The Fest passes the test

>> A look back at highlights of this year's Jazz Fest

by LEN DOBBIN

Well, so far, this year's Jazz Fest is everything that last year's wasn't. None of the shows I've chosen to attend have been a complete disappointment, but then, I didn't catch the Shorter/Hancock concert. One critic told me he left after 20 minutes of "geriatric noodling" and a renowned musician said he didn't understand any of the music, which he thought belonged more in a Buddhist monastery than at a Jazz Festival.

Some highlights (and in some cases, surprises) to these ears were the strong bass playing of Melissa Slocum and guitarist Greg Skaff with the entertaining Kevin Mahogany, and the excellent string writing and playing of pianist Alan Broadbent, a major contributor to the long Charlie Haden evening shared with the Shirley Horn trio. I looked forward to hearing vocalist Bill Henderson but, by the time he was called on stage, it was time to head out to another concert, a concert that was one of Festival highlights--the combination of guest Don Byron and NOJO, the Ontario-based big band co-led by pianist Paul Neufeld and guitarist (and humourist) Michael Occhipinti, both also composers of note. The tenor playing of Perry White was another high point here.

Gary Smulyan and I attended the presentation of Charles Papasoff's Catharsis II, which like its predecessor featured narration, singing and playing by a large ensemble which included a string quartet. The cream of the local players were joined by bassist George Mitchell and reedman Donny McCaslin, who trekked in from New York. Papasoff, in the words of Smulyan, wrote "a shitload of music."

Upon arrival at his sound check it was evident that Chick Corea was in a mood to play. He had an elated look on his face as he played off the marvellous rhythm team of Avishai Cohen and Jeff Ballard, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of men moving microphones. The concert was a delight, with great playing from the aforementioned and the frontline of Steve Davis and Steve Wilson and, a real find, tenorman Tim Garland, who flew in from his native London for the event. Later Cohen led his own combo that included Davis and Ballard, pianist Jason Lindner and youthful reedman, Jimmy Greene. More interesting writing with the group joined for the latter part of the concert by Wilson, who just happened to be in the audience (with his soprano in tow).

Baritone saxophonist Smulyan was only one of the world-class players in town to form the Dave Holland big band, which also included Steve Nelson, Brad Shigeta, Joshua Roseman, Chris Potter, Antonio Hart and a fiery drummer in Billy Kilson. A musical joy, as was the Holland quintet performance of the following night. Brad Mehldau was astonishing both with his trio and in his two-hour solo outing.

On Tuesday, Paul Bley took time out to record his fourth solo session for Justin Time. The following day he did a book signing at Chapters. Steve Amirault is back heading the house trio for the jam sessions at the Wyndham and they've been enlivened by the likes of Seamus Blake, Johnny O'Neal, Andy Milne and James Carter locking horns with both Chris Potter and Ricky Ford.

Some suggestions for the last four days of the Festival: the Jim Hall series, Carol Welsman, Jeri Brown, Chris Mitchell, Dave Douglas, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Susie Arioli and the Jazz Mandolin Project. Enjoy! :