2017-’18 FALL/WINTER
92| JAZZ HEATS UP IN MIAMI 94| UNITED STATES FESTIVALS 100| FINLAND’S GEM: TAMPERE JAZZ HAPPENING 102| INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS 109| EFG LONDON JAZZ FEST: 25 YEARS OF BRILLIANCE
NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 91 Jason Moran has played the Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle multiple times, and he will return for the 2017 edition. (Photo: Daniel Sheehan) of the latter. Although jazz is a large portion of the emphasis at Frost, classical and mainstream pop are well presented. Graduate students in the school’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra provide heavy lifting in multiple disciplines, and have supported artists such as Dave Grusin and Gloria Estefan. It also serves as the resident orchestra of the Jazz Roots series (founded by the late Larry Rosen), which is presented at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, located downtown. “In November,” Berg said, “we’ll have a big Ella tribute and [plan to bring in] a bunch COURTESY OF WDNA/MIAMI DOWNTOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL of stars: David Alan Grier, Niki Haris, Clint Holmes. This season we have Sir James Galway doing a concert with the symphony, and John Beasley [conducting] his MONK’estra.” Berg explained the school’s approach: “If you’re going to spend the money, time and effort to bring in these marquee artists, the real win is when they collaborate with students. Last year we sent almost the entire Mancini Orchestra out to L.A., where John Williams and Quincy Jones conduct- ed them. They’ve performed live film scores— The Pink Panther, Star Wars—and House of Cards music. They’ve done television specials with Bobby McFerrin, Chick Corea and Terence Blanchard. “One of the interesting things about Miami is the students are working all the time with the pro scene, many of whom are alums of the school. I know because I’m often calling students to see if they can play with me or others on behalf of the school, and they often say, ‘I wish I could, but I have a gig,’” Berg said with a laugh. Frost students and instructors get their own Paquito D’Rivera performed at the Miami Downtown Jazz Festival on Feb. 25. dedicated jazz hour at WDNA on a show titled UM Frost Jazz Hour. This weekly live perfor- mance and broadcast, held every Thursday in Frost Students Enliven the WDNA Jazz Gallery (2921 Coral Way), is free and open to the public. The shows are also Miami’s Jazz Scene broadcast on WDNA’s video Livestream channel (livestream.com/WDNAradio). espite the millions of tourists who flock to the off-season, but Miami has gotten busier, and Additionally, WDNA’s DJs include musi- Miami each year, the city’s jazz scene now there is no off-season. And trying to pro- cians like Andy Harlow and Sammy Figueroa. Dhas had its share of ups and downs. mote 25 concerts in 30 days was very taxing on In February, WDNA presented its first International acts frequently travel through the everybody. We thought we would spread out our Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, which fea- major venues in town, but jazz clubs and festivals performances over a season, from September tured two days of music, with performances by dedicated to jazz in Miami have faced econom- through April. And we are asking faculty to help the Paquito D’Rivera Sextet, Hubert Laws, Jane ic challenges (just like their counterparts around us bring in prominent guest artists throughout Bunnett & Maqueque and others. the country). Fortunately, Miami residents get a the year, instead of just for one month.” “The inaugural Miami Downtown Festival steady diet of jazz concerts and broadcasts, thanks Called the “Frost Music Live! Signature was a great success, and we’re looking forward to the hard work of the faculty and students at the Series,” the season will include many notewor- to the 2018 edition being just as exciting,” said University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, as well thy events, such as bassist Dave Holland and the Maggie Pelleyá, general manager for WDNA. as the staff at local jazz station WDNA (88.9 FM). Frost Concert Jazz Band performing the music “We haven’t announced the full lineup yet, but Last year (as it had done for decades), Frost pre- of the late Kenny Wheeler (Jan. 25, 2018), reed- we’ll have a performance by Arturo Sandoval sented Festival Miami, a series of dozens of shows ist and conductor Christine Jensen leading the and many other great artists.” that took place over a three-week period and fea- Frost Studio Jazz Band in a concert of her compo- WDNA also presents jazz concerts during tured artists such as Snarky Puppy, Becca Stevens sitions (Feb. 17) and drummer Dafnis Prieto (who the year, and shows this fall include vocalist and Tiempo Libre. Frost is taking a different is a Frost faculty member) collaborating with the and bassist Nicki Parrott (Sept. 30) and pianist approach for its 2017–’18 season, as Shelly Berg, Frost Salsa/Caribbean Jazz Orchestra (April 19). Roberto Magris (Dec. 8), whose new album is a dean of music, recently explained to DownBeat. Luckily, Berg can draw on his immensely tal- sextet project recorded in 2016 and titled Live In “It’s a transition year for us, after 30-some ented student musicians and instructors, as well Miami @ The WDNA Jazz Gallery (JMood). years,” Berg said. “We used to have our festival in as the vast musical experience and connections —John Radanovich
92 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 93 UNITED STATES JATI LINDSAY
Kris Davis (left), Linda May Han Oh and Andrew Cyrille perform at Winter Jazzfest in New York City.
Frost Music Live! MEMPHO Music Festival and diversity—from the rapidly rising young Coral Gables, Florida Memphis, Tennessee vocalist Veronica Swift to a centennial September 2017–April 2018 Oct. 6–7 celebration of Dizzy Gillespie. The festi- The acclaimed Frost School of Music at the Uni- The founders of the MEMPHO Music Festival val will include the annual “jazz crawl” on versity of Miami hosts an annual season with are committed to making this event an integral Columbus Day weekend, the Jazz Prodigy more than 25 concerts. Attendees can enjoy part of the Memphis cultural scene for years concert on Oct. 11, jazz brunches and more. the talents of award-winning Frost student to come. MEMPHO has been created to blend LINEUP: Veronica Swift, A Celebration ensembles, esteemed Frost faculty artists and today’s best sounds with Memphis’ storied of Dizzy Gillespie, more. world-renowned guest artists and musicolo- musical heritage. The goal is to offer a festival berkshiresjazz.org gists. The Frost Music Live! series expands the experience filled with music, food and nature university’s prior month-long event, which was that appeals to fans of all ages. MEMPHO will Duck Jazz Festival called Festival Miami. For more info, see the be held at the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, 'XFN1RUWK&DUROLQD Frost Music Live! website or frost.miami.edu. one of the largest urban parks in America, Oct.7–8 LINEUP: Sir James Galway, Dave Holland, just minutes from downtown Memphis. The Town of Duck brings jazz to the Duck Christine Jensen, John Beasley, Dafnis LINEUP: Booker T. Stax Revue, Steve Cropper & Town Park annually on Columbus Day week- Prieto, Frost School’s Henry Mancini Institute Friends, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, end. Fans can enjoy live music from a variety Orchestra, Frost Symphony Orchestra, Frost Anderson .Paak, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, of jazz performers, with two stages at this Wind Ensemble, Frost Concert Jazz Band, Frost Southern Avenue, Dan Luke & The Raid, others. non-ticketed festival. Fans can extend their Studio Jazz Band, Frost Opera Theater, more. memphofest.com Outer Banks stay to enjoy jazz-themed events frostmusiclive.com and promotions taking place throughout