Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2016 Event Program

EVENT PROGRAM

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Welcome Dear Guests: I am pleased to welcome you to the 2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival, one of our city’s most exciting signature events. In this annual tradition, talented and world-class musicians and artists come to Florida’s First Coast to delight audiences of all ages. For months, staff members and sponsors have worked diligently to produce a weekend of acts and festivities for us to enjoy. I thank you for honoring them with your attendance!

We are incredibly excited about the festival’s return to downtown. Few places throughout this country can provide a scene rich with culture, heritage and energy like our very own community. I look forward to great music and memories to be shared with family and friends.

Enjoy the festival! .

Sincerely,

“Jazz music is America's past and its potential, summed up and sanctified and accessible to anybody who learns to listen to, feel, and understand it.

The music can connect us to our earlier selves and to our better selves-to-come.

It can remind us of where we fit on the time line of human achievement, an ultimate value of art.”

— Wynton Marsalis

Lenny Curry Mayor

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Performer Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Jazz Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Jazz Store & 2016 Poster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Festival Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Piano Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Festival Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Jazz Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Omni Sacred Jazz Brunch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

HEADLINERS Friday, May 27 Snarky Puppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dr. John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

McCoy Tyner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benny Golson Quartet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18 19 21 23

Saturday, May 28 Jon Batiste and Stay Human. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Somi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yellowjackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lizz Wright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

34 35 36 38

40 Generation neXt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Sunday, May 29 KEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nathan East. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cyrille Aimée. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dizzie Gillespie™ Afro-Cuban Experience . . . . .

Jamison Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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48 49 50 52 53

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

FRIDAY, MAY 27 Swingin’ Stage

presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority

Festival open 4-11 p.m. Music starts at 5 p.m.

Groovin’ Stage

Breezin’ Stage presented by Moe’s

Main St. and Monroe St.

Hemming Park

Chris Godber 5:30-7 p.m.

Longineu Parsons Ensemble 5-6 p.m.

UNF Jazz Ensemble I 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dr. John 7:30-9 p.m.

Benny Golson Quartet 6:30 -8 p.m.

Spice and the Po’Boys 7-8:30 p.m.

Snarky Puppy 9:30-11 p.m.

McCoy Tyner 8:30-10 p.m.

The Jacksonville Landing

presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority

9 p.m. – Midnight

Festival open 1-11 p.m. Music starts at 2 p.m.

Groovin’ Stage

presented by Moe’s

Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition Winner 2:30-3 p.m.

DA Jazz Band 2-3 p.m.

JU Jazz Faculty 2-3 p.m.

Warren Wolf & The Wolfpack 3:30-5 p.m.

Charenée Wade 3:30-5 p.m.

The Chris Thomas Band 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Somi 5:30-7 p.m.

Lizz Wright 5:30-7 p.m.

Terry “Doc” Handy 5-6 p.m.

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah 7:30-9 p.m.

Ken Ford 7:30-9 p.m.

Mark Pender

Jon Batiste & Stay Human 9:30-11 p.m.

Yellowjackets 9:30-11 p.m.

MORE PERFORMANCES:

Jazz Fest Clinic Presented by Buffet Crampon

presented by Buffet Crampon

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Generation neXt

featuring Nicholas Cole, Lin Rountree & Lebron

Jazz Parade starts at the corner of Monroe and Laura Streets

2 p.m.

Jazz After Dark see page 11 for more details or visit JazzFestAfterDark.com 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

8-9:30 p.m.

Festival open 1-10 p.m. Music starts at 2 p.m.

Groovin’ Stage

Main St. and Monroe St.

Hemming Park

John Lumpkin and The Covenant 2:30-4 p.m.

Eric Carter & Co. 2:30 -4 p.m.

Cyrille Aimée 4:30-6 p.m.

Jamison Ross 4:30-6 p.m.

Nathan East 6:30-8 p.m.

Dizzy Gillespie™ Afro-Cuban Experience 6:30-8 p.m.

KEM 8:30-10 p.m.

The Jacksonville Landing

10 a.m. - noon

SUNDAY, MAY 29

Breezin’ Stage

Hemming Park

presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority

see page 11 for more details or visit JazzFestAfterDark.com 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Hosted by the Lisa Kelly/ JB Scott Quintet

Main St. and Monroe St.

Swingin’ Stage

Jazz After Dark

Jazz Jam Session

SATURDAY, MAY 28 Swingin’ Stage

MORE PERFORMANCES:

Breezin’ Stage presented by Moe’s

The Jacksonville Landing

Jimmy Beats 2-3 p.m.

Gary Starling Group

featuring Russell George

3:30-4:30 p.m.

MORE PERFORMANCES:

Omni Sacred Jazz Brunch

The Noel Freidline Quintet featuring Maria Howell 11 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Pierre & Co. 5-6 p.m.

Bobby Lee Rogers Jazz Trio 6:30-8 p.m.

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 5 5

Jazz Marketplace offers an exciting shopping experience in the heart of the festival. Wind your way through award-winning artists, master craftspeople, specialty vendors, and existing

downtown establishments. The marketplace will feature unique wares such as hand-made clothing, jewelry, original art and other handcrafted items.

Downtown Cigar Lounge

Trade Exchange

Love Your Hats!

Frankie Alice’s Beachside Boutique

Barefoot Girl Images Photography

Dana’s Treasures

All 4 You

LifenBlackandWhite

bou’Tique 3:16

Authentic Me Enterprises

Jacksonville Jazz Society, Inc.

The Classic Maven Boutique

Ricky Steele Designs

MBellish by CharMega

Bonnie Jayne Art

Copper Head Metal Arts

nine14creations.com, LLC

Savannah Essentials DBA Pure Shea Store

African Art Market Place

Homeport Soapworks

The Elegant Elephant

The Bead Bowl

Negro League

Holdster 2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 7

The day that every girl dreams of is finally here. The guests are seated, the flowers are arranged beautifully, and the rings are ready to be exchanged. A er you take that memorable trip down the aisle, it is time to celebrate with friends and family.

Whether you are dancing in overalls or a tuxedo, you are bound to work up an appetite. So say “I Do” to Barbecue or spend the rest of your days with something more “gourmet” with Bono’s and Pastiche Catering. We vow to make your event as memorable as the future that lies ahead.

BONO’S & PASTICHE CATERING From no ties to bow ties.

904.332.7427

Map is not drawn to scale. Locations subject to change.

Jazz Store

City Hall at St. James

DUVAL

JULIA

Groovin’ Stage

Main Street Park

Main Library

Hemming Park

MONROE

Ed Ball Building

Swingin’ Stage

Visit Jacksonville

1

ADAMS

OCEAN

MAIN

Since its inception in 1981, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival has presented itself with striking visual imagery in the form of the official poster. Over the years, talented local artists have contributed their unique touch to this much anticipated and collectible piece of marketing and memorabilia.

The festival is proud to present this year’s poster design by local artist and designer, Karen Kurycki.

