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1996

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Jacksonville Magazine

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WJCT Jacksonville The 17th Annual WJCT Jacksonville Jazz Festival is internationally recognized · Jazz Festival for featuring world renowned jazz artists as well as for showcasing emerging and Performers local/regional talent. Among the performers for the 1996 event are:

Aquarium Rescue Unit Aquarium Rescue Unit is as novel as its name, juxtaposing jazz, rock, funk, , Latin, soul, Southern-boogie, bluegrass and avant-garde. And it does so with improvisational prowess and ­ writing savvy. Rolling Stone gave the group's last release, in a perfectworld, a solid four-star rating, exclaiming, "It rocks, swings, smacks, clangs, walks and runs, this music, with its eyes rolled back in its head." Not surpri singly, this one-of-a­ kind band has also attracted a growing and loyal cult following. The brainchild of eccentric lead vocalist/ philosopher Col. , ARU originated in in the early 1990s. Its first , Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, captured the band live in , revealing its pol­ ished genre-jumping and jamming skills. ARU's second studio release, Mirrors ofEmbarrassment, fo llowed, with Medeski, Martin & Wood eclectic compositions and stunning musicianship. 's street-jazz trio, Medeski, Martin & Wood, plays a Major personnel changes preceded in a pe1fect world. Citing powerful mix of acoustic jazz and funky hip-hop. Keyboardist ill health due to incessant touring, Hampton left the band, as John Medeski, who plays the Hammond B-3 organ, is the did mandolinist Matt Mundy. Today, the quintet consists of orig­ group's primary soloist. Chris Wood holds down the center on inal members Oriel Burbridge on bass guitar/vocals, and Jimmy bass and Billy Martin is behind the drum kit. According to the Herring on guitar. Newcomers include vocalist Paul Henson; Austin (TX) Stateman, "the band's music is undeniably jazz. It's Kofi Burbridge, Oriel's brother, on keyboards/flute; and Sean also very enlightened jazz, full of clever quotes from some of the O'Rourke on drums. more esoteric tunes of the classic jazz repertoire."

] A C K S O N V I L L E 33 The trio has toured the U.S. College in Boston. During these years, he was influenced by gui­ several times since the release of tarists Carlos Santana,John McLaughlin and Pat Martino. its second album, Friday After­ In 1982, he recorded an album in Peru called Portrait in noon in the Universe. A follow-up Black and White, which was the first Afro-Peruvian jazz album release is scheduled for this fall. ever recorded. Zellon's current CD, Cafe con Leche, was record­ ed in Boston, Los Angeles and Lima, with a talented cast of Latin Caribbean Jazz Project and jazz musicians. The 12 tracks, ten of which are Zellon's orig­ featuring Paquito inal compositions, are all based on authentic Latin rhythms. d'Rivera, Zellon is currently a resident of Florida and a veteran of the & Dave Samuels Central Florida jazz scene. The CaribbeanJazz Project, an unusual sextet formed in New York City in 1993, blends a strong Contemporary jazz jazz foundation with tropical saxophonist Richard rhythms. It is co-led by three of Elliot landed his first the most popular voices on gig when, as a teenag­ the contempora1y jazz scene er, he toured with today: Cuban saxophone and Natalie Cole and The clarinet great Paquito d'Rivera , Pointer Sisters. Later, steel pan legend Andy Narell and he joined Kittyhawk, a vibes/ master Dave Samuels. cutting-edge fusion D'Rivera's early professional experience found him soloing group, before being with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra and co-founding drafted to record with the renowned Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, which he favorites Smokey Robinson, the Four also conducted for two years. In 1981, he joined Dizzy Gille­ Tops and The Temptations. spie's band, then embarked on a solo career, subsequently As one project led to another, he was recruited releasing more than 15 . to play on The Yellowjackets' second album, Samuels was a charter member of , and has embarked on a tour with Melissa Manchester. He became a full­ recorded four solo albums, including Natural Selection and Del time member of the legenda1y Tower of Power in 1982. Sol. He has performed and recorded alongside jazz icons such Five years later, Elliot launched a solo career. His first five col­ as , Chet Baker and Stan Getz, as well as with lections were issued by Enigma Records, while the four most such diverse pop artists as , Bruce Hornsby and recent packages, including City Speak, which was released ear­ Pink Floyd. lier this year, carried the Blue Note label. City Speak features 10 Narell was introduced to the steel pan at age 7, and, in the new compositions and a cover tune, "I'll Make Love to You ," years since, he has developed close ties to the people and cul­ originally performed by Boyz II Men. The album closes with a ture of Trinidad. He is known as the world's premiere purvey­ traditional jazz number called "That's All She Wrote." or of the steel pan sound, and has performed solo and with his band in Trinidad, as well as with such Bela Fleck and the artists as David Rudder, Charlie Roots, Flecktones featuring Len "Boogsie" Sharpe and Robert Victor Lemonte Wooten, Greenidge. He has recorded six albums FutureMan and (the latest is Down the Road) and has Special Guest Mike Marshall notched numerous appearances on Bela Fleck and The Flecktones have albums by other artists. been a Jazz Festival favorite ever since the group thrilled the crowd in 1991, and Richie Zellon returned as headliners the following year. Guitarist Richie Zellon, the child of a Back by popular demand, the band fea­ Brazilian mother and an American father, tures Bela Fleck on electric and acoustic grew up in Lima , Peru, where he taught banjo, Victor Lemonte Wooten on elec­ himself to play the guitar. His early music tric bass guitar and "FutureMan" on the influences included the Brazilian music Synthaxe Drumitar, a hybrid guitar/ per­ his mother loved, the jazz records he col­ cussion synthesizer which he invented. lected and indigenous Peruvian forms The Flecktones frequently tour with like festjo and lando, the latter a style of a rotating special guest roster, music believed to have its roots in the which has featured Paul West African country of Angola. McCandless, Sam Bush, Bruce By the mid-'70s, Zellon moved to the Hornsby, Edgar Meyer, Chick to study at the Music and Corea, Howard Levy, Matt Arts Institute in and Berklee Mundy and others. By sharing

