A Day at Womad 30 July 11

I only could manage a day at Womad this year - here are my impressions of the acts I saw:

Hassan Erraji's MoRoccan Rollers - a good start to the day with high energy North African grooves and some entertaining Oud-playing. Hassan must be the Jimi Hendrix of his instrument, playing it in all sorts of positions and with a real percussive attack.

Khaira Arby Never seen her before, but this Malian singer was pretty impressive and really held the open air stage. Some fine guitar-playing in her band.

Shunsuke Kimura & Etsuro Ono Some great Shamisen-playing and a nice ambience.

Faiz Ali Faiz My annual Qawwli fix was provided by a great singer and his equally impressive vocalists and percussionists. A glorious highlight of the day.

Samuel Yirga Pristine Ethiopian chamber jazz from the young pianist and his group. Lovely sax solos too. I would have loved it just as much if I hadn't had that nice pint of Bounders cider.

Vieux Farka Toure This was OK but frankly there was not enough light and shade in his guitar-playing and the set relied too much on some musical cliches. File under rock with a pinch of desert blues.

Aurelio Far and away the best act of my day, and one of the great performances I've seen recently. Beautifully-controlled changes in tempo and irresistible sultry vibes. Aurelio's guitarist, an unassuming Peter Kay lookalike, turned out to be a genius, playing at least one gorgeous and miraculous solo. Unforgettable.

Las Balkanieras Oh dear oh dear. A dreadful sub-Eurovision mess, They should watch more of the song contest and perhaps they'll improve.

Axel Krygier Extraordinary and surreal. What I saw and heard defies description. If insane dancy electronica, pantomime humour and extrovert showmanship are your bag, he's your man. If you don't like any of those things, he's still great.