2

LAURA

Commemorative Poster

Federal Courthouse

FORSYTH

JULIA

Commemorate your experience at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival with some official gear! This year’s merchandise includes t-shirts, cups, hats, posters and other items to keep you cool.

The Official Jazz Festival Store is conveniently located in the heart of the festival at the Visit Jacksonville Visitor Center on Laura Street.

Be sure to check out the other exciting activities and attractions Jacksonville has to offer while you are here!

MOCA Jacksonville

s

Th T

BAY

JAX Chamber Omni Hotel Jacksonville

WATER

INDEPENDENT

The Jacksonville Landing

COASTL

3

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Northbank Riverwalk

Main Street Bridge

About the Design and Artist

Karen Kurycki is a designer/ illustrator in Jacksonville, FL. Design is her passion and she loves to combine illustration with design in her commercial work.

Karen has been experimenting with watercolor since her days at Kent State University, embracing its unpredictability and the surprises that can come out of using it. She admits that in her view of the world she usually sees the humorous, the quirky, the slightly off “normal”, which she tries to communicate through her design and illustration.

When thinking of Jacksonville, Kurycki is drawn to the beautiful

skylines and the architecture of its bridges, and the river that is central to its identity. In coming up with a concept for the poster, she wanted to somehow combine Jacksonville the City with an element of Jazz the Music to be symbolic of that merger during the festival. Kurycki chose bright,

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 9

vibrant colors to represent the energy and atmosphere the event brings to our city. Like jazz, which can be quite unpredictable, she worked in watercolor—a medium that often surprises the artist in how the colors interact with one another while drying.

ST

Welcome to

Jacksonville!

It’s time to explore everything our city has to offer! For things to do, dining options and more, check out visitjacksonville.com

TRY THE NEW

Festival Happenings AARP Block Party

Find the AARP Block Party at the intersection of W. Adams and N. Laura Streets.

Whether you have been performing all your life or you are ready to face your fear, all are welcome! Take the stage and lipsync to jazzy versions of classic and contemporary songs. What gets you jazzed? Tell us on the interactive wall.

Welcome To Moe’s!

Swing by and ROCK OUT to some Honestly Awesome Food! While your hanging around, be sure to test your luck with one of our games where you can score FREE stuff like Moe’s Gear, Burritos, Caterings and much more. Or if you are just looking to kill some time, just stop by and sing us your favorite tune! We don’t mind….

That How We Roll!

Guest Services Presented By UF Health

Visit one of the Guest Service booths presented by UF Health and let our helpful volunteers answer any questions about the festival and pick up your free UF Health Glow Stick. See the map inside the guide for locations.

Jazz After Dark

“Jazz After Dark” returns for another year! Following the last act of the festival lineup each night, enjoy even more live music from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Participating bars and clubs are located within a couple of blocks from the Jazz Festival stages.

Lowe’s

Stop by our garden and patio display with outdoor grilling features. Meet our experts and let us help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams! You can also register to win a Lowe’s gift card. Check out our pop-up Jazz Garden piano fountains for the perfect photo opportunity.

SLURPEE

V101.5

Stop by the V101.5 tent and get all the details about Sista Strut—our inaugural 3K Breast Cancer Strut— plus register to win 4 Disney Florida Resident Annual Passes!

B96.3 Jams

Stop by the B96.3 Jams Booth for your chance to win a Weekend Getaway on St Simons Island, and stay at the Beautiful Ocean Lodge Hotel… Plus get all the details about Sista Strut our inaugural 3K Breast Cancer Strut…

JAX Wholesale Kitchens & Baths

Stop by JAX Wholesale Baths & Kitchens display to register-to-win a free granite countertop for your kitchen and bath!

(Saturday Only)

It’s partee time, people!

We’re going BIG to celebrate Slurpee Fiftee all year long and you’re invited to join the fun at Slurpee.com. Check out the Slurpee Mobile this Saturday for samples of the world’s coolest drink.

Jazz “2nd Line” Parade Presented By iHeart Media

In true New Orleans jazz fashion, you won’t want to miss the Second Line Jazz Parade winding through the streets on Saturday, May 28 at 2 p.m.

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 13

©2011 The Coca-Cola Company.

JA

JA

N CK SO V I LLE

Z Z F S T I VA L E The Hon. Jake Godbold 1999

Dan Kossoff 1999

Mike Tolbert 1999

Ira Koger 2000

Rich Matteson 2000

The Hon. Elaine Brown 2003

Marcus Roberts 2003

Dick Brown 2004

Vic DiGenti 2004

Jack Melvin 2016

For over fifteen years Jack Melvin, Jr. has been an integral part of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. As owner of Keyboard Connections, Jack is a dedicated educator, sharing his passion and love of music by teaching over 100 students a week. Jack’s support of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival began with the Great American Piano Competition, now known as the world renowned Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. He has been an advocate for the Youth Jazz Competition, formerly known as the Generation Next Youth Talent Competition. Jack’s support of the event, dedication to the community, passion for Jazz and pianos have played a large role in making the event possible.

Cecil Cole 2005

Teddy Washington 2006

Longineu Parsons 2006

Von Barlow 2007

Dr. Bill Prince 2008

Joyce Hellman Bizot 2009

Bob Bednar 2010

Na’im Rashid 2010

The Hon. Bill Chappell 2011

Bunky Green 2011

Bernard “Womack” Howard 2012

Gary Starling 2012

Lisa Kelly 2013

Theresa O’Donnell Price 2013

Ace Martin 2014

Noel Freidline 2015

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 15

The Master of Ceremony

MAY 26, 2016

The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, presented by Keyboard Connection, has been a staple in the annual festival for over 20 years. Pianists from around the world compete for a cash prize and chance to play on the main festival stage. Held at the historic Florida Theatre, the Piano Competition serves as the official opening event of the 2016 Jazz Festival.

Noel Freidline returns to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival as the Master of Ceremonies for the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition.

The Rhythm

The Finalists

Dennis Marks has performed with many of the great musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Liebman, Bob Mintzer, and Pat Metheny. He appeared on Sandoval’s GRAMMY® Award-Winning Hot-House.

Bill Alexson currently resides in Nashville and and is pianist, composer and music educator. He was named the winner of the 2012 West Virginia University Jazz Piano Competition and also received the Belmont University’s Award of Outstanding Achievement in Music in 2013. In 2015, he was the featured soloist on George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, which he performed with the Nashville Collegiate Orchestra.

Zach Bartholomew, a Florida native, was born in Tallahassee and graduated cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Jazz Studies. His trio has performed all around the country and in Europe on Princess Cruise Lines.

He has recently been awarded a full tuition waiver from the University of Miami Frost School of Music to pursue the doctorate of musical arts in jazz instrumental performance.

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Former U.S. Navy Commodores drummer, Clyde Conner, is a renowned drummer and educator and has performed at the notable Blues Alley jazz club, the Big Apple Circus in Reston, VA, as the “Pops” drummer with the Baltimore Symphony.

