A Postcard From The 47th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival...
By Paula Edelstein
Photos by Henry Benson
For those of us who have ever heard an improvised jazz concert and thought, “I can do that,” comes the 47th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival presented by MCI with its exemplary array of jazz works by famous and not-so-famous jazz and blues artists. This year’s festival featured the many styles of jazz, examined the creative relationships between jazz artists and their musical repertoires, the celebration of the festival’s 20-year partnership with MCI, New Grooves, Ladies Of The Bay, The Art of The Trio, All Blues, Talkin’ Jazz Series, East Meets West, Focus on Flutes, Winners of the MJF National High School Competition, Regina Carter-MJF’s first-ever year round Artist in Residence, and New Sounds. With arts & crafts, clothing, souvenirs and accessories that were fluent in cultural iconography and driven by the jazz tradition, the Monterey Jazz Festival represents the jazz artist’s best interests by bringing them together with corporate sponsors, increasing exposure – as diverse as they may be - and referencing the historical and socio/economic importance of the jazz idiom.
DAY ONE - FRIDAY.
NIGHT CLUB – BILL BERRY STAGE
THE LADIES OF THE BAY
Claudia Villela
Kitty Margolis
Paula West
This remarkable series was hosted by the inimitable Leroy Downs, and took flight with the Claudia Villela/Ricardo Peixoto Group. The vocalist soared in several octaves and kept her audience mesmerized with brilliant phrasings, subtle colorings and textures and memorable lyrics that suited her beautiful voice. With Marcos Silva on keyabord, Dan Robbins on bass and Paul Van Wateningen on drums, this lady was all that. Additional appearances by Kitty Margolis and Paula West followed.
Dizzy’s Den
NEW GROOVES SERIES
The Bad Plus
Charlie Hunter Trio
Drifting on a memory, there’s no place I’d rather be than in Monterey right about now. There is a gentle breeze floating over the infamous Monterey Fairgrounds where many hot acts have gone down in history with their scorching performances. With the performances of Metalwood and Soulive from the 46th annual festival still hovering over Dizzy’s Den and fresh in the minds of festival-goers, tonight it’s up to The Bad Plus and The Charlie Hunter Trio to strut their stuff in Part Two of the festival’s NEW GROOVES series. Dizzy’s Den is packed with anticipation as Ethan Iverson on piano, Reid Anderson on bass and David King on drums start their contemporary jazz/rock set. The crowd interaction clearly affirms their enjoyment as the band kicks their set into high gear with stretched out melodies, off-the-hook bass riffs and Ethan Iverson’s avant-garde piano phrasings. Their instinctual interplay brings a roar from the crowd as they kicked into “Let Our Garden Grow,” “Rhinoceros Is Our Profession,” and “Big Eater.” They scored a direct hit with the audience when they jumped into songs from GIVE, a tribute to one of their favorite albums – Ornette Coleman’s SCIENCE FICTION. With clarion keyboard work by Iverson and the pulsing and soulful bass from Anderson and the off-beat drumming of King, their set rocked. The Charlie Hunter Trio gained an enviable spot on the New Grooves showcase and they definitely earned it. The eight-string guitarist has continued to grow and was as innovative as ever. The Berkeley native operated at an intense level with even more vigor. His funky fretwork – playing bass on the top two strings and chords and lead lines on the other six strings – utilized the saxophone and drums of John Ellis and Derrek Phillips respectively. This unique trio of guitar, sax and drums featured songs from FRIENDS SEEN AND UNSEEN. Ain’t no party like the Jazz Party at Dizzy’s Den!
