From Alistair Mitchell.
IF the JEP wishes to portray itself as a credible face in the world of journalism then perhaps it should ensure that its contributors do their homework and offer readers some authoritative comment.

I refer to an article by Lucy Mason (JEP, 7 April) on this year’s Jersey Live. To start an article with a comment like ‘Paul who’ and then continue with ‘some band called The Jam’, reflects a level of ignorance in contemporary music that would best be left aside in preference of a writer who could contribute with some knowledge of the subject.

I will not patronise music lovers here by stating Paul Weller’s standing within the business, but I can assure Miss Mason that he is indeed one of the industry’s heavyweights. He is one of the most respected musicians on the scene who continues to create challenging music that has continually evolved over the decades. He has influenced many young bands and musicians as he himself was influenced by the generation of musicians before him.

I look on his addition to the Jersey Live billing as an ambitious move by the promoter to move the festival forward from where it currently stands and start to introduce an audience to the festival who may not have bothered to turn up in the past.

But I do not see Weller’s inclusion as a reason for younger folk or existing festival goers to stay away. On the contrary, I feel Miss Mason underestimates our young people and their knowledge and appreciation of different styles of music. There are indeed many young Jersey bands which have been influenced in a positive way by The Modfather.

Paul Weller is a wonderful addition to this year’s festival. But please get a music writer to add intelligent comment in your paper next time around and not to insult readers with banal and trivial throwaway lines.