The Judges

Masayoshi Ishikawa, originally from Fukushima, Japan, came to the United States in 2003 for his collegiate musical education where he discovered his passion for jazz. As a pianist, Ishikawa has performed at festivals and concerts throughout Italy, China and the US. His composition, “Hotaru” (firefly), was selected as the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Student Music Awards in Graduate Original Composition for Small Ensemble.

Lynne Arriale has performed internationally for the past 25 years on festival and concert stages throughout Europe, the UK, Japan, China, Canada, Australia and the US, has recorded 13 highly acclaimed CDs as a leader and is Professor of Jazz Studies at UNF.

Takeshi Ohbayashi studied film scoring and composition at Tokyo College of Music, where he discovered his calling to jazz during his freshmen year. Ohbayashi continued his education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and was selected to be a part of the Berklee Global Institute, led

by Danillo Perez. Ohbayashi currently resides in New York City, where he leads “New Century Jazz Quintet”, co-founded with Ulysses Owens Jr.

Oscar Perez, 1997 UNF Alumni, is an in demand pianist, composer and educator living in the NY area. He placed second in this competition in 2014.

Oscar has recorded critically acclaimed CDs and is part of the Saturday lineup performing with Charenée Wade.

Ben Rosenblum is a New York-based jazz pianist/ composer and currently attends the joint program between Columbia University and Julliard School of Music. His work has garnered numerous awards, including the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers award in 2010, the Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Original Song in 2010 and the Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Arrangement in 2011.

Naim Rashid, 2010 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame Inductee, is a retired Navy Broadcast Journalist, Jazz radio host, founder and former president of the Jacksonville Jazz Society. He is currently a volunteer jazz announcer on Flagler College Radio (WFCF-FM 88.5).

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Whether you are a professional or a beginner.

All roads lead to Keyboard Connection your official Yamaha Piano Dealer!

To purchase the piano of your dreams visit Keyboard Connection today!

9912 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL KeyboardConnectionJax.com • 880-0002

Snarky Puppy Snarky Puppy is truly a different kind of musical animal. The once Texan, now New York-based GRAMMY Award-winning quasicollective has gone from the bestkept secret to one of the most respected names in instrumental music. Although still “underground� in many respects, the band has earned high praise from critical stalwarts like the BBC, Village Voice, Guardian, and Boston Herald, and has performed at some of the best venues and festivals in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Led by award-winning bassist, guitarist, and composer arranger Michael League, Snarky Puppy seamlessly fuses a deep knowledge and respect for musical tradition with

sonic and conceptual innovation in a way that is able to reach the most critical- or most carefreeaudience. The convergence of musicians from white and black America, which occurred while the band was in its adolescence at the University of North Texas, has naturally established a system of balance that instantly draws listeners to the music- raw funk and sensitive dynamics, relentless pocket and lyrical melodicism, lush harmony and soulful simplicity, and most importantly, a delicate mixture of composition, harmony, melody and improvisation.

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2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Snarky Puppy is a three-headed creature: first, and most obviouslyan original music ensemble.

Second- a production team and session band for individual artists. Third, and probably most importantly- Snarky Puppy is a group of musicians enthusiastically committed to music education and community outreach. Working with groups like ROAM (Roots Of American Music) in inner city Cleveland and the Music Lab at Jefferson Center in Roanoke, as well as giving clinics at hundreds of colleges, high schools, and middle schools worldwide, the band has made a strong commitment to spreading their love of music and general positivity to a young generation looking for something real to be inspired by.

Dr. John The legendary Dr. John is a six-time GRAMMY Awardwinning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Known throughout the world as the embodiment of New Orleans’ musical legacy, Dr. John is a true icon in American culture. His colorful musical career began in the 1950s when he wrote and played guitar on some of the greatest records to come out of the Crescent City, including recordings

by Professor Longhair, Art Neville, Joe Tex and Frankie Ford.

Dr. John headed west in the 1960s, where he continued to be in demand as a session musician, playing on records by Sonny and Cher, Van Morrison,

Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main St. During that time he launched his solo career, developing the charismatic persona of Dr. John the Nite Tripper. A legend was born with his breakthrough 1968 album Gris-Gris, which introduced to the world his unique blend of voodoo mysticism, funk, rhythm & blues, psychedelic rock and Creole roots. Several of his many career highlights include the masterful album Sun, Moon and Herbs in 1971 which included cameos from Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger and 1973’s In the Right Place, which contained the chart hits “Right Place Wrong Time” and “Such A Night.” In addition to his

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 19

six GRAMMY wins (1989, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008 and 2013), he has received six other GRAMMY nominations over the years.

In 2013, Dr. John was awarded an honorary doctorate from Tulane University alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

On August 19, 2014, Dr. John released Ske-Dat-De-Dat… The Spirit Of Satch on Concord Records, an album in tribute to another larger-than-life New Orleans legend, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. After a half century of creating music for others and himself, Dr. John continues to write, arrange, produce and interpret with a passion that has yet to wane.

Chris

Godber

Chris Godber isn’t just another sax player. When Godber performs, his goal is not just to entertain, but to inspire. Despite being told by doctors he wouldn’t be able to play the saxophone

due to the severity of his asthma, Chris Godber took to it anyway.

Picking up the sax in middle school band at age 12, Godber has been leaving others breathless ever since. His performance is

invigorating and inspiring. As Chris put it, “God blessed my playing and gave me the ability to play even with my asthma, so all Glory goes to Him. I tell my story everywhere that I play because I want it to resonate with people just as much as my music. You never know who’s out there listening and who needs to hear that the message of God’s grace, hope and healing. That’s why I do what I do.”

Godber’s latest album, Starting Over has taken the airwaves by storm. The first two singles, “Rain” and “Chill” landed him on the Top 50 charts of smoothjazz. com. “Rain” hit #6 on Groove Jazz Music Charts; both can be heard on SIRIUS XM’s Watercolors where they receive steady airplay.

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2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner’s blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music. His harmonic contributions and dramatic rhythmic devices form the vocabulary of a majority of jazz pianists.

In the summer of 2005, Tyner joined forces with the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York and became the first client of Blue Note Management. That summer, Tyner began work on some unique projects, including performances with tap-dancer Savion Glover and the development of the Impulse!

Septet, featuring his trio with some of today’s top horn men.

Tyner’s partnership with the Blue Note has led to the formation of his own record label, aptly titled McCoy Tyner Music. The label is a subsidiary of the Blue Note’s In-House record label, Half Note Records. The label launched on September 11, 2007, upon the release of Tyner’s latest CD, Quartet featuring Joe Lovano, Christian McBride, and Jeff Tain Watts. Recorded live on New Year’s Eve 2006, the album features a working band at its finest with some of today’s legends in training. Additionally, the record shows that Tyner, who now carries the torch as the only surviving member of the John Coltrane

Quartet, is still at the top of his game as a composer, performer, and bandleader.