34 NOVEMBER 1996 WE Join us in applauding a talented group of local students the spotlight with guest musicians, the selected from eight area interaction among the live ensemble high schools to perform as an always changes, and the audience is E X P E C All-Star Student Ensemble treated to consistently fresh interpreta­ tions of older tunes, while hearing at the WJCT JacksonvilleJazz unique versions of new ones---depend­ Festival on November 12 and 16. ing upon whom the band is touring with G RE These performances are part of at any given time. Consequently, while contracting in "AT&Tl Jniversal Jazzin the Schools:· number, the Flecktones have expanded an innovative arts in education their sound, adding to their already eclec­ program created by AT&Tl Jniversal tic musical quilt patches of Celtic, folk, □ blues and even classical chamber music. Card Services and WJCT 0 For performance information, Buddy Guy Big Band call 354-6304. Don't miss your Blues guitarist Buddy Guy has experi­ □ chance to hear education enced tremendous success over the past six years. Beginning with his 1991 come­ at the speed ofsound . back album, Damn Right I've Got the Blues, Guy has won long-overdue acco­ lades. Damn Right won a Grammy in T H E S E - 1991, and Guy notched another Gram­ - my in 1993 for his Feels Like Rain LP. AT&T These honors were then topped by the ultimate tribute-Billboard Magazine's STU DEN AT&T Universal Card CenturyAward, recognizing a lifetime of distinguished creative achievement. Guy started out in the early 1960s as a much-in-demand session player with Chess Records. However, he dreamed of the opportunity to play independent­ Feeling Left Behind? ly and fully display his distinctive brand

the next two decades, he toured extensively and is said to have inspired Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Born in Louisiana, Guy now lives in Chicago, and owns the club Legends, where he performs when not touring. Four of the that appear on Live! The Real Deal, his first in-concert album

j A C K S O N V I L L E 35 C. Harb's Rugs in over 20 years, were recorded at the artist's own venue. Third generation Rug nperts "I play for people," he says. "When I walk out on stage, they motivate me. I Findtfie pe1fect rug to compliment know that they are saying, 'Give me all any decor at C. Harb's Rugs. you got, Buddy.'" We offer an unparalleled selection of new, antique and semi-antique fiand knotted rugs from around tfie world. Our personalized services include: • Thorough gentle cleaning • Non-skid pad • Enzyme urine removal • Expert repair • Stainproofing Saxophonist • Mothproofing plays November 9, 9:25 • Appraisals p.m. at Mayport Visit our sfiowroom for a Naval Station. Boney James free informative booklet While touring in Europe The Mystique of in 1987, Boney James, a saxo­ Oriental Rugs phonist, remarked about the low per (1vfiile supplies last) seen at the diem he was receiving, and complained As that he would be forced to skip a few 1234 Beach Blvd. meals to save money. A fellow band "Beach Plaza"

