World's Largest FREE Jazz Festival

Mike Schwartz · May-23rd-2003, 10:20 PM

www.sanjosejazz.org

It was on the board at one time and dissapeared....

Pete C · May-23rd-2003, 11:12 PM

At least he didn't call the thread "Increase the Size of Your Jazz Festival."

Uli · May-24th-2003, 04:01 AM

I don't think size matters but I am still a bit intrigued by the claim. Ain't Chicago larger?

Chaz Longue · June-12th-2003, 11:22 PM

This may very well be the largest Jazz festival consisting entirely of free events.

But Montreal routinely offers 350+ free events on 9 to 11 outdoor stages over 10 or 11 days - and has for many many years...as well as 100 - 130 ticketed events. 1.7 million people attend. And it all takes place in the center of the city.

I'd gladly go to San Jose's festival some time given the opportunity. It sounds terrific!

I understand Chicago's festival is great too!

Mike Schwartz · July-27th-2003, 06:44 PM

Full line-up posted at the website.

KSJS doing the emcee chores at the Smith Dobson Tribute Stage Sunday 08/10...I'm there for the second set to stage announce.

Hadn't seen until recently that Mulgrew Miller Trio will appear.
The Nestor Torres set should be a good one, indeed with the likes of Orestes Vilato, John Santos, and San Jose homegirl Rebecca Mauleon!

Mauleon gets a set with her own group too!

Mike Schwartz · August-11th-2003, 01:57 PM

This was the first year in many, that I didn't attend both Sat & Sun but had the most wonderful day yesterday!

I get there a little early to check in....KSJS hosting the Smith Dobson stage, get what I THOUGHT was going to be my little assignment, do my part as it were.

Well, something else happened.
One of our jocks did a no-show, so another guy and myself covered what 3 or 4 of us were going to do. Got to introduce & hear the Michael [sax] Zilber group. He's a very fine player, has a new CD out with drummer Steve Smith, teaches at the Jazz School.

Next up Marcos Silva quartet.
Many know him thrugh his long and continued tenure with fellow Brazilians Flora & Airto, but this was his baby and was absolutely terrific.

In between bounced around the streets to get some samples of other things, some interesting combinations of sounds coming from the 'World' stage.

Main stage heard some of teenager Julian Lage guitar with a nice group. That kid's gonna be around for quite a while.

Nestor Torrez [flute] & Bay Area Latin All-Stars ranged from sublime to boiling. SJ homegirl Rebecca Mauleon on piano & keys slays me everytime I'm lucky enough to see her. She had her own sextet set on another stage later in the day. Any time you get the combination of John Santos, Orestes Vilato, and Paul VonWaganegen as the rhythm team your in the best possible shape [didn't catch the bass players name who was right with the others]

At some point, the director of the festival flags me down and informs me that the stage announcer at the main stage had to split, would I take over when she leaves?

You mean to ask, would I stage announce for Jimmy Heath & the San Jose Jazz Orchestra, followed by closing headliner Nneena Freelon in front of tens of thousands of people in my adopted hometown and represent KSJS?

Let's just say that by the time it was all said and done, they had to call out the 'Fun Police' to drag my butt outa there!

I wish that Fish were there, he'd have named every Bay Area musician that make up the band. The piano player was a standout...Mel Martin was spectacular...Seward McCain on bass as usual really good.

Dennis Wilson, the leader and artist in residence the only 'out of towner' other than Mr. Heath.
Every arrangement except 1 was penned by Heath, the set included his classic "Gingerbread Boy" and a Charlie Parker composition as Jimmy tells the audience of the mind blowing experience he had playing with Bird in Philedelphia in 1947! Heath's charts made the day for me, and when the set was over every single band member knew they had participated in the event of a lifetime with one of our living grand masters.

