sign in sign up
<<
Home , Barney Kessel, Bill Watrous, Bob Florence, Carl Fontana, Charlie Christian, Dennis Rowland

Our 19th Year!

August 23–25, 2019

–1– About the Summit Education is a primary purpose behind the Prescott Jazz Summit. We provide clinics for bands from all over Arizona, have student ensembles perform at our annual festival, and give funds to local music departments. We’ve also given scholarships to deserving students, and regularly present assemblies to schools. Our programs have reached more than 5000 students in North Central Arizona elementary schools, middle schools and high schools.

Our assemblies adress the WHOLE student body in the schools where we perform. We present jazz music in an entertaining and “inclusive” form for ALL the students, not just the music students. Our programs are done at NO CHARGE to each school. We also demonstrate each instrument, so that the students get an idea of what each instrument sounds like and how it works.

Our Educational Outreach program is funded through donations to “Friends of Jazz,” a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. FBBJ is the sponsoring organi- zation for the Prescott Jazz Summit and the Legacy Orchestra. It has given more than $60,000 for jazz camp scholarships, funds to school music departments, funds to help musicians in need, and the Habitat for Humanity for the New Orleans Musicians Village.

–2– Born in Scranton, PA, our Master of Ceremonies Pete Barbutti started accordion lessons at 11 and within a year was earning money playing at weddings. Later, Pete formed a musical-comedy-vocal quartet group called “The Millionaires,” which toured the country. Settling in Las Vegas, “The Millionaires” quickly became a Las Vegas favorite. Pete went on to become one of the most famous stand-up comedians in history. He has appeared over 1,000 times on national television, and over 90 times on “.” Pete continues to have a busy performing and traveling schedule. Pete is also a fine musician having worked with such stars as Frank Sinatra, , & , and he has also won many prestigious music awards.

Save the dates for our 20th Anniversary Jazz Summit August 28–30, 2020 –3– –4– Director’s Welcome It’s great to be back with the 19th Prescott Jazz Summit. We’re thrilled that it continues to be a successful venture. I’d like to welcome everyone who is attending this, year, especially those of you who are visiting the area or joining us for the first time. We always feel that we have a wonderful lineup, and this year is no exception. The musicians attending in 2019 are both great perform- ers AND wonderful teachers who guarantee an exciting weekend of performing, discussing and demonstrating jazz music and jazz techniques. My special thanks to all of our sponsors and advertisers. Without their support, we could never have brought you this festival. I know the music will be excit- ing, and the musicians will be thrilled to perform for you. We think the themes “A Celebration of Jazz from New Orleans to New York” and “The Music of the Great Bands” will be outstanding musical evenings. We are proud that our Educational Outreach Program continues to reach into schools around Northern Arizona to tell students about “America’s Original Art Form.” Students from kindergarten through 12th grade benefit from our efforts to create a whole new generation of Jazz Fans in the Prescott area. Let’s again have a great time, and as they have always said in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps roller” – “Let the Good Times Roll.” Mike Vax Festival Director Dedication It isn’t often that a person can be so closely associated with everything a city does, that he can become a true spokesman for the whole area and be loved by everyone. Ken Byers was that type of person. Not only was he a well- known radio personality, but he was THE person to go to for MC duties for so many of the non-profit organizations and fundraising events everywhere in the Quad- city area. He was tireless and never said no. When he was involved, you knew that the excitement level and “fun quotient” would be at the top tier! He was taken from us way to soon by the horrible disease of Cancer, and we dedicate this year’s festival to his memory. –5– Our Sponsors Festival Sponsor Friends of Big Band Jazz Co-Sponsors El Gato Azul Top of the Elks Benefactor Sponsors City of Prescott – Department of Tourism The J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation Arizona’s Hometown Radio Group Prescott Unified School District York Motors Hotel Sponsors Marriott Spring Hill Suites Prescott Quality Inn Hampton Inn and Suites – Prescott Valley In Kind Sponsors Prescott Newspapers, Inc. Jazz in AZ Sir Speedy Printing Prescott Chamber of Commerce Program Layout, Design & Editing David Leonnig / ResponsibleWorks.com

–6– Meet the Musicians In addition to celebrating the legacies of and Anita O’Day with the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra, Ginger Berglund’s multi-faceted career now includes singing with The Modernaires - of fame – and in duets with her husband, Scott Whitfield, the renowned trom- bonist, arranger and singer.

