Our Review of The 17th Annual Capital Jazz Festival 2009 | by Jerry Clark
17th Annual
Capital Jazz Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
June 5-7, 2009
The Urban Music Scene is elated to bring you a concert review from our very own Jerry “The Mouse” Clark, as he recently embarked on a visit to the mighty 17th annual Capital Jazz Festival! Check out the review!…)
(all photos shown courtesy of Jerry “The Mouse” Clark)
Day One:
The
rainy weather did not dampen the spirit of the concert on goers. It had
rained the majority of the day and it seemed that it continue when the
festival kicked off at 7:30.
rainy weather did not dampen the spirit of the concert on goers. It had
rained the majority of the day and it seemed that it continue when the
festival kicked off at 7:30.
With no rain interrupting Foreplay kicked of the 17th
Capital Jazz fest with an astonishing performance by Bob James, Harvey
Mason, Larry Carlton and Nathan East. Many Foreplay favorites like
“Chant”, “West Chester Lady” and “Still the One’ excited the crowd.
Capital Jazz fest with an astonishing performance by Bob James, Harvey
Mason, Larry Carlton and Nathan East. Many Foreplay favorites like
“Chant”, “West Chester Lady” and “Still the One’ excited the crowd.
Chaka
Khan replacing the convalescing Natalie Cole closed the first day with
a fiery performance. During the Concert Chaka shared with the audience
a very heart warming story about how she turned her life around. Mesmerizing
songs like “Sweet Thing” and “Through the Fire” cruised the audience
down memory lane. However, it was the party songs that that got the juices
flowing: “I Feel for You”, “Once You Get Started” and the female anthem
“I’m Every Woman” rocked the house!
Khan replacing the convalescing Natalie Cole closed the first day with
a fiery performance. During the Concert Chaka shared with the audience
a very heart warming story about how she turned her life around. Mesmerizing
songs like “Sweet Thing” and “Through the Fire” cruised the audience
down memory lane. However, it was the party songs that that got the juices
flowing: “I Feel for You”, “Once You Get Started” and the female anthem
“I’m Every Woman” rocked the house!
Day Two:
Trumpeter
Joey Summerville kicked off the second day on the Pavilion Jazz Stage
(main stage) with a spirited throw down performance. The Atlanta based
performer pumped the crowd up with selections like “Schoolboy Crush”
and “Bounce”. Another Atlanta based act Daysahead graced the Soul Stage
at Symphony Woods (second stage). Kim Leachman and guitarist Steve
Wright making their debut at the Capital Jazz Fest performed a jazz
-funk set.
Joey Summerville kicked off the second day on the Pavilion Jazz Stage
(main stage) with a spirited throw down performance. The Atlanta based
performer pumped the crowd up with selections like “Schoolboy Crush”
and “Bounce”. Another Atlanta based act Daysahead graced the Soul Stage
at Symphony Woods (second stage). Kim Leachman and guitarist Steve
Wright making their debut at the Capital Jazz Fest performed a jazz
-funk set.
Marion
Meadows has a way with the ladies (as most sax players). His cool
demeanor and sensual sax just drives the females wild. This year was a
first for Marion at the Capital Jazz Fest performing as an act and not
playing in a group. The crowed loved the selections from his current cd
Secrets. Marion has come a long way from the days
playing with Norman Connors. Meanwhile on the Soul Stage an explosion
of fun was taking place. Leela James action pack presence fired up the
muddy fans. Leela is a combination of Chaka Khan, James Brown and Tina
Turner. Performing an Old School set from her current cd Let’s Do It Again. Lalah
Hathaways’ warm and gentle performance soothed the atmosphere of the
midday. The rich sound from her voice, the grooves from the band and
her backup singers (including Rahsaan Patterson) was the recipe for a
fantastic show. My favorites “Forever, For Always, For Love”,
“Something” and “Let Go” had my full attention. Lalah is working her
way into the company of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson and Minnie Riperton.
She has to be an interesting singer in her craft.
