Live Music Reports » Telluride Jazz Festival

2009 Telluride Jazz Festival – June 5th- 7th

Mel — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:30:10 +0000

: Outside of Telluride

Been off doing the working thing and not doing any updates since my last trip to Telluride, but here I am again for the Telluride Jazz Celebration.

Since I left the “Cubicle From Hell” at the end of 2008, my intention was to take a few months off, eat well, gain a few pounds and work a bit on this website and a few other ideas I have in my head. About a week went by and had a phone call from somebody I worked with a long time ago inquiring about my availability. I was initially reluctant but said he was looking for people to work from home.

Long story short, I moved from the “CFH” to the “Man Cave” and it is a much happier place to be…. but my original intentions went totally down the toilet. Well, I have gained a few pounds.

So I am back in the mountains for a little time away and here is what I have to offer as far as pics. My camera abilities seemed to have went to hell on Friday watching On The One and Ozomatli so that is why no photos of them, my bad…

Eyvind Kang (viola), Rudy Royston (drums) and Bill Frisell

Kenny Walker (bass), Paul Romaine (drums)

Telluride Jazz Allstars

Marco Benevento

Marco Benevento and Joe Russo

I am a little partial to the bands from New Orleans ( ok, a lot partial) so that is why I have a few more shots of them vs. other bands. I first saw Christian play with Donald Harrison several years ago and caught him with his own band at Voodoo Fest in 2007. A huge talent and if he is ever near you, make sure to catch a performance.

Christian Scott Quintet

Whatever butts where not out of the seats for Christian’s set, Rebirth Brass Band unearthed the rest of them. I can’t count how many times I have seen these guys over the years and even with a revolving crew of musicians they still are always a crowd favorite.

Rebirth Brass Band

Bill Frisell Trio

A great way to end Saturday with the funk of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Met him last year at JazzFest and was not only nice but extremely funny.

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe

The Balloon Festival was also going on this weekend and Rebirth did a 2nd line down Main St after the fest with the Balloon Glow. Wind was up a bit so the balloons were not out but they did have a few people letting off a little gas.

Rebirth Brass Band On Main St.

Rebirth Brass Band on Main St.

Young Rascalzz Jazz Project

Kenny Walker Sextet

The Donald Harrison Quintet started off playing straight jazz but toward the end of the set had the peep’s on their feet with New Orleans standards such as ”Iko Iko” and “Hey Pocky Way”. Huge kudos to the piano player who came down with altitude sickness but never missed a beat inhaling oxygen from a bottle the whole set. And for all the trivia buffs out there, I did not know that Christian is Donald’s nephew.

Donald Harrison Quintet

Hands down my favorite performance of the weekend was Lizz Wright. Not sure why she has not crossed my radar before but will be on my list as a must see in the DFW area or elsewhere. Not only great with her band but her voice certainly was fantastic a cappella.

Lizz Wright

The weekend ended with the Jimmy Herring Band with just straight up instrumental. Super tight band but after a few songs with the wind picking up and the sun going down, it was back to the hotel. Another great weekend in the Rocky Mountains….

Jimmy Herring Band

2008 Telluride Jazz Fest lineup is bouncing off the mountains

Mel — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:18:47 +0000

Ok, if the above picture can’t convince you to head for the Rocky Mountains for the Telluride Jazz Festival, then maybe the lineup can do the magic. I took this photo outside of Telluride last year on the ride up from Albuquerque for the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival.

The Neville Brothers
Dr. John
McCoy Tyner
Bettye LaVette
Maceo Parker
Joe Lovano
Dave Liebman Group
Simone
Grupo Fantasma
Chuscales
Maelstrom Trio featuring Skerik
Crescent Super Band
Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble

I was fortunate to make the trip last year for both the Jazz and Blue Festival’s and was one of the best getaways from the "Cubicle of Hell" in quite a while. I highly recommend either one, not just for the ambience but for the variety of musicians you will encounter.

Until Feb 21st, daily passes are $45, 3 day passes are $115 or $150 with a Access pass to the night shows ( highly recommended) or you can take the full ride and get the Patron Pass for $595 before it rises to $675. I did the Patron Pass last year, which is their version of a VIP Ticket, and I give two thumbs up.

The highlights of the rest of my excursion from 2007 : Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and my review of the VIP Package.

In case you are interested in the Telluride Blues Festival, here is my review of last year’s version: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and the VIP Package.

Telluride Jazz Festival Has a New Date

Mel — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:12:02 +0000

In order to get away from the rain that has haunted their festival the last few years, the Telluride Jazz Festival will move from the 1st weekend of August to the 1st weekend in June starting in 2008.