JIMMY LYONS STAGE
2004 Commission
A Mood For Dizzy
Terence Blanchard Sextet
With special guests Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, James Moody
The Monterey Jazz Festival was like a second home to Dizzy Gillespie and this year, the world-class trumpeter received a commissioned tribute – A MOOD FOR DIZZY – composed by trumpeter Terence Blanchard. With veteran Gillespie associates – Faddis, Hampton and Moody present alongside Blanchard’s sextet, this tribute was a real winner. During his introduction, Terence spoke about the first time he met Gillespie in the 80s at a small festival in Italy. They dueted and Blanchard – then 19 – said he “was scared to death” after Gillespie asked him to play piano while he played trumpet. Tonight, Blanchard’s tribute was unique and personable and found its way through a plethora of great sounds, piano voicing by Aaron Parks and memorable improvisations from the entire ensemble. Special guest Jon Faddis recounted the time when Dizzy allowed him to play the end of “Night In Tunisia” in 1968 at the Jazz Workshop in San Francisco. Tonight, he was shining on that same piece and Dizzy would have been proud. Moody’s solo on “Samba Pa Diz” – a piece based on Gillespie’s “Con Alma” was exemplary as was the great trombonist’s – Slide Hampton. Top Pick: “Three Sweet Notes.” Overall, the show was brilliantly conceived and warmly appreciated by the audience and will be available exclusively on MSN Music to purchase as downloads beginning in October at http://beta.music.msn.com .
Bobby McFerrin and Jack DeJohnette
Bobby McFerrin and drummer Jack DeJohnnette were featured together in an exciting performance. Their musical worlds coincided in an array of vocal and percussive gymnastics that were truly innovative. McFerrin’s voice was intricate and emulated several instruments while DeJohnnette kept an eclectic beat to accompany the a cappella influence of McFerrin. His show was interesting and embraceable because of its diverse musical explorations between voice and drums. Top pick: “Have Mercy on Me.”
DAY TWO – SATURDAY.
Dizzy’s Den
Talkin’ Jazz – Part 1
“The Great American Songbook” Conversation with Bill Charlap
How do you listen to and learn about jazz? Well in addition to your jazz education classes, you sit in on the many splendid conversations by noted jazz scholars, educators, writers and musicians that are scheduled at Monterey Jazz Festival each year, that’s how. Among the many great topics discussed this year was the Great American Songbook with Bill Charlap and host Andrew Gilbert of San Jose. Charlap’s extensive knowledge of the Great American Songbook – (which is defined as the book that includes songs from Broadway shows, films, theatre, etc.) stems from his formative years as the son of Moose Charlap and Sandy Stewart – both noted musicians that composed and sang Broadway show tunes for Broadway shows and potential investors. Bill Charlap, who now records for Blue Note, recently released a splendid tribute to Leonard Bernstein via his jazz piano trio titled SOMEWHERE: THE MUSIC OF LEONARD BERNSTEIN. Their re-interpretation of songs from the hit Broadway musical WEST SIDE STORY, demonstrated how the slightest nuance, change in chords or phrasing can make a song truly your own. His conversation and piano demonstrations were highly informative and a great way to understand the GAS. Don’t miss the chance to hear the Bill Charlap Trio at Monterey Jazz Festival in October via MSN Music. Purchase the downloads at http://beta.music.msn.com
Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage
Buddy Guy
The inimitable Buddy Guy had the place rocking with songs from his award-winning repertoire. The 68-year old blues singer/guitarist captured the spirit of the festival with songs from his BLUES SINGER and SWEET TEA recordings. His electrifying guitar and gutsy vocal style on “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom” had the crowd revved up from start to finish. Guy stretched out to a full house with Hendrix’s “Wild Thing” guitar licks and several of Muddy Waters’, John Lee Hooker’s and Howlin’ Wolf’s classic songs. Closing with “You’re G___D___Right, I’ve Got The Blues” Buddy Guy had the audience in stitches as he rocked the house. Awesome show.
NIGHT CLUB/BILL BERRY STATE
EAST MEETS WEST – PART ONE
Brubeck Institute Jazz Sextet directed by Christian McBride
The Open World Jazz Octet (Russia)
This series is known for spotlighting winning jazz ensembles from the Eastern hemisphere alongside their Western hemisphere counterparts. With Christian McBride as Artistic Director of the Brubeck Institute, this Jazz Sextet has been mentored by one of America’s most discerning acoustic bassists, composers and bandleaders. This student band played a great set and presented an array of stellar improvisations during their solos. Opening with “Moment’s Notice” by Geoff Keezer, the ensemble settled into a great vibe. “Sean’s Tune,” a song penned by one of the McGinty twins brought an excellent response. However when Christian McBride picked up the acoustic bass on “Birdlike” which was written by McBride’s former employer Freddie Hubbard, the crowd went wild. With awesome soloing from Sean McGinty on trumpet and Scott McGinty on tenor sax, McBride showed why he is still one of the most respected bassists and jazz educators on the jazz scene today. After introducing The Open World Jazz Octet from Russia, McBride stated that they are “hard core and should be in New York.” After hearing them, you would tend to agree. The alto saxophonist had some great riffs on Charlie Parker’s “Interpol” and hung in there despite no mike! Two great shows on one stage…what a treat!