Ginger has recorded with original Tonight Show host , and with the great pianist . She has sung duets with the smooth and soaring voice of Kenny Rankin, and most recently, Ginger is most proud of duo albums with Scott. Their work is full of smooth harmonies reminiscent of Jackie Cain & Roy Kral’s vocal creations and Scott’s “swingmeister” . Their most recent outing is entitled “Solitary Moon: Ginger Berglund and Scott Whitfield Sing the Songbook.”

Scott Whitfield is internationally recognized for his work with contemporary big bands, including those of , , , Johnny Mandel, , Phil Norman Tentet, Glen Miller Orchestra, Stan Kenton Alumni Band and Band, as well as his own Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestras (East AND West). In addition to Scott’s own recordings, his compo- sitions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by such artists as Diva, Maurice Hines, The Pied Pipers, The Modernaires, Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band, and Pete Petersen’s 23-strong Collection Jazz Orchestra.

Scott’s playing, writing, and singing have been compared to that of some of his biggest influences, including , , Thad Jones, , Mel Torme, and Jack Jones. While jazz ensemble compo- sition and arranging is his forte, he’s arranged for the Omaha Philharmonic and The Pops Orchestra. –7– While ’s first love is jazz – and his primary jazz voice is the alto – he has been involved in nearly every facet of the professional music industry. A gifted player and composer/ arranger, his instruments are alto, soprano, tenor and baritone saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flutes. Kim has been a member of the orchestras of Stan Kenton, Louis Bellson, Bob Florence, Bill Holman, and Vinny Golia among others. His work is also highlighted in the Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra and his Ensemble (sextet). His current group is The KIM-PROJECT, co-led with vocalist Kimberly Ford, and is a tribute to the music of Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell.

A past-President of ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers), Kim is a Selmer artist and endorses all Selmer woodwinds. He is also a Vandoren artist, and uses Vandoren reeds, mouthpieces and other acces- sories. Kim Richmond enjoys serving as guest lecturer, conductor and guest soloist at college music festivals and workshops around the country.

Gary Anderson knows how to swing with the best of them, having been the music director for the Herd from 1973 through 1978. After seven albums with Woody and tours with Frank Sinatra & as well performances with , Charlie Mingus, and many others, Anderson decided to settle into the New York scene and soon found his niche as a studio arranger, orchestrator and composer for television, film and the Broadway stage.

Since the late 1970s Gary Anderson has written for network and cable TV, documentaries, telefilms & dramatic series, feature films, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Radio City Music Hall and 100s of commercials and albums. He has toured with Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Mel Torme and .and is a member of the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra who performs in his own small groups and others, Anderson today lives in Las Vegas, where he continues to play, write and arrange.

–8– Performing with jazz legends is nothing new to C.E. (Claude) Askew. He spent 22 years traveling the world as drummer and for six years conductor of the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz band of the U.S. Air Force. But he got to his career in music based on a chance hearing of the Stan Kenton Orchestra as a raw Air Force recruit in 1971. He’d never heard of the Kenton Orchestra – a friend asked him to go to the concert. It was a life changing experi- ence. Forty-three years later, Askew got the chance to sit in with the Stan Kenton Alumni Orchestra when the band’s drummer could not finish the 2015 tour. He’s been “sitting in” with the band ever since.

During his time with the Airmen of Note – in addition to playing with the likes of Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock and Chaka Khan – he was part of one of the finest jazz bands in the U.S. From 2011 through 2018, Askew was on the faculty at the University of Arkansas–Monticello.

A Jazz Summit favorite, Tony Vacca is from New Jersey but received his formal musical training at ’s jazz department under the direction of Dan Hearle and Tom Ferguson. After teaching in Phoenix area for a few years, Tony moved to , where he spent the next 16 years as a highly regarded professional musician and educator. Tony performed and recorded with such music legends as , Sammy Davis, Jr., , Conti Condoli, Irvin Mayfield, John Faddis, The , Sam Moore, The Temptations, The Swingtips, Tony Bennett, , and Doc Severinson. Back in Phoenix now, Tony can be heard at many places around the state including The Nash.