Oregon Coast Jazz Party Duck businesses and beyond. Food and drinks Angel City Jazz Festival Newport, Oregon will be available to purchase from various Los Angeles, California Oct. 6–8 town eateries, and chairs will be available for Oct. 1–15 This festival celebrates great live jazz—and the rent. The festival will be held rain or shine. The 10th annual edition of this festival in- dedicated fans who love it—in the beautiful town LINEUP: Marquis Hill Blacktet, Mint Julep Jazz Band, cludes a celebration of the centennial of of Newport, on the central Oregon coast. The fest Davina & The Vagabonds, The Rad Trads, Thelonious Monk’s birth. Angel City features features multiple sets from renowned jazz stars, Robert Jospé Express–Trio, The Second major national and international artists along nightcap performances and educational events. Marine Aircraft Wing Jazz Ensemble, with top local musicians at a variety of no- LINEUP: George Cables Trio with Essiet First Flight High School Jazz Band. table venues across Southern California. Okon Essiet & Victor Lewis, Gerald Clay- duckjazz.com LINEUP: Dee Dee Bridgewater, DJ Logic, Mark de ton, John Clayton, George Colligan, Jeff Clive-Lowe, Elliott Sharp, Mostly Other People Hamilton, Holly Hofmann, Russell Malone, $PHOLD,VODQG-D]])HVWLYDO Do The Killing, MAST, Deantoni Parks, Steve Thomas Marriott, Greta Matassa, Mary )HUQDQGLQD%HDFK)ORULGD Lehman, Burning Ghosts, Dan Weiss, Craig Ann McSweeney, Houston Person, Chuck Oct. 8–15 Taborn, Matt Mitchell, Ben Monder, Trevor Redd, Ryan Shaw, Mike Wofford, more. Held annually during the first week of October Dunn, Jeff Parker, Adam Rudolph’s Moving oregoncoastjazzparty.org and headed by Artistic Director Les DeMerle, Pictures, Go: Organic Orchestra featuring Bennie this festival promotes world-class jazz in vari- Maupin, Jonah Levine, Mark Dresser 7, Peter 3LWWVŵHOG&LW\-D]])HVWLYDO ous styles, including swing, bebop, Dixieland, Evans, Taylor Ho Bynum, Jaimie Branch, Being 3LWWVŵHOG0DVVDFKXVHWWV big band, blues, Latin and contemporary. and Becoming, James Leary Bass Choir, Dwight Oct. 6–15 Concerts are staged in venues around Amelia Trible’s Cosmic Vibrations with Brent Jennings. Two marquee events for the 2017 edition Island, including the historic seaport of Fernan- angelcityjazz.com of this festival reflect a remarkable range dina Beach. The festival awards a Jazz Scholar-
94 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 ship yearly to an aspiring high school musician. countries flock to this festival, which was &OHDUZDWHU-D]]+ROLGD\ LINEUP: Nestor Torres, the Dynamic Les DeMerle founded in a spirit of appreciation for Clearwater, Florida Band featuring Bonnie Eisele,Trio Caliente, more. jazz by Tom and Barbara Hazzard. The Oct. 19–22 ameliaislandjazzfestival.com annual festival is now in its 28th year. This festival is a collaboration between the LINEUP: Barnhart/Midiri Quartet, Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation Inc., City Earshot Jazz Festival Blue Renditions, Blue Street Jazz Band, of Clearwater, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Seattle, Washington Bob Draga & Friends, Boise Straight Ahead, Ruth Eckerd Hall. The 39th annual edition is Oct. 8–Nov. 12 Bruce Innes Trio, Carolyn Martin Swing presented by HCI Group Inc. Crowds can enjoy The 29th edition of this fest presents more Band, Cocuzzi Trio, Cornet Chop Suey, Yve a diverse musical lineup, from jazz to jam, funk, than 50 distinctive events in venues all around Evans, Gator Nation, High Sierra Jazz Band, fusion, classic Motown artists and more. On the city. The festival brings jazz greats from Tom Hook, Jacob Miller & The Bridge City Oct. 21 there will be a special tribute to Weather around the world into creative collaboration Crooners, Jerry Krahn Quartet, Ivory & Gold, Report and a Late Night Party dockside aboard with area artists, including main-stage concerts Kings of Swing, Midiri Brothers Sextet, Paris The StarLite Majesty featuring The Strut Band. by award-winning student ensembles and a Washboard, Pearl Django, PBJ (Paul Reid, LINEUP: James Hunter Six, Erica DiCeglie, The strong representation by renowned resident Brian Casserly, & Jim Lawlor), Gary Ryan, Temptations, The Four Tops, Jon Cleary, Scott artists. There will also be collaborations with Sherri Colby’s Racket Makers & Friends, Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukeobx, Helios Jazz Or- the Polish and Romanian Film Festivals. Side Street Strutters with Meloney Collins, chestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Alex Harris, La Sun Valley Jazz All Stars with Marilyn Keller, LINEUP: Hudson, Gregory Porter, Jason Moran Lucha featuring Jeff Rupert & Marty Morell, The Bandwagon + Horns, Brad Mehldau solo, Terry Myers Quartet with Jaimie Roberts, Players School of Music featuring Peter Monga- The Bad Plus, Monk on Monk, Marquis Hill Tom Rigney & Flambeau. ya & Friends, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Blacktet, Ranky Tanky, Elliott Sharp, Jameel sunvalleyjazz.com Jason Miles Presents “Celebrating the Music of Moondoc, Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal, Weather Report” featuring Jeff Coffin, Carter Danilo Pérez PanaMonk, Mark Guiliana Quartet, Champaign-Urbana Jazz Festival Beauford, Philip Dizack, Shaun Martin, Mino Steel House with Brian Blade, Seattle Reper- &KDPSDLJQ8UEDQD,OOLQRLV Cinelu, Gerald Veasley and Karen Briggs, Avett tory Jazz Orchestra with Wycliffe Gordon, The Oct. 19–22 Brothers, Mama’s Batch, Anderson East, Honey Baylor Project, Briggan Krauss, Giulia Valle, The third annual edition of this festival Island Swamp Band, REH/CJH Youth Jazz Band. Satoko Fuji, Lucian Ban, Amina Figarova, continues to expand. It features a jazz clearwaterjazz.com Naomi Moon Seigel, a centennial celebra- brunch, the Young Artist Series, jazz tion of Thelonious Monk, Robin Holcomb lectures and a VandoJam session. Texas Jazz Festival Trio, The Black Rock Coalition, Burnt Sugar LINEUP: Victor Bastidas “De Paises Proj- &RUSXV&KULVWL7H[DV Arkestra, Kassa Overall, Matt Wilson’s Mul- ect,” Tom Lippincott, Rachel Ther- Oct. 20–22 tiple Personalities, Dawn Clement, more. rien Trio and Chris Madsen. More than 60 bands will perform on four earshot.org cujazzfest.wixsite.com/cujazzfest stages, including the brand-new
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival 5HKRERWK%HDFK'HODZDUH Oct. 12–15 Now in its 28th year, this lively festival presents shows in multiple venues. LINEUP: Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, Lalah Hathaway, Pieces of a Dream, Larry Graham, Paul Taylor, Brian Simpson, Club Phred, Will Donato, JJ Sansaverino, Boney James, Peter White, Marc Antoine, Maysa, Art Sherrod Jr., Steve Cole, Four80East, Matt Marshak, Kim Waters, Gerald Veasley, Lindsey Webster, Keiko Matsui, Euge Groove. rehobothjazz.com
(GJHIHVW $QQ$UERU0LFKLJDQ Oct. 18–21 Kerrytown Concert House presents the 21st an- nual Edgefest, with the theme Drums Along the Edge! This year the festival invites ensembles led by and featuring many distinguished drummer/ composers from the world of creative music. LINEUP: Hamid Drake, Pheeroan AkLaff, Andrew Drury, Allison Miller, Tom Rainey, Tomas Fujiwara, Harris Eisenstadt, William Hooker, Gerald Cleaver, Jon Taylor, more. edgefestannarbor.com
Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival 6XQ9DOOH\,GDKR Oct. 18–22 Attendees from all 50 states, every Ca- nadian province and several foreign
NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 95 Stompers, Dianne Mower, Norman Johnson, Atla & Matt DeChamplain, Arti Dixson, more. myshul.org/events/jazz2017
