I know it ain’t a race or a contest — in fact I hope we all win — but in comparing some artists, not all come out equal. Though Julie London remains one of my true loves (she was married to Jack Webb, by the way) Roberta Gambarini’s jaw-dropping performance at Kilbourn Hall on opening […]
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Jazz Fest 2014, Day 2: Nicole reviews Ryan Dilmore
Singer-songwriter Ryan Dilmore’s stripped-down performance at the Little Theatre was simple and lyrical. While Jazz Fest typically calls to mind images of funky bands playing on big outdoor stages, Dilmore’s music was a welcome reprieve from the fray. A Victor native, Dilmore said that the opportunity to perform at the festival was “honestly a dream […]
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Jazz Fest 2014, Day 1: Ron reviews Sun Trio, Partisans, and Holophonor
At the Lutheran Church Friday night, Finland’s Sun Trio seemed caught between the past and future of jazz. When trumpeter Jorma Kalevi Louhivuori played his instrument traditionally he had exceptional range, from melodic to abstract, and from gorgeous to guttural. Simply put, the man had incredible chops. But, about half the time, he insisted on […]
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Jazz Fest 2014, Day 1: Nicole reviews Lorraine Klaasen
From the moment Lorraine Klaasen opened her mouth, the singer brought vibrancy, in every sense of the word, to the otherwise bleak Xerox Auditorium space. Decked out in exciting colors and filling the stuffy hall with full-bodied gritty vocals, Klaasen was riffing and growling with each note. It was clear she was there to have […]
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Jazz Fest 2014, Day 1: Frank reviews Roberta Gambarini, Janelle Monae, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Nikki Hill
Tonight started off with a sweet ka-boom as we followed the notes Tuscan beauty Roberta Gambarini squeezed out into oblivion. The queen of fade and control, Gambarini and her trio peppered the set with Argentinian, American, and Italian classics elegantly and effortlessly. Dressed like a leopard print mermaid, Gambarini affected the tones of saxophone and […]
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Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest unveils full 2014 line-up
The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival today unveiled the full line-up for the 2014 edition of the event, which will run June 20-28 in Rochester’s East End. Among the 1200 artists who will be performing at the 13th annual fest (see press release below for the full line-up), blues legend Buddy Guy was announced as […]
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JAZZ FEST 2013, DAY 9: Frank reviews Tim Berne SnakeOil, Amy Lynn and the Gunshow
With just two shows to officially cover I hit the Jazz Fest scene amidst a sea of people. The streets were teeming with eager bodies, but the fun stopped there. Now perhaps I’m showing my ass here, and heating up my self-perceived cool, but I thought Tim Berne SnakeOil at Montage was the worst thing […]
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JAZZ FEST 2013, DAY 9: Ron reviews Gwilym Simcock, Five Play, Torben Waldorff
Pianist Gwilym Simcock brought just the right mix of tradition and experimentation to Christ Church Saturday night. He played mostly straight-ahead, but occasionally went under the hood to spice things up. At one point he played totally inside the piano, strumming the strings percussively as if they were on a mandolin. Simcock took care to […]
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JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 8: Paloma reviews Frampton’s Guitar Circus
His hair may be grey, but his eyes still sparkle that Frampton blue and his voice still croons his ballad, “Baby, I Love Your Way.” Frampton’s Guitar Circus was the headliner show tonight at the Eastman Theatre, and for two hours Peter Frampton delivered a non-stop powerhouse show that brought the audience to its feet […]
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JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 8: Willie reviews Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers
Thanks to the luck of the spirit of jazz, my two top acts for the week both fell on the same night. Join me on my highlight night of the 2013 Jazz Fest. First up was New Orleans-based The Dirty Dozen Brass Band under the Big Tent. I’ve been wanting to see this group for […]
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JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 8: Frank reviews Hilario Duran, Shemekia Copeland, James Hunter Six, and Gas House Gorillas
After a 20-hour nap, I’m back. Tin Man and I tripped down the soggy brick road for more Jazz Fest lo-jinx, taking pictures, taking names, taking our time, taking care of business. First stop on Friday was Max of Eastman Place, where the security guards look imposing despite the polyester in a “you look suspicious” […]
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JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 8: Ron reviews Youn Sun Nah & Ulf Wakenius, Gregory Porter, and Phronesis
If I had to pick just one word to describe Youn Sun Nah & Ulf Wakenius it would have to be “otherworldly,” because they made sounds I hadn’t heard before in this one. Nah came out alone to begin the duo’s first set at the Lutheran Church. With only a thumb piano, she proceeded to […]