–9– Friday August 23,The 2019 Concerts The Elks Theatre – 7:00 pm “A Celebration of Jazz from New Orleans to New York” Master of Ceremonies for the Jazz Summit: Pete Barbutti Join our Jazz Summit musicians on a musical journey from Louis Arm- strong to Al Hirt to ; from Sidney Bechet to Pete Fountain to ; from Jelly Roll Morton to to Ellis Marsallis; from Kid Ory to to ; and even from Baby Dodds to to . You will hear music from the early tradition in New Orleans, through Kansas City, Memphis, Chicago and New York. The Great American Jazz Band with guest performers: • Mike Vax – , Vocals • Dave Russell – Saxophone • Scott Whitfield – , • Jack Petersen – Piano, Vocals • Ginger Berglund – Vocals • – Banjo, • Ronnie Rose – Vocals Guitar, Vocals • Tony Vacca – Saxophone • Selwyn Reams – Bass, • Kim Richmond – Saxophone • Chris Finet – Bass • Gary Anderson – Saxophone • Kenny French – Drums • C.E. Askew – Drums One of my oldest friends and musical compatriots passed away last week. Jim Cullum was a national treasure for all of us in the jazz community. His knowledge of jazz history, his unbelievable knowledge of jazz tunes, and his unswerving loyalty to traditional jazz will always be remembered by all who ever knew him. The Friday night concert is dedicated to his memory. – Mike Vax Saturday, August 24, 2019 – Student Events Ruth Street Theater at Prescott High School

10:00 am – Bradshaw Mountain High School Jazz Ensemble 11:00 am – Prescott High School Jazz Ensemble Noon – Clinics and workshops – breakout sessions 1:00 pm – Panel Discussion with Q and A – Jazz History, Jazz Improvisation

–10– Saturday, AugustThe 24, 2019 Concerts (Evening Concert) Ruth Street Theater at Prescott High School – 7:30 PM “The Music of the Great Big Bands” Jazz Summit All-Star Big Band A musical journey from to Dizzy Gillespie, from Pete Fountain to Charlie Parker, from to Stan Kenton, from to Wynton Marsallis, from Glenn Miller to The Dorseys, from to Buddy Rich – and more! Music from Bourbon Street in New Orleans to the Jazz Clubs of 52nd Street in New York, from the famous ballrooms all over the USA in the ‘30s and ‘40s to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Featured soloists: Kim Richmond, Gary Anderson, Scott Whitfield, Mike Vax, Jack Petersen, Howard Alden, Ginger Berglund, Ronnie Rose Band members: : Kim Richmond, Paul Brewer, Tony Vacca, Dave Russell, Gary Anderson; : Mike Vax, Bruce Gates, Derek Young, Ron King, Adam Compeau; : Scott Whitfield, Brian Zabriskie, Art Swanson, Blake Downs; Piano: Ioannis Goudelis, Guitar: Jack Petersen, Howard Alden, Bass: Selwyn Reams, Chris Finet; Drums: C.E. Askew, Kenny French. Vocals: Ronnie Rose, Scott Whitfield, Ginger Berglund.

Sunday August 25, 2019 Jazz Brunch & Evening Jam Jazz Brunch Top of the Elks Theater – 10:00 am − 2:00 pm Catered by El Gato Azul. Co-sponsored by Top of the Elks Presents. All-Star Jam Session Top of the Elks Theater – 5:00 − 7:00 pm Catered by El Gato Azul. Co-sponsored by Top of the Elks Presents. Same musicians as Friday night. Add Ioannis Goudelis, Ron King.

–11– Returning to the Prescott Jazz Summi is Phoenix composer and pianist Ioannis “Yanni” Goudelis, a versatile pianist who has performed on Jimmy Kimmel “Live” and has recorded, performed, opened concerts or toured with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dierks Bentley, Ray Price, World Party, , Bobby Broom, Ron Eschete, Nicholas Payton, Azar Lawrence, Stanley Jordan, Howard Alden, Pantelis Thalassinos, Alexia Vassiliou, and many more. In addition, his original music has appeared on Fox (House), NBC (NCIS), HBO shows, a 2011 FIAT commercial and more.