MARK SHELDON JazzFest at Sea &UXLVHOHDYLQJIURP0LDPL)ORULGD Jan. 3–14, 2018 This cruise presents concerts of tradition- al jazz, swing and other styles. The MSC Divina will depart from Miami and head to the Southern Caribbean for a memorable trip filled with jazz concerts, afternoon sessions and other fun activities. Shows are presented in an intimate, jazz-club atmosphere limited to 250 guests. In addition to concerts by international- ly acclaimed artists, the cruise presents opportunities for amateur musicians to jam Saxophonists Ravi Coltrane (left, foreground) and with the pros. (Only those who book with Pharoah Sanders at the 2016 PDX Jazz Festival in Portland Cruise & Vacation Depot or an approved agency will be allowed to participate.) Solomon Ortiz Dance Stage. Exit 0 Jazz Festival LINEUP: Houston Person, Allan Vache, Duke LINEUP: Papa Chapa Quintet, Prime Time Jazz &DSH0D\1HZ-HUVH\ Heitger, Harry Allen, Danny Coots, Frank Tate, John Magaldi, Jeff Lofton, Claudia Melton/Dallas, Nov. 9–12 Rebecca Kilgore, Rossano Sportiello, Bill Allred, Europa, One Accord Gospel Group, Cat’s Don’t Festival producer Michael Kline has assem- Johnny Varro, Warren Vache, Yve Evans, Sleep, N.O. Hustlers Brass Band, Kyle Turner, bled a world-class lineup of award-winning Howard Alden, Butch Miles, Mike Pittsley, Freddie Martinez, William Skrobarczyk, Dirty River artists for this fest. On Nov. 9 there will be a Mark Shane, Charlie Silva, Banu Gibson. Dixie Band, Zenteno Spirit, Lyrical Bynge, Another special benefit concert for Music Connects, the jazzfestatsea.com Level, Cruise Control, Alex Garibay & What is non-profit, educational outreach arm of the Hip, The Rockoholics, Latin Talk, Latin Heart/Joe festival: Titled “A Night in New Orleans,” the :LQWHU-D]]IHVW Revelez, Greg Abate/George Prado, Power- show will feature The Dirty Dozen Brass Band 1HZ
96 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 Charleston Jazz Festival Keezer, Billy Kilson, Greg Leisz, Lionel Loueke, the public. Big bands, combos and vocal jazz en- &KDUOHVWRQ6RXWK&DUROLQD Damion Reid, Reuben Rodgers, Kendrick sembles will perform and compete throughout Jan. 18–21, 2018 Scott, Marcus Strickland, Ben Williams. the day. Additionally, there will be performanc- This festival presents world-class musicians bluenoteatsea.com es by Berklee College of Music faculty, tours as well as local talent. Jazz fans flock to of Berklee’s campus and open jam sessions. Charleston to celebrate the Holy City’s rich The Jazz Cruise LINEUP: Berklee ensembles, high jazz heritage and thriving jazz scene. &UXLVHOHDYLQJIURP)RUW/DXGHUGDOH)ORULGD school ensembles from around the LINEUP: Kenny G, Nnenna Freelon, Feb. 3–10, 2018 country, plus special guests. Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Charleston This cruise leaves Fort Lauderdale, Florida, festival.berkleejazz.org All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra, more. with stops in New Orleans and Cozumel, charlestonjazz.com Mexico. There will be nearly 100 jazz musi- Newport Beach Jazz Party cians on the ship, as well as jazz historian %LJ%DQG%ORZRXW Blue Note at Sea Dick Golden and comedian Alonzo Bodden. 1HZSRUW%HDFK&DOLIRUQLD &UXLVHOHDYLQJIURP)RUW/DXGHUGDOH)ORULGD LINEUP: Shelly Berg (Music Director), John Feb. 15–18, 2018 Jan. 27–Feb. 3, 2018 Clayton (Big Band Director), Preservation Hall The 18th Annual Jazz Party will return Featuring a star-studded lineup at sea, Jazz Band, Herlin Riley, Kurt Elling, Randy to the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & this cruise presents more than 20 acts Brecker, Monty Alexander, Arturo Sando- Spa and feature a closing big band each representing a great variety of jazz styles, val, Marcus Miller, Joey DeFranceso, John of the four nights. Artists will perform in as well as comedian Alonzo Bodden. Music Pizzarelli, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff Clayton, Gerald various mix-and-match duo, trio, quartet on Blue Note at Sea is presented “show Clayton, The Cookers, New York Voices, and quintet settings for outdoor afternoon style,” meaning that each night there Wycliffe Gordon, Anat Cohen, Lewis Nash, sessions and in the hotel’s restaurant and will be two main shows in the largest Nneena Freelon, Roberta Gambarini, Benny Grand Ballroom for the evening concerts. venue on the ship. Half of the guests will Green, Houston Person, Terell Stafford, Robin A motto for this festival could be “One Last attend the first show and then proceed Eubanks, Sean Jones, Will Lee, Dick Oatts, Tom Time.” Producers Joe Rothman and John to the Main Dining seating for dinner; Kennedy, Renee Rosnes, Gary Smulyan, more. McClure presented both the West Coast the other half of the guests will dine first thejazzcruise.com Jazz Party (1995–2009) and the Newport and then attend the second show. Beach Jazz Party (2001–’17). Although the LINEUP: Chick Corea, Marcus Miller, Robert Berklee High School Jazz Festival 2017 party had its best attendance ever, Glasper, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lalah Hatha- %RVWRQ0DVVDFKXVHWWV the producers plan to go out on a high way, Leslie Odom Jr., David Sanborn, Charles Feb. 10, 2018 note with one last party celebrating these Lloyd & The Marvels, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Don Berklee College of Music hosts its High School beloved events, which have presented Was, Alonzo Bodden, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jazz Festival at the Hynes Convention Center in shows by some 400 artists over the years. Vicente Archer, Bill Frisell, Wycliffe Gor- Boston. The largest event of its kind in the Unit- LINEUP: Ken Peplowski, John Clayton, don, Eric Harland, Derrick Hodge, Geoffrey ed States, the annual festival is free and open to Lewis Nash, Scott Hamilton, Houston
NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 97 MYLES REGAN
Greg Osby and Anat Cohen at the Angel City Jazz Festival in Los Angeles
Person, James Morrison, Butch Miles, Delfeayo Marsalis and Kneedelus. Chuck Redd, Tamir Hendelman, more. sanjosejazz.org newportbeachjazzparty.com Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Biamp PDX Jazz Festival 0RVFRZ,GDKR Portland, Oregon Feb. 22–24, 2018 Feb. 15–25, 2018 Presented by the Lionel Hampton School of PDX Jazz celebrates Black History Month by Music at the University of Idaho and cele- presenting living legends, established stars brating its 51st edition, this festival offers and emerging jazz artists in classic venues competitive student performances, educa- located in numerous eclectic neighborhoods. tional workshops and outstanding student Fans can enjoy world-class jazz, restaurants, performers during the evening concerts. Willamette Valley wines, coffee, micro-brews Educators are invited to bring their students. and more. The festival will include tributes LINEUP: Last year’s lineup included artists to singer Al Jarreau and drummer Art Blakey such as Esperanza Spalding, René Marie, the (as well as the Jazz Crusaders’ legacy). Lionel Hampton Big Band, New York Voices. LINEUP: Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spald- uidaho.edu/class/jazzfest ing, Ravi Coltrane, Darrell Grant, Luciana Sou- za, Lisa Fischer, Regina Carter, Bill Frisell, Dave Elmhurst College Jazz Festival King Trio, Julian Lage Trio, Scott Amendola, (OPKXUVW,OOLQRLV Ben Allison, Charles Tolliver & Music Inc., Jazz Feb. 22–25, 2018 By Five, David Sánchez, George Colligan, Miles Many of the best collegiate groups in the Electric Band, Charles Gayle, Tigran Hamasyan, country will converge on the Elmhurst College Jazz Epistles: Abdulah Ibrahim & Ekaya and Campus for four days of performances and Hugh Masekela, Ethan Iverson, Russell Malone, educational sessions during the 51st edition Marcus Roberts Trio, Vocalese Tributes to of this world-class festival. Student musicians Jon Hendricks and Eddie Jefferson with Kurt will be surrounded by some of the most Elling, Allan Harris, Richie Cole, Ernie Andrews, accomplished professional jazz musicians in Barbara Morrison, Charnett Moffett, Amina the world to create an unparalleled learning Figarova, Art Abrams, Rachel Flowers, more. environment and a series of concerts that pdxjazz.com/pdx-jazz-festival will be remembered for years to come. LINEUP: Maria Schneider Orchestra, Arturo San Jose Jazz Winter Fest O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, 6DQ-RVH&DOLIRUQLD Sean Jones, Jiggs Whigham, Matt Wilson. Feb. 15–25, 2018 elmhurst.edu/jazzfestival A counterpart to San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, this festival features concerts by international DeMiero Jazz Fest jazz stars as well as student bands and master Edmonds, Washington classes. The 2016 edition included The Jazz Be- March 1–3, 2018 yond series, which was co-curated by Universal The 42nd annual edition of this non-compet- Grammar and featured artists who are pushing itive vocal jazz festival will feature daytime the boundaries of jazz, soul and hip-hop. performances on Friday and Saturday from LINEUP: Last year’s lineup included art- 60 choirs of all ages. Each night will have a ists such as John Scofield & Joe Lova- concert with world-class jazz musicians as no, Regina Carter, Nicholas Payton, guest artists. New this year is the Thursday
