Monterey Jazz Festival - 2008

[Lois Gilbert]

April 1, 2008; Monterey, California; The Monterey Jazz Festival Presented by Verizon, launches its second half-century of legendary live jazz presentation, reflecting the artistic excellence that has made MJF the longest running jazz festival in the world. The world-renowned event takes place September 19-21, 2008 on the familiar oak-studded and beautiful grounds of the Monterey Fairgrounds, the location of the Festival since its inception in 1958.

Featuring some of the living legends in the music world as well as the future superstars of jazz, MJF/51 raises the bar set in 2007, and will be one of the most anticipated live jazz events of the year.

Tickets are on sale now by phone at (925) 275-9255 and on the Monterey Jazz Festival’s website, www.montereyjazzfestival.org. Full Weekend Arena Packages from $220; Daily Grounds Tickets from $35.

The Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage will be one of the hottest sites of the Festival, with a lineup that promises the musical adventure of a lifetime with multiple award winning artists, including vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Jamie Cullum, Ledisi, Kurt Elling, and Nancy Wilson; saxophonists Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, and Maceo Parker, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Christian McBride’s new Quintet, Cuban flautist Orlando "Maraca" Valle, guitarist Derek Trucks and the twelve-time Grammy-winning pianist, Herbie Hancock.



2008 ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE, SHOWCASE ARTIST & COMMISSION ARTIST

MJF/51 Artist-In-Residence, bassist Christian McBride, will be in fine company with several of his musical projects, and will be performing through out the weekend with his new acoustic Quintet, with the electrified Quartet, and with MJF's spotlight on the future of jazz, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. MJF/51 Showcase Artist, drummer Matt Wilson will be at large on the grounds, performing with his own Arts and Crafts, with the collective-improvisation group, Trio M, and in a duo with guitarist-extraordinaire Bill Frisell. MJF/51 Commission Artist Maria Schneider will unveil her large-scale orchestra piece, her second commissioned work for the Festival since 1995.



The long-time tradition of Arena artists performing on the grounds is also unusually rich for MJF/51. The Joshua Redman Trio, Maceo Parker, Christian McBride, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Tom Scott, Terence Blanchard, Orlando "Maraca" Valle, Ledisi, Maria Schneider Orchestra and Kurt Elling will all put in dual performances on the Grounds during the MJF/51 weekend.



Two special tributes will be featured during the weekend, both on the Arena Stage and on the Grounds. On Saturday night, A Tribute to Cannonball Adderley will feature a modern take on the music of the influential and celebrated saxophonist with renowned vocalist Nancy Wilson, trumpeter Terence Blanchard (2007 MJF Artist-In-Residence and Grammy Winner) and legendary saxophonist Tom Scott. Sunday will spotlight John Coltrane’s beloved collaborations with vocalist Johnny Hartman, with Kurt Elling’s Dedicated to You. This special band features Ernie Watts, and the Ethel String Quartet, backed by the Laurence Hobgood Trio.



MJF: DAY BY DAY

Friday, September 19 in the Arena will kick off MJF/51 in a Latin style with the MJF debut of Cuban vocalist & flautist Orlando "Maraca" Valle, followed by the angular modernism of the Joshua Redman Trio and the luxurious vocals of Cassandra Wilson, also debuting at MJF. On the Grounds, the popular New Grooves in Dizzy’s Den will reverberate with the electrified Christian McBride Band and Rudder. The Garden Stage will launch in the bebop vein with the George Young Quartet, followed by the talented and youthful Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars. Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts will offer their own take on the jazz tradition to close out the Garden Stage’s musical offerings for Friday night.



In the Night Club / Bill Berry Stage, the singer-songwriter Spencer Day will perform original and American songbook favorites, followed by the MJF debut of up-and-coming Israeli saxophonist, Anat Cohen. The Joshua Redman Trio will close out Friday’s Night Club in their second performance of the evening. In the intimate Coffee House Gallery, Yaron Herman will make his MJF debut with three sets of his impassioned take on improvisation, while Quantic and 4onefunk will take the stage in Lyons Lounge with their bass-heavy turntablism.



Saturday, September 20 will be a funk-filled experience in the Arena, starting off with the 2008 Grammy-nominee for “Best New Artist,” Ledisi, followed by the legendary funk-soul saxophonist Maceo Parker appearing with the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. The swamp-funk of the Derek Trucks Band, debuting at MJF, concludes the blues-driven afternoon. Saturday evening in the Arena gets off to an explosive start with Christian McBride’s new acoustic Quintet, followed by MJF/51 Commission Artist Maria Schneider and her Orchestra with her signature piece for 2008. The evening ends with Nancy Wilson, trumpeter Terence Blanchard, and saxophonist Tom Scott in their Tribute to Cannonball Adderley, on the very stage where the legendary saxophonist last played in 1970 (and was filmed by Clint Eastwood for Play Misty for Me!)



Saturday will give audiences a chance to see Arena artists and the best that jazz has to offer over a broad spectrum of sound. The Garden Stage, a favorite location for the bluesy Saturday crowds, will get off to an exciting start, featuring the newly-minted soul sounds of Ryan Shaw. Fans of vocalist Ledisi will have the chance to see her up close and personal, as will fans of funk master Maceo Parker. The groundbreaking vocal and guitar duo Tuck & Patti will also return to MJF for the first time in twenty-four years, followed by the explosive pianist Rebeca Mauleón & Afro-Kuban Fusion.



