Monday, August 9, 2010
Jazz & Blues Lineup announced for (smooth) Indy Jazz Fest
Posted by Scott Shoger @scottshoger on Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Well, you may have already read this news in the Star (darn you Jay Harvey and your scoops!) or on the Indy Jazz Fest's updated site, but we'll still pass along the lineup for the week-long Indy Jazz Fest, which falls Sept. 13-18, features weekday events at The Jazz Kitchen and Madame Walker Theater and culminates with an outdoor show Sept. 18 at the Opti-Park in Broad Ripple.
The headliners?
Vocalist Al Jarreau, recovered after being hospitalized last month in France, his career revived last decade with a move towards a more substantial jazz and R&B repertoire, performs 7 p.m. at the Opti-Park.
Followed at 8 p.m. by smooth jazz saxophonist and flutist Najee, a disappointing choice to end the fest if ever there was one. Najee can record serious soul jazz when he gets the druthers, but he doesn't often get the druthers, and usually ends up providing a fresh record for stations still playing the "Quiet Storm" format. It's too bad, because in an era when the kids in this town are listening to — and showing up for shows by — crossover soul/R&B acts like Sharon Jones and Black Joe Lewis, one doesn't need to appeal to a wider audience by booking MOR-style, smooth jazz. Maybe this show isn't for the kids, but, then again, who is listening to smooth jazz anymore?
Also on the bill for Saturday: Guitarist Mike Stern (5:15 p.m.), who spent time backing Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius, and continues to carry the flag of fusion by, say, working in African and Latin idioms, and collaborating with acts like Medeski, Martin and Wood; the Charmaine Neville Band (3:45 p.m.), a New Orleans-based group fronted by a lesser-known but equally-talented Neville sibling; an Owl Studios All-Star showcase (2 p.m.) featuring local talent and at least one out-of-towner on the label (drummer Mike Clark); and a high school jazz showcase (12 p.m.)
Now to the rest of the week. Dee Dee Bridgewater has been paying tribute to Billie Holiday since mounting a one-woman Broadway show in the late '80s, and she'll perform Holiday's music at the Madame Walker Theater Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Of course, it's way more than a tribute act when essayed by someone with the talent of Bridgewater. Expect some significant reinventions, other respectful recreations ("God Bless the Child" remains mostly intact on Bridgewater's 2010 album, Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee).
And we get more New Orleans-style jazz with a visit from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to the Jazz Kitchen Sept. 14 at 9:30 p.m.
The week sees another tribute to a game-changing female vocalist, Nina Simone, staged by her daughter who performs under the stage name Simone (Sept. 15 at The Jazz Kitchen). And soul vocalist and guitarist Raul Midon will visit The Jazz Kitchen Sept. 13.
Check out the link at the top of this piece for ticket details and any updates.
Comments (3)
Showing 1-3 of 3
Scott - while i disagree with your stance that Najee will disappoint I'll at least give you credit for saying what you think. I think if you listen to most smooth jazz CD's, most are pretty .. well smooth. But, we picked Najee because he is one of the best in the smooth jazz arena. A great musician surrounded by 7 great musicians that will contrast from the albums by putting on a high-energy show.
Thanks for getting the word out!! See you soon.
David
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David,
Thanks for the explanation. I guess my question — and it remains an open one — is whether or not any smooth jazz musician at all needs to headline Jazz Fest, even if he is one of the best the genre has to offer. But I'm also aware that performers with mainstream jazz cred aren't always sure draws. So it makes sense to try out a variety of acts and styles. My other question is why everything — Indy Jazz Fest, Lotus, Irish Fest, Oranje — has to happen on the same weekend! Mid-Sept must be prime time for festivals...
I guess the same logic could be applied if we we'd pick a Sharon Jones or Black Joe Lewis. Why would they be included at all?? In my experience Indianapolis has been supportive of smooth jazz artists. They are great outdoors, high-energy and I'm trying to keep my options open. Also, a week's worth of shows including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Pres Hall, Simone to round out styles that a mainstream jazz listener may be looking for. AND for the "kids" DJ Logic + Mike Clark of the Headhunters + DJ"s/MC's Rusty Redenbacher and Indiana Jones just added for Fri, Sept 17. NUVO's the presenter. Thanks to NUVO on that!!
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