member jokingly called him "Boney," SOUTHERN Jacksonville Beach (904) 247-3333 WOMEN 'S and the name stuck. S HOW. Member o f the Oriental Rug Retailers o f America, Inc. "Boney" James Oppenheimer was born in Maine, raised in New York and moved to Los Angeles in 1975. He was initially known as a keyboard player rather than a saxophonist. From 1985 to 1989,James was a keyboardist for Morris Day's post-Time band. His increasing popularity then earned him gigs with , Bobby Caldwell, Vesta Williams, Gino Vanelli and . James' three albums have been well­ received. The first, Trust, was released in 1992 on the Spindletop label and subse­ quently re-released by Warner Brothers. It was followed by Backbone in 1994, then Seduction in 1995-which was the number one album on Radio & Records national jazz charts for more than 12 weeks. When it comes to creating his own music, James tunes out other styles and focuses on what comes from within. "It's like magic. You can't describe it in words, but you know it's what makes my music me," he says.

Carmen Bradford Premier vocalist Carmen Bradford has a reputation for an ability to apply her vocal skills to a diverse range of material. Raised in California, the Austin, Texas native was Continued on page 42

) AC K S ON V I L L E 37 17th Annual WJCT Jacksonville Jazz Festival 1996 Schedule

Saturday, October 26 Thursday, November 14 at Metropolitan Park at Metropolitan Park Principal Health Care Jazz on the Run ...... 8:30 a.m. Teddy Wash ington with Frontline ...... 6:20 p.m. Friday, November 8 Bela Fleck and the Flecktones featuring at the Jaguars' Stadium Club Vi ctor Lemonte Wooten, FutureMan Festival Patrons' Party featuring the Louie Bellson and Special Guest Mike Marshall ...... 7:20 p.m. Big Band, Pretty Boy Freud, the Dynamic Les Lisa Kelly Jazz Quintet . .. : . . . . 8:25 p.m. DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele and Richard Elliot ...... ~ . . . . . 9:15 p.m. the First Coast Di xieland Band ...... 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9 Friday, November 15 at Metropolitan Park at Mayport Naval Station Richie Zellon ...... 6:30 p.m. Fl orida A&M University Jazz Band ...... 11 a.m. Carmen Bradford with the Fats Lewis ...... noon UNF Jazz Ensemble ...... 7:25 p.m. Navy Band Jacksonville...... 12:55 p.m. Kevin Bales ...... 8:35 p.m. ReBirth Brass Band ...... ;, ...... : .. 2:10 p.m. The Buddy Guy Big Band ...... 9:30 p.m. The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele ...... -- ~·- .. 3:25 p.m. Saturday, November 16 Yagozo ...... , ...... 4:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Park U.S. Navy Steel Band...... , ...... 5:35 p.m. AT&T Universal All-Star Jazz Ensemble .... 10:30 a.m. Sha-Shaty ...... ' ...... 6:50 p.m. Surge ...... • . . ... 11 :05 a.m . Aquarium Rescue Unit ...... 8:05 p.m. Roomful of Blues ...... 11 :50 a.m. Boney James ...... • .. . . 9:25 p.m. Medeski, Martin & Wood ...... 1: 05 p.m. Monday, November 11 Gary Starling Group ...... 2:10 p.m. at the Florida Theatre Marcus Printup ...... 2:45 p.m. Liquid Blue ...... ~ ...... 7:30 p.m. Piano Competition Winner with Yellowjackets ...... 8:15 p.m. Jay Leonhart & Danny Gottl ieb . . .. 3:55 p.m. 1 Tamara Danielsson Quintet ...... 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, November 12 ...... 5 p.m. at the Jacksonville Landing Caribbean Jazz Project featuring Paquito AT&T Universal All-Star Jazz Ensemble, d'Rivera, Andy Narell & Dave Samuels .. .. 6:20 p.m. Ken Navarro ...... 7 p.m. Noel Freidline Quartet ...... '. .. 7:25 p.m . Wednesday, November 13 Diane Schuur w ith the St. Johns at the Florida Theatre River City Band ...... 8:05 p.m. The Great American Jazz Piano Competition Longineu Parsons ...... 9:10 p.m. featuring Biella Da Costa ...... 7 p.m. ...... 9:45 p.m.