98 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 Music Intensive (a day of concentrated clinics of concerts and workshops. The festival is 60 food vendors from well-known local and master classes for only 10 groups). held in the birthplace of Pulitzer Prize-win- restaurants and numerous special events. LINEUP: René Marie, Dee Daniels, more. ning writer Carl Sandburg and is named for LINEUP: Past editions have included artists demierojazzfest.org his 1922 children’s book, Rutabaga Stories. such as Ellis Marsalis, Cory Henry, The LINEUP: Last year’s lineup included artists Revelers and Cowboy Mouth. Next Generation Jazz Festival such as the Gretchen Parlato Quartet, ITƓRUJIUHQFKTXDUWHU SUHVHQWHGE\0RQWHUH\-D]])HVWLYDO Victor Garcia Organ Quintet, Knox Col- 0RQWHUH\&DOLIRUQLD lege faculty members and others. Miami Downtown Jazz Festival March 9–11, 2018 knox.edu Miami, Florida Each spring, the Monterey Jazz Festival invites April 13–14, 2018 more than 1,300 of the nation’s top student New York City Jazz Festival Presented by radio station WDNA, this musicians to play at the Next Generation Jazz 1HZ
NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 99 MAARIT KYTÄHARJU
Saxophonist James Carter leads his organ trio at the 2016 edition of the Tampere Jazz Happening in Finland. TJH Reaches Ideal Size
he Tampere Jazz Happening has been liv- ence, with performances held in two histor- ambitious saxophonist Steve Coleman and the ing up to its name and creating a buzz for ic, adjacent brick buildings, the Telakka and jazz-meets-post-rock pianist Nik Bärtsch. T36 years, not only as the primary jazz fes- the Paakahuone. Festivalgoers shuffle back and Appearing on Nov. 5 will be New Zion Trio, tival in Finland but as an event that draws fans forth between stages, many of them thankful for with pianist Jamie Saft, bassist Brad Jones and from around the world. Its reputation got a sig- the short trek, given the wintry conditions of a respected veteran drummer Hamid Drake, nificant boost this year when the European Jazz Finnish November. who described the band as “improvisers who Network (EJN) gave the festival the prestigious When Kauppinen took over the reins of the love reggae and players of reggae who love to “Adventurous Programming” award. artistic director role in 2002, one of his goals was improvise.” Additionally, at the annual music industry to lure a new, younger audience, partly by insti- Drake is very familiar with the Jazz conference known as jazzahead! (held in tuting free concerts at the beginning and end of Happening’s virtues, having played there numer- Bremen, Germany, in April), the designat- the festival. The opening now belongs to select ous times since 1994 when he was in trumpet- ed country-in-focus this year was Finland. acts from a featured country: Last year, it was er Don Cherry’s group Nu. Subsequently, the Before being officially celebrated for the EJN Sweden. This year’s edition, to be held Nov. 2–5, drummer has appeared in Tampere with Peter award, Tampere Jazz Happening (TJH) Artistic will focus on Estonia. Next year it will be Austria. Brötzmann, David Murray, the Chicago Tentet, Director Juhamatti Kauppinen could be found at The 2016 program offered an impressive his own groups and more. a pre-show reception, serving as the DJ and spin- balance of luminosity and bracing edginess. “The Jazz Happening is one of the most ning an array of impressive Finnish jazz platters. American acts included the Steve Lehmann unique festivals in Europe—perhaps even the “I try to spread what jazz I know,” Kauppinen Octet, elder statesman Charles Lloyd and a stir- world,” Drake said. “It exudes a wonderful aes- said, “and to show the audience different kinds ring finale by Dave Holland’s band Aziza (fea- thetic of diversity among musical and cultural of music. Almost from the beginning, world turing Chris Potter). From the Finnish front, lines. Anyone who attends the festival will bear music has also been part of our festival pro- we heard pianist Aki Rissanen, saxophonist witness to this and be thankful for it. The orga- gram. I want to [present] some newcomers and Pepa Päivinen, guitarist Raoul Björkenheim nizers feel that it is their responsibility to have some legends. I try to keep the programming and tenor saxophonist Esa Pietilä, winner of the and maintain a diverse palette. It is through as wide as possible. Of course, the main thing annual Yrjö Award, presented early in the festi- the combination of progressive and historical is new, fresh things—what’s happening in the val weekend. expressions that they are able to convey the nat- world of jazz at the moment.” Asked for a list of highlights in this year’s ural spirit of artistic culture and improvisation.” Tampere is Finland’s second largest city. The edition, Kauppinen pointed out several high- All is well in Tampere, but don’t expect any festival has flourished there, and nowadays it is ly anticipated shows. The Fifth Man, an elec- imminent expansion plans. “At the moment, I’m part of a group of risk-embracing festivals that tro-acoustic band led by saxophonist Evan satisfied with the festival,” said Kauppinen, “It’s host jazz and creative music, such as Austria’s Parker, will make its first visit to Tampere, almost totally sold-out. And I think the size is Saalfelden, the Moers festival in Germany, and another intriguing saxophonist, Shabaka good. There are three stages near each other, so Lisbon’s Jazz em Agosto, Nattjazz in Bergen, Hutchings, will appear in two settings. Swiss it’s easy to change the stages, and to go wherev- Norway, and FIMAV in Victoriaville, Quebec. trombonist Samuel Blaser brings his group er you want. For me, it’s perfect at the moment. The event began humbly in 1982 as an out- Early in the Morning, with reedist Oliver Lake “I think small is beautiful. I don’t like those growth of the Jazz Society Break’s program- as special guest. Drummer Tony Allen will per- knotty kinds of big, huge festivals so much. For ming, with shows in various venues around the form material from his recent EP, A Tribute To me, this is better. Small things. Our audience city. Its current setting has a wonderful ambi- Art Blakey (Blue Note). Repeat visitors include likes that, too.” —Josef Woodard
100 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 101 INTERNATIONAL
min Koppel/Scott Colley/Brian Blade Collective, Horncraft, Tenor Madness, Anna Louise & The Fellas, Hasse Ling & His Syncopators of Swing. stockholmjazz.com/english ©DOMINIK PLUESS 3DGRYD-D]])HVWLYDO 3DGRYD,WDO\ Oct. 7–14 This festival will celebrate its 20th edition with a series of concerts by world-class musicians. Guitar legend Pat Metheny will be in Padova rehearsing for his European tour, which will begin in Padova. He will perform with his band and participate in an onstage conversation. LINEUP: Pat Metheny (with Antonio San- chez/Linda May Han Oh/Gwilym Simcock), Mike Applebaum, Sergio Cammariere, Eric Reed Trio featuring Piero Odorici, more. padovajazz.com