This move will combine the Jazz Festival and the Hot Air Balloon Festival on the same weekend so you can get two events for one price. I have never hung out with a lot of "balloon people", but I hear they are a fun crowd. They just tend to arise very early in the morning.

To celebrate the new dates, the Jazz Festival folks are giving ticket discounts for a limited time before they announce the lineup. I would highly recommend the Patron Pass, it is a sweet deal. Here is my review from this year for you to ponder over.

Telluride Jazz Festival VIP Review & Photos – 2007

Mel — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:07:12 +0000

The VIP package, which the festival calls the Patron Pass, cost me $675 and here is what was included in the price.

VIP Main Tent – Tent was huge and in front of the Main Stage about 25 yards away. Had plenty of tables and chairs as well as the bar and buffet line. In addition , there was a smaller tent with just chairs about 20 yards from stage. The VIP tent was open from when the grounds opened till it closed. Due to the intermittent rain, it was great to have some cover.

VIP Main Tent

Bar Area under VIP Main Tent

Food – We had appetizers with champagne and dinner on Friday, lunch and dinner on Saturday and brunch and dinner on Sunday served buffet style. This was by far the best food I have had at a festival this year with most of it cooked on site and very fresh. Different types of salads, usually two entrees with sides and desserts as well an assortment of cheeses, raw vegetables and other appetizers.

Off Site Food - An Opening Party at the Elinoff Gallery with champagne, wine and hor d’oeuvres and a Patron Party with a dinner buffet and margaritas at Los Montanas on Thursday. Saturday night there was a reception at Azadi Rugs with more wine,champagne and a selection of heavy hor d’oeuvres. Closing out the festival was another Patron’s party at Los Montanas with a buffet as well as several choices of alcohol beverages. Yes, my waist line took a beating, but well worth it….

Food area under VIP Main Tent

Drinks - No limit to the drinks, but being at 9,000 ft. of elevation I tended to watch myself a bit. Kendall-Jackson winery was a sponsor so you had your choice of a variety of red or white wines. Finlandia Vodka was also a sponsor and you had your pick of any of their flavors of vodka as well as gin, whiskey and other spirits. Korbel Champagne was available as well as Tuaca liqueur ( went well with coffee). Also had a couple of local beers on tap, soft drinks and Evian water as well as plenty of coffee. Most generous drink area of any festival so far….Gotta love it….

Wine and champagne at the VIP Main Tent

Well used bartenders at the VIP Main Tent

Coffee station (came in handy for fuzzy head in the morning)

Viewing of the Stage – At the Main Stage, you could stand about 6 feet away which made for great picture taking. Never was crowded down in front as most people sat in the chairs close to stage or in the tents. The only festival this year I was this close to the stages was at Wakarusa. This was a sweet perk…..

VIP Seating Area at the Main Stage

Music at night – Patrons had priority access to several venues in town at night as most of the musicians who played at the festival during the day also had shows after the sun went down. Most of these shows went for $20-$30 so getting in first to get a seat for talents such as Roy Hargrove and Esparanza Spalding was worth it.

Extras – We recieved a Telluride Jazz Festival cloth bag filled with lots of schwag such as a seat cushion, several Clif protein bars, couple of water bottles, small bottle of Tuaca liqueur and a poster and info from the Telluride tourism board.

Camping – It was not part of the package, but the campground was less than a five minute walk from the festival grounds. It was $35 for a camping permit and $50 for a car permit for the weekend and it was not crowded as most people stayed in hotels or condos. Hot showers were $2 for five minutes and bathrooms were cleaned daily.

This was the most expensive VIP Package I bought this year for a festival, but it was well worth the price. You were never crowded, the food and drink were plentiful and the music was of the highest caliber. I have no problem either recommending this to any music lover or coming back next year. I am returning for the Blues and Brew Festival in September and was told that the VIP treatment is very similar…Nice…..

The festival is contemplating a move to the 1st weekend of June next year to avoid the on and off rains they have had during the 1st weekend of August for several years. I learned a long time ago when I first started going to JazzFest in New Orleans that you have to roll with the flow as far as weather, but it might be a good idea to make a change and will probably result in more attendance.

If all of this does not convince you to come for 2008, then I leave you with a few pics of the views from the festival grounds.

In and around the festival

In and around the festival

In and around the festival

In and around the festival

Telluride Jazz Festival Review and Photos – Day 3 – 8/5/07

Mel — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:54:06 +0000

The 3^rd day starts off with a few showers but slows down by the time Roberta Gambarini takes the stage.