Saturday’s Night Club / Bill Berry Stage will feature a myriad of styles and artists, both old and new, from the traditional to the experimental. Japanese pianist Junko Moriya will make her MJF debut, followed by the hard-driving big band of the US Air Force, the Falconaires. Tom Scott will present A Tribute to Cannonball Adderley as an instrumental group, and returning master and Grammy-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard will perform with his Quintet. The Night Club will round out its Saturday schedule with a post-modern musical dialog between two masters, the far-reaching Matt Wilson & Bill Frisell Duo.



Saturday’s Dizzy’s Den schedule will also showcase a variety of music and special events that will keep jazz fans captivated. Starting off with a fascinating conversation with vocalist Nancy Wilson, the afternoon will continue with an MJF favorite, the DownBeat Magazine Blindfold Test. The music will commence with the explosive Orlando "Maraca" Valle with his Cuban Lullabies, followed by another fellow Cuban and visionary, drummer Antonio Sanchez & Migration. The Maria Schneider Orchestra will close Saturday night at Dizzy’s Den, performing her Grammy-winning music.



The Coffee House Gallery, known for its intimate atmosphere, will also feature a range of musical styles. Saturday’s sets will include La Tuque Bleue performing their Euro-Canadian folk music, the hot musicality of Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars, and the jagged experimentalism from pianist Marc Cary and his Trio.



Sunday, September 21 will cap off the 51st Monterey Jazz Festival with the biggest names in jazz. In the Arena, the day starts off with the winning high school band from the Next Generation Festival, followed by MJF’s youthful Next Generation Jazz Orchestra with Christian McBride. The afternoon show in the Arena will feature the eclectic British superstar, crossover vocalist Jamie Cullum. Sunday evening in the Arena will be a spectacular affair, starting off with Kurt Elling and Dedicated to You, featuring Ernie Watts, the Ethel String Quartet and the Laurence Hobgood Trio, celebrating John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. Next, the legendary Wayne Shorter Quartet will perform a masterful deconstruction of the post-bop language that Wayne has pioneered over the last 50 years, and will set the stage for another living legend and multiple Grammy winner, Herbie Hancock, who will close the Sunday night Arena in his 8th performance at MJF since 1964.



On the Grounds, the atmosphere will be just as electric--and eclectic. On the Garden Stage, La Tuque Bleue will again provide an acoustic foray into folk, followed by the spiritual, drummer-led Brian Blade Fellowship. The Kyle Eastwood Band then returns with their electro-acoustic modernist take on jazz, followed by the classic vocal stylings of the Jamie Davis Group.



Dizzy’s Den will again host to the popular jazz panels on Sunday afternoon, with a conversation about Cannonball Adderley, followed by what is sure to be a packed house: a conversation between film icon Clint Eastwood and vocalist Jamie Cullum. The music begins with Christian McBride’s new Quintet and then a reprise of Kurt Elling’s Dedicated to You, singing Hartman/Coltrane to close the evening on a mellow note.



High energy can be found in the Night Club, which will be the center of attention for the nation’s best high school bands all Sunday afternoon, followed by the now-classic Hammond B-3 Blowout with Barbara Dennerlein and Brian Auger's Oblivion Express.



Sunday’s Coffee House and West Lawn will also celebrate a different mix of play. First up is the kid-friendly ZunZun, celebrating the diversity of culture through music, followed by sets with the cutting-edge Trio M (with Matt Wilson, Myra Melford and Mark Dresser) in what will be an improviser’s dream. The West Lawn will chime with the Baltic Sounds of the Brass Menazeri.



SPECIAL EVENTS AND FAMILY DAY

Sunday September 21 is also Family Day, sponsored by Macy’s, returning for the third year. Family Day features activities and fun for fans and families of all ages, including a Percussion Playshop on the West Lawn where kids can have a hands-on experience with percussion instruments, the “Jazzy Jumper” where kids can bounce the day away. With musical entertainment by ZunZun, celebrating the cultures of the Americas, and the country’s seven best high school bands appearing in the nearby Night Club, “Family Day” at MJF has become a favorite activity for young music fans and families.



The Jazz Theater will also host two special screenings of films dedicated to two iconoclasts of jazz: the three-time Monterey Jazz Festival performer and big band leader of the late 1960s, Don Ellis; and the influential and controversial saxophonist, Albert Ayler. After the afternoon Arena simulcasts, the Jazz Theater will show Don Ellis: Electric Heart on Saturday and My Name is Albert Ayler on Sunday, providing a rare opportunity to see these historic new documentaries and performances on the big screen.



ALL WEEKEND LONG

All weekend long in the evening, Lyons Lounge at the end of Lyons Lane will pulse with the heavy DJ sounds of Quantic and 4onefunk, in the return of one of the grand experiments--and legacies--of the Festival. Both Lyons Lounge and Lyons Lane are named in honor of MJF founder Jimmy Lyons and are located adjacent to the Arena entrance on the Festival midway. The Lounge will again offer fans a hip jazz club to chill out on the north end of the Grounds, departing from the acoustic offerings of the Festival.



As patrons stroll down the lane, they will relive the history, images, and music of the Monterey Jazz Festival in a special MJF history display, "Monterey Through the Eyes of the Media", a retrospective of 50 years of news reporting on the Monterey Jazz Festival.



Also on the Grounds, a companion exhibit of 50 years of MJF memorabilia will be on display in the Coffee House Gallery on the Midway. Sue Downs will be performing on the Disklavier on the Courtyard Stage at the entrance to the Festival.