Marcus Miller at Baloise Session in Basel, Switzerland -D]]PDQGX .DWKPDQGX1HSDO Hong Kong International Jazz Festival Egberto Gismonti & Maria João, Wolfgang Oct. 12–18 Hong Kong, China Muthspiel Quintet, Richard Bona Mandekan Key attractions for this famous festival are a ver- Sept. 30, Oct. 5–7 Cubano, Amok Amor, Gonjasufi, BadBadNot- dant valley, centuries-old palaces and pagodas, Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this fes- Good, Gerald Clayton Trio, Giovanni Guidi, packed crowds in unique venues, and the mix- tival brings together renowned musicians Gianluca Petrella & Louis Sclavis, Somi, Youn ing of musical traditions from around the world. from around the world to play alongside Sun Nah, Tarkovsky Quartet mit Couturi- Jazzmandu (aka the Kathmandu Jazz Festival) local young musicians on various stages. er, Lechner, Larché & Martinier, Mammal will celebrate its 15th year with a special lineup. In addition, attendees can participate in Hands, Ida Lupino, Ilhan Ersahin’s Istanbul LINEUP: Filtron M, Samuel Wootton’s Toy workshops and other educational initiatives. Sessions, Avishai Cohen Quartet, Django Story, Julia Sarr Quartet, Palouse Jazz LINEUP: Alan Kwan, Patrick Lui Quartet, Memories Quartet featuring Biréli Lagrène Project, Cadenza Collective, more. Hang Em High, EYOT, Samba Jazz Collec- enjoyjazz.de jazzmandu.com tive, Maxime Bender Universal Sky, J.A.S.S., Cannonball, Born To Be Blue Quartet, Angra Jazz Festival Canterbury Festival Mathias Heise Quadrillion, Jazvolution. $QJUDGR+HUR¯VPR7HUFHLUD,VODQG$]RUHV3RUWXJDO &DQWHUEXU\8QLWHG.LQJGRP hkijf.com Oct. 4–7 Oct. 12–Nov. 4 Founed in 1999, this festival takes place on Canterbury Festival is Kent’s International AghaRTA Prague Jazz Festival Terceira, a beautiful, small island. For the Arts Festival, the largest such event in the 3UDJXH&]HFK5HSXEOLF past 18 years, many of the world’s most region. The festival attracts an audience of Oct. 2–Nov. 15 important jazz musicians have played at more than 60,000 fans of all ages to free This festival is held in the Lucerne Music Angrajazz (aka the Angra Jazz Festival). and ticketed events. The 200 performanc- Bar and the AghaRTA Jazz Centrum, a jazz LINEUP: Matt Wilson Quartet, Yilian Cañiza- es and events include jazz, classical music, club located in the basement of a building res Quintet, Jon Irabagon Quartet, world music, contemporary dance, visual arts, constructed in the 1400s. The festival presents Orquestra Angrajazz, Baptiste Trotignon comedy, theater, walks, lectures and more. a mix of European and American acts. & Minimo Garay, Charles Tolliver Ten- LINEUP: Imelda May, Chris Ingham Quartet, LINEUP: Original Vintage Orchestra, tet, Ensemble Super Moderne. Katy Windsor & Ginger Bennett Jazz Trio, LacoDeczi & Celula New York, Candy angrajazz.com; visitazores.com Jacqui Dankworth & Craig Ogden, Mary Black, Dulfer, Dean Brown Band, more. Christ Church University Big Band, Hamish agharta.cz Stockholm Jazz Festival Stuart Band, Alex Rose, Trio Apaches, Harvey 6WRFNKROP6ZHGHQ & The New Wallbangers, Budapest Cafe Or- Enjoy Jazz Oct. 6–15 chestra, London Philharmonic Skiffle Orches- +HLGHOEHUJ0DQQKHLP/XGZLJVKDIHQ*HUPDQ\ This is one of Sweden’s oldest festivals and tra, Newton Faulkner, Ruby Turner, more. Oct. 2–Nov. 17 one of Stockholm’s biggest cultural events. It canterburyfestival.co.uk This festival, which is celebrating its 20th anni- has a reputation as one of Europe’s best-run versary, typically presents one concert per eve- festivals. Since 2012, the festival has been held Barcelona Voll-Damm Jazz Festival ning per city. Among the legendary artists who indoors on the finest stages in Stockholm. %DUFHORQD&DWDORQLD6SDLQ have played this event is Ornette Coleman. LINEUP: Roy Hargrove Quintet, Diane Reeves, Vi- Oct. 17–Dec. 19 LINEUP: Vijay Iyer Sextet, Donny McCaslin, jay Iyer Sextet, Maria Schneider & Bohuslän Big This legendary festival is a two-month Archie Shepp, Shabaka & The Ancestors, Band, Tigran Hamasyan, Hiromi with Edmar marathon extravaganza with a variety of Brad Mehldau, Eric Schaefer & The Shredz, Castañeda, Al Di Meola World Sinfonia, Benja- music, plus a very special interest in oe-
102 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 nology and gastronomy. It is run by The Dave Weckl/Randy Brecker/Tom Kennedy), Project, a leader in the concert industry. Skopje Jazz Festival Eli Degibri Quartet, Pablo Held Trio, Jacob 6NRSMH5HSXEOLFRI0DFHGRQLD LINEUP: Diana Krall, Chick Corea/Steve Gadd Young, Fabrizio Bosso Quartet, Mario Lag- Oct. 19–22 inha Trio, Yuri Honing Acoustic Quartet. Band, Avishai Cohen, Chucho Valdés & Gonzalo Established in 1982, this festival is one of Rubalcaba, Lila Downs, Trombone Shorty, Ma- the leading music events in the Republic of jarasumjazz.com ceo Parker, Barbara Hendricks, Hiromi & Edmar Macedonia. Past lineups have included many Castañeda, Kamasi Washington, Ambrose Akin- jazz styles and performances by American Baloise Session musire, Cory Henry, Chris Dave, Chano Domín- and European jazz artists, representatives %DVHO6ZLW]HUODQG guez & Stefano Bollani, Fred Hersch, Rebecca of Latin American and African music, as well Oct. 21–Nov. 9 Martin, Cyrille Aimée, Logan Richardson, Shai as the best Macedonian jazz musicians. Baloise Session presents a unique atmo- Maestro, Aaron Goldberg, The Bad Plus, Miguel sphere: Seated in an elegant club-like setting Zenón, Eliane Elias, Daymé Arocena, Marco LINEUP: Performers in last year’s festival includ- at round, candlelit tables, the audience is Mezquida, Andrea Motis, Carles Benavent, ed artists such as Julian Lage, The Thing and just a few meters away from the stage. For The Waterboys, Julia Holter, Tony Visconti & the Marcin Wasilewski Trio with Joakim Milder. the past 32 years, major stars have been Woody Woodmansey’s Holy Holy, Tomatito, skopjejazzfest.com.mk coming to this popular Swiss boutique-mu- José Mercé, Estrella Morente, Niño Josele, Rocío sic festival, which features jazz, soul, funk, Márquez, Antonio Carmona, Chicuelo, more. Jarasum International Jazz Festival blues, world music and many other genres. barcelonajazzfestival.com *DS\HRQJ6RXWK.RUHD LINEUP: Gilberto Gil, Amadou & Mariam, Oct. 20–22 Chris Rea, Imelda May, Alicia Keys, Kaleo, DølaJazz Lillehammer Jazz Festival Held on an island on the Bukhan River, Ásgeir, Tim Bendzko, Max Giesinger, more. /LOOHKDPPHU1RUZD\ this event has been recognized as the best baloisesession.ch Oct. 19–22 festival by the Korean Culture Ministry. The Founded in 1978, this event has grown 15 host venues are located in a beautiful JazzUV Festival to become one of the most prominent natural setting. Each year, Jarasum Jazz has ;DODSD0H[LFR jazz festivals in Norway—not necessarily a program that focuses on a partner country, Oct. 24–29 because of its size, but because it offers and this year the spotlight is on Israel. Other The mission of this festival is to promote jazz an intimate listening experience, with attractions of the festival include a children’s as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the audience close to the musicians. program, films and a farmers’ market. and to celebrate cultural diversity in a setting LINEUP: Arild Andersen Trio, Erik Løkra Vol- LINEUP: Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin, Chucho of equality. The festival is supported in part by unteer Quartet, Maren Selvaag Trio, Jacob Valdés & Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Joshua Red- the Center for Jazz Studies of the University Young, Trail of Souls, Sarah McKenzie, man Trio (with Reuben Rogers and Ken- of Veracruz, the Academic Area of Arts, the Confusion, Bendik Hofseth Kvartett, more. drick Scott), Dino Saluzzi Group, Avishai IVEC, Secretariat of Culture, IBERMÚSICAS dolajazz.no Cohen Trio, Mike Stern Band (featuring and the Institute of Youth of Quebec.
NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 103 COURTESY OF JARASUM JAZZ
Jarasum International Jazz Festival in Gapyeong, South Korea
LINEUP: Donald Harrison Quintet, Mi- Marco Pignataro, who is managing direc- Jazznojazz Festival chael Dease Quintet, Martha Gómez, tor of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, =XULFK6ZLW]HUODQG Gentiane MG Trio, Henry Cole. serves as artistic advisor to this festival. Nov. 1–4 uv.mx/jazzuv/festival-jazzuv LINEUP: Sean Jones, Anat Cohen with the In its 19th year, this festival will offer more than Berklee Global Jazz Ambassadors, Alain 20 concerts featuring jazz, funk, fusion and soul. Bologna Jazz Festival Mallet, Jonathan Suazo, Edmar Colon, El And for the first time ever, the festival will be %RORJQD,WDO\ Eco with Guillermo Nojechowicz featuring hosting exclusive Late Night Sessions, so that fans Oct. 26–Nov. 19 Marco Pignataro, Brian Lynch, Helio Alves, can keep the party going into the wee hours. This festival will focus on the mixing of Kim Nazarian & Fernando Huergo, Roni Eytan LINEUP: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dee Dee modern jazz language and contemporary Quartet, Trío da Paz, Guy Frómeta Trío, more. Bridgewater, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, sounds, including hip-hop and electronica. Its drjazzfestival.com Kamasi Washington, Billy Cobham, Nils program will feature many world-class artists. Landgren Funk Unit, Yellowjackets, Ab- LINEUP: Chick Corea/Steve Gadd Band, Lee Berlin Jazz Festival dullah Ibrahim, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Konitz Quartet, Yellowjackets, Miguel Zenón %HUOLQ*HUPDQ\ Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles. Quartet, Tim Berne’s Snakeoil, Barry Harris Trio, Oct. 31–Nov. 5 jazznojazz.ch Paolo Fresu Devil Quartet, Matthew Herbert, The 54th edition of this festival will include per- Enrico Rava, Giovanni Guidi, Bassdrumbone, formances by more 150 musicians hailing from Tampere Jazz Happening Steve Lehman & Sélébéyone, The Claudia numerous countries. This is the third and final Tampere, Finland Quintet. Ralph Towner, Brian Auger’s Oblivion year that British writer Richard Williams will Nov. 2–5 Express featuring Alex Ligertwood, more. serve as the festival curator. Williams has given Founded in 1982, the Tampere Jazz Happening bolognajazzfestival.com this year’s edition a title that nods to a quote brings together the most interesting artists of from Ornette Coleman: “In All Languages.” modern jazz from Finland and from abroad. In Guinness Cork Jazz Festival LINEUP: Ambrose Akinmusire, Michael Wollny, 2017 Tampere Jazz Happening was honored &RUN,UHODQG John Beasley’s MONK’estra, Nels Cline, by the European Jazz Network for its contin- Oct. 27–30 Tyshawn Sorey, Steve Lehman & Sélébéyone, uous bold and innovative programming, its In addition to presenting world-famous Shabaka & The Ancestors, Dr. Lonnie Smith ability to stimulate new and original projects headliners, this festival, which is celebrating Trio, Punkt.Vrt.Plastik: Kaja Draksler/Pet- linking local and international musicians, and its 40th edition, offers numerous free events ter Eldh/Christian Lillinger, Empirical, Amir its commitment to broaden the horizons of and activities, including outdoor shows, a ElSaffar + Zinc & Copper, Ingrid & Christine jazz, maintaining quality at the highest levels. Jazz Bus, a Record & CD Fair at the Unitarian Jensen with Ben Monder, Amirtha Kidambi LINEUP: Steve Coleman & Five Elements, Tony Church, a jazz parade, a food fair and a gospel & Elder Ones, Geir Lysne + NDR Bigband, Allen, Kirke Karja Quartet, Kadri Voorand service. The Jazz Festival Club shows at the Trondheim Voices + Kit Downes, René Duo, Heavy Beauty, The Comet Is Coming, Metropole Hotel aim to re-create the ambi- Urtreger, Mônica Vasconcelos, more. Sid Hille & Foreign Friends, Njet Njet 9, Jukka ance of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. berlinerfestspiele.de Eskola Soul Trio, Shabaka & The Ancestors, LINEUP: Kenny Garrett Quintet, Nicholas Jojo Mayer/Nerve, Adele Sauros Quartet, Eero Payton, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Monty Roma Jazz Festival Koivistoinen Quartet, Virta, Sunna Gunnlaugs Alexander Trio, Michael Wollny Trio, Sue 5RPH,WDO\ Trio with Verneri Pohjola, Samuel Blaser, Oliver Rynhart Trio, Ronnie Scott’s All-Stars, November (Dates TBD) Lake, Eric Truffaz Quartet, The Fifth Man, Trail Imelda May, Sarah McKenzie, Scott Hamil- This celebration of jazz in Italy’s capital Of Souls, Knut Reiersrud, Solveig Slettahjell, ton & The Champian Fulton Trio, more. brings revered Italian artists together with Thomas de Pourquery & Supersonic, Nik guinnessjazzfestival.com international stars. Founded in 1976, the Bärtsch’s Mobile, New Zion Trio with Hamid festival offers diverse programming and has Drake, Dhafer Youssef, Lucia Cadotsch, more. Dominican Republic Jazz Festival presented such music legends as Miles Davis, WDPSHUHPXVLFIHVWLYDOVƓMD]]HQ 6DQWR'RPLQJR6DQWLDJR6RVXD3XHUWR3ODWD Sarah Vaughan, B.B. King and Bob Dylan. 3OD\D&DEDUHWH'RPLQLFDQ5HSXEOLF LINEUP: Last year’s lineup included artists Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival Oct. 29–Nov. 5 such as Joshua Redman, Jacob Collier, :DQJDUDWWD9LFWRULD$XVWUDOLD The 21st edition of this festival, presented Richard Galliano, John Scofield, Enrico Nov. 3–5 by FEDUJAZZ and the Ministry of Tourism, Rava, Giovanni Guidi and Omar Sosa. This festival features nine venues, will present concerts in beautiful locations. romajazzfestival.it gourmet food and wine, markets and
104 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 105 & Chad Taylor, Dave Douglas & Chet Doxas Riverside Quartet featuring Carla Bley, more. jazzdor.com