Times and artists subject to change. Metropolitan Parkregulations prohibit coolers, bottles, food, beverages, audio and video record ing devices or flash cameras during the FestivalFor the safety of all, please, no pets, skateboards, bicycles, roller-skates, rol ler-blades or umbrellas. For more information, call WJCT's Jazz Hotline at (904) 358-6304.

JACKSONVILLE 39 Festival Performers Continued from page 3 7

immersed in music from an early age (her father is jazz trumpeter-composer Bobby Bradford; her mother is singer­ songwriter-Broadway star Melba Joyce). Bradford studied classical music at the University of Texas, then performed with an eclectic group of artists-including Lou Rawls,James Brown and Willie Nel­ son-before joining The Count Basie Orchestra in 1983. • In 1990, Bradford paired with George Benson on the song, "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" from his Gram­ my-winning Big Boss Band album. Then, a year later, she began her solo career in earnest with the album Finally Yours. The debut offering showcased a mixture of jazz, rhythm-and-blues and pop, while the musical focus of her most recent collection, With Respect, is jazz. Now based in Chicago, Bradford also performed a guest vocal on a 1994 Her­ bie Hancock album, and performed with Lena Horne at a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen in early 1993. Marcus Printup Jazz trumpeter Marcus Printup is tout­ ed as one of the best emerging talents in all of jazz. Despite his youth, 29, he has accumulated a wealth of experience with some of the industry's greats. Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts tapped Printup to play with him, and to serve as apprentice road manager during Roberts' 1992 solo piano tour. Printup also has traveled the world with Wyn­ ton Marsalis and the All-Star Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and with singer Betty Carter and her group, Jazz Ahead, a crew of up-and-coming talents. Printup's 1995 debut album, record­ ed for Blue Note, Song for the Beautiful Woman, garnered attention for its improvisation, its quiet intensity, and its strong, original musical compositions. On his second and most recent Blue Note album, Unveiled, Printup showcas­ es his technical maturity and advance­ ment as a writer. Printup is a native of Conyers, Geor­ gia, and studied at the University of North Florida.

Roomful of Blues Count Basie once said that Roomful of Blues "is the hottest blues band I've ever heard." The Boston Herald declared it, "The baddest blues band in the land."

42 N O V E M B E R 1 9 9 6 First formed in 1967, the Rhode Island­ based group has since established itself as an American blues institution. The nine-member band is anchored by drum­ mer John Rossi, tenor/ alto saxophonist Rich Lataille and baritone saxophonist Doug James- all of whom have been with Roomful since the beginning. Ca rl Querfunh doubles as trombonist and producer of the group's records. Lead guitarist is Chris Vachon, while the vocals and harmonica solos are provided by Sugar Ray Norcia. Bob Enos plays trum­ pet, Kenny Grace is on bass, and Matt McCabe tinkles the ivories. Profoundly influenced by Count Basie, Roomful of Blues' tunes range from the hard-core Chicago blues of the 1930s to the danceable beat of first-generation rock-n-roll.

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Diane Schuur Diane Schuur has in­ Our team can get you off the injured list. spired raves from around the world as "the new first lady of jazz." She has been awarded two Grammies as best jazz vocalist, twice played the White House and her recordings have regularly topped the charts. Schuur, who has been blind since birth due to a damaged optic nerve, began singing at the age of 2. She was Whether you get injured at work or at play, your team needs you. discovered by Dizzy Gillespie, who At work, you've got to be back to full speed as soon as possible. And at home, the family just isn't the same if you're sidelined. brought her on stage at the 1979 Mon­ That's why it's so important to get the right kind of therapy. At Genesis terey Jazz Festival. Since then, she has Rehabilitation Hospital's outpatient centers, our team of professionals are recorded more than a dozen albums. Her committed to excellence and getting you back on your feet again soon. latest release is Love Walked In. For complete information or to schedule an appointment, call us. Schuur has also recorded "Summer­ time" with Bany Manilow and "Heart to GENESISREHABILITATION Heart" with B.B. King. In addition, she HOSPITALAND CENTERS has made several television appearances, A Genesis Health Company including a concert with Stan Getz at the HealthCare Plaza San Pablo Normandy Village Mandarin White House for the PBS series, In Per­ 3901 Un iversity Blvd. S. 14444 Beach Blvd. 7764 Normandy Blvd. 11701 San Jose Blvd. 858-7200 858-7510 786-5576 858-7450 formance at the White House. In addi­ (Formerly Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital - GARF & JCAHO Accredited) tion, Schuur appeared 11 times on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson . 0

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