Tyner has always expanded his vision of the musical landscape and incorporated new elements, whether from distant continents or diverse musical influences.

More recently he has arranged for big bands, employed string arrangements, and even reinterpreted popular music.

Today, Tyner has released nearly 80 albums under his name, earned four GRAMMYS and was awarded Jazz Master from the National

Endowment for the Arts in 2002.

He continues to leave his mark on generations of improvisers, and yet remains a disarmingly modest and spiritually directed man.

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 21

Benny Golson Quartet Born in 1929, multitalented and internationally famous jazz legend, Benny Golson was raised with an impeccable musical pedigree. Golson, a composer, arranger, lyricist, producer, and tenor saxophonist of world note, has played in the bands of world famous Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton,

Earl Bostic and Art Blakey. Few jazz musicians can claim to be true innovators and even fewer can boast of a performing and recording career that literally redefines the term “jazz�.

Benny Golson is the only living jazz artist to have written eight standards for jazz repertoire.

These jazz standards have found

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 23

their way into countless recordings internationally over the years and are still being recorded. He has recorded over 30 albums for many recording companies in the United States and Europe under his own name and innumerable ones with other major artists. A prodigious writer, Golson has written well over 300 compositions.

TWO GREAT CRUISES • ONE MISSION For the past 16 years, we have produced the best jazz events at sea.

That is our goal and our 2017 cruises are no exception. Sail on one cruise or stay on the ship for an unprecedented two week jazz experience.

INTRODUCING

SINCE 2001

Producer of 63 full ship charters

Jan. 28 – Feb. 4, 2017

February 4 – 11, 2017

THE JAZZ CRUISE 2017 LINEUP Al Jarreau Eliane Elias Jimmy Cobb Paquito D’Rivera Cyrille Aimée René Marie Superband

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(San Juan Special Guest)

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John Pizzarelli Clayton Brothers Jeff Hamilton Freddy Cole Ft. Lauderdale • Cozumel Costa Maya • Belize • Key West

Host Marcus Miller Pat Metheny Trio Gregory Porter Dianne Reeves Lalah Hathaway The Bad Plus Joshua Redman Terence Blanchard Chucho Valdés Robert Glasper Trio David Sanborn Geoffrey Keezer Billy Kilson Grace Kelly Wycliffe Gordon

(Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Tom Kennedy, Dennis Chambers)

Celebrity Summit®

THE CONTEMPORARY JAZZ CRUISE 2017 LINEUP

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SPECIAL PRICING when you book both cruises!

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Longineu Parsons ENSEMBLE

Longineu Parsons has been hailed by critics internationally as being one of the world’s finest trumpet players. He also performs on recorders, flute, percussion

and is a vocalist. Longineu performs classical and jazz on trumpet and his compositions include orchestral works and chamber music as well as jazz and world music. He is the protégé of the great cornetist, Nat Adderley.

Longineu has performed in some thirty countries in North, South and Central America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa and performed for such dignitaries as the King of Morocco, the President of Gabon, the Royal Family of the Netherlands, the President of Austria, the U.S. Ambassador to France, The

Royal Family of Monaco and for UNESCO. In addition, he has performed and recorded with jazz greats such as Cab Calloway, Nat Adderley, Cecil Taylor, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Herbie Mann, Frank Foster, Mal Waldron, Philly Joe Jones, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, Sam Rivers, David Murray, Billy Harper, and many others.

Longineu has been soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony, Palm Beach Pops, Tallahassee Symphony, Augusta Symphony, Gainesville Symphony and the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestras. He has been a clinician at high schools and universities, most notably, the Conservatoire Nationale de France and the Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga (Colombia).

Eas

3p m y E - 7p m

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 25

Jazz Jam Lisa Kelly & The JB Scott Quintet Hosted By

In the jazz heritage tradition, Lisa Kelly’s signature sound and style have been influenced by jazz instrumentalists, notable vocalists like Ella, Sassy, Peggy

Lee, and McCrae, and the music of her time. She conveys a heart-felt depth of understanding in the words she sings with an intimate delivery of lyric, a horn-

Spice Po’ Boys

Photo by Renee Parenteau

and the

Spice and the Po Boys deliver an original mix of R&B, Blues-Rock and Pop tunes that are as natural and authentic as an old vinyl LP. Brittany Wescott,

a.k.a. Spice, whose finely-tuned voice can turn a note inside out, brings an “an unforced emotional intensity” that is perfect for these well-crafted tunes about love’s

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like approach to improvisation and a rock solid ‘in-the-pocket’ swing feel that has made her a favorite vocal musician among the instrumentalists. Initially developing her repertoire and stylistic interpretation the ‘oldschool’ way through years of listening to jazz recordings and ‘live’ performances, Lisa just completed her formal studies in jazz earning her Masters of Music Degree at the University of North Florida, while maintaining a steady national performance schedule. She has performed for numerous national to international festivals, clubs and jazz societies, as a guest solo artist and co-leader of several small groups and big bands with her husband, renowned trumpeter, JB Scott. redemptive and dark sides as well as the struggle to claim one’s place in the world. Appropriate themes for a singer whose gospel roots constantly crack through the surface of these songs. Founder and songwriter, Mike Bernos discovered Wescott at a rehearsal studio in Jacksonville and the two teamed up with bassist Rodrick McGriff, drummer Robbie Knopf, keyboardist Javian Francis, and trumpeter Max Bednarchik to create one of Jacksonville’s more popular groups. The band is signed to the U.K.-based Aardvark Record label and is set to play dates in Europe next year. It’s Nine Lives Down CD as well as its recently released EP, Soul To Soul, can be found on all digital outlets.

UNF Jazz Ensemble The University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 1 is the flagship ensemble of the prestigious University of North Florida Jazz Studies Program. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Rich Matteson in 1986, UNF’s JE 1 has enjoyed the reputation of

being one of the finest collegiate jazz ensembles worldwide. Jazz Ensemble 1 has won numerous group and individual awards and has been invited to perform at prestigious jazz festivals in both the U.S. and in Europe. Jazz

Ensemble 1 is the 2015 Downbeat award-winning undergraduate jazz ensemble. The ensemble also has been invited to perform at International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences in Atlanta, Boston, Miami, and New Orleans, the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the Suncoast Jazz Festival in Tampa, the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Mobile Jazz Festival, and annually at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. A special component of the UNF Jazz Studies Program is the Great American Jazz Series, which regularly brings in stellar jazz artists as residents.

This series, along with other opportunities, has enabled Jazz Ensemble 1 to perform in concert with more than 100 esteemed artists.

THE MUSIC OF YOUR LIFE...

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 27

Piloting Jacksonville’s Generating $3 Billion flyjacksonville.com

s Economic Engine; Annually.

