Searching the Net for stuff about music generally (including jazz) in Malta, I was amazed to come across the letter from Val Valente, saying:

"At such events, with legendary musicians taking part, I simply cannot see anyone dancing, nor women shaking their bodies, even if motivated. This is a seated evening and people come to listen to good music without interruptions and, in Malta's case, from a certain part of the standing crowd and, yes, mostly lager louts who have no idea of what's going on."

This is then followed (later in the letter) by:

"At the end of the day the festival is not for the musicians who are expected to entertain, but for the paying public to enjoy."

It is a great pleasure to read someone thinking that way, but at the same time perplexing. I am a regular gigging jazz player of about 25 years' experience, often playing to quite riotous audiences, and I have to say I am often quite disappointed when the audience do not get up and dance.

It is one way they show they are enjoying themselves - and, as Mr Valente says, that is what it is for.

Perhaps if people could get up and shake, the festivals would be more of a success than is suggested by the rest of Mr Valente's letter.

By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Malta.