Jazz at Centrum

Jazz Port Townsend Faculty Member Gary Smulyan Named Top Baritone Saxophonist

Gary Smulyan at Jazz Port Townsend - Photo by Jim Levitt

Congratulations to Jazz Port Townsend faculty member, Gary Smulyan, for being awarded Baritone Saxophonist of the year in JazzTimes’ 2011 Readers’ Poll!

JazzTimes Magazine asked their readers to consider artists who were notably active in the last year and to vote for their favorites in a number of categories. Among the winners are many friends and faculty of Jazz Port Townsend, present and past. Some highlights include trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire as Best New Artist, Regina Carter as Best Violinist, and Kurt Elling as Best Male Vocalist.

Also placing in the poll were Centrum friends Sachal Vasandani (new artist and male vocalist), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Jaleel Shaw (alto saxophone), Gary Versace (organ), Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Matt Wilson (drums), Gretchen Parlato (female vocalist), Gerald Wilson (arranger) and Jazz Port Townsend Artistic Director, John Clayton (arranger).

Centrum is thrilled to be able to count so many of the artists recognized among our Jazz Port Townsend Faculty and feels privileged to see so many members of our family honored. Congratulations!

You too can be a part of the Centrum Family. Join JazzTimes Readers’ Poll honorees Wycliffe Gordon, Gary Smulyan, Matt Wilson, and John Clayton at Jazz Port Townsend 2012. Learn more about the Jazz Port Townsend workshop.

Seattle Times Review of 2011 Jazz Port Townsend

Seattle Times jazz critic Paul de Barros wrote an informative review of Centrum's 2011 Jazz Port Townsend performances. He particularly liked the "8-Piece Sextet:"

"A bebopper's delight, the program featured an ad hoc group of musicians who had been teaching all week at a workshop that preceded the festival. Jokingly called an "8-Piece Sextet" (that ultimately had seven players — go figure), it fell effortlessly into a deep, toe-tapping groove.

The bespectacled, suit-clad drummer Matt Wilson had a lot to do with that, as he set a swingin' pace on Herbie Hancock's soulful shot, "Driftin'." [Paquito] D'Rivera, whose irresistibly silly humor fell somewhere between Dizzy Gillespie and Ricky Ricardo, pulled the crowd to its feet with a sparkling solo on "Corcovado." Trumpeter Terrell Stafford tore the lid off Gillespie's "Tour de Force" and Wilson answered with a solo that cleverly cast his bass drum against fields of silence. Pianist Benny Green rumbled over the edge of the earth into of the ether of pure sound."

Head over the SeattleTimes.com for the full write-up.

Enjoy Young Big Bands at Jazz Port Townsend

Centrum is proud to welcome the Monterey Jazz Festival's 2011 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and the BuJazzO Youth Orchestra to Jazz in the Clubs at Jazz Port Townsend.

The Monerey Jazz Festival’s 2011 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra was created in 1971 as a part of the Monterey Jazz Festival's continuing commitment to jazz education. Former members of the Orchestra include pianists Benny Green and Patrice Rushen, bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Chad Wackerman, saxophonists Joshua Redman, Donny McCaslin, Eric Marienthal, Dave Koz, trombonist Andy Martin, trumpeters Gilbert Castellanos, Ambrose Akinmusire, and big band leader Gordon Goodwin to name a few.

In the past, the band has been under the leadership of Ladd McIntosh, Don Schamber, Benny Golson, Bill Berry, and many more. Now under the tutelage of Paul Contos, the renowned saxophonist and flautist who serves as the director of the Orchestra, the ensemble is dedicated to the study and performance of the most challenging big band literature available.

The award-winning Bundesjazzorchester (BuJazzO), Germany's Youth Jazz Orchestra, is led by Jiggs Whigham, and sponsors qualified and talented young jazz musicians in Germany. As an institution involved in the musical training of young people, it is unique in its kind worldwide. Young instrumentalists and singers can apply to join the BuJazzO, the musicians selected are then invited to audition. Successful candidates have the opportunity to develop their talent for a further period of two years up to a maximum age of 24.

The BuJazzO, winner of the 1997 German Music Prize, 2009 Jazz Prize of West German Broadcasting Service, has given over 400 concerts, undertaken twenty international tours and produced numerous broadcast recordings.