FROM TODAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER, PLENTY OF WAYS TO CELEBRATE MONTEREY

The Festival continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary year with a range of activities and offerings. MJF will kick-off the Festival season with the Second Annual Jazz Legends Award on May 2, 2008 at Tehama Golf Club. The evening will feature cocktails and dinner, with entertainment by Bay Area favorite, vocalist Kim Nalley. Highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the MJF Legends Award to Gerald Wilson. Space is still available as of press date. Fans are urged to contact michelle@skipwithandassociates.com or call (415) 279-1973 for more information.

MJF’s Front Box Auction presents another opportunity for jazz fans to enjoy the Monterey Jazz Festival while supporting Jazz Education. From March 31 until June 1, patrons can bid to sit at the front of the Arena with three of their closest friends in four Front Box seats for the 51st Annual MJF. For more information, please visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org.

During the Festival, fans are also encouraged to visit the MJF Education Booth in the center of the midway to participate in the MJF Silent Auction featuring unique jazz memorabilia and collector’s items, with all auction proceeds benefiting MJF’s Jazz Education Programs.

The Festival's 10th Annual Golf ‘n’ Jazz Tournament is a rare opportunity to play Pasadera, an outstanding Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This exclusive event includes a buffet lunch, jazzy gift bag, and golf with cart, plus an evening to remember at elegant Pasadera Country Club following the Tournament. The evening will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous buffet dinner, a jazz concert and live auction, plus the golf awards ceremony. The Tournament takes place on Thursday, September 18, 2008; registration takes place by phone, (831) 373-3366 and online at www.montereyjazzfestival.org. Fans are urged to visit the MJF website for more details about how to participate in this longtime MJF favorite. All proceeds are invested in MJF’s Jazz Education Programs.

The 4th Annual Jazz with Steinbeck event will offer fans an exclusive supper club evening in support of MJF’s Jazz Education Programs and the National Steinbeck Center’s Youth Programs. This very special event takes place on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, with jazz entertainment by vocalist Mary Stallings and singer-songwriter Spencer Day, and sumptuous dining created by celebrity Chef Cal Stamenov of Bernardus Lodge, and an array of exceptional wines hand picked by Wine Director, Mark Jensen. This intimate, one-of-a-kind jazz experience promises to have a magical energy all its own. The evening is limited to 140 people. Reservations are available by calling the National Steinbeck Center at (831) 775-4722.



PARTNERS IN JAZZ

Partners play an important role in helping the Festival fund its Jazz Education Programs, with efforts led by Presenting Partner, Verizon, now celebrating their 24th year in partnership with the Monterey Jazz Festival.

· Borders returns for the second year, partnering with MJF/51 and with the Next Generation Festival. Borders will host an expanded store at the center of the MJF/51 midway, where artists will be signing CDs

· Korbel Champagne once again hosts Klub Korbel, a champagne bar in the Fairgrounds' Turf Club Patio featuring Arena simulcasts

· Returning partner JetBlue Airways continues to offer our fans low fares, new planes, and free DIRECTV at every comfy leather JetBlue seat. Fans are encouraged to book travel on JetBlue at jetblue.com.

· Monterey County favorites, Jekel and Five Rivers Wines, return as Official Wines, served throughout the MJF/51 grounds

· Yamaha, a long time partner of both the Festival and MJF's Jazz Education Programs, will once again be providing Yamaha pianos and drums on MJF/51 stages, and music on the Yamaha Disklavier with on the Courtyard Stage.

· North Coast Brewing Company returns as Official Beer for MJF/51, with a variety of North Coast brews available all around the grounds of the Monterey Jazz Festival, led by their lauded Brother Thelonious Belgian-style abbey ale.

· Apple/iTunes will be providing free music samplers to all MJF/51 attendees, featuring a collection of Monterey Jazz Festival artists.

· Returning Bay Area Media Partners, the San Jose Mercury News and KKSF, as well as JazzTimes and DownBeat Magazines, will be helping MJF get the word out about the Festival and its Jazz Education Programs.

· Macy's returns as sponsors of Family Day at Monterey, hosting special entertainment and activities for younger jazz fans and fun for the whole family on Sunday, September 21, 2008.



The Monterey Jazz Festival also receives invaluable support for the Festival and its Jazz Education Programs from the Surdna Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, The D'Addario Music Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as from generous grantors, donors, and individual contributors.



The Monterey Jazz Festival encourages jazz fans to purchase tickets early for the 51st Annual Monterey Jazz Festival Presented by Verizon. Arena Packages traditionally sell out quickly and are available only on a first come, first served basis. Last year's Grounds Tickets also sold out, so fans are advised to act quickly.



Tickets are now on sale on the Monterey Jazz Festival’s website, www.montereyjazzfestival.org or by phone at (925) 275-9255.



MJF/51 Highlights Include:

Return of jazz legends Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Maceo Parker
World Premiere of Commission Artist Maria Schneider’s new work
Artist-In-Residence Christian McBride performs in acoustic, electric and big band groups
Showcase Artist Matt Wilson at large on the grounds in creative contexts
Tributes to legends with Nancy Wilson’s Tribute to Cannonball Adderley & Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings Coltrane/Hartman
Vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Maraca, Nancy Wilson, Jamie Cullum, Ledisi, Ryan Shaw, Kurt Elling, Spencer Day, Tuck & Patti, Jamie Davis
Cuban music with Maraca, Antonio Sanchez & Migration, Rebeca Mauleon & Afro-Kuban Fusion
Lyons Lounge features Quantic and 4onefunk remixing jazz, hip-hop, and dance music
Friday’s "New Grooves" featuring the Christian McBride Band, Rudder, Quantic, 4onefunkSunday’s “Hammond B-3 Blowout” featuring Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express & Barbara Dennerlein Trio
Special conversations with Clint Eastwood & Jamie Cullum; Nancy Wilson; Cannonball Adderley panel; DownBeat Blindfold Test
Lyons Lane featuring an MJF history review, “Through the Eyes of the Media"
Return of Sunday's “Family Day” sponsored by Macy's, with fun for all ages
Film screenings of Don Ellis: Electric Heart & My Name is Albert Ayler
Continued releases from Monterey Jazz Festival Records, featuring rare and rarified recordings from the last 50 years on CD in conjunction with Concord Music Group


