Marcus Anderson, Brian Culbertson (keys) at the 32nd LBJF (Photo: Sheryl Aronson)
The Third Day of the 32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival
Day 3 of the 32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival was exhilarating with a lineup of dynamic musicians This was a three-day musical feast!
On August 11th, Darryl Williams and Bryan Thompson opened Sunday for the Long Beach Jazz Festival. Darryl Williams conducted the musicians with elegant grace and phenomenal performances from all. Each artist interacted creating a perfect flow of respect and gifted musical conversation for the utmost uplifting atmosphere. Darryl Williams played several songs from both of his CDs, including two Top 10 Billboard hits “Do You Remember” and “Here To Stay!” The band was funky as Williams played powerfully his piccolo bass.
After their performance I interviewed Darryl Williams and Bryan Thompson.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to head my own band at the Long Beach Jazz Festival and to work with some great musicians, as well makes it even better. I’ve played here for the last few years as a sideman for artists like Jonathan Butler and Euge Groove, plus many more. But this is the first time with my own band.” Stated Darryl Williams.
Bryan Thompson commented, “I love playing my instrument. The Long Beach Jazz Festival is an amazing platform to play on.”
Next up was Chieli Minucci, the guitarist and leader of the Grammy-nominated fusion group Special EFX. He led an all-star band with violinist Karen Briggs, Eric sax player Marienthal, bassist Gerald Veasley, keyboardist Lao Tizer; drummer Joel Rosenblatt, and vocalist Elliot Yamin. This powerhouse group thoroughly entertained the audience by rocking the afternoon with dynamic solos and world fusion music.
The Rippingtons, under the leadership of guitarist/composer Russ Freeman stormed the stage with a set of rocking contemporary jazz. Flavors of funk, Latin, rock and pop were heard in the Rippington’s beloved compositions that reached chart-topping popularity. The audience was also treated to the Rippington’s latest release “Open Road.”
Six-time Grammy Award winner and film composer Terence Blanchard captivated the audience with his band E-Collective. The music had an alluring and eclectic sound. There were inspired solos from each member of the band: Charles Altura played guitar fiercely and Fabian Almazon vibed on the piano. Terence Blanchard released haunting yet controlled riffs and bluesy bop. Introspective and inspirational, the E-Collective showcased its wide spectrum of jazz orchestration.
Terence Blanchard commented: “The Long Beach Jazz Festival has a history of its own, and I wanted my band to live up to that level of excellence.”
Grammy award-winning Arturo Sandoval played a sizzling set of Latin Jazz with his smoking band. The versatile trumpeters played to our excitement while Sandoval played his timbales and sang in Spanish. It was thrilling to hear the mastery of the trumpet players hit those high notes! The jazz lovers were thrilled when Terence Blanchard joined Arturo Sandoval onstage, and the two seasoned artists jammed to our hearts content. It was a classic set of jazz utopia for all who witnessed it that day.
It’s nearly impossible to rival the high-energy and excitement of a Brian Culbertson show. His relentless passion is emitted with every note on his keyboard. Culbertson, also an impressive trombonist, incorporates choreography reminding me of a high-powered, smiling pied piper who doesn’t miss a beat! Culbertson took the audience on a roller coaster ride of fun, frolic, and feverish funk. Everyone on the stage matched Culbertson’s energy, especially Marcus Anderson, whose soaring licks on the sax, accompanied by lively choreography helped raise the energy to an even higher level. We were treated to Culbertson’s diverse musical catalog; he even slowed the pace down when he performed his romantic compositions from his Colors of Love CD.
The moon beamed like a white pearl over the stage as Brian Culbertson and his funk-filled music was released high into the night’s sky, finishing up a weekend of pure joy, a joy that brought The Long Beach Jazz Festival to a glorious end. Enjoy more highlights from day 3 of the 32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival!
Reviewed and photographed by Sheryl Aronson | Edited by Kaylene Peoples – Executive Editor of Schmooze Jazz Magazine.