Roberta, who was backed by the Eric Gunnison Trio, tries to brighten the day with “Sunny Side Of The Street” by Louis Armstrong. She moves on from there with “Lover, Come Back To Me” that has been recorded by Nat King Cole and Billy Holliday among others and then asks for a vote from the crowd whether they wanted a country or a jazz song. The vote swayed on the country side and that was my cue to turn around and grab my first drink of the day.

**Roberta Gambarini with Eric Gunnison Trio**

But Roberta did a great job with “Crazy” by Willie Nelson so I guess should not be so judgemental with the C&W crowd…… but I finished my drink anyway. She ends with another Nat King Cole classic, “The Very Thought Of You” with her doing a fair impersonation of a trumpet player in mid-song. Very talented lady with a great voice and a nice start to the day.

Next up was the Steve Turre Quintet, who has never showed up on my radar to my recollection. A trombone player with immense talent, I was just as impressed with the quality of his band members. Steve is known as well for his playing of the conch shells, which I certainly have no past memory of anybody doing.

**Steve Turre Quintet**

**Steve on the "shell"**

The rain is pouring down by the time the Bill Frisell Trio graces the stage and continues through most of his set. I honestly did not pay much attention as I was talking amongst the other festival goers, but I guess as a good sign toward the end of his set a rainbow appears not far from grounds as the clouds break, so maybe the rain will finally go away for a while.

**Bill Frisell Trio in the rain**

**Rainbow**

Soulive closed the last day of the festival, a soul-funk band based out of the northeast that was a last minute replacement for Auturo Sandoval, who cancelled about 3 weeks ago. One of the main reasons I came to the festival was to see Auturo so I was a bit bummed out when I found out. But I also have been wanting to see Soulive for a while now so I will roll with the punches.

**Eric Krasno and Neal Evans of Soulive**

They come out with passion as Neal Evans working the keyboards feverishly and the dancing is in full force in front of the stage. With a new album “No Place Like Soul” released just days before, it was clear they wanted to show with the addition of Toussaint this fest was going to end in grand fashion.

**Alan Evans, Toussaint, Eric and Neal**

After Alan, Eric and Neal warmed up the crowd into a frenzy, Toussaint appeared to continue the jam bouncing off the mountains. He sang several songs off the recent album including "Mary", but saved some of the best for last.

At last year’s show for the fest, they walked around 10 minutes before the set and came up with "Waterfall", inspired obviously by the rushing water in the following video.

I thought this was the end of the set, so I grab my backpack and head to the campground but I continued to hear them for another 15 minutes as I get ready to hit the town for some dinner. Great way to end the festival and a solid replacement for Auturo….

I spend the next couple of hours at Las Montanas, grubbing out, drinking wine and listening to members of the Telluride Student All Stars Jazz Ensemble and Arizona Jazz Academy Sextet interact on stage with the Roy Hargrove Quintet. Now I thought that is a great way to end my time in Telluride… But wait…..

I walk past the Fly Me to the Moon on my way to the campground and find a band is in town called Groovesect. The flyer claimed they were the #1 funk band in New Orleans so I had to see these guys as I highly doubt that. But after listening to them for about 30 minutes I have to give them two thumbs up. The Meters they are not, but they have their own style so I look forward to seeing them again. Roy Hargrove and Montez Coleman even came down for a short while to sit in…. Now that is the way to end my stay in Telluride….But wait….

I am coming back next month for the Telluride Blues and Brew Festival….Sweet!!!!

Telluride Jazz Festival Review and Photos – Day 2 – 8/4/07

Mel — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 04:04:41 +0000

In the misting rain and temp in the high 50’s, I arrive for the 2^nd day at the beginning of the set of the Esperanza Spalding Trio and what a way to begin the afternoon.

Esperanza Spalding is a wonder at the upright bass and with Leo Genovese on the piano and Lynden Rochelle on the drums, they formed one of the tightest threesome’s I have witnessed in some time. I had seen about ½ of her set on the previous night at the Sheridan Opera House, so I knew what to expect but she and the guys brought it up another level to blow away the rain for a while.

**Esperanza Spalding and Lyndon Rochelle**

She performed a variety of musical styles from jazz to hip-hop and just her voice alone would win awards, but the effortless way she plays the bass just blew me away. Even as young as she is, she had great praise for a lady of the past, Nina Simone, with a fantastic rendition of “Wild As The Wind” and finishing the set with “Body and Soul” that has been sung by a variety of artists such as Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald.