Born and raised in Greece, Yanni has performed internationally at festivals, clubs and concert halls throughout the world, and studied jazz piano at ASU and at UCLA for film. His three releases of all-original music include “Life Goes On” in 2007, “Melodia” in 2013 and “Blue”, released in October 2016.

–12– Raised in a very musical family, Selwyn Reams started playing the saxophone, trumpet, , trombone and classical percussion at a young age. Selwyn, even though proficient at playing brass and reed instruments was a tuba/low brass major at Northern AZ State University. He took up the while in college and has played double bass in 7 different Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.

Although versed in all styles of music, Selwyn is a jazz aficionado and has performed at numerous jazz venues and festivals besides the Prescott Jazz Summit including the Playboy Jazz Festival, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks and Vancouver International Jazz Festival in British Columbia, Canada. Selwyn has performed with many acts including, Bill Watrous, Don Rader, Richie Cole, Cedar Walton, Joe Bonner, Gary Foster, Lennie Niehaus, , Jack Sheldon, , Carl Fontana, Joe Williams, Kate Davis, Emmy Lou Harris, Donald O’Connor, John Lee Hooker and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Jack Petersen moved to Prescott in 2003 after an illustrious 45-plus years as an educator, composer, arranger and performer. He has continued to perform as a guest and clinician around the country, and has played numerous times at the Prescott Jazz Summit. He is also responsible for beginning guitar programs at the Berklee School of Music and the University of Northern Florida.

A short list of Jack’s affiliations include work with Dave Brubeck, , the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Buddy DeFranco, , the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, , , Stan Kenton, Peggy Lee, Michel Legrand, Henry Mancini, Lou Marini, Ellis Marsalis Jr., Rich Matteson, Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort, Rufus Reid, , , , and Nancy Wilson.

–13– After living in New York City for 33 years, Howard Alden now resides in Arizona with his wife Diane. He’s not resting on his laurels, however, and continues to seek out new opportunities and experiences, maintaining a busy travel schedule with national and international performances

Born in Newport Beach, in 1958, Alden’s interest in jazz started with recordings of Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and . As a student of guitar, he loved the sounds of , and . Based on inspiration from George Van Eps, Alden has been playing the seven-string guitar since 1992. The seven-string guitar offers a greater range and harmonic richness to Alden’s work, as evidenced on three remarkable follow-up albums with Van Eps, his critically acclaimed duo recordings with saxophonist/ clarinetist , and the stunning interplay between Alden and special guest on Your Story - The Music of Bill Evans. Alden plays Benedetto crafted by the legendary luthier Robert Benedetto, who proclaims that, “In another life, he must have been a guitar!”

–14– An International Artist for the Warburton Company, Mike Vax is also a Summit Records recording artist, and the founder of the Prescott Jazz Summit. He has played lead and solo trumpet with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Clark Terry Big Bad Band, and the U.S. Navy Show Band.

Based on the inspiration of the 2nd Annual Stan Kenton Stage Band camp – which Mike attended in 1960 – he set his sights on the Kenton band and a career devoted to music and music education. He conducts clinics and performances for and with students as often as possible. Mike has also performed and/or recorded with such greats as , Gene Krupa, , Al Grey, Freddy Hubbard, John Handy, , Joe Williams, Anita O’Day, June Christy, and the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans. Currently, Mike leads a variety of groups: The Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra, The Mike Vax Big Band, TRPTS (Trumpets), The Mike Vax-Ron Romm Collaboration, The Great American Jazz Band, and the Mike Vax Quartet, Quintet and Sextet.