The Garden Stage
ALL BLUES
Bettye LaVette
In the true tradition of a Blues singer, vocalist Bettye LaVette belted out her version of The Blues in a show that brought several standing ovations and shouts of joy from the audience. This garden venue was packed out to the main sidewalk and beyond as the talented Ms. LaVette revealed her passionate blues sensibilities in a way that you’ll never forget on “Your Time To Cry,” “Never Going To Change,” “It Serves Him Right” “Like A Rock,” and “This Is As Close As I’ll Get To Heaven.” Check out her A WOMAN LIKE ME recording and you’ll find out what you’ve been missing. What a show!
Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage
Don Byron Ivey-Divey Trio
With Jason Moran and Jack DeJohnette
Don Byron’s eclectic and masterful approach to the clarinet was on full display with pianist Jason Moran and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Playing songs from his latest Blue Note release titled IVEY-DIVEY, this tribute to Lester Young and his own trio of Buddy Rich and Nat “King” Cole, was a brilliant exploration of Young’s unique and innovative sound. Opening with “Somebody Loves Me,” the trio redefined this GAS standard with free improvisations and exciting possibilities. Moran’s soloing was outstanding in all regards as he provided refreshing verve and provocative intent. Jack DeJohnette, the master drummer who appeared with Miles Davis at Monterey back in 1969, is a true achiever and has turned his jazz drumming career into one worth following. Don Byron is the epitome of the modern avant-garde clarinetist and the way he speaks to his audiences is certainly your assurance that his magic will continue well into the 21st century. Top picks: “In A Silent Way,” “I Cover The Waterfront” and “I’ve Found A New Baby.”
DAY THREE – SUNDAY
Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage
2004 Monterey Jazz Festival High School All Star Big Band
Directed by Paul Contos, each year this band surprises the audiences with their consummate growth and professionalism. This year’s winners kicked off with a program of tributes to such jazz greats as Elvin Jones and Count Basie’s Centennial. Their rendition of the theme from “Paris Blues” a film with Sidney Poiter and Paul Newman, featured great solos from tenor saxophonist Chaise Baird, alto saxophonist Remy LeBoeuf, and trombonist Emma Kelp-Stebbins. Of special note is Pascal LeBoeuf’s piano solo on “Cecelia Is Love,” which was a special tribute to Elvin Jones. With special guest appearances by Jon Faddis and David “Fathead” Newman on “The Booz Brothers” and the great violinist Regina Carter on “Imagine My Frustration,” an obscure piece from a Duke Ellington recording, the audience couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon of big band jazz. Closing with the tour de force by Sonny Rollins titled “Oleo”, with everything including the kitchen sink thrown in, this big band rocked the house and received a standing ovation.
Chaka Khan
When you’re an eight-time Grammy winner, you achieve the status of “diva” and beyond. So when Chaka Khan took the stage to a medley of her hit songs, the crowd jumped to their feet and went WILD. Wearing red and emotional over the passing of long time collaborator Lalomie Washburn, Chaka Khan blasted out “I Feel For You,” “What You Gonna Do For Me (When The Chips Are Down), and “You Got The Love,” to get the party started. After a brief serenade for Lalomie titled "I'm A Woman, I'm A Backbone," Chaka gave the audience a sneak preview of songs from her upcoming album that includes the London Symphony Orchestra. Before the audience knew what hit them, she launched into Stevie Wonder’s “I Don’t Know Why I Love You,” “Sweet Thing,” and “Tell Me Somethin' Good!” Chaka closed with “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody Loved Me Better,” with the crowd on their feet, and still dancing in the aisles, the guitar player went into a Jimi Hendrix-type climax complete with twirling guitar, backward flips, playing with his teeth and electrifying feedback from his amplifier. What a moment in Monterey Jazz Festival history!