Nneena Freelon did a fantastc performance, the best I've seen her band, 3 of the 4 musicians/with her have been together for a considerable length of time. Her latest CD, the Stevie Wonder tribute received at best a luke warm reception on these boards and other places. I'm here to say that the live presentation is light years ahead of the recording, very well presented, very good feel, and plays extremely welL in front of a crowd.

To have San Jose State's own 90.5FM KSJS get the chance to get some pub for it's efforts 4 blocks from our studios a great kick indeed. What a day!!

Valerie · August-11th-2003, 04:33 PM

Wow, Big Bro', you're going to be high for weeks!! So glad you had such a great time and glad that you were there to help save the day! How can folks not show who have a commitment and responsibility like that?!? Mind-boggling! Well, it sure worked out well for you and the festival folks. Here's to many more great and unexpected experiences for you, Mike.

Pete C · August-11th-2003, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike Schwartz
Main stage heard some of teenager Julian Lage guitar with a nice group. That kid's gonna be aroung for quite a while.

Is he a teenager already? I saw him at Monterey a couple of years ago. Certainly one of the best kid musicians I've ever seen. I think he'll indeed be around for a while--if that's what he wants.

Mike Schwartz · August-11th-2003, 11:16 PM

Pete;
Was told yesterday he was 15-16... I saw him for the first time about 2 years ago was told he was 13, so that oughta be about right.

jazzfiend · August-12th-2003, 02:45 PM

Well, the wife decided to work in the garden on Sunday. So I cruised down to S.J. in time to catch the last 45 minutes of Michael Zilber's fine set. An interesting saxman, who can swing and play both inside & out.

Looked around for Mike, but didn't know what he looked like. The cat I thought might be Mike turned out to be Steve Saperstein (most likely a little grayer & older than Mike).

I then witnessed a nice set by the fine guitarist, Calvin Keys, who was joined by Mario Guarneri on trumpet. Quite enjoyable.

The highlight for me was the Greg Osby Four + one. The great altoist has taken on a new responsibility, which is to showcase young, unknown talent in his band. His new band is totally revamped. A young lady from Hokkaido, Japan (Magumi Yonozawa) on piano, sounding quite mature & original. The 19 year old bassist, Matt Brewer, displayed some awesome chops. Eric McPherson, an excellent drummer, was in killer form. He's been with the great Jackie McLean's band. The surprise guest was an exciting young trumpeter by the name of Ambrose. Didn't catch his last name, but he managed to rev up the crowd and put a smile on Greg's face. Osby was on fire, blowing fluent, angular lines in his lyrical fashion. They played mostly tunes from his fine new cd, St. Louis Shoes. Other than the heads, however, this band sounded nothing like the album (which is great). But they killed, playing fresh & inspired throughout the set. Loved it!

Then I snagged a tub of shrimp creole, and caught part of Nnenna Freelon's lively set. She looked quite sexy in her pink dress, moving around rhythmically as she sang. The gal has become quite the entertainer. Sings well too!

While she was singing, I decided to haul my butt over to the Smith Dobson Stage in time to catch the Dave Ellis Ensemble. Never heard him before, but the post-bop tenorman has a full, rich sound, and knows how to swing. His lively band, featuring Peter Barshay on acoustic bass, also included a cat on electric bass. The entusiastic crowd quickly picked up on the groove, and displayed their appreciation. Still looking for Mike, a black dj from his station hosted the performance, and did a very humorous impression of Arnold S, who may become our next guv.

Needless to say, a very enjoyable day!

Mike Schwartz · August-12th-2003, 05:05 PM

jf;

That was Ramon Johnson introducing the Ellis group.

I was the one to introduce the Zilber band, then caught part of the set on the side, was at the Freelon set at the beginning and the end announcing and caught the majority of the performance.

Had seen Osby w/o the trumpeter Monday in Santa Cruz.
He was on my radio show via a tape on Sunday at 9AM [recorded Tuesday] and caught Mulgrew recently in Oakland.

Always an interesting dance at these things, deciding who to 'miss' ...