Arena/Lyons Stage Artists:

Friday, 9/19: Cassandra Wilson, Joshua Redman Trio, Maraca “Cuban Lullabies”

Saturday, 9/20: The Derek Trucks Band, Maceo Parker with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Ledisi, Nancy Wilson “Tribute to Cannonball Adderley” with Special Guests Terence Blanchard & Tom Scott; Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra debuts MJF/51 Commission; Christian McBride new Quintet

Sunday, 9/21: Jamie Cullum, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra with Christian McBride, Winning High School Big Band from the Next Generation Festival, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter Quartet; Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings Coltrane/Hartman featuring Ernie Watts, Ethel String Quartet & the Laurence Hobgood Trio



Partial List of Grounds Artists:

Friday, 9/19: Joshua Redman Trio, New Grooves with the Christian McBride Band, Rudder; Quantic & 4onefunk in Lyons Lounge; Matt Wilson Arts & Crafts, Spencer Day, Anat Cohen, Yaron Herman Trio, George Young Quartet, Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars

Saturday, 9/20: Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Terence Blanchard Quintet, Tom Scott “Celebrating Cannonball Adderley”; Maraca “Cuban Lullabies”; Maceo Parker; Matt Wilson & Bill Frisell Duo, Ledisi, Ryan Shaw, Tuck & Patti, Quantic, 4onefunk, Marc Cary Trio, La Tuque Bleue, Junko Moriya, Sadza, Antonio Sanchez & Migration, Rebeca Mauleón & Afro Kuban Fusion

Sunday, 9/20: Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings Coltrane/Hartman featuring Ernie Watts, Ethel String Quartet & Laurence Hobgood Trio; Christian McBride new Quintet; Hammond B3 Blowout with Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express & Barbara Dennerlein Trio; Kyle Eastwood; Trio M with Myra Melford, Mark Dresser & Matt Wilson; Jamie Davis, Brian Blade Fellowship, Quantic, 4onefunk, La Tuque Bleue, Brass Mena¾eri; Family Day with ZunZun, the country’s best high school and college ensembles, DownBeat Blindfold Test, and more!



Tickets are now on sale on the Monterey Jazz Festival’s website, www.montereyjazzfestival.org or by phone at (925) 275-9255.

###

For interview opportunities, high-resolution photographs and other MJF information, please contact:



Timothy Orr, Marketing Associate

Monterey Jazz Festival

9699 Blue Larkspur Lane, Suite 204

Monterey, CA 93940

timorr@montereyjazzfestival.org

www.montereyjazzfestival.org



MJF Office: 831-373-3366 x252

Direct Line: 510-652-1122

[Valerie]

this is an exciting line-up. can't wait. i already have my flights and hotel!

[Gerardo A]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

followed by another fellow Cuban and visionary, drummer Antonio Sanchez & Migration.

Mexican.

[Ron Thorne]

Antonio Sanchez

That sort of gaffe must drive you (and others) nuts, Gerardo!

[justwayne]

Hi all,

I purchased a couple of great tickets for Omara Portuondo's show on June 29 but will be unable to attend, unfortunately (I only arrive in Montreal the following day but will still catch her show in Toronto on the 28th!).

Any idea how I can sell the two tickets? I am not looking to make a profit. I paid $162 CDN and would sell them for $150 CDN or better offer.

If this message is inapproproate on this board, I apologize.

Thanks!

[Gerardo A]

Originally Posted by Ron Thorne

Antonio Sanchez

That sort of gaffe must drive you (and others) nuts, Gerardo!

Hahaha well, I try to see it as an opportunity to exercise my patience skills. Antonio's absolutely killer, and I think his style is very different from most contemporary Cuban drummers (many of whom I also love, like Dafnis Prieto and Francisco Mela).

I've always wanted to attend this festival. I will finally be able to do it this year, since I'm moving to Monterey in August.

[David Gitin]

Great news, Gerardo, give me a call when you get settled here (Monterey)!

[Gerardo A]

Thanks David! I will of course. I'll also send you an email soon with a few questions about Monterey living, if that's cool.

[Gerardo A]

Also, since at least 3 people are attending the fest (Valerie, David and me), why don't we have a JC hang? Maybe SQDC Steve and Surfer can join us too, plus the other folks in the area...

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Gerardo A

Also, since at least 3 people are attending the fest (Valerie, David and me), why don't we have a JC hang? Maybe SQDC Steve and Surfer can join us too, plus the other folks in the area...

definitely would love to get together! just for clarification though, are you talking about this year or next?!?

best,

valerie

[Gerardo A]

Valerie, I meant this year (I'm moving to CA this August for grad school). Sorry about the confusion, I edited my post which erroneously said "next year".

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Gerardo A

Valerie, I meant this year (I'm moving to CA this August for grad school). Sorry about the confusion, I edited my post which erroneously said "next year".

extremely cool! curious about what grad school you'll be attending. definitely we'll hook up in september!