Jazz in the Clubs–A Jazz Port Townsend Tradition

Festival performers from Jazz Port Townsend will join other celebrated jazz artists for the annual return of Jazz in the Clubs, beginning on Thursday, July 28 at 8 p.m. as part of Jazz Port Townsend at Centrum.

Port Townsend’s Upstage, Public House, Rose Theater, Castle Key Lounge, Undertown, Key City Playhouse, and Northwest Maritime Center will play host to three nights of intimate performances and legendary musicians, including John Clayton, George Cables, Clarence Acox, and many more.

In addition, the Northwest Maritime Center will host two outstanding youth big bands on Saturday, July 30 when the visiting BuJazzO Youth Orchestra from Germany led by Jiggs Whigham, and the Monterey Jazz Festival’s 2011 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra take the stage in a showcase of big band artistry.

The Key City Playhouse and the Northwest Maritime Center are ALL-AGES venues, and free to the public. The Rose Theater is ALL-AGES as well, but Club Passes are required. Club passes, as well as tickets to all 2011 Jazz Port Townsend concerts and events are available on the Centrum website, on the phone at 800.746.1982, or in person at the Centrum office, 223 Battery Way, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets are always available at the venue box office, one hour prior to performance. Club passes for Jazz in the Clubs are available for $25 per night, and are good for unlimited access to all venues.

For a full schedule of artists and performances, please visit http://centrum.org/jazz/jazz-in-the-clubs.html - or download the 2011 Jazz Port Townsend program guide, courtesy of the Port Townsend/Jefferson County Leader.

Jazz Port Townsend Mainstage Preview: Saturday Evening, July 30

Starting on Thursday, July 28, and running through Saturday, July 30, Jazz Port Townsend transforms Port Townsend into a mecca for jazz. Fresh off a week of jazz education, the renowned artist/faculty take to the stage for mainstage performances in Fort Worden State Park's WWI-era McCurdy Pavilion, and for club performances in Port Townsend's historic downtown and uptown districts.

The final mainstage performance of Jazz Port Townsend takes place on Saturday night, and year in and year out, these closing sets are the stuff of legend.

Saturday, July 30, 2011
7:30 PM, McCurdy Pavilion

• Reserved Seating - $35/$28/$18; 18 & Under – Free.
• Tickets on sale now.

Stefon Harris and friends

Heralded as one of the most important young artists in jazz, vibraphonist Stefon Harris brings his innovative sound to the McCurdy Pavilion. Joined by pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Quincy Davis, the evening will showcase the dynamic musical range and inspired artistry of Harris and his guests.

“The JPT 8-Piece Sextet”

Originally formed as a sextet, the others were too good to leave backstage! Paquito D’Rivera (clarinet/alto saxophone), Joel Frahm (tenor saxophone), Terell Stafford (trumpet), Jiggs Whigham (trombone), Bruce Forman (guitar), Benny Green (piano), Christoph Luty (bass), and Matt Wilson (drums) join forces in this eclectic and unpredictable powerhouse of an ensemble.

Jazz Port Townsend Mainstage Preview: Saturday Afternoon, July 30

Starting on Thursday, July 28, and running through Saturday, July 30, Jazz Port Townsend transforms Port Townsend into a mecca for jazz. Fresh off a week of jazz education, the renowned artist/faculty take to the stage for mainstage performances in Fort Worden State Park's WWI-era McCurdy Pavilion, and for club performances in Port Townsend's historic downtown and uptown districts.

The Saturday afternoon mainstage set is a Festival favorite, with performances in the historic balloon hangar, and (weather permitting) lawn seating outside on Littlefield Green.

Saturday, July 30, 2011
1:30 PM, McCurdy Pavilion

• Reserved Seating - $45/$31/$20; 18 & Under – Free.
• Tickets on sale now.

The Gerald Clayton Trio with guest Joel Frahm

Celebrated by The L.A. Times for the “enthusiastic feeling of exhilaration (they bring to) everything they play,” pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Joe Sanders, and drummer Quincy Davis represent the bright future of jazz. Joining them is tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm, a veteran of the New York scene and recognized by Downbeat as a rising star.

Sunny Wilkinson and guests

Vocalist Sunny Wilkinson is schooled in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, but finds equal inspiration in Chet Baker, Bill Evans, and Charlie Parker. Her dynamic performances are marked by technical brilliance, and showcase her deep respect for the great traditions of vocal jazz. Sunny is joined by Randy Halberstadt, piano; Tom Wakeling, bass; and Byron Vannoy, drums.

