The 2008 Playboy Jazz Festival Review

Word from the staff of The Urban Music Scene:
(We welcome Jerry Clark AKA The Mouse! A great advocate for music, all music! In conjuction & absoute will from Jerry’s passion for his website, www.mellowmadness.net & ours, he welcomed a chance to do a special review for The Urban Music Scene. And we laid out the welcome mat to him. Please welcome a newcomer to our staff, as well as his chance to share his joy covering the recent Playboy Jazz Festival 2008 Ya’ll!
All photos courtesy of Jerry Clark.)

Playboy Jazz Festival 

June 14 & 15, 2008

            For 30 years Playboy has been thrilling music lovers in the sunny confines of The Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood California. I must admit that the fans were extremely pleased with the lineup and the sunny but not too hot weather. Master of Ceremonies Bill Cosby jumpstarted the festivity conducting his Cos of Good Music. Cosby’s handpicked all star musicians set the tempo for what was to come.

                                                        

            The legendary James Moody Quartet with special guest Terence Blanchard was a crowd favorite. His charismatic bebop standard Mood for Love woos us all. The 83 year old James Moody still performs with the same vigor of his early years.

            Saturday’s funkiest performance was Dr. John. The flamboyant New Orleans organ, keyboard and vocalist stirred in the right roux to this voodoo funk. The festival on goers waved towels, threw Mardi Gras beads and danced to Dr. Johns signature Right Place, Wrong Time. The Doctor reminded us all that New Orleans is still alive and is in need support from us all.

            More fantastic performances followed with RnR (Rick Braun and Richard Elliot). Both smooth jazz industry artists captured the hearts of us all with their killer sound and showmanship. Playboy Jazz Festival favorite Poncho Sanchez and special guest Eddie Floyd (Knock on Wood) cranked up the salsa line. Next on the stage is Al Jarreau, a master mood setter. From performing his signature Take Five to romancing us with Midnight Sun, a selection from the Accentuate The Positive CD, Al has all of the right stuff. Finally the first day ended with Tower of Power blowing it out with the East Bay sound. Those guys are the tightest group ever (natural crowd pleasers)!  

            On Sunday (Fathers Day) the fun picked up where Saturday finished. Newcomer Ryan Shaw showcases his talent keeping the 60’s R&B alive and taking notes from legends Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson. I can see this 26 year old genius will be returning to the bowl in the future. Next in the round, we tipped our wine glasses to international Brazilian star Ivan Lins, the creator of classics like Velas, Dindi and Love Dance.

            Conducting a big band and playing trumpet, Roy Hargrove showed us his versatility and his many talents during this fantastic performance. Dee Dee Bridgewater gave an energy packed and colorful performance from music from her Red Earth cd. Dee Dee’s kindred spirit is expressed in the performance, covering from music of the African country of Mali where she has spent some time. 

Keb Mo, Blues and R&B, is always a crowd favorite. His story telling thru songs never loses the audience. Herbie Hancock with special guest Wayne Shorter and Marcus Miller electrified the bowl. Herbie performed many crowd favorites like Cantaloupe Island, Watermelon Man and Chameleon. Herbie on keys, Marcus Miller on bass, DJ C-Minus spinning the turntables and students from The Debbie Allen Dance Academy lit up the joint when Rockit was performed!! That was definitely the highlight of the evening. 

Jerry “The Mouse” Clark
Mellow Madness Music
www.mellowmadness.net

Special correspondent to The Urban Music Scene!