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2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 31

JAZZ CLINIC presented by Buffet Crampon

with Mark Pender

and Eric Carter

SATURDAY, MAY 28 10AM – NOON FREE

Ritz Theatre and Museum

Further your jazz education and refine your chops at this FREE masters class clinic with Mark Pender presented by Buffet Crampon and Eric Carter.

Aspiring and accomplished jazz

musicians of all ages are invited to learn and grow their skills in an intimate setting at none other than Jacksonville’s historic Ritz Theatre and Museum.

Participants are strongly

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 33

encouraged to bring their own instruments. Parents with children attending the clinic are welcome to enjoy the museum’s amenities while they wait.

Jon Batiste & Stay Human The New Orleans-bred, New York-based musician, educator and humanitarian is somewhat of an enigma thanks to his diverse mix of influences. Born into a long lineage of Louisiana musicians, Batiste grew up playing percussion in his family’s band before switching to piano when he was 11 years old. He

went on to study at the Juilliard School and formed his band, Stay Human, soon after. Now he balances a demanding international performance schedule—which often

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includes his signature, impromptu ‘love riot’ street parades—with his role as Artistic Director At Large of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and occasional acting gigs, like playing himself on the HBO series Treme or his most recent role in director Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer.

Christian

Scott aTunde Adjuah Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a two-time Edison Award-winning and GRAMMY Award nominated trumpeter, composer, producer and music executive. Christian is the nephew of jazz innovator and legendary sax man, Donald Harrison, Jr. He began his musical tutelage under the direction of his uncle at the age of thirteen. After graduating from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) in 2001, Christian received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a degree thirty months later. Christian’s GRAMMY nominated international recording debut, Rewind That was called “arguably the most remarkable premiere the genre has seen in the last decade” by Billboard Magazine, earning Christian two prominent features on their cover and inclusion in their list of “Ones to Watch in 2006.” Since 2006, Christian has worked with McCoy Tyner, Prince, Marcus Miller, Eddie Palmieri, Mos Def (Yasin Bey), Thom Yorke and Solange Knowles, among other notable talents.

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 35

Somi

A few years ago, acclaimed East African vocalist & songwriter Somi decided to move from New York City to Lagos, Nigeria for 18 months in search of new inspiration. The result: a new album she calls The Lagos Music Salon released in August 2014 as her major label debut on Sony Music/Okeh - landing at #1 on US Jazz charts. Born in Illinois

to immigrants from Rwanda and Uganda, the African and Jazz legacies are always crucial to her sound. Often referred to as a modern-day Miriam Makeba, JazzTimes magazine describes her live performance as “the earthy gutsiness of Nina Simone blended with the vocal beauty of Dianne Reeves,” while Billboard exclaims that she’s “all elegance

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and awe…utterly captivating.”

As her career has taken off, Somi’s talents have been called upon for collaborations and live performances alongside a diverse cast of artists including Mos Def, Baaba Maal, John Legend, Billy Childs, Paul Simon, Danilo Perez, Idan Raichel, Jennifer Hudson and many more.

Warren Wolf and the Wolfpack

Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, Maryland. From the young age of three years old, Warren has been trained on the vibraphone/marimba, drums, and piano. Under the guidance of his father Warren Wolf Sr., Warren has a deep background in all genres of music. Warren has several recordings as a leader. Warren’s first two records are on the M&I label which is based in Japan. The first record is titled Incredible Jazz Vibes which features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Vicente Archer on Bass and Kendrick Scott on Drums. The second record is titled Black Wolf. That record features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Rodney Whitaker on Bass and Jeff “Tain” Watts on Drums.

Warren also has a self-produced CD which is titled RAW. Musicians that Warren has played with or recorded with include Wynton Marsalis, Jeremy Pelt, Nicholas Payton, Tim Warfield, Adonis Rose, Aaron Goldberg, Esperanza Spaulding and many others.

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YELLOWJACKETS Throughout their storied 35year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 22 albums, received 17 GRAMMY nominations – won two – performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success. The Yellowjackets formed in the late 1970’s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford. They recorded their first album together in 1980. Shortly after that recording, however, Ford decided to part ways and go in a different musical direction.

As a result, the modern day Yellowjackets were formed—a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups. Over the years the band has undergone numerous lineup changes. Never failing to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment, the Yellowjackets —Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy, Bob Mintzer— have maintained an extraordinarily

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high quality of musicianship that is the rival of many but a surprise to no one who knows and appreciates the band and their music. The most recent addition to the band adds Australian bass player Dane Alderson in to the mix. With his exceptional rhythmic sensibility and natural disposition toward groove, Dane brings a new energy to the band and adds a youthful approach to the music. The Yellowjackets newest album Coherence will be released on Mack Avenue Records in April 2016.

KEN FORD A wonder to behold on stage, Ken’s evocative playing and passion for strings on the electric violin have enthralled fans of all ages, as well as peers from diverse genres, from jazz to blues, R&B to hip-hop and more.

With a soul-stirring style that highlights all the voices of the violin, from sensuous and genteel to dramatic and muscular, Ken’s talents have brought him on stage and into the recording studio with a range of superstar artists including Bruno Mars, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Chaka Khan, Ledisi,

Brian Culbertson, the late Barry White, Erykah Badu and more.

Additionally, Ken had the pleasure and honor to play for our beloved First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama!

Since his first taste of music and captivating audiences as a kid, Ken’s love of music continues and he is sharing that love through the Ken Ford Foundation.

Teaching workshops to kids from ages 4 to 18, Ken opens their world to music, shows them how to embrace their unique talents, and encourages keeping music

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 39

education in the schools. “Once music opens their world, you cannot close it,” he says. “Living in the present moment” as a constant frame of mind, Ken’s steadfast passion for violin and popular music has brought him from childhood to where he is today, indulging his passion for violin full-time before worldwide audiences, firing up everyone from kids to seniors to change their state of mind about the violin, and embrace the power of music!

LIZZ WRIGHT Lizz Wright has been the recipient of nonstop critical acclaim and ever-increasing audiences ever since her Verve debut. Like so many vocal greats, Lizz began her singing in the church. For her it was a small church in Hahira, Georgia where her father served as musical director and where she soaked up the sounds of songs of faith. She was also surrounded by varied types of secular music at home especially jazz and soul. Wright

moved to Atlanta in the late 90s to attend Georgia State University and began singing classical repertoire under Dr. Dwight Coleman. She also began singing jazz, both solo and as part of the popular local group In The Spirit. She made a name for herself in other parts of the country in 2002 as part of a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday, where her poised, emotive performance stole the show.

Over her four albums, Lizz Wright has demonstrated that

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she is a top notch songwriter and also has the interpretive skills to become a premier popular song stylist. She is a complete artist who has both talent and musical instincts well beyond her young age, and one whom I hope will continue to stretch her boundaries in the years to come.

I believe she will and that twenty years from now we will be talking about Lizz Wright as one of the great popular singers of her generation.

Charenée Wade First Runner-Up in the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competition, Charenee Wade is a notable singer, composer, arranger and educator who received her degree from the Manhattan School of Music.