**Leo Genovese, Esperanza and Lyndon**

At 22 years old, Esperanza is the youngest faculty member at the Berklee School of Music, which has graduates of the pedigree of John Scofield, Branford Marsalis and Quincy Jones. Even though she has accomplished a lot in a span of two decades, there is no limit to what she could do and would not be surprised to see her name among the jazz greats one day.

**Esperanza and Lyndon**

I meandered around the festival grounds during the Giacomo Gates set, who was backed by the Eric Gunnison Trio. He was part singer and part historian as he started off each song with background on who wrote and performed the tune. His music ranged anywhere from Max Roach, Duke Ellington, Theolonius Monk and back to the days of the Ink Spots. I can’t say I was moved by his singing style, but at least my education of the jazz world was expanded.

**Giacomo Gates with the Eric Gunnison Trio**

The skies had cleared by the time the Roy Hargrove Quintet landed on stage and judging by reactions of people who had caught his set the night before at the Micheal Palm Theater, I needed to stay in one place rather than wandering aimlessly. I am glad I did.

**Justin Robinson and Roy Hargrove**

Roy was found by Wynton Marsalis at the Booker T. Washington School for the Visual and Perforning Arts in Dallas. Wynton invited him to sit in with him at the Caravan of Dreams in Fort Worth, a great venue no longer in existance and sorely missed by me. After more sit-ins with Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock, he moved up to Boston, then NYC to continue his education both formally in school and informally in various clubs. Now with two Grammy Awards under his belt, he has come of age since his days playing in the DFW area.

With Justin Robinson on the sax, they take center stage and hold court on how to make the best out of your brass instruments. Alternating solos as well as playing together on center stage, Roy and Justin makes me realize what it would have been like to listen to Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker back in the day.

Montez Coleman playing the drums with a constant smile on his face, Danton Boller on the bass working the hell out the neck and Gerald Payton on piano, sweet sounds continued to emit from the stage from funk to Cuban and just jazz.

**Justin, Montez Coleman and Roy**

Roy gave each of the gentlemen their own time to shine, as he stood off to the side with his eyes closed as if in a trance, bobbing his head to the beat and occasionally breaking out in a dance step or a wide grin. He changed trumpets halfway through the set and went into a duo with Gerald on piano with some soft jazz tones.

I was within earshot of a lady who said "Listening to Roy Hargrove was an experience somewhere between an orgasm and an answer to a prayer”…… I don’t think I can top that analogy.

**Roy Hargrove on flugelhorn**

Last up for the day was the Trio Beyond, which consisted of John Scofield on guitar, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Larry Goldings on keyboard. I haven’t seen this chapter of John Scofield’s many musical looks, so I just sit back and enjoy.

**Larry Goldings, Jack DeJohnette and John Scofield**

John and Jack played in Miles Davis’ band and Larry Goldings resume includes work with Pat Matheny and Michael Brecker among others. Since they received a Grammy nomination for their album, Trio Beyond – Saudades, I expected a heavyweight show and I was not disappointed.

**Jack DeJohnette and John Scofield**

They played a variety of songs from their own material to such musicicans such as Woody Shaw, Larry Young , Ornette Coleman and John McLaughlin. For a group that does not play together very often, these professionals had no trouble seeing eye-to-eye on the stage and the crowd showed their appreciation. From Scofield’s ferocious licks on the guitar, Larry’s relentless stroking of the keys and Jack’s calm and collected presence behind the array of skins and brass, this was a great way to head off into the sunset.

**Larry, Jack and John**

I head into town for a quick bite and was hoping for a late night listening to more music, but drinking a little too much alcohol in the thin air made me realize that retreating back to my tent was a better option. But with a day of Esperanza and Roy and finished off with Scofield, how much better could the night have been…..

Telluride Jazz Festival Review and Photos – Day 1 – 8/3/07

Mel — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:10:00 +0000

The day starts off gloomy and overcast as Bola Abimbola with Wazobia begins the first day of the Telluride Jazz Festival. Bola is originally from Nigeria and now makes residence in Denver and he brings his own brand of music called "Fujupop", which is collection of rhythms and melodies from West Africa with a more up to date style.

Bola has quite the collection of percussionists for accompaniment as the skies clear as on cue with his first song. He does every song in his set in his native language but the groove coming from the stage gets the heads to bobbing and hips to gyrating in the crowd.

**Bola Abimbola**

**Bola Abimbola backup singers**

Next up on the agenda is the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio. Dr. Smith is an accomplished musician whose mastery of the Hammond B3 organ has brought him to the same stage as Etta James, George Benson and Gladys Knight. He is very comfortable with his sidekicks as the improvisations are in high gear and is gracious enough to give them a bit of time in the spotlight near mid-set.