The
versatile Regina Belle captivated the audience on the Jazz Stage with
her signature “So Many Tears”. I was reminiscing during entire song
(Regina’s voice flows with romance and style). She also shared an
experience overcoming surgery last year and thanking the Lord for
recovery. Regina performed other of her trademark tunes “Baby Come To
Me”, “Make It Like It Was” and “A Whole New World”. The treat of the
day was Rahsaan Patterson. He must have the cleanest voice in the
industry. I sat and grooved to favorites “Feels Good”, “Spend the
Night” and Sade’s “Stronger than Pride”. During the performance of
“Stronger than Pride” you could not hear a pin drop. He has to release
this selection on his next project. Amazing!!!!!
versatile Regina Belle captivated the audience on the Jazz Stage with
her signature “So Many Tears”. I was reminiscing during entire song
(Regina’s voice flows with romance and style). She also shared an
experience overcoming surgery last year and thanking the Lord for
recovery. Regina performed other of her trademark tunes “Baby Come To
Me”, “Make It Like It Was” and “A Whole New World”. The treat of the
day was Rahsaan Patterson. He must have the cleanest voice in the
industry. I sat and grooved to favorites “Feels Good”, “Spend the
Night” and Sade’s “Stronger than Pride”. During the performance of
“Stronger than Pride” you could not hear a pin drop. He has to release
this selection on his next project. Amazing!!!!!
He’s
Back!!! Will Downing is in old form after his fight with the muscle
disorder polymyositis the past year. It’s an amazement how Will’s
robust voice just weakens the knees of the opposite sex and motivates
the guys to romance their better half. Favorites performed “Nothing Has
Ever Felt Like This” accompanied with Maysa, “I Try” and “Free”. Will
also showcased selections from his new cd Classique.
Back!!! Will Downing is in old form after his fight with the muscle
disorder polymyositis the past year. It’s an amazement how Will’s
robust voice just weakens the knees of the opposite sex and motivates
the guys to romance their better half. Favorites performed “Nothing Has
Ever Felt Like This” accompanied with Maysa, “I Try” and “Free”. Will
also showcased selections from his new cd Classique.
I
have waited for years to see the group Swing Out Sister. The trio from
Manchester England displayed many trademark tunes “Breakout”,
“Surrender”, “Am I the Same Girl” and “Twilight World”. Corinne Drewery
lead singer had much help from the audience singing along with her step
by step. Rushing back to the Jazz Stage to see Norman Brown I heard the
sweet and fast licks from his guitar as he open his set. Norman is a
true craftsman to say the lease. Also on stage with Norman was Gail
Johnson (manager) on keys. Norman shared stories and performed
selections from his idols Jimmi Hendricks, Wes Montgomery and George
Benson. He gave the three guitarist credit for making him the player he
is today.
have waited for years to see the group Swing Out Sister. The trio from
Manchester England displayed many trademark tunes “Breakout”,
“Surrender”, “Am I the Same Girl” and “Twilight World”. Corinne Drewery
lead singer had much help from the audience singing along with her step
by step. Rushing back to the Jazz Stage to see Norman Brown I heard the
sweet and fast licks from his guitar as he open his set. Norman is a
true craftsman to say the lease. Also on stage with Norman was Gail
Johnson (manager) on keys. Norman shared stories and performed
selections from his idols Jimmi Hendricks, Wes Montgomery and George
Benson. He gave the three guitarist credit for making him the player he
is today.
Master
vibraphonist Roy Ayers showmanship is always on point. Roy has so many
signature tunes that identify his soulful style. On the agenda
“Searching”, Everybody Loves the Sunshine” was the crowd pleasers. On
the Soul Stage -The Underground Divas (Maysa, N’Dea Davenport and Caron
Wheeler) three sisters that got their start performing in British Soul
bands. The sonbirds jammed the woods with favorites from Incognito
(Maysa), Soul to Soul (Caron) and The Brand New Heavies (N’Dea). The
Underground Diva project is spearheaded by Maysa with hopes for taking
it on the road.
vibraphonist Roy Ayers showmanship is always on point. Roy has so many
signature tunes that identify his soulful style. On the agenda
“Searching”, Everybody Loves the Sunshine” was the crowd pleasers. On
the Soul Stage -The Underground Divas (Maysa, N’Dea Davenport and Caron
Wheeler) three sisters that got their start performing in British Soul
bands. The sonbirds jammed the woods with favorites from Incognito
(Maysa), Soul to Soul (Caron) and The Brand New Heavies (N’Dea). The
Underground Diva project is spearheaded by Maysa with hopes for taking
it on the road.
Finally
the show everyone was waiting for master musician George Duke. The
definition of George Duke is Pure Energy. George kicked it off with
“Brazilian Love Affair” and “No Rhyme, No Reason”. The
standard “Dukey Stick” and selections from the new cd Dukey Treats
followed. That was a lot to take in for one day but it’s the Capital
Jazz Festival and its only here once a year. Got to get some rest for
Day Three!
the show everyone was waiting for master musician George Duke. The
definition of George Duke is Pure Energy. George kicked it off with
“Brazilian Love Affair” and “No Rhyme, No Reason”. The
standard “Dukey Stick” and selections from the new cd Dukey Treats
followed. That was a lot to take in for one day but it’s the Capital
Jazz Festival and its only here once a year. Got to get some rest for
Day Three!