GABRIEL RODES Vilnius Mama Jazz Festival Vilnius, Lithuania Nov. 15–19 Founded in 2002, this festival introduc- es Lithuanian audiences to talented jazz musicians and provides a forum for young artists to participate in collaborations. LINEUP: Performers at past editions of this festi- val include artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Oregon, Avishai Cohen, Terence Blanchard, Steve Coleman, Ernie Watts and Miguel Zenón. vilniusmamajazz.lt Tia Fuller (center) performs at the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival. Christmas Jazz of Jazzkaar more than 100 performances. LINEUP: Mario Laginha & Pedro Burmester, Tallinn, Estonia LINEUP: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Diego Piñera Trio, Javier Colina & Josemi Nov. 24–Dec. 11 Jon Cleary, Ian Moss, Spiderbait & Wang Carmona, Gino Sitson, Luca Ciarla, more. Christmas Jazz is a two-week international Horns, Katie Noonan/Karin Schaupp, Kari jazztour.com.uy event that features a variety of programs Ikonen Trio, Jen Shyu, Aron Ottignon held at churches, clubs and concert halls. Trio, Caiti Baker, Kevin Borich, Bridie EFG London Jazz Festival LINEUP: Stacey Kent, Simone Phil- King, James Morrison/Paul Grabowsky/ London, United Kingdom lips, ALA.NI, more. Kram, Tony Gould & Mike Nock, more. Nov. 10–19 jazzkaar.ee wangarattajazz.com One of the UK’s landmark musical celebrations, this festival is celebrating its 25th edition. Deutsches Jazzfestival Frankfurt Akbank Jazz Festival It brings the best and freshest music to the Frankfurt am Main, Germany Istanbul, Turkey streets, clubs and concert halls of London, Nov. 25–29 Nov. 3–19 featuring world-renowned musicians and Founded in 1953, this is one of the oldest Launched in 1991, this festival not only hosts emerging stars from across the globe. jazz festivals in the world and is known prominent jazz figures from across the world LINEUP: Herbie Hancock, Miles Mosley, Pat for presenting unique collaborations. but also presents emerging and promising Metheny, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Pharoah LINEUP: Craig Taborn Quartet, Cory Henry next-generation artists. The festival includes Sanders, Chris Thile & Brad Mehldau, Ter- & The Funk Apostles, Cory Henry & hr-Big- panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, ence Blanchard, Robert Glasper, Trombone band, Shabaka & The Ancestors, Danilo concerts and social responsibility projects. Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Christian Scott Pérez/John Patitucci/Brian Blade, more. LINEUP: Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya and aTunde Adjuah, Eliane Elias, Mike Stern, jazzfestival.hr2-kultur.de Hugh Masekela, Henri Texier Hope Quartet, Jaimeo Brown, Marcus Miller, Abdullah Bonobo, Wolfgang Muthspiel Trio, Amina Ibrahim & Hugh Masekela, Tomasz Stan- Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Figarova Sextet, Alfredo Rodriguez Trio, ko, Chucho Valdés & Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Playa del Carmen, México Ala.Ni, Red Baraat, Emir Ersoy Quartera Zakir Hussain with Dave Holland and Chris Nov. 30–Dec. 2 featuring Türkü Turan, Daniel Herskedal Potter, Fred Hersch Trio, Michael Wollny, The 15th edition of this festival presents jazz & Marius Neset, Nicola Cruz, more. Kirk Lightsey Trio, The Haywood Sisters, under the moonlit sky, on the beach, for free. akbankjazzfestival.com Moon Hooch, Becca Stevens, Bill Laurance, This edition is dedicated to Fernando Toussaint Harlem Gospel Choir, Matthew Stevens, (1957–2017), a writer, musician and produc- Leverkusener Jazztage Knower, Keith Tippett Octet with Matthew er who served as director for this festival. Bourne, Nicole Henry, Camila Meza, Tony Leverkusener, Germany LINEUP: John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring, Nov. 4–16 Kofi & The Organisation, Wolfgang Muthspiel Chick Corea & Béla Fleck, Illya Kuryaki & The Founded in 1980, this festival has be- Trio, Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet, Cory Valderramas, Aguamala, Wallace Roney, come one of the largest cultural events Henry & The Funk Apostles, Ben L’Oncle Memo Ruiz Big Band, Gipsy Kings, more. Soul, Polly Gibbons, Dayna Stephens, Darcy in Germany, drawing artists from a rivieramayajazzfestival.com/2017 variety of genres and countries. James Argue’s Secret Society, Jazzmeia Horn, London Jazz Orchestra, more. LINEUP: Marcus Miller, Maceo Parker, Chris efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk Umbria Jazz Winter Thile & Brad Mehldau, Nils Landgren Funk Orvieto, Italy Unit, Albert Lee, Kennedy Administra- Dec. 28, 2017–Jan. 1, 2018 tion, Max Giesinger, Gov’t Mule, more. Jazzdor Festival The 25th edition of Umbria Jazz Winter will in- leverkusener-jazztage.de Strasbourg, France clude more than 100 events. Festival concerts Nov. 10–24 take place in numerous venues, and there will Festival de Jazz de Montevideo The 32nd edition of this fest will pres- be music at the Ristorante San Francesco, the Montevideo, Uruguay ent dozens of concerts in multiple ven- perfect place for the festival’s Jazz Lunches Nov. 6–8 ues around the city of Strasbourg. and Dinners and for the special dinner with Festival performances are held all around LINEUP: Fred Hersch Trio, Ralph Towner, music on New Year’s Eve. Orvieto’s magnificent Montevideo, with the Teatro Solís as the Paolo Fresu Devil Quartet, Samuel Blaser cathedral will once again be the setting for main venue. There are also shows and jam Quartet, Celea/Parisien/Reisinger featuring a Mass for Peace with gospel singers on the sessions in restaurants and bars with local Dave Liebman, Louis Sclavis & Benjamin afternoon of New Year’s Day. In addition to and international artists playing together. Moussay, Joachim Kuhn New Trio, Daniel world-class jazz, the city of Umbria has beauti- This festival also includes free workshops. Humair New Quartet, James Brandon Lewis ful architecture and renowned food and wine.