THE GARDEN STAGE
Joyce Cooling Band
Ever fresh and entertaining, the gorgeous guitarist packed the Garden Stage area! Playing songs from her hit record, THIS GIRL’S GOTTA PLAY, Joyce Cooling reminded Monterey that she too is a Bay Area Lady with plenty of chops. Top pick: “Expressions.”
Jazz Across The Americas
with Jon Faddis and Antonio Hart
The concept behind this band according to trumpeter Jon Faddis is that jazz doesn’t just happen in the major cities like New York or Los Angeles. It happens all across the Americas. This band included members from several cities including Antonio Hart on alto saxophone, Jay Ashby on trombone, Henry Johnson on guitar, Milton Fletcher, Jr. on piano, Marion Hayden on bass and Roger Humphries on drums.
New Stars of the Jazz Organ
with Larry Goldings, Sam Yahel and Pat Bianchi
Larry Goldings is a consummate composer, organist and bandleader and tonight along with Karriem Riggins on drums and Peter Bernstein on guitar, he commanded a larger audience than in recent years. With soulful riffs that reminded you of a young Jimmy McGriff or Brother Jack McDuff, Goldings was better than ever. A duet with Sam Yahel brought back memories of the great organ summits of past Monterey Jazz events and created even more exciting moments as they turned the heat up on the cool Monterey night.
DIZZY’S DEN
Jack DeJohnette Latin Project
Jack DeJohnette proved his value and brilliancy this weekend by playing his deep grooves under Bobby McFerrin, Don Byron & Jason Moran and tonight with his Latin Project. As a veteran of Miles Davis and John Coltrane quintets, Charles Lloyd and many others, including ECM collaborations with Chick Corea, Dave Holland and Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette is recognized as a consummate leader, composer and drummer. His lastest recording MUSIC IN THE KEY OF OM, is dedicated to peace, relaxation and healing. However, with this group, it was all Afro-Cuban rhythms and free jazz. With Don Byron kicking in his free clarinet voice, this set was hot, interesting and fiery. Listen with open ears and you’ll understand what they’re saying when they come your way.
REGINA CARTER
After a nearly two hour set on the main arena stage, Regina Carter brought her violin virtuosity to Dizzy’s Den for another rousing set. The stunning violinist continues to chart a risk-taking course of innovation, garnering worldwide acclaim and a passionately loyal audience with her amazing quintet. As the first ever MJF Artist In Residence, her new arrangements of “Black Orpheus,” “Pavonne,” (with exquisite vocalese accompanying her virtuosity) and “For Someone I Love,” by Milt Jackson, the Regina Carter Quintet completely captivated her audience. With a riveting solo from Mayra Casales on percussion that rivaled many of her male counterparts, this lady tore up the stage. Top pick: “Spring Can Really Hang You Up.”
NIGHTCLUB STAGE
NEW SOUNDS
E.S.T. – The Esbjorn Svennson Trio
This excellent trio from Sweden had the difficult job of closing out the Monterey Jazz Festival Nightclub stage while competing with every other stage for the waning crowds. Nevertheless, the group managed to keep their patrons happy with songs from their latest record SEVEN DAYS OF FALLING.
STARBUCKS COFFEE HOUSE GALLERY
The Art of The Trio – Part III
Jean-Michel Pilc
Beloved by international audiences, Jean-Michel Pilc’s uplifting show featured songs from his latest release on Dreyfus Jazz titled FOLLOW ME. The trio focused on music as a multi-cultural key to understanding by combining jazz elements with classical grace. Closing out the Monterey Jazz Festival at the coffee house was right on time for this writer since Pilc’s music and the Starbucks coffee made the drive home a lot easier!
See you next year. For pictures, updates and more events happening around Monterey, log on to http://www.montereyjazz.org