[Gerardo A]

Yeah, the fest is going to a lot of fun, there are several bands I'd love to see; plus it will be great to hang!

I'm going to take a master's in English/Spanish translation and interpretation, mainly focused in the legal language (I'm a lawyer & legal translator), at MIIS (Monterey Institute of International Studies). I'll be there for two years. I got a scholarship and I already have my acceptance letter from the school, currently I'm just waiting for my special student visa.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Gerardo A

Yeah, the fest is going to a lot of fun, there are several bands I'd love to see; plus it will be great to hang!

I'm going to take a master's in English/Spanish translation and interpretation, mainly focused in the legal language (I'm a lawyer & legal translator), at MIIS (Monterey Institute of International Studies). I'll be there for two years. I got a scholarship and I already have my acceptance letter from the school, currently I'm just waiting for my special student visa.

Big congratulations to you, Gerardo!! Sounds like it will be an interesting two years in a beautiful environment. There is a woman at the law firm I work at who is enrolled in a program to be an interpreter for the courts. She's originally from Peru.

Look forward to meeting you in September!

[Mike Schwartz]

No time to post.... going to bed, but did see Valerie, David G. and Peter, would like to hear impressions of what was seen and heard this weekend.

[Peterdubya]

I only went Sunday, heard Jamie Cullum, who was good.
Brian Blade Fellowship were great.
McBride's new quintet, liked a lot.
Barbara Dennerlein was swingin'
Wayne Shorter was pretty interesting, intense, really REALLY free, and in the moment kind of stuff....
I left do drive back home when wayne heard Herbie on the radio, was not impressed.

[Mike Schwartz]

Originally Posted by Peterdubya

I only went Sunday, heard Jamie Cullum, who was good.
Brian Blade Fellowship were great.
McBride's new quintet, liked a lot.
Barbara Dennerlein was swingin'
Wayne Shorter was pretty interesting, intense, really REALLY free, and in the moment kind of stuff....
I left do drive back home when wayne heard Herbie on the radio, was not impressed.

Hey Peter,

Saw you twice for a minute then lost you in the crowd.

Ditto on Dennerlein and Blade.
Bay Area folks or MJF stragglers: both of these bands hit tonite at Yoshi's....one nite only
Dennerlein, who I'm pretty sure have not seen until yesterday, has the bass foot pedals down, a very strong point of what she does. According to emcee and resident organ guru Pete Fallico, Dennerlein does jazz organ shows in Europe on pipe organs, where that ability is very much needed.

I arrived and saw the dreadful act prior to the Blade Fellowship, 7 guys from Quebec, who apparently made a wrong turn on their way to a bluegrass festival or something. TERRIBLE BOOKING - WERE THEY ALL OUT OF JAZZ BAND POSSIBILITIES? Seriously, if I went to a bluegrass festival (which could be lots of fun, BTW), these guys wouldn't have cut it IMO. When up to 4 fiddlers play, and not a single one rips a nice solo, nor does the cat playing the guitar, or does the guy playing the mandolin, I gotta wonder wassup with this??

Wayne sounded strong on both tenor and soprano.....fussed a lot with the soprano mouthpiece early on, yet it didn't come across sounding like problem. Blade again on drums is a killer....so much fun to watch! The trio, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, and Blade are so good at picking up on what one another are doing, that it invited Wayne to feel free to open up and 'explore'

I stayed for most of Herbie.
Had it been more compelling I'd have stayed until the end, but probably caught most of it.
Didn't care for the material he did all that much overall.

The point where I left and the 70 mile drive home made it midnight when I hit the door. My day started at 5AM to do the weekly radiocast from 6-10AM

Also caught a couple of tunes from Jamie Davis Big Band a la Basie Band style under the durection of Fred Berry that were fun to hear with a 100% Bay Area cast of talented musicians.

With my day gig in retail, a fun, musical Sunday off is a treat indeed, other than the Seven French Canucks

[Gerardo A]

I only went on Sunday too but I didn't see the arena concerts. I saw the second half of Brian Blade's Fellowship and they were killer. Myron Walden in particular rocks, and Brian Blade is a joy to see live. Then I saw most of the movie "My name is Albert Ayler", pretty great too. I checked out the first half of Barbara Dennerlein's set and I agree that it was surprisingly swinging; I enjoyed the blues licks of the guitar player. I saw about 5 minutes of Christian McBride's quintet and it sounded good but rather formulaic (although it's very unfair to give an opinion after only a few minutes). The real treat of the night for me was Trio M (Myra Melford, Mark Dresser and Matt Wilson). They played 2 sets, over 2 hours in total. They were having lots of fun--I guess it's hard not to when Matt Wilson is onstage; Myra Melford really went free on a few solos and everything she played in general was gorgeous. Mark Dresser is a monster, undoubtedly; his solos were deep as hell. Matt Wilson was (is) the most jazzy player of the three and he keeps the fun going, he even reminded me in some points of Han Bennink. My only minor complaint was Dresser's use of electronics, which were primitive-sounding and threw me off; but apart from that they were a killer trio. And over 2 hours of music! It was awesome. Finally I saw around 5 minutes of Kurt Elling and it was very nice (he was singing a song about a prayer), I wish I could have seen more but I didn't want to keep my friend (who gave me a ride back) waiting. I wish I had seen Wayne Shorter's quartet, too.

