Stepping Out

Hitting the right notes at the Long Beach Jazz Festival

Jazz greats offer up plenty of lively tunes

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The City by the Sea is gearing up for the latest installment of the Long Beach Jazz Festival, which returns with another lively edition next week, Sept. 15-18.
Now in its 14th season, the Long Beach Jazz Festival continues to grow and attains higher levels of audience enthusiasm each year.
Producer Steve Adelson, the renowned Chapman Stick player, has presented over 1,000 creative artists on the Long Beach Jazz Festival main stage since 2003. “It’s been very gratifying to connect the community, and beyond, to the music of these iconic performers,” Adelson says. “Reciprocally, the musicians greatly enjoy the tremendous positive response from the overflow crowds. Throughout the year, LBJF fans eagerly anticipate its return and are excited to the hear who will be performing in the latest edition.”
The festival attracts an international line-up of world-class musicians each year, always a mix of returning performers and some new additions.
“Of course some of our fan favorites will be back plus some very unique and exciting new groups,” says Adelson. “We get hundreds of solicitations to secure a slot on the schedule each year. It’s a difficult process to narrow down and finalize the schedule from among all these great performers. Being very involved with the community of Long Beach, it’s been very rewarding to present musicians who otherwise might not be heard by our new fans.

This year’s edition brings back many favorites from past years. “I felt it was time to re-present these popular performers in response to many requests,” Adelson explains.
The 2016 schedule offers music ranging from South American rhythms, sonic guitar explorations and bluesy ensembles to unique international instrumentalists. “It’s great to share the creative output of these musicians with everyone. And, as a Long Beach resident, it’s wonderful to see the vitality in the city for those four days.”
As always, LBJF does not charge admission. “As a result of the generous contributions, the festival, as it has always been, remains free to the public. Without the fantastic support of our sponsors, this event simply wouldn’t happen,” says Adelson.
LBJF will welcome back some of its favorite “alumni” along with some special guests. Some of the returning celebrated performers include festival regulars Edmar Castaneda, Kerry Kearney, Chieli Minucci with Special EFX, Charlie Hunter, Rachel Z, Bucky Pizzarelli, Bakithi Kumalo, Dean Brown, Ted Rosenthal and Matt Wilson, and Bryan Carrott.
“Edmar has been playing all over the globe. He recently played in Bangkok, Portugal and here in New York at Lincoln Center,” says Adelson. “Edmar is considered one of the premiere Columbian harp players in the world. His integration of harmony, melody and rhythm are a joy to behold.”
“Kerry has jammed with B.B. King, toured the world with Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane, and has led his successful group through many decades. He is what blues guitar is all about.”
“Special EFX has toured and recorded for over three decades. Chieli, the founder, has written and arranged most of the material. He’s also been nominated for Grammys and Emmys for his TV compositions. Chieli’s music spans every style from adventurous to radio-friendly. He has shared the stage with a vast array of celebrities from Celine Dion to Lou Reed and beyond.”
“Charlie Hunter is listed in the book “The Great Jazz Guitarists” as one of the top 20 innovative guitarists of all time. He’s a top seller for Blue Note records and has explored the seven- and eight-string guitar vocabulary.”
“Rachel Z has performed with Trio of Oz, Al DiMeola, Wayne Shorter, and spent six years touring with Peter Gabriel. She’s equally comfortable on grand piano and electronic keyboards.”
“Bucky Pizzarelli is returning after celebrating his 90th birthday. We are so pleased to have him back following his successful recovery from health issues. Bucky was a pioneer of the seven-string guitar. During his celebrated career he has played in the NBC Orchestra with Skitch Henderson and with The Tonight Show Band during the ‘60s. He’s also played for many presidents and toured with Benny Goodman.”
“Bakithi Kumalo is one of the important voices on Paul Simon’s historic “Graceland” album. His melodic bass is an integral part of the African influence in Paul’s music. He has played with Ladysmith Black Mombazo and Derek Trucks, among others. He’s extremely entertaining and this year he’s bringing the South African Allstars with him.”
“Dean Brown, our local legend, has toured the world numerous times and can be heard on over 200 records. He has a faithful fan base and will be featuring music from his newest release, “ROLaJaFuFu.” Dean’s guitar playing is rooted in the style of Jimmy Hendrix with touches of B.B. King, Jeff Beck and modern fusion.”
“Ted Rosenthal and Matt Wilson are getting together to present their eclectic trio. Ted is a master of the Great American Songbook and is the winner of the 1988 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. Matt Wilson fronts his own band, Arts and Crafts, and has played with everyone from Dewey Redman to Pat Methany, and has been featured in Downbeat Magazine as best drummer in their annual poll. It will be very exciting to hear the chemistry of these great musicians.”
“Bryan Carrott has played with me for three decades. He’s the best musician I know. He’s played Carnegie Hall, makes many visits to play in Africa, and is a very much in-demand vibraphone player.”
“Also, this year I look forwarding to presenting another special Stick-Tet ensemble with many special guests,” Adelson tells the Herald. “Core members include master drummer Frank Bellucci. percussionist Nydia “Liberty” Mata, washboard player David Langlois, with my special guest, the innovative guitarist Oz Noy, plus appearances by Rachel Z and Mino Cinelu, the legendary percussionist. It will be a creative set of extemporaneous sonic explorations. I can’t wait to hear the results.”
New to the lineup this year, Jorge Glem makes his debut playing the cuatro. “The cuatro is a four-string guitar resembling a ukelele in sound. Jorge brings a unique rhythmic flavor, reflecting his Venezuelan roots,” Adelson says.
Also, Alex Blake makes his anticipated first LBJF appearance. “He has toured the world for many decades with Randy Weston and is legendary is the bass world for his innovative style. He will drive his band playing a flamenco style bass. Alex Foster will be a featured guest saxophonist in his ensemble.”
Muriel Anderson is another first time addition. “She will bring her guitar styling as well as the range-extending harp guitar. She was a protégé of Chet Atkins and is the founder of the Allstar Guitar Night.”
The Long Beach Public Library will present 14 sets of music over the four days. Other venues include nearby restaurants, the Long Beach Hotel and the Long Beach Historical Society.
“We greatly appreciate our sponsors who make this event possible. I would also like to thank the entirety of the library, including new director Michael Simon, graphic designer Tim Dupont, event organizer Edie Kalickstein, the custodial staff, The Friends of the Library, and, of course, the library board,” Adelson states. “We also look forward to an enhanced production through a new sound system engineered by Peter Kuperschmid of Ocean Analog, and Sam Roca, for his tireless assistance.”
Adelson performs with the CarrottStick Trio on Thursday night, Sept. 15, at the library, as well as Saturday afternoon, Sept. 17 with the New Stick-Tet. In addition, he’ll be doing a dinner set with a trio at Saverio’s at 7:30 p.m. that evening. He’ll also lead Sunday night’s jam session at the Long Beach Hotel, with the Bob Lepley Trio. The jam session also functions as the festival’s closing party. “Qualified musicians are always invited to come play and fans are invited to listen — and party,” Adelson says.
When not involved with LBJF, Adelson continues to teach and tour throughout the U.S. and internationally. This fall he will be performing in Arizona and Texas. Adelson also plays locally throughout the year at nearby restaurants, including LB Social, Saverio’s, Gran Paradiso and Inatome.
At the festival’s conclusion, an acoustic guitar will be auctioned off, donated by Michael Barnett, of Michael’s Music of Freeport.
For more information, visit www.longbeachjazzfest.com.