Jazz Jazz festival reconnects with musical roots
Over the years, the organizers of Jazz Aspen Snowmass have been presenting as much pop and rock as jazz music in their itinerary, but this summer, they are making strides to reconnect with their original jazz roots.
Take the festivities scheduled for July 1: “Ella @ 100, Direct From The Apollo” will celebrate the legacy of scatting immortal Ella Fitzgerald. With able support from the powerfully swinging (the group itself turns 80 this year, even though Basie the bandleader and pianist left the world in 1984) three vocalists will channel Fitzgerald: Patti Austin, Lizz Wright and relative newcomer to the scene, Andra Day. Each of the singers is better known for her work in pop music rather than jazz, but this scenario affords all of them the opportunity to display their talents.
It’s a smart idea on the part of the JAS organizers to bring these worlds together with such grace. Also in the JAS lineup: a Sunday Brunch with pianist Jon Batiste (he’s the bandleader from “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”), singer Lisa Fischer and festival organizer Jim Horowitz the morning of June 25; the veteran funk group Tower of Power will perform that evening. All of these shows tale place at Aspen’s Benedict Music Tent. Get tickets and details at jazzaspensnowmass.org.
Back in Denver on July 1, the unpredictable guitarist Marc Ribot will appear at the new location of Dazzle Jazz. I’ve seen Ribot perform with his fantastic Cuban-influenced group, Los Cubanos Postizos, and in rock-flavored contexts. He has a new trio CD of bonkers improvisations with fellow travelers Elliot Sharp and Mary Halvorson, “Err Guitar” on the independent Intakt Records label. Ribot is always excellent, whether backing up Tom Waits, interpreting the works of free-blowing saxophone saint Albert Ayler or playing solo, which is what he’ll be doing for his two sets at Dazzle. Ribot is a major talent on his instrument, and anyone interested in the evolution of the guitar should consider taking in one of his performances. Tickets are $15-25; Dazzle Jazz is now at 1512 Curtis St. Dazzledenver.org.
Longtime Colorado group Dotesro plays a free show as part of City Park Jazz on June 25, and Purnell Steen and LeJazz Machine take to the same stage July 2. Get the specifics at cityparkjazz.org . ... Diana Castro and her group appear at El Chapultepec on June 27 . ... The Josh D. Reed Quartet presents “Diggin’ on Miles Davis’ Prestige Era” at Nocturne on June 28 . ... That same night, the challenging and rewarding Bottesini Project plays Lost Lake Lounge . ... Snarky Puppy, a Texasbased group of improvisers who are growing impressively in popularity, open up for Umphrey’s McGee at Red Rocks on July 1 . ... Rebirth Brass Band brings New Orleans style jazz to Nederland’s Caribou Room that same evening . ... The Boulder Art & Jazzfest takes place on the Pearl Street Mall July 4-5, featuring Mark and more. Bret Saunders (bretsaunders FM. @ kbco.com) can be heard from 6 to 11 a.m. weekdays at KBCO 97.3