Sorry guys for not letting y'all know that I was coming on Sunday, I'd have liked to have met you. I was running around all weekend, stayed in SF on Friday, then went to Berkeley on Saturday and saw the free-improv large ensemble Grosse Abfahrt along with Surfer (they were pretty great too, I was glad to finally get to see so many California improvisers at once: Tom Djll, Gino Robair, John Shiurba, Jen Baker -she's an awesome trombonist-, Matt Ingalls, etc).

Let's hope there's another chance to meet soon, I'd love to go to several upcoming Yoshi's concerts. And I'm definitely going to see Cecil at the Grace Cathedral in October, and Keith Rowe at Mills on November, Surfer is also going to both, and SQDC Steve is going to Cecil too.

[Mike Schwartz]

I had seen Trio M a few times, and opted for Wayne who I hadn't seen in what seems like a few years. A friend of mine saw the first set of Trio M and loved Myra as well.
Matt was the roving jazz man, played in three different settings
Fri- his Arts and Crafts band
Sat- Duo with Bill Frisell
Sun-Trio M

Gerado,
PM me and we'll exchange e-mail and #'s if you like
I get to a fair amount of shows.... we can make a run while you're here.

I pass on Cecil at Grace..... as romantic as the whole idea appears, that can be a pretty lousy space to attempt listening to music.

[David Gitin]

No one's mentioned either Maraca or Maria Schneider yet, so I will.
I'd heard all of the flautist's sidemen before (Ed Simon, John Benitez, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Miguel Zenon and David Sanchez) augmented by a string section on some tunes, and the set was subtle and swinging, not what often passes as 'Latin Jazz.'
Maria's orchestra is always a treat. Frank, if you're reading this, I couldn't get backstage to say hello....sorry! Soloists like Donny McCaslin, Ingrid Jensen, Rich Perry, Frank Kimbrough, among others, and great charts made this another highlight.
I agree with Peter and Mike about Brian Blade Fellowship, the new Christian McBride group
with Steve Wilson and Warren Wolfe on vibes, and a splendid, entrancing set from Wayne Shorter.
Also, Derek Trucks played a monster version of "My Favorite Things."

On the other hand, Nancy Wilson was heartbreakingly awful, cracking notes when she sang, babbling endlessly. I say this as someone who enjoyed her many decades ago with Cannonball and more recently with Ramsey Lewis.

[Gerardo A]

Originally Posted by David Gitin

No one's mentioned either Maraca or Maria Schneider yet, so I will.
I'd heard all of the flautist's sidemen before (Ed Simon, John Benitez, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Miguel Zenon and David Sanchez) augmented by a string section on some tunes, and the set was subtle and swinging, not what often passes as 'Latin Jazz.'

Wow this sounds like a crack latin band. I'm sure they pushed Maraca's playing. Both times I've seen him (with his Cuban band both times) he played 50% latin jazz, and 50% commercial salsa/Cuban son (the crowds loved the commercial stuff both times, of course). He's a killer flutist, though.

[Peterdubya]

this is the first time since 1992 that I was not there all 3 days..... so, for the next 15 years, I will be there all 3 again!

[Mike Schwartz]

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Hancock aside, Monterey Jazz Festival was a knockout
By Richard Scheinin
Mercury News

The 51st annual Monterey Jazz Festival ended Sunday, shortly before midnight, with a set by Herbie Hancock that felt straight out of a Vegas casino. Too bad that Herbie, given the place of honor at the nation's best jazz festival, didn't close things out with something a little bit special or ambitious. Instead, he strapped on his keytar and played "Chameleon" for what must have been the 10,000th time.

It was a glib finish to a festival that was anything but glib. For me, Monterey, rich with great performances, illustrated a couple of basic things about jazz and this venerable festival's commitment to it.

No. 1, the music is just so vast; seeing and hearing that vastness spilling out across multiple stages over the weekend was an awesome thing. As an example, the festival kicked off Friday with a set by saxophonist George Young, who's been around since the late '50s; he played an un-fancy, loving set of Billy Strayhorn's incomparable tunes. Book-ending Young was saxophonist Wayne Shorter, also around since the late '50s, who, Sunday night (just before Hancock), traveled the space-ways with his virtuoso quartet: intuitive, at times free-form music with few clear melodic signposts.

No. 2, jazz still celebrates the cults of individual players — and keeps generating players worth celebrating. Two are alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon, 31, a player of stunning passion and discipline who blazed through a couple of Saturday-night sets; and drummer Brian Blade,38, who, aside from being one of the real innovators on his instrument over the past 15 or so years, has never lost the irrepressible glee he so obviously feels with every flourish across his kit. He led his own group Sunday afternoon and performed with Shorter that night.

These were a few of the festival's highlights:

Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band. The drummer's longstanding group features two preaching saxophonists (Myron Walden and Melvin Butler) and compositions steeped in spirituals, blues and pop harmonies, too. Blade, from Shreveport, La., plays very Southern music, with rolling-down-a-country-road rhythms and a back-woods gospel essence. Sunday's set on the Garden Stage, even with its tumultuous solos, was in the end about hard-won serenity. Beautiful music.

Kurt Elling. The vocalist from Chicago is a little too mannered for my taste, but there's something about his sincerity that wins out. I caught half of his Sunday-night tribute on the Arena Stage to the classic '60s LP by vocalist Johnny Hartman and saxophonist John Coltrane. It was full of heart: Saxophonist Ernie Watts offered Coltrane-inspired scramblings and cries, while the string quartet ETHEL, playing arrangements by pianist Laurence Hobgood, brought a thoughtful new dimension to "Lush Life" and "You are too Beautiful."