Her accolades include Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program where she performed her original music at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; being one of the talented four chosen for the Dianne Reeves Young Artist

Workshop at Carnegie Hall; 1st Runner-Up in the Jazzmobile Vocal Competition; and being selected for the JAS Academy Summer Sessions, 2007-09, directed by Christian McBride.

Charenee is currently a professor at the Aaron Copland School of Music, City College, and with the Jazzmobile Workshop program.

She teaches various workshops and clinics and was an esteemed judge for the 2010 Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, alongside

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 41

Dr. Billy Taylor and Grady Tate.

Charenee performs internationally and graces the stages of the Jazz Gallery, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy Coca Cola’s, the legendary Smalls and the Zinc Bar in NYC. Her debut CD, Love Walked In was released in July 2010.

Generation

nExt

With successful outings at premiere festivals including Berks, Penn’s Landing, Seabreeze, Capital Jazz, Newport Beach, Norfolk and Catalina Island Jazztrax, plus a Billboard Top 10 hit single ‘Let It Ride’ in 2014, Generation neXt featuring Nicholas Cole, Lin Rountree & Lebron continues to usher in a new dimension of smooth jazz/R&B grooves with style and flair.

Nicholas Cole displays the technical proficiency and artistic vision of those twice his age.

Cole’s 3rd release Night Sessions is the follow up to last year’s #1 Billboard hit release Endless Possibilities. Featuring guest appearances from label mate Julian Vaughn and saxman Steve Cole, Night Sessions is an

exploration into all that makes Cole tick, artfully colored with the flavors and styles that have influenced his sound. Nicholas has become an in-demand producer and collaborator, working with Ben Tankard, Brian Simpson, Nick Colionne, Willie Bradley and Julian Vaughn among others.

A leader in Soul-jazz and R&B, Detroit trumpet master Lin Rountree returns with his 5th studio CD Soulfunky. This follow up to 2013’s Serendipitous takes you on a journey that will have your head boppin’ and body rockin’. The release features the hit ‘Amplified’ and appearances by Julian Vaughn, Nils, Mike Phillips, Lebron and Nate Harasim. With 10 Billboard chart-topping singles, Lin was showcased in the 2012 Whitney Houston film, Sparkle, and has performed with icons including the late George Duke, Marcus Miller, Tim Bowman and Kem.

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Phoenix saxophonist Lebron’s debut record, Shades, took the world by storm in 2013. In a sea of sax players, it stood out as one of the top releases of the year, yielding 3 top 10 Billboard radio singles.

‘Groove City’ featured Paul Brown’s impeccable guitar work, peaked in the top 3 and was named in the top 20 Contemporary Jazz songs of the year by Billboard Magazine. Citing powerhouse talents including Gerald Albright, Nelson Rangell, Phil Perry, Grover Washington, Jr. and Brian McKnight, all of whom influenced his phrasing, expression and solos, Lebron’s says “it’s not just about playing a bunch of notes as fast I can, it’s about the sound.”

Lebron’s latest release, New Era, features the hit ‘Red Hook’.

Combining for 15 charttopping singles, these world class musicians and rising stars from Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records/ Cutmore Entertainment are at the cutting edge of contemporary jazz with R&B/soul influences.

Mark Pender Mark Pender grew up in an environment rich in American roots music and enjoyed cutting his teeth with many locally and internationally known bands before embarking on a journey to fulfilling his musical passions.

He relocated to New York touring with Jazz-Soul icon Charles Earland and as a result teamed up with many great bands and artists including Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes,

Diana Ross, David Bowie, Power Station, They Might be Giants, Jon Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, Joe Cocker, Robert Cray, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, and Bruce Springsteen with whom he also performed in the 2009 Super Bowl half time show. In 1993, Mark began a long relationship as a member of the house band for Conan O’Brien where he has enjoyed 20+ years performing on Late Night, the Tonight Show and

preseted by Buffet Crampon

now Conan on TBS. Currently residing in the Los Angeles, Mark continues to record and make appearances now in over 3000 live television performances and over 12 gold and platinum recordings.

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 43

The Chris Thomas Band

A native of Chicago and longtime resident of Jacksonville, Florida, vocalist Chris Thomas has performed with various bands within Florida for the past 14 years. In June of 2014, he formed The Chris Thomas Band in order to bring the highest level of quality

and showmanship to his fans and audiences. A professionally trained and competitive dancer, he combines dance, vocals, and the best musicians in north Florida to deliver an unforgettable performance. Chris Thomas has the style and swagger of Sinatra

and the performance excitement of James Brown and Bruno Mars. The Chris Thomas Band specializes in the performance of vintage Sinatra and soulful Motown, as well as current popular songs custom arranged for big band by its own band members.

Terry “Doc” Handy Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Doc credits his older brother’s love for the piano for driving him to become a musician. Doc has played percussion for over 30 years over a diverse array of genres including Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, and Latin Jazz. Doc has performed globally in Europe, Korea, and Panama. Doc has also been selected as the opening performance for many

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greats including James Brown, Aaran Neville, Macy Gray, Kool and the Gang, Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson, and EL Gran Combo. Doc is most inspired by percussionists Ralph McDonald, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Bill Summers. Doc effortlessly, yet surgically infuses the cultural power of the African conga drum beats to drive an ancestral emotion of unity and healing that tells a story.

Douglas Anderson

JAZZ ENSEMBLE I The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts jazz program began at the opening of the school in 1984-85. Jazz Ensemble I is the top performing jazz group at the school and has been recognized as one of the top performing jazz ensembles in the United States.

The group has performed for a variety of civic events, governor inaugurations; local, national and international jazz festivals including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago and

various jazz festivals in France and Switzerland. Directed by Ace Martin, the Douglas Anderson Jazz Ensemble I has been recognized in various Downbeat Magazine Student Awards for the Most Outstanding High School Performing Arts Big Band as well as individual students from the band have received Downbeat Magazine Student Awards. The group was also featured as part of the acclaimed 2007 film documentary by Bruce Broder Film called CHOPS. The film is about Jazz Ensemble I quest to winning Essentially Ellington. The film has been an inspirational film watched by hundreds of groups to inspire them in their quest for national jazz competitions.

October 29, 2016

Tradition. Rivalry. Excellence.

FLGA.org

FloridaGeorgia

@FLvsGA #UFvsUGA

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 45

JU Faculty ENSEMBLE The members of the Jazz Faculty at Jacksonville University base their collective experience and instruction on the chamber jazz approach and the origins of the jazz language, which mirrors the music degree program offerings at JU Music. This ensemble of world-class performers is represented by John Ricci on tenor saxophone, Gary Starling on guitar, Scott Giddens on piano, Stanley Piper on bass, and guest artist Ben Adkins on drums.

