Official site of the Jazz Port Townsend jazz festival, as well as other jazz education and performance programs at Centrum, the nonprofit center for the arts at Fort Worden State Park, in Port Townsend, Washington.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
On February 6, 2011, our friend Jim Wilke is broadcasting the amazing set of Larry Goldings, Jeff Hamilton and Graham Dechter from Jazz Port Townsend 2010. This trio - who Artistic Director John Clayton dubbed "The LA Organ Trio" was a highlight of the festival.
The all-star trio from Los Angeles will be featured on the next Jazz Northwest from 88.5, KPLU on Sunday, February 6 at 1 PM (Pacific). Jazz Northwest is recorded and produced by Jim Willke, exclusively for 88.5, KPLU. The program is broadcast on Sundays at 1 PM (Pacific) and streamed at kplu.org. The program is also available as a podcast after the airdate.
All three musicians have recorded frequently but have not made an album together which makes this concert a unique experience.
Organist Larry Goldings has more than a dozen CDs as a leader and many more as sideman with Carla Bley, Michael Brecker, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny and others. Guitarist Graham Dechter is still in his 20s but has played on dozens of sessions and concerts from Lincoln Center to the Hollywood Bowl. His first CD as a leader was issued in 2009. Jeff Hamilton has played with the Basie and Woody Herman bands and is co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra. He has also played in small groups with the LA Four, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson and Diana Krall among many others including his own Jeff Hamilton Trio.
The legendary Heath Brothers played the final concert of last Summer's mainstage series at Centrum's Jazz Port Townsend, and that concert will be broadcast Sunday, December 5 at 1 PM PT on Jazz Northwest from 88-5, KPLU and streamed at kplu.org.
The Heath Brothers Quartet is fronted by NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Jimmy Heath and his brother, drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. Between them, they have played with a long list of other jazz masters including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins and many others. Together with their late brother, bassist Percy Heath, the Heath Brothers have toured widely and recorded extensively.
Appearing with the Heath Brothers in this festival concert are Jeb Patton, piano and David Wong, bass. The latest CD by the group is "Endurance" (Jazz Legacy). Jimmy Heath has also recorded with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, performing his suite commissioned by the SRJO, "The Endless Search" (Origin).
Also on this week's show is a brief visit to a downtown Port Townsend club following the concert for an intimate guitar duo with Graham Dechter and Dan Balmer.
Jazz Northwest is recorded and produced by Jim Wilke exclusively for 88-5 KPLU and kplu.org. The program is also available as a podcast following the airdate.