Antonio Sanchez. The drummer's band Migration, with Zenon, tenor saxophonist David Sanchez and bassist Scott Colley, broke all the rules — except that jazz should be creative, honestly expressive and risk-taking. This was fierce music, with scarifying "out" solos by the saxophonists. At the same time, it was elegantly structured, benefiting from Colley's pure tone and clarity of line, as well as the precisely braided compositions of the leader. And it's been years since I last heard a drummer build a wall of vibration as Sanchez did Saturday night at Dizzy's Den; it went straight to the gut. For me, Sanchez, best known for his work with Pat Metheny, played the most memorable set of the weekend.

Orlando "Maraca" Valle. This exceptional Cuban flutist and composer led a crème de la crème band: pianist Edward Simon, bassist John Benitez, conguero Giovanni Hidalgo, drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, keyboardist Murray Low (from Santa Cruz) and saxophonists Zenon and Sanchez. The program spanned many decades' worth of song and rhythmic forms from the island. The playing was infectious and classy. (The Monterey Jazz Festival Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ray Brown, added elegant trimmings to several tunes.) If there was a standout Saturday, again at Dizzy's Den, it was Zenon, whose soaring lines, depth of sound and technical command grow year by year; he's one soulful player.

Maceo Parker. The alto saxophonist, who came to fame with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic, is a force of nature and a master technician. Saturday afternoon on the Arena Stage he joined the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, the festival's high school all-star big band, for a Ray Charles tune; the way he focused each note was kind of unbelievable. Then his own funk group played a crackling set; after nearly half a century, Parker plays with the energy of a 20 year-old. He's a trip.

Anat Cohen. There's been a big buzz the past couple years around this Israeli-born saxophonist. I haven't found her tenor playing to be convincing, but her clarinet is another story. She gets a ripe, woody sound out of it. Probably, it's her first instrument: She sounds at home, in command, and her soul flows through it, as happened Friday night at the Night Club when she led her quartet in Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come."

Matt Wilson. The drummer's Arts & Crafts band is as steeped in primary colors and playful experimentation as its name implies. Terrell Stafford is a gold-standard trumpeter. Wilson is an economical, effervescent, swinging drummer; you feel good just watching him. Friday night, Arts & Crafts (with Gary Versace, an ace pianist and organist, and Martin Wind, on bass) basically threw a party on the Garden Stage. You had to laugh when Wilson, father of triplets, encouraged the crowd to buy his CDs in order to "help the Matt Wilson Children's Fund," which, he said, isn't eligible for a government bailout.

Yaron Herman. The Israeli-born pianist, 27, played raucously virtuosic music with his trio; the freewheeling energy and spirit of the performance, Friday night at the Coffee House, felt akin to Keith Jarrett, circa 1970.

Joshua Redman. The saxophonist performed Friday at the Night Club with his acoustic trio, including drummer Blade and bassist Matt Penman. They played like alchemists on a tightrope, working with rare mixtures of melody, color and time. There's the sense that Redman, now 40, has arrived after a long journey at this uniquely balanced and engrossing music.

Christian McBride. Power fusion from the bassist and his quartet, including an excursion through Miles Davis's "Bitches Brew." Friday night at Dizzy's Den, it was about diamond-hard grooves and 24-carat virtuosity from McBride, keyboardist Geoffrey Keezer, drummer Terreon Gully and saxophonist Walter Smith III, "a rough customer," as the leader called him.

After all that, I have to confess that there's just no way to cover the full territory at Monterey, to see all the acts on your wish list. I regret missing the Maria Schneider Orchestra's world premiere performance on opening night of "Willow Lake," an extended piece commissioned from Schneider by the festival. I managed to miss Marc Cary, one of my favorite pianists in the world, and failed to wedge the Terence Blanchard Quintet into my schedule — a big mistake, because Hancock wound up sitting in. By all accounts, Herbie was spectacular.

[Valerie]

This, by necessity, will be my very brief impressions:

Joshua Redman w/Matt Penman & Brian Blade: Really enjoyed Joshua more than I have in quite awhile. Blade remains a big favorite of mine. He’s utterly amazing, whatever the setting.

George Young Quartet: Only heard them doing their Strayhorn tribute for a short time but was very impressed. Very solid and quite beautiful.

Christian McBride Quintet: Enjoyed his new band with Carl Allen, Steve Wilson & Eric Reid. First time hearing his vibist who was quite young and good! I even participated in the "contest" to name his new band. He hasn’t yet chosen the winner. Prize is free entrance to all future gigs with this band!

Anat Cohen: She knocked me out! First time seeing/hearing her and I’m kind of smitten! Her chops are pretty considerable and her vibe and stage presence is contagious. She’s a very soulful chick. Her "guys" were wonderful. Never had heard the young drummer before and he was impressive. And she chooses quite an array of music, including some excellent original compositions thrown in. I’ll definitely be looking to see her in the future.

Conversation w/Nancy Wilson: Very unfortunately, John Levy (her manager for about 50 years) was not able to be there so there was a whole lot missing since the original topic was to be about their relationship as artist/manager. Nancy went off on an emotional tangent, preaching, criticizing, being very repetitious and patting herself on the back endlessly. It was a bit irritating, to say the least.

Nancy Wilson’s Tribute to Cannonball: This was her regular wonderful group (Llew Mathews, Roy McCurdy w/a new bassist, John ???) w/guests, Terence Blanchard & Tom Scott. The musicians were all great. I really can’t bring myself to comment about Nancy’s "performance" as it would n’t be kind. She was just totally "over the top," not in good voice at all, inappropriate, meandering, repetitious, with endless inappropriate very emotional talk. It was extremely painful and uncomfortable for many in the audience. I could say more but I won’t. I sincerely hope she gets herself together in the near future.

