Thursday, May 31, 2018 THEREPORTER.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THEREPORTER @VACAREPORTER THE REPORTER COUNTING ON JAZZ Count Basie Orchestra to perform in Fairfield. PAGE 2 YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL DINING & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS | LOCAL EVENTS TO LIVEN YOUR WEEKEND | LOCAL CELEBRATIONS | LOCAL TV LISTINGS 2 | E A+E | THEREPORTER.COM MAY 31- JUNE 6, 2018 BASIE ORCHESTRA When it comes to jazz, count on Davis Crooner in Fairfield program By Richard Freedman rfreedman@timesheraldon- line.com @RichFreedmanVTH on Twitter Jamie Davis under- stands this filling some- one’s shoes thing. Some of the shoes are tighter CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS than others. Frank Sinatra. Ella Count Basie founded the orchestra in 1934and though he Fitzgerald. Billie Holiday. died in 1984, the Grammy-winning orchestra continues. Joe Williams. The jazz vocalist feels it to being in front of a big disservice by not support- the pinch of following in freight train that’s just ing,” he said. “It trans- those who stepped into pumping you. It’s quite a lates into funding the the spotlight with the unique experience.” arts. We don’t do any of Count Basie Orchestra. The 68-year-old U.S. that, which is why Europe “There’s definitely a Army veteran has many is ahead of us. They fund pressure,” Davis said. “unique experiences,” in- the arts. We need more “You have to remember Davis said. dance band. It was a great several times in Russia, cluding a narrating as- people who love the mu- the chair you’ve occu- Still, Davis knew his ca- release for a bunch of op- sharing stories with Valle- signment, lending his sic and like to utilize some pied. No doubt about it. pabilities. pressed people and so- jo’s Alvon Johnson who baritone voice to “A Time of their money to embel- The shoes are big.” “If people remember phistication evolved on a is also considered a star to Remember,” a docu- lish the art.” Davis first took on the you because of your per- larger scale. I think he re- there. drama which won the There’s nothing like the challenge in 2000 and re- formance with the band, ally tapped into what peo- “In Russia, people in- 1997 Black American In- connection between the turns as lead vocalist un- I think you’ve served your ple needed.” vite you into their homes dependent Filmmakers artist and the audience, der the baton of Scotty purpose,” Davis said. As for Basie himself, which is a sign of respect,” Award. In 2014, he head- Davis said. “It’s give and Barnhardt with a 7 p.m. Originally with the “he was a gentleman, a Davis said “They want you lined the Dubai Interna- take. I consider it my job performance June 6 at Basie Orchestra a bit less family man who carried to come to their home and tional Jazz Festival. He’s to create that imagery of the Downtown Theatre than four years, Davis himself well and treated eat their food.” also played the Lincoln evoking a beautiful mem- in Fairfield. started producing records his band well,” Davis said. Yes, “sometimes you Center and Carnegie Hall. ory,” he said. “Music is “When I first got that — and Barnhardt was part Though the Basie Or- think, ‘What the hell is And hundreds of places the bridge to stability in a gig, it was overwhelm- of the production. So the chestra gets respect, jazz is it?’ But you eat it,” Davis in between. very unstable atmosphere ing,” said Davis, believing two have basically worked far more highly-regarded said laughing. “You go where the op- we live in.” it was a year until he got on and off together for overseas, Davis said. “I would up the conver- portunity presents itself,” When Davis looks into comfortable in the role. nearly 20 years. “Everywhere in the sation so they don’t notice Davis said. the audience, “I seek to “I think the nervous- “We do work well to- world accepts it on a level I’m not eating.” Acclaimed, perhaps. find that smiling face, ness was probably self-in- gether,” Davis said. much higher than in the Davis said he would like But perfect? Not on your somebody who is enjoy- duced,” Davis said. “If you The Count himself United States,” he said. to return to Russia but for life. ing my music,” he said. have any history of jazz started the orchestra in Davis gets that “rock now, he’s focused on Fair- “We’re human,” Davis “That’s where my focus and the band and every- 1934 and became the first star treatment” in Japan. field, a short drive from said. “I don’t think there’s starts.” body who has been in front African-American male “They just adore you,” his Sacramento home. anything perfect. Any- The Count Basie Or- of the band ... all the con- recipient of a Grammy he said. “It’s certainly not When you’re backed by body who has achieved chestra under the di- versation evolves around Award. Though Basie died like that here. The hospi- an orchestra that’s won 18 perfection, I don’t think it rection of Scotty Barn- who was where and when. in 1984 at 79, the orches- tality that’s show you, the Grammy Awards, what’s exists. You can have good hardt performs June Your ears are open.” tra continued. hotel accommodations. not to look forward to? days and bad days.” 6 at 7 p.m., Downtown Just thinking that he The orchestra began, The pay is better and the “There’s probably not a A good day would be Theatre, 1035 Texas St., was following someone believes Davis, “when respect is better. They ac- tighter big band in exis- Davis singing, especially Fairfield. For informa- like Sarah Vaughan, “you there was a need for danc- cept you.” tence,” Davis said, chuck- with a Big Band. It’s a tion, visit downtown- can get quite intimated,” ing and, at first, it was a Davis has performed ling that “I always equate genre America “does a theatre.com. Take us with you! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates and more. MAY 31- JUNE 6, 2018 THEREPORTER.COM | A+E E | 3 Sports this week Thursday, May 31 6:30 p.m. ESPN NCAA Softball SoccerPlex-- Boyds, Md. 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