Festival, is itself worth listening to. Indeed, security was essential as we needed to keep our distance from those who wanted to talk to us, so as not to disturb the process, be rude to them and or have any impression of influence!

Kaz Hawkins curated and presented the evening with such warmth, wit, skill and flair, as well as being a wonderful Mama to us all as the jury. Cezar Tita, the ultra-respected lawyer, and Romanian Federation Observer, also performed his overarching role with consummate skill, knowledge and professionalism. I also extend my thanks to him. Unfortunately though, I missed the special guest performance from established Romanian band Bluemans, as I was secluded away with my fellow jurors, deliberating!

Anyway, congratulations to the eventual winner Alex Tomaselli Blues Band! Go represent your wonderful country with pride, musicality and enjoy the 2027 European Blues Challenge! For me, with new friends made, and my judging job done representing the UK on the international judging stage with humility and pride, it was now time to enjoy and photograph the impressive domestic and international Brezoi Open Air Blues Festival lineup, over the rest of the week!

Review and photos: Denise Lester