Maraca: They were very vibrant and exciting but I only heard less than a half hour of the set. Loved Antonio Sanchez and David Sanchez, as always.

Brian Blade & Fellowship: Quite unfortunately, only heard a short part of this slammin’ band. They should actually have been on the Main Stage instead of one of the smaller venues.

Cannonball Panel Discussion hosted by Dan Ouellette: Unfortunately, John Levy was absent as well as Scott Yanow. Two of the guys (Tom Scott and Gregg Field) never really had any relationship with Cannon so it was mostly about how they had been influenced by him. Orrin Keepnews and Roy McCurdy had very wonderful stories so I enjoyed the time and would even have liked it to be longer.

Kurt Elling w/ Ernie Watts and a String Quartet: I was in "heaven" listening to them playing songs from the Coltrane/Hartman album of many decades ago. It was incredibly romantic and well arranged by Laurence Hobgood. Kurt wasn’t in his best voice but it didn’t really matter.

Wayne Shorter Quartet: What can one say about these incredible musicians?!? I absolutely love them but they’re not really playing "my kind of music". Still, it’s great to witness geniuses at work!!

Herbie Hancock w/Lionel Louke, Amy Keys and his regular guys: Amy was incredible. She’s not "jazz" but has a wonderful voice and seems to be having fun with Joni Mitchell’s music, etc. Herbie kind of "phoned it in" but I enjoyed some of his show with his excellent musicians.

+++++++++++

Really disappointed that I didn’t get to hear Maria Schneider, La Tuque Bleue, Milcho Leviev, and some others. Just can’t seem to clone myself at Monterey!!

I’ll try to add some stuff to this if I get a chance. All in all, I had a very wonderful long weekend. Good food, good hangs ("old home week"), and good music! Not a bad combination!

P.S. Last but not least: I got to see Mike Schwartz, David Gitin and Peter Williams! That was a real albeit brief treat!!

[Mike Schwartz]

'Sis,

Put La Tuque Bleue on the NOT required list.

These are my comments from an earlier post:
I arrived and saw the dreadful act prior to the Blade Fellowship, 7 guys from Quebec, who apparently made a wrong turn on their way to a bluegrass festival or something. TERRIBLE BOOKING - WERE THEY ALL OUT OF JAZZ BAND POSSIBILITIES? Seriously, if I went to a bluegrass festival (which could be lots of fun, BTW), these guys wouldn't have cut it IMO. When up to 4 fiddlers play, and not a single one rips a nice solo, nor does the cat playing the guitar, or the guy playing the mandolin, I gotta wonder wassup with this??

Also, I didn't care for drummer Vinny Calaiuta[sp?] on Herbie's band.
I like him in his element, which to me is the power fusion small group thing.
I was very pleased with his work on the "River" CD, which showed more sensitivity and good taste than I've seen from him, which was a pleasant surprize to me really.
Well Vinny was back to being Vinny, about as subtle as a heart attack.

[David Gitin]

Valerie, Thanks for mentioning Milcho. I forgot to mention his totally unannounced set (with Dave Krieger on snare) preceding the Don Ellis film (about which the less said the better). Milcho was a delight. I also caught a 15-minute chunk of 3Ms (Myra Melford, Mark Dresser, Matt Wilson), absurdly brief sample (and I would never have left.....except to hear Wayne).

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

'Sis,

Put La Tuque Bleue on the NOT required list.

These are my comments from an earlier post:
I arrived and saw the dreadful act prior to the Blade Fellowship, 7 guys from Quebec, who apparently made a wrong turn on their way to a bluegrass festival or something. TERRIBLE BOOKING - WERE THEY ALL OUT OF JAZZ BAND POSSIBILITIES? Seriously, if I went to a bluegrass festival (which could be lots of fun, BTW), these guys wouldn't have cut it IMO. When up to 4 fiddlers play, and not a single one rips a nice solo, nor does the cat playing the guitar, or the guy playing the mandolin, I gotta wonder wassup with this??

Also, I didn't care for drummer Vinny Calaiuta[sp?] on Herbie's band.
I like him in his element, which to me is the power fusion small group thing.
I was very pleased with his work on the "River" CD, which showed more sensitivity and good taste than I've seen from him, which was a pleasant surprize to me really.
Well Vinny was back to being Vinny, about as subtle as a heart attack.

thanks for the second heads-up about that group. i did read it after your first post and didn't put it together with the group name! glad i definitely didn't miss anything.

yes, Vinnie is bombastic. nothing subtle about the boy! c'est la guerre.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by David Gitin

Valerie, Thanks for mentioning Milcho. I forgot to mention his totally unannounced set (with Dave Krieger on snare) preceding the Don Ellis film (about which the less said the better). Milcho was a delight. I also caught a 15-minute chunk of 3Ms (Myra Melford, Mark Dresser, Matt Wilson), absurdly brief sample (and I would never have left.....except to hear Wayne).

i used to hear Milcho in and around L.A. decades ago but haven't heard him in ages. i think though that he was playing solo three separate times in one of the venues.

[David Gitin]

Nope.

[Peterdubya]

Milcho.... wow, growing up in LA, I heard him MANY times, he was a great player....
went to a Barnsdahl Park free concert once and he and John Klemmer played, the place was packed with families expecting some nice mellow jazz, and he and Klemmer were totally out, screaming avant garde stuff. it was an amazing show!