We’re honored to have Ronnie Rose join us this year at the Jazz Summit. In 2011, Ronnie received the Excellence in Entertainment Award for “Entertainer of the Year” in Las Vegas. The very next year, he was inducted into the Las Vegas “Entertainers Hall of Fame.” Over the past two decades, Ronnie Rose has performed at thousands of corporate and private functions. He’s also performed for luminaries including former President George Bush, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson; at inaugural events for mayors and visiting dignitaries; and in concert with , Barry Manilow, Kool and the Gang, The Four Tops, and numerous other groups. A multi-year winner of the Las Vegas Black Music Awards for “Best Jazz Male Vocalist” and “Best Male Vocalist,” he has performed at just about every major casino in Las Vegas, as well as at The Smith Center with such artists as Clint Holmes and Deana Martin. –15– A native of Phoenix, Chris Finet (Flagstaff) began studying the double bass at age 16. He received his bachelor’s degree from Nothern Arizona University where he studied with bassist Joel DiBartolo. Besides the Prescott Jazz Summit, Chris can be heard regularly in performances at The Nash, and jazz performances include backing musicians as varied as Doc Severinson, Roy Hargrove, Dave Douglas and Dmitry Matheny (pictured). The principal bassist of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Chris freelances as both a jazz and classical musician. He is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Jazz Studies at Northern Arizona University.

Dave Russell was for many years a fixture on the R+B scene in Phoenix, playing most notably with the popular singer “Small Paul” and with the group, “Cold Shot and the Hurricane Horns.” He lives in Prescott now and enjoys the wealth of fine musicians in the area. Dave has played the Jazz Summit regularly since 2001 and also plays with the Trailblazers Big Band at Yavapai College

Ron King (Prescott) began putting air into a trumpet at 7 years old in Ft. Worth, Texas. He served with the West Pack Navy unit band for four years after attending East Texas State on a trumpet scholarship. He then enrolled at North Texas State University as a music major (mostly for the Lab band program). After moving to San Diego, he played section & jazz chair in the San Diego Jazz Orchestra for 28 years.

Paul Brewer (Phoenix) is the Director of Jazz Studies at Mesa College. He has played with Doc Severinson, Michael Buble, Dianna Ross, and the Temptations.

–16– Trumpeter Adam Compeau (Phoenix) has played in the Detroit Concert Band and in pit bands for musicals such as West Side Story, Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof & South Pacific. He is a regular member of Mike Vax’s TRPTS group and a wor- ship leader, arranger and composer.

Trombonist Art Swanson was a member of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, DC for 26 years, and a trombonist and soloist with numerous Navy bands. He also served as National Tour Director for its five performing units. As a freelance musician, Art also played with musicians from the National Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, and the Fairfax Symphony. Since retiring to Kingman, Arizona, he has taught music on the Hualapai Reservation in Peach Springs, and also for the Mohave Community College. He currently conducts the Lake Havasu Regional Orchestra and the Mohave Community Orchestra.

–17– Bruce Gates musical career includes five years as lead and jazz trumpet with an Air Force regional band, followed by 15 years as lead trumpet with the world-re- nowned Airmen of Note in Washington, D.C. Bruce also released two critically acclaimed CDs on the Sea Breeze label with his own groups. Dedicated to music education, Bruce lives in the Phoenix area, where he is the adjunct trumpet instructor at Chandler/Gilbert Community College. He is a clinician, guest soloist, adjudicator. and Yamaha Artist.

Kenny French’s (Phoenix) career as a pro- fessional drummer began in 1980 when he auditioned for the Air Force band program. Ken was assigned to the USAF Band of the Golden Gate, Travis AFB, CA. He also worked with the USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL and the USAF Academy Band, Colorado Springs, CO, and with the USAF Academy Falconaires jazz ensemble from 1990-1993. In addition, he has also played with or backed the Cab Calloway Orchestra, Randy Brecker, , Shirley Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Kirk Whalum, Frank Mantooth, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Gary Puckett and Dennis Rowland.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Blake Downs began playing the trombone at 12 and fell in love with it right away. After high school Blake studied at Baylor University for 2 years, and is currently finishing his undergraduate studies at Northern Ari- zona University. Blake is very active in the Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, Trom- bone Choir, and the Switzer Brass Quintet.

Trombonist Brian Zabriskie (Prescott) and trumpeter Derek Young will also be joining us in the Big Band on Saturday evening.

–18– –19–