Our Review of the 18th Annual Capital Jazz Festival | by Jerry Clark | TheUrbanMusicScene.com

18^th Annual

Capital Jazz Festival

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Columbia, MD

June 4-6, 2010

Day One:

The night open with laughter and ended in song. Guest host Alonzo Bodden welcomed the crowd opening the 18^th Annual Capital Jazz Festival and the comic Sinbad got the ball rolling and thrilled the audience with his good natured natural clean humor. Next Gladys Knight graced the Pavilion Stage performing an awesome set of her signature standards “Midnight Train to Georgia”, ‘If I Were Your Woman”, “Neither One of Us” and many other memorable number one hits. This was the correct jump start for this fun packed weekend.

Day Two:

Pavilion Stage – Catch A Rising Star Showcase – Part 1 (featuring B.K. Jackson, Althea Rene and Lin Rountree). Entering the festival you could hear the jam session. Althea’s fiery, rapid but mostly sweet sounding flute. While Lin Rountree blowing hot and funky note from righteous horn (trumpet). It was B.K. Jackson who stole the show walking through the pumped up crowd blowing his sax.

The Soul Stage- Catching the tail end of Washington D.C. native Johnny Gill’s set; I immediately noticed that he had command of the audience (especially the ladies). The former New Edition member serenaded the onlookers with his signature My,My,My and partied to “Rub You The Right Way”. Johnny is presently in the studio working on a new album.

The Soul Stage – Luara Izibor dazzling energetic presence was received by a mostly young crowd of Neo Soul fans. Performing “Don’t Stay”, “Shine”, “If Tonight Is My Last” Laura had the full attention of us all. The highlight of the performance was “From My Heart to Yours”, we loved it.

Pavilion Stage – G & Lee (Gerald Albright and Lee Ritenour) this energy packed performance wooed the entire grounds. Gerald’s and Lee’s craftsmanship by far set the tempo for the afternoon. Their two styles blend together like warm latte.

Pavilion Stage – Basia was the act many of us where waiting for. Speaking to people in my row, many of us have never seen Basia perform including myself. Although we knew her songs and listening live filled the air with excitement. Applause filled the Pavilion when she performed “New Day for You”, “Time and Tide” and “Cruising For Bruising”. Most defiantly was a highlight of the day.

The Soul Stage – Raphael Saadiq’s is a ball of energy. Form the time he hits the stage until he exits it’s a workout. I knew he would have to loose the jacket because of the heat and humidity. I believe it was “100 Yard Dash” when the jacket came off if I’m not mistaken. He went into the Toni Tony Tone songbook and performed selections form ‘The Way I See It’ cd.

Pavilion Stage – Esperanza Spaulding genius is infecting, seeing all of that talent coming from a petite upright bassist and vocalist is truly a vision to see. I saw her Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta performing Hip Hop with a DJ and here at the Capital Jazz Festival jazzing it up. We experienced “Ponta De Areia”, “I Know You Know” and “Precious” selections from the Esperanza cd.

Pavilion Stage – Verve recording artist Ledisi is the most talented young singer on the planet. She is so natural it’s scary and you can believe this when all of the others fad away she will be still holding her own. Ledisi gave a royal performance to close the second day of the festival. My favorite selection “In the Morning” toped off my and got me pumped for the final day.

Day Three:

Pavilion Stage- Catch A Rising Star Showcase – Part 2 (Brian Simpson, Tom Braxton and U-Nam) you must start the festival with an eye opener and that is what we got from these three artist. Selections – Brian Simpson “Saturday Cool” Tom Braxton “Bounce” and U-Nam “Street Life” rocked the house.

Pavilion Stage- The Jeff Lorber Fusion was one of the groups that help launch the Smooth Jazz movement in the 70’s. Jeff returned to his roots and released his current cd Now Is The Time which he remade many of his tunes we loved back in the day. We experienced the new cd in concert with tunes like Rain Dance, Curtains and Water Sign. No doubt the best jazz set of the day!

The Soul Stage – Naturally 7 an a cappella group from New York City is a group to put in your radar. At first I thought I was listening to a Hip Hop jazz flavored Take 6. Being new to me I wasn’t familiar with their music but you can believe that I am on the hunt for some of their sounds. The style is unique and intoxicating!

Pavilion Stage- David Benoit is the definition of contemporary jazz. During the early days of GRP he and Dave Grusin set the bar for many smooth jazz artists today. Performing many selections from Fuzzy Logic, Right Here Right Now and Here’s To You Charlie Brown cd took many down the smooth jazz memory lane. As always he ended his set with the all time favorite “Linus and Lucy”. Bravo!

The Soul Stage – Patti Labelle is the complete package R&B, jazz, gospel and rock. This is what you get when she grace the stage. Patti never disappoints her fans, always giving her best. Singing her standards “If Only You Knew”, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “You Are My Friend”. Patti is currently in the studio working on a new album.

Pavilion Stage- Rachelle Ferrell has received the baton passed on by the likes of Minnie Riperton, Sarah Vaughn and Nina Simone. This singer is an instrument; she amazes you every time at her concerts. It’s been over ten years since she has been in the studio. During the performance and at the artist workshop Rachelle announced that she is in the studio recording a new album. Of course the loyal fans got what they wanted “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This” a true crowd pleaser.

The Soul Stage – Mint Condition drew the largest crowd at the Soul Stage. This group is pure magic that never misses a beat. I believe that everyone in the crowd knew all the lyrics to all of their songs “Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes), “Nothing Left To Say”and “What Kind Of Man Would I Be”. The energy is still there and this group has many miles left in the tank.

The Soul Stage – Patrice Rushen (pictured above) and Friends ( Ndugu Chancler-drums, Eric Marienthal- sax Doc Powell-guitar and Freddie Washington-bass). This set was the party Patrice gave us what we wanted “Number One”, “Forget Me Nots”, “Haven’t You Heard” and “Remind Me”. This was my favorite performance on the Soul Stage.

The Soul Stage – The Brand New Heavies the final act for the 2010 Capital Jazz Festival closed the door in style. Sometimes I feel they should name the group N’Dea Davenport The Brand New Heavies, she just takes total charge and stand out. “Dream On Dreamer” and “Never Stop” just rocked.

Due to time restraints artist I missed:

Day 1

Cameo

Brian Culbertson

Down To The Bone

The Family Stone

Marcus Johnson

Day 2

Soul Sista Serene

Nick Colione and Eric Darius

Kenny G

I received reports from festival goers that these acts were outstanding.