Day Three:
Two
guys that I was wanting to see perform Mike Phillips and Anthony David.
The two dazzled the crowd with jazz, ballads and funk. You could tell
that Hidden Beach Records was in the house with the funky sax of Mike
Phillips (definitely Unwrapped). Anthony David “Cold Turkey” and
“Something About You” define the troubadour that Anthony is. It was his
song “Words” that mesmerized the crowd. Mike mentioned that both he and
Anthony are taking this show on the road.
guys that I was wanting to see perform Mike Phillips and Anthony David.
The two dazzled the crowd with jazz, ballads and funk. You could tell
that Hidden Beach Records was in the house with the funky sax of Mike
Phillips (definitely Unwrapped). Anthony David “Cold Turkey” and
“Something About You” define the troubadour that Anthony is. It was his
song “Words” that mesmerized the crowd. Mike mentioned that both he and
Anthony are taking this show on the road.
I
thought that never would I see Gary Taylor perform but this is the
Capital Jazz Festival and you see artist like Gary perform on its
stages. You may know some of his work from The Whispers, Anita Baker,
Ray Parker Jr. and Lalah Hathaway but Gary is a fine singer himself.
The songs “Woman of Color”, “Tease Me” and “Blind To It All” moved many
onlookers. This is certainly an artist you would want to start
collecting on cd.
thought that never would I see Gary Taylor perform but this is the
Capital Jazz Festival and you see artist like Gary perform on its
stages. You may know some of his work from The Whispers, Anita Baker,
Ray Parker Jr. and Lalah Hathaway but Gary is a fine singer himself.
The songs “Woman of Color”, “Tease Me” and “Blind To It All” moved many
onlookers. This is certainly an artist you would want to start
collecting on cd.
Next on the agenda is Pieces of a Dream and Phil Perry together on one stage (amazing). The
late Grover Washington Jr. produced Philadelphia’s – Pieces of a Dream
back in the late 70’s. Their style has graduated to be one of today’s
premier jazz acts. Pieces dazzled the crowd with favorites old and new.
Veteran vocalist Phil Perry captivated the audience with his crafty
falsetto range on favorites “If Only You Knew” and “Desire” with the
support of boys from Philly.
late Grover Washington Jr. produced Philadelphia’s – Pieces of a Dream
back in the late 70’s. Their style has graduated to be one of today’s
premier jazz acts. Pieces dazzled the crowd with favorites old and new.
Veteran vocalist Phil Perry captivated the audience with his crafty
falsetto range on favorites “If Only You Knew” and “Desire” with the
support of boys from Philly.
Bass,
Bass, Bass that’s what you get with S.M.V. (Stanley Clarke, Marcus
Miller and Victor Wooten). I am willing to bet President Obama could
feel the funk in the White House 30 miles away in DC. Songs “Tutu”,
“School Days” and Thunder thumped out the Jazz Stage. Stanley mentioned
that never have three bass players performed like this ever. After
witnessing this you have a new perspective of the bass guitar.
Bass, Bass that’s what you get with S.M.V. (Stanley Clarke, Marcus
Miller and Victor Wooten). I am willing to bet President Obama could
feel the funk in the White House 30 miles away in DC. Songs “Tutu”,
“School Days” and Thunder thumped out the Jazz Stage. Stanley mentioned
that never have three bass players performed like this ever. After
witnessing this you have a new perspective of the bass guitar.
It
wasn’t possible to witness all acts. I missed the acts of Peabo Bryson,
Angie Stone, Kirk Whalum and Al Jarreau because I recently attended
their concerts prior to the Capital Jazz Festival. You can bet your
bottom dollar that they also wooded the festival on goers. That wraps up the 2009 Capital Jazz Festival. Cya next year June 4-6, 2010
wasn’t possible to witness all acts. I missed the acts of Peabo Bryson,
Angie Stone, Kirk Whalum and Al Jarreau because I recently attended
their concerts prior to the Capital Jazz Festival. You can bet your
bottom dollar that they also wooded the festival on goers. That wraps up the 2009 Capital Jazz Festival. Cya next year June 4-6, 2010
Jerry “The Mouse” Clark
Mellow Madness Music
www.mellowmadnessmusic.net
The Urban Music Scene