106 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 107 festival, which is named for the Canadian jazz pianist and DownBeat Hall of Famer Oscar Peterson (1925–2007). The fest will take place in the rural setting of Niaga- ra-on-the-Lake. The festival’s artistic producer is Peterson’s widow, Kelly Peterson, who has been active in preserving his legacy. COURTESY OF JAZZMANDU LINEUP: Check website for announcement. opjazzfest.org
Dubai Jazz Festival 'XEDL8QLWHG$UDE(PLUDWHV Feb. 21–23, 2018 This award-winning festival, which routinely draws capacity crowds, offers exceptional production values and has become a highlight of the Dubai entertainment calendar. LINEUP: Performers at past editions have Jazzmandu in Kathmandu, Nepal included artists such as Stanley Jordan, Archie Shepp, Esperanza Spalding, Jamie LINEUP: Jason Moran, Marc Ribot, Havana International Cullum, Sean Jones and Jane Monheit. Gilberto Gil, Danilo Rea, Enzo Piet- Jazz Festival dubaijazzfest.com ropaoli, Rita Marcotulli, more. +DYDQD&XED umbriajazz.com Jan. 17–21, 2018 Jakarta International The 33rd edition of this festival has been Java Jazz Festival )HVWLYDO,QWHUQDFLRQDOGH expanded to five days to include more -DNDUWD,QGRQHVLD -D]]GH3XQWDGHO(VWH artists, with a lineup that will include many March 2018 (Dates TBD) )LQFD(O6RVLHJR3XQWDGHO(VWH8UXJXD\ musicians from the United States. At the The same organization responsible for festivals Jan. 4–7, 2018 2016 edition, Chucho Valdés performed, as such as Java Rockin’land, Java Soulnation and Founded in 1996, this festival takes place did more than 50 bands from 30 nations. Soundsfair also presents this acclaimed event. in the countryside, where the musicians LINEUP: Performers at past editions have LINEUP: Past editions have included artists such are surrounded by a beautiful, natural included artists such as Terence Blanchard, as Nicholas Payton, Arturo Sandoval, Chick environment. It features artists from all Bobby Carcassés, Arthur O’Farrill, Har- Corea, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Dewa Budjana, Dira over the world in an easygoing setting. old López Nussa, Roberto Fonseca, Aldo Sugandi, Adinda Shalahita and Adra Karim. LINEUP: Jason Marsalis, Paquito D´Rivera, López Gavilán and Alejandro Falcón. javajazzfestival.com Jon Irabagon, David Feldman, Popo Ro- jazzcuba.com mano, Pipi Piazzolla/Nicolás Mora, Grant Stewart, Chris Cheek, Yasushi Nakamura, Fiesta Del Tambor Port-au-Prince International /D+DEDQD&XED Neal Smith, Donald Vega, Brandon Lee, Jon Cowherd, Rodney Jordan, Stephen Jazz Festival March 4–11, 2018 3RUWDX3ULQFH+DLWL This annual Cuban festival of rhythm and Riley, Boris Kozlov, Rudy Royston, George Jan. 20–27, 2018 dance includes an immersive percussion Colligan, Nicole Glover, Emmet Cohen, This festival will offer a vibrant mixture of and drum workshop presented by festi- Clovis Nicholas, Pete Van Nostrand, Bruce jazz and Haitian music, with more than val sponsor/collaborator KoSA Cuba. Harris, Chano Domínguez, Alex Brown, 30 concerts in 10 venues around the sun- LINEUP: Mark Guiliana, Craig Haynes, José Eladio Zachary Brown, Eric Doob, Diego Urcola. ny capital, followed by jam sessions every festival.com.uy Amat, Will Calhoun, Dafnis Prieto, Aldo Mazza, evening. And for the first time, the festival will Delvis Ponce, Eduardo Sandoval y Habana Jazz, end at the Royal Decameron Beach resort. Julito Padrón, Emilio Martini y Natural Trio, more. Panama Jazz Festival LINEUP: Kenny Garrett, Norman Brown, Emilie ƓHVWDGHOWDPERUFXOWFX 3DQDPD&LW\3DQDPD Claire Barlow, Michael Brun, Leila Pinheiro, Dom- ƓHVWDGHOWDPERUSRSXODUFRP Jan. 15–20, 2018 inique Di Piazza, Beethova Obas, Ram, more. This festival expects to draw more than papjazzhaiti.org 30,000 fans from all over the world for its Cape Town International performances and educational activities. Jazz Festival With more than 30 concerts, 70 master Winter Jazz &DSH7RZQ6RXWK$IULFD classes and a music therapy symposium, 3UºHKDOOHQ9DOE\&RSHQKDJHQ'HQPDUN March 23–24, 2018 this festival has become one of the most Feb. 2–25, 2018 This festival is known for its star-studded line- important cultural events in the region. This festival features hundreds of up, which includes a balance of South African Pianist Danilo Pérez serves as a UNESCO concerts all across Denmark. musicians and international artists. Often Artist For Peace, Cultural Ambassador to LINEUP: DR Big Band & Palle Mikkel- referred to as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” the Republic of Panama, Artistic Director of borg, Sinne Eeg Group, more. this festival is held on five stages at the Cape the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and Artistic jazz.dk Town International Convention Centre. It is Director of the Panama Jazz Festival. the largest music event in sub-Saharan Africa. LINEUP: Performers at past editions of this Oscar Peterson LINEUP: Performers at past editions have festival have included artists such as Wayne International Jazz Festival included artists such as Rudresh Ma- Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Chucho Valdés, 1LDJDUD:LQH&RXQW\2QWDULR&DQDGD hanthappa, Darren English, Gretchen Ellis Marsalis, Randy Weston, John Scofield, Feb. 16–18, 2018 Parlato, Lizz Wright, Victor Wooten, Cas- Omara Portuondo and Benny Golson. Pianist Renee Rosnes will serve as the artistic sandra Wilson and Gerald Clayton. panamajazzfestival.com director for the inaugural edition of this capetownjazzfest.com
108 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2017 EMILE HOLBA
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (foreground) and flutist Elena Pinderhughes at the 2015 EFG London Jazz Festival EFG London Fest on the Rise at 25 he EFG London Jazz Festival is one of “Nothing happens overnight. The festival has Tippett and Matthew Bourne; and a series of 25 the world’s largest and most ambitious expanded steadily in terms of scale, and this in one-page scores, which could be notated, graph- Tfestivals, sprawling across the city and itself has been in response to audience demand.” ic or [anything] in-between.” inhabiting multiple venues. The festival’s 25th Other steadily heightened aspects, over the Over the last quarter-century, many legends edition, to be held Nov. 10–19, will reflect its years, include master classes, panel discussions, have graced the festival’s stages: Wayne Shorter, steady expansion in locations, scale and artis- kids’ sessions and mass audience-participation Carla Bley, George Russell, Michael Brecker, tic scope. events. The broadcasting of festival concerts is at Randy Weston, Cecil Taylor and Sheila Jordan. John Cumming is one of the festival’s three its highest level, not least through the coverage In November, the festival will present dozens of directors, and his involvement dates back to the on BBC Radio 3 and, more recently, the digital artists, including Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, beginning. He programmed the Bracknell and radio station Jazz FM. Pharoah Sanders, Chris Thile and Brad Mehldau, Camden festivals (from 1975 and ’78, respec- “We’ve also seen other opportunities John Surman, Jaimeo Brown, Chucho Valdés tively), both of which formed the roots of the emerge: a strong film program with the Barbican and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Zakir Hussain with LJF, when it became a London-wide event in cinema, and an increasing use of visuals within Dave Holland and Chris Potter, Henri Texier 1993. The festival was created by Serious, one the concert program,” Cumming said. “Some and Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles. of the U.K.’s leading promoters of jazz, glob- interesting projects have developed with gal- Tippett has a long history with the LJF and al sounds and crossover classical music. The leries, especially the Royal Academy. This year its predecessors. This year, he will play on the aim was to showcase London’s status as a major sees our first foray into listening sessions, with opening night, with his octet, and in a duo with world city, mixing up starry names with emerg- [a focus on] classic albums.” Bourne. “I’ve admired and enjoyed Matthew’s ing talents and combining indigenous artists A significant portion of this year’s program playing for some time,” Tippett beamed. “I with international touring acts. is billed as “25 For 25,” a series of specific com- really enjoy piano duets: In the past, I’ve done “One big challenge was to make an impact missions to mark the festival’s anniversary. Not extensive concerts with Howard Riley and Stan with what [some might see] as a niche art form least of these is “Thelonious Monk At 100,” a run Tracey. I have wonderful memories of Bracknell, in a very large city,” Cumming said. “So we let of concerts that examines specific albums by the glorious summer evenings, wonderful music— the city speak to us, taking the festival into the pianist, with a band headed by pianist Jonathan truly a golden period.” outer boroughs as well as the obvious central Gee and saxophonist Tony Kofi. When quizzed about the festival’s future, venues, and responding to new initiatives that “There’s a lot of other commissioned pieces,” Cumming is characteristically optimistic. “I appear. This year sees the return of the festival added Cumming. “For example, a commission think that the shape is robust, but it can always to venues in Croydon, for example.” for Terence Blanchard and the BBC Concert be augmented and reinvigorated as opportu- The festival has expanded its collaborations Orchestra, shared with the Los Angeles nities arise,” he said. “That’s in the nature of with orchestras, cultural institutes and for- Philharmonic and Philharmonic Hall in the music, finding new ideas in terms of com- eign embassies, leading to an increase in artists Wroclaw, Poland; a commission for Dave Maric, missioning and learning work. For instance, it arriving from Scotland, for instance, as well as Phronesis and the Engines Orchestra, shared would be great to find an unusual indoor space mainland Europe and the Americas. “This has with Cheltenham and Manchester Festivals; that could be adapted for special projects.” been an evolutionary process,” Cumming said. a new collaboration between [pianists] Keith —Martin Longley
NOVEMBER 2017 DOWNBEAT 109