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2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

to Mel Brooks. As a composer and arranger, Noel has written and recorded music for ESPN, ABC and the Walt Disney Company, with his most recent work being featured on Monday Night Football, the NBA All-Star Game, and SportCenter. In March 2012, Noel completed an artist-in-residency program as a teaching artist with the education department of the Charlotte Symphony, composing and conducting several pieces for the Northwest School of the Arts (Charlotte, NC) orchestra and band.

The Omni

Sacred Jazz Brunch

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016 11am ‑ 2pm • $34.95 / person

Do you hear that? Can you smell that?! The Omni Sacred Jazz Brunch returns for 2016 more delicious than ever!

Lift your spirits and dine on a buffet of gourmet cuisine prepared by the expert chefs of the Omni Jacksonville Hotel as renowned jazz artists, the Noel Freidline Quartet with Maria Howell serenade you with their unique blend of jazz and traditional gospel music. There is truly no better way to bid farewell to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival than this perfect sensory experience.

MARIA HOWELL Although acting was a natural artistic segue, singing and entertaining are skills that emanated from Maria Howell as far back as she can remember. She recollects glaring at her six-year-old image in the mirror and knowing at that moment, her destiny was clear. The destiny became a reality as she wowed audiences as the opening act for the legendary Ray Charles, and as she shared the stage with Earth Wind and Fire’s point man Phillip Bailey. Performing in front of the likes of Nancy Wilson, Marvin Hamlisch, Will Downing, and George Benson, became her comfort zone.

Anyone who swings with the Cab Calloway Orchestra, croons with Baby Face and rearranges the scale with Jeffrey Osborne, cannot not be boxed into one musical art form.

Like Howell, her music is a collective of sultry, soulful, smooth tones. She not only combines sounds such as R&B with jazzy punctuations, she evokes an international flavor into her flambé of recordings.

NOEL FREIDLINE A pianist, vocalist, writer and arranger, Noel Freidline has been the leader of his own group, the Noel Freidline Quintet, since 1991 and has opened for such diverse artists as Tony Bennett, saxophonist David Sanborn, Kenny G, Rosemary Clooney, pianist Dave Brubeck, vocalist Layla Hathaway, jazz legend Roy Ayers, and vocalist Jennifer Holliday. In addition to his work with the NFQ, Freidline performs regularly with the Charlotte

Symphony and tours Broadway shows such as “Jersey Boys,” “Bring It On,” and “Dream Girls.

Noel was named Best Jazz Musician by Charlotte Magazine in 2006 and in 2009 and was named “Best Musical Director” by the Metrolina Theatre Association of the Carolinas. A dilettante of pop culture, Noel has become a popular lecturer for theatres and museums, creating and presenting multi-media presentations on everything from Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 47

It has been said that music feeds the soul, but KEM’s journey is equally, if not more inspirational. R&B Singer/ Songwriter/Producer KEM’s love of music began as a child. Music saw him through the darkest moments in his life, took him to the top of the industry’s record charts, and earned him a record deal with Universal Motown Records. A self-taught musician, KEM was born in Nashville and raised in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown Records. In March of 2002, KEM independently released his first CD, Kemistry (Album I) and sold more than 10,000 CD’s before piquing the interest of Universal Motown.

His first album grabbed the

attention of a multi-generational/ multi-ethnic/cross-gender audience—to the tune of over 500,000 CD’s sold. The first single on Kemistry, “Love Calls,” garnered over 50,000 spins on Urban Adult Radio stations (UAC) which positioned it as the 2nd most played record in 2003 and the most played record of 2004.

KEM’s popularity continued as he debuted at #5 on the Pop Albums charts. His consecutive four week #1 at Urban AC streak at urban radio made him one of the highest charted artists of the year. The hit single, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was designated as Radio & Records’ and Billboard’s #1 Adult R&B Record of 2005.

He was also named Radio &

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Records’ #2 R&B Artist for 2005.

Motown re-released the CD as a dual disc with a DVD featuring KEM’s video and second hit single, “Find Your Way (Back in My Life).” He also received two NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Song, “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” His third studio album, Intimacy, was released on August 17, 2010 to critical acclaim. Intimacy debuted on Billboard’s Top 200 list at #2 in the country, only behind Eminem’s Recovery album. The first single from Intimacy, “Why Would You Stay” climbed to the #1 position on Urban AC Radio Charts, where it stayed for two straight weeks.

Nathan

Photo by Kharen Hill

EAST Nathan East is a GRAMMY nominated Jazz, R&B and Rock bassist. Credited with over 2,000 recordings, he is considered one of the most recorded bass players in the history of music.

East is best known for his performances with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Quincy Jones & Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Beyoncé,

Toto and Daft Punk’s multi GRAMMY Award-winning Random Access Memories with Nathan’s bass line driving the worldwide hit song “Get Lucky.” East also composed the music for the #1 hit song “Easy Lover” for Phil Collins and Philip Bailey. He is a founding member of contemporary jazz super group Fourplay with Bob James, Lee Ritenour/Larry Carlton/ Chuck Loeb & Harvey Mason. In 2014, he released his first ever

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 49

debut album, Nathan East, on the Yamaha Entertainment Group label which went to #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts and won a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. His album features guest appearances by Michael McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Kazumasa Oda, Bob James, Chuck Loeb, Ray Parker, Jr., David Paich, and his 13-year-old son Noah East.

Cyrille Aimée was primarily raised in France by a French father and Dominican mother. As a curious child in Samois-surSeine, she would sneak out of her bedroom window to wander into the nearby gypsy encampments filled with those attending the annual Django Reinhardt Festival.

She quickly fell in love with gypsy music and way of life. Years later she would sing on street corners with friends while traveling across Europe. While in the midst of one such odyssey, she found herself

50

Cyrille Aimée at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where she won first prize in the vocal competition. When Aimée auditioned for the Star Academy (a kind of French American Idol), she became a finalist but walked away from the competition when she was told she would have to sing preselected songs. She now happily tours the world with her band as well as in a duo setting

2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

with Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo. Aimée’s talents also recently caught the attention of Stephen Sondheim, who cast her in an Encores Special Presentation at New York City’s City Center in November 2013.

The New York Times referred to Aimée’s major label debut in August 2014, as “a bravura turn, presented with a smile.”

John Lumpkin

and The Covenant John Lumpkin II is a producer, arranger, and artist working in the Jazz, R&B and Gospel scene. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida

under the direction of Danny Gottlieb and Master’s Degree from Florida State University under the leadership of Leon Anderson.

John grew up in the pentecostal church and still plans to exercise his gifts there, as well as other national venues. However, he says “The church is the root of my zeal for music and forever shall be”.

Throughout his career John has shared the stage with greats such as Delfeayo Marsalis, Wycliff Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Arturo Sandoval, Curtis Fuller, Marcus Printup, Houston Person, Rufus Reid, Ben Tucker, James Moody, Nathan Davis, and David Baker.

From serving on staff at the University of North Florida and Douglas Anderson School of the

Arts, he is also the founder of the Jazz Discovery Series at The Ritz Theatre in Jacksonville, FL. His level of expectancy drives him to see many other things emerging from his gift of music to the world.