The Centrum All-Star Big Band, featuring the Music of Bill Holman with guest soloist Paquito D’Rivera

NEA Jazz Masters Live and Centrum present Grammy winning composer/arranger Bill Holman and the debut of his newest composition, written to feature the talents of Paquito D’Rivera. Join John Clayton and the Centrum All-Star Big Band for this historic world premiere.

NEA Jazz Masters Live is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest that celebrates the living legends who have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of jazz.

The Centrum Faculty All-Star Big Band

Bill Holman, director; John Clayton, guest director; Paquito D'Rivera, clarinet soloist; Mark Taylor, alto I; Bill Ramsey, alto II; Pete Christlieb, tenor I; Travis Ranney, tenor II; Gary Smulyan, bari sax; Brad Allison, trumpet; Jay Thomas, trumpet; Jim Sisko, trumpet; Thomas Marriott, trumpet; Gary Shutes, trombone; Dan Marcus, trombone; David Marriott, trombone; Greg Schroeder, bass trombone; Bruce Forman, guitar; Doug Miller, bass; Jeff Hamilton, drums.

Read 2011 Jazz Port Townsend Program Online

Thanks to our friends at the Port Townsend Jefferson County Leader, the official program for 2011 Jazz Port Townsend is viewable online.

Open publication

 

Jazz Port Townsend Mainstage Preview: Friday, July 29

Starting on Thursday, July 28, and running through Saturday, July 30, Jazz Port Townsend transforms Port Townsend into a mecca for jazz. Fresh off a week of jazz education, the renowned artist/faculty take to the stage for mainstage performances in Fort Worden State Park's WWI-era McCurdy Pavilion, and for club performances in Port Townsend's historic downtown and uptown districts.

The mainstage performances are particular highlights. We'll previewing each show for you so that you can sample the energy and creativity of the featured artists.

Friday, July 29, 2011
7:30 PM, McCurdy Pavilion
Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
Reserved Seating - $35/$28/$18; 18 & Under – Free.

• Tickets on sale now.

Vocal Mastery with Dee Daniels and Charenée Wade

Experience an intimate evening of standards and new favorites through the soulful artistry of Centrum favorite Dee Daniels, and introducing Charenée Wade in her first appearance at Jazz Port Townsend.  Both vocalists will be joined by Benny Green on piano, Christoph Luty on bass, Clarence Acox on drums, and alto-saxophonist Jeff Clayton.

The Jeff Hamilton Trio

The supremely inventive sounds of drummer Jeff Hamilton, bassist Christoph Luty, and pianist Tamir Hendelman combine to create the Jeff Hamilton Trio, a group of astonishing grace and chemistry.

Just Posted - 2011 Jazz In The Clubs Information

In addition to the amazing mainstage performances at McCurdy Pavilion, Jazz Port Townsend features 3 nights of jazz in more intimate environs. We call it Jazz in the Clubs, and it is a signature element of the Festival.

In new and historic venues throughout Port Townsend, national and regional jazz artists come together in performance combos that you cannot find anywhere else - these musicians are selected and grouped by Artistic Director John Clayton.

One Club Pass each night gives you access to all Clubs. Those passes can be purchased individually, as part of Jazz Port Townsend ticket packages, or you can puchase them at the door of each Club the night of each show.

We've just posted the complete club schedule online, including venue locations and food and beverage information. Check them out and we'll see you in the Clubs!

2011 Jazz Awards To Jazz Port Townsend Artists

The 2011 Jazz Journalists Association announced their annual awards for jazz music and jazz journalism this past weekend, and artists associated with Jazz Port Townsend were front and center.

• Jimmy Heath, who was on faculty last year, was awarded the organization's Lifetime Achievement in Jazz honor.
• Arranger of the Year honors were given to NEA Jazz Master Bill Holman, who will join us in Port Townsend in 2011.
• Matt Wilson was named Drummer of the Year. Matt is on faculty with us in 2011 as well.
• The Mallet Instrumentalist of the Year honor was given to Stefon Harris. Stefon will also be with us this year.

Visit the JJA website for the complete run-down. The list is loaded with artists who have made a deep impression on Jazz Port Townsend students and audiences.