Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 05/23/15
...this time, the Jacksonville JAZZ Festival weekend.
Checked
in, washed my face and hands and headed for a beverage and music. In the lobby
of the Hyatt a quartet of young men were playing. "KoolJazz by Unique
Sound". At the keyboard we had Eric Wright. On drums was Devin Way.
Playing guitar, Mike Ferguson and on alto sax Jarel Harris. A nice tight group
playing some 'Bird", Grover and Monk. Out the door and up the street was
the UNF JAZZ Ensemble. Big Band at its best. Excellent soloists on both tunes I
listened to. Ellington's "Moten Swing" and Xavier Cugats "Tico
Tico".
Hitched a ride on a 'bike taxi' to Jacksonville Landing for Mama
Blue a local star. I arrived in time to catch her doing "Stormy
Weather" and was duly impressed. I didn't get band member names except for
Eric Green on tenor sax. I must say everyone in the group could
"Blow". Outstanding solos by each in turn. Mama Blue's program had
some standards including "St. Louis BLUES", What A Difference A Day
Makes", "At Last" and "Paper Moon". I had heard Debbie
Orta's "paper" Wednesday night. Different gals, different song.
Mama is also a talented composer and did some of her originals.
"Sweetness Is Gone", "None the Wiser", "At the
Time", "For A While" and what should be on every soul singers playlist, "Leave the Light On".
Enjoyed every single note of the
performance.
Next up was the Ryan Monteno band. Ryan himself is a star of
screen and TV. Additionally he plays trumpet and fronts an absolutely great
band. I did some research but could not find members names. Let it suffice to
say that the tenor man was great. The keyboardist was great. The drummer was
great and the bass was great. Even Ryan was great. "Put It All Together
You Get" GREAT JAZZ.
Worn
out from the drive and all the afternoon fresh air----off to bed and looking
forward towards Saturday's programs.
Al's Disclaimer:
A
short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not
book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review
artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by
anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like
what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I
never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would
you like to dance?"
~ ~ ~
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