In 2015, John Lumpkin along with the talents of Joshua Bowlus, Daniel Dickinson, Stan Piper, and Tori L. Peoples, started the group The Covenant. The Covenant has been devoted not only to standards, but also to sacred works. The Covenant is a group that has songs that carry the message of the Gospel through the struggles of humanity. From “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” to “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” the covenant carries a pursuance and story through every note.

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2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 51

Dizzy Gillespie™

Afro-Cuban Experience Afro Cuban Experience, a 6-8 piece ensemble led by Dizzy Gillespie’s long-term bassist John Lee, showcase the unique rhythms and well-loved melodies (such as “Manteca” and “Tin Tin Deo”) of Gillespie’s oeuvre of Cu-Bop which he developed with Chano Pozo in the 40s and 50s.

Their repertoire also explores the broader world of Latin-American music—the tunes that Dizzy would have been playing today.

The musicians are drawn from the high-calibre pool of New Yorkbased talent that frequent the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band and All Star groups, such as trumpeter

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Freddie Hendrix, saxophonist Sharel Cassity, Brazilian pianist and vocalist Abelita Mateus, drummer Tommy Campbell and percussionist Roger Squitero.

They perform with energy, verve, and style, putting their own fresh stamp on a well-known genre.

Jamison

ROSS

Jamison’s passion for music was realized while growing up in his grandfather’s church,

where he learned how to present music with honest intent. A native of Jacksonville, FL, Jamison began his study of Jazz as a high school student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Jamison gained worldwide acclaim as a featured musician in the Tribeca Film Festival winning documentary CHOPS; a film that followed the school’s jazz ensemble as they prepare and perform in the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Festival competition. Ross went on to further his education at the University of New Orleans where he earned a Master of Music degree. Jamison won the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition for drums in 2012, the most prestigious award for jazz artists. In 2015, the drummer earned his first GRAMMY nomination for his self-titled, debut project Jamison in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Album. Jamison has gained acclaim within the genre through his collaboration with Wes Anderson, Jon Batiste, Henry Butler, Billy Childs, Dr. John, Jimmy Heath, Ramsey Lewis, Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Marcus Roberts, Patrice Rushen, Cecile McLorin Salvant and Snarky Puppy. Jamison’s artistry, interpreted through his profound knowledge of jazz, is an honest and organic expression of humanity.

It is true to him, it is Jamison.

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Eric Carter and Company

JaxSeaAndSky.net

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2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

It was never a question to the parents of Eric Carter what he was born to do. At age 2, Eric started playing the guitar and at the age of 13 he played in his first concert. History has been in the making ever since. Eric Carter, the lead artist of Eric Carter and Company, attended BethuneCookman University in Daytona Beach, where he studied religion and physiology. He had several bands while pursuing his degree, including Strictly Business. While at Bethune-Cookman, he also played in numerous other bands.

Since that time, he has also had the opportunity to grace the stage with artists, like Al Green, George Benson, Paul Jackson Junior, and many others.

Bobby

Lee Rodgers Jazz Trio

Whether rocking out to his own compositions in the jazz or jamband scenes or presenting his unique interpretations of musical greats such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane or Wes Montgomery, guitarist Bobby Lee Rodgers is staking out a legendary path with fans and critics alike. His unique sound and stylings are garnering a growing popularity wherever he performs.

The Bobby Lee Rodgers Jazz Trio takes one back to the Golden Decade when jazz was the soul of the city. Along with playing his jazz originals, during performances he captures the sounds of the great artists of our time like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and

Wes Montgomery. He visits their compositions by putting his original vocabulary and sound into the harmonic structure of the songs. Bobby brings a unique sound to his performance because he plays through a combination of Leslie cabinet and vintage guitar amp which gives him the beautiful sound of an organ and guitar together. A stellar songwriter, vocalist and guitarist he fuses rock, funk, jazz and blues into a magical musical tapestry. He has performed with such great artists as Vassar Clements, Warren Haynes, Widespread Panic, George Porter Jr. and the list goes on and on.

His new CD, BLR was just release to rave reviews.

Pierre

& Company Pierre & Company have earned a reputation for bringing heart and soul to every single event. They have mastered the art of moving an audience – whether by Pierre’s amazing sax prowess, or by creating the perfect musical interlude to mellow the mood, or even by the electricity experienced when virtuosic musicians unleash on a crowd of people who want nothing more than to dance

all night. With more than half a century of combined playing experience, the band is made up of the finest musicians in the country. Individually, each member holds his own as a trained musician in his own right.

These are true artists, players who have backed some of the biggest acts in the world.

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GARY STARLING

Gary Starling Group feat. Russell George Gary Starling has been teaching and playing jazz in the Jacksonville area for decades.

He has performed with Eddie Harris, Nat Adderley, Joshua Breakstone, Jim Snidero and more. He was hired by Fran Kinne

at Jacksonville University in the early 1980’s and is currently Artist in Residence of Guitar. His early studies include Georgia State University, Dick Grove Music Workshop/Los Angeles and personal lessons and encounters

with Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel and other jazz greats. In 2012, Gary was honored with induction into the Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame.

Russell George retired to St. Augustine from New York City a few years ago. His illustrious career includes decades of recordings as a first call bassist with everyone from Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughn, to James Brown, Paul Simon and hundreds more. He played with Dizzy Gillespie, Ben Webster, Marion McPartland, Ross Tompkins and many others. Several years ago, he discovered Gary Starling’s group at their long-running Thursday night gig at Table 1 in Ponte Vedra.

He has been a regular and beloved fixture there, since.

Jimmy

BEATS Jimmy Beats was born in San Juan to a native Puerto Rican family and grew up in Orlando, Florida. Beats became interested in becoming a musician at a very young age and began guitar lessons at age 12. Jimmy Beats and several of his now long-time neighborhood friends played instruments and formed a garage band performing at many late night venues in Orlando. Beats eventually transitioned from performer to

engineer, producer and songwriter.

He now performs his own original songs as well as writes, produces and engineers his and others music. The Jimmy Beats sound is most unique, his sound can range from a jazzy funk with reggae riddims to a smooth and alluring lovers rock with reggae riddims.

Beats music has been described as some the most soulful and mystical music you could hope to bless your ears upon.

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OFFI C IAL 2 0 1 6 J AC K S O NV I L L E J A Z Z F E S T I VA L S P O NS O R

Visit the AARP Block Party at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival Whether you have been performing all your life or you are ready to face your fear, all are welcome!

Take the stage and lip-synch to jazzy versions of classic and contemporary songs. What gets you jazzed? Tell us on the interactive wall.

aarp.org/possibilities

WHAT WE DO MIGHT SURPRISE YOU!

Check us out at the intersection of W. Adams & N. Laura Streets

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Thanks to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. A very special thanks to the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding efforts to keep festival attendees safe and traffic flowing smoothly.

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Jacksonville Jazz Festival

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