His musical tastes run from jazz to funk and plays to all ages of the crowd. The younger generation showed their approval with "Your Momma’s Got A Complex" to the older sect with a variety of lounge music that was more comical than anything. Certainly a good warmup for the next act.

**Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio**

The "Guest of Honor" for this weekend’s festival, John Scofield, graces the stage with keyboard whiz, John Medeski and drummer Adam Deitch.Scofield is one of the most versatile guitarists around today as he plays with a variety of musicians such as Phil Lesh, Warren Haynes as well as Mediski’s other playing partners, Billy Martin and Chris Wood. He has seemed comfortable with any version I have ever had the pleasure to witness in person.

**Adam Deitch and John Scofield**

This trio starts off with a variety of jams as the field general, Scofield, directs his troops into a musical war of instruments. Medeski and Deitch head off into a keyboard / drum duel before they sit back with grins and watch the boss have his own shining moment stretching the strings on his Ibanez guitar.

Scofield really gets down to business when he places his glasses on top of head and the tempo goes up a few notches as John and Adam also show they are up to the challenge to keep up with the elder statesman.

This set comes to an end too soon with a Stevie Wonder tune as the Mo-Town sound would continue with the last act of the day.

**John Medeski, Adam Deitch and John Scofield**

I have never seen Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings before, but some Detroit inspired soul music bouncing off the mountains in Telluride seemed like a fitting end to the first day as the sun finally makes an appearance for the first time.

**The Dap Kings**

**Homer Steinwass, Sharon Jones, Bosco Mann, Binky Griptite**

The Dap Kings warmed up the crowd first before Sharon hit the stage with "Not Going To Cry Anymore" and "How Do I Let A Good Man Down", the first of many relationship / love songs she hit upon today. Sharon shared with the crowd some of the singles off her upcoming album as well as show off some of her many dance moves.

**Sharon, Bosco and Binky**

She belted out with a song about the length of time you should stay in a bad relationship with "How Long" as well as the fast moving antics of young men in bed in "Be Easy, Baby". She motioned for Adam Deitch to center stage for a little dance action which brought huge applause and laughter from the crowd.

She ended with a montage of songs from the "Godfather of Funk", James Brown, which included "It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World" as well as imitating some of his dance moves. Nobody can do it like Brown could, but Sharon is certainly one of the most energetic entertainers I have seen in quite a while.

**Sharon Jones and Adam Deitch**

Living a tough life in Telluride for the Jazz Festival

Mel — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:07:34 +0000

I arrive late yesterday afternoon and was immediately struck by the natural beauty that surrounds Telluride. Mountains, plenty of trees and temperature in the 70’s.

I arrive at the campsite fairly early and was able to pick out a spot with a great view (see below) and a stream running nearby. The background noise of the water running over the rocks made for great sleeping last night, especially after one too many dark lagers at Las Montanas.

Driving into Telluride

View from my Campsite – Not so bad

Heading to the Telluride Jazz Festival and Streaming Audio

Mel — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:09:25 +0000

In a well timed escape from the heat and humidity of the DFW area, I am heading west to the Telluride Jazz Festival for a change of pace. I have not been to this area of Colorado since I was a kid and thought it was a good warm-up for next month when I return for the Blues and Brew Festival. Oh, the sacrifices I make……

I was a bit bummed when I learned last week that Arturo Sandoval had cancelled, but they still have a strong lineup that will be highlighted by John Scofield.

John is the “Guest of Honor” for this festival and I have been looking forward to this since I saw him playing at the Mountain Jam with Phil Lesh and Friends. I will certainly be front and center when he teams up with John Medeski and Adam Deitch.

WWOZ 90.7 FM out of my native New Orleans will be doing live streaming audio from the festival grounds all weekend. Click here and hit the Listen Online button on the upper right hand side.

The fun starts on Friday with:

Bola Abimbola
Dr. Lonnie Smith w/ Peter Bernstein
John Scofield, John Medeski & Adam Deitch
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

Talent on Saturday includes:

Telluride Student All Stars Jazz Ensemble
Tradiciones
Esperanza Spalding Trio
Giacomo Gates w/ Eric Gunnison Trio
Roy Hargrove Quintet
Trio Beyond w/John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Larry Goldings

Bringing an end to the festivities Sunday:

Arizona Jazz Academy Sextet
Roberta Gambarini w/ Eric Gunnison Trio
Steve Turre Quintet
Bill Frisell Trio
Soulive (replaced Arturo Sandoval)