Byrd's influence was significant on the jazz scene both internationally and in the Delmarva region, and he became a favorite of jazz aficionados in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, where he lived and frequently performed. The festival's "Salute to Charlie Byrd" will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Avalon Theatre.
While there have been several tributes to Byrd over the years, the festival's "salute" means a great deal to Byrd's widow, Becky, of Annapolis, as well as his family.
"Anytime jazz lovers want to pay tribute to Charlie, it does my heart good," she said. "This tribute at the Avalon Theatre in Easton is a special one because Charlie had a wonderful experience playing there during the latter part of his career."
She is especially touched by the musicians who will pay tribute to her late husband at the event, she added, including multi-talented American jazz guitarist-composer-producer and international recording and touring artist Nate Najar, collaborating with accomplished vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd and his ensemble.
"Chuck Redd was like a son to Charlie and a significant member of the Charlie Byrd Trio for 19 years with Charlie's brother Joe, who played bass for the Trio," she said. "Nate Najar, a talented young acoustical jazz guitarist, was profoundly influenced by Charlie's playing style and used it as he developed his own unique acoustical jazz style. A special part of the tribute will be when Nate plays some tunes on Charlie's Ramirez guitar those will be some special moments for me."
Becky Byrd recalled meeting Charlie Byrd at the Maryland Inn in Annapolis.
"He was such a special and real individual," she said. "When I first talked to him at the Maryland Inn, I was struck by how laid back and approachable he was. He later took me sailing and we just hit it off."
"It didn't take long for me to realize how special his music really was," she added. "He loved playing music, and because of that, he created a beautiful sound. The other thing that really impressed me was his commitment to practicing sometimes four hours a day. This meant I got a private concert every day at home."
Byrd said she also is looking forward to hearing legendary jazz pianist Monty Alexander, the festival's artistic director, who played with Byrd on a few occasions over the years. The Monty Alexander Quartet will round out the evening on Sept. 3 with an 8 p.m. performance, following the Salute to Charlie Byrd that afternoon.
The festival also provides an opportunity each year to bring "emerging jazz artists." The 2010 Monty Alexander Festival gave then 18-year old Grace Kelly, an alto saxophonist who is hailed as a rising star in the jazz world, a chance to feel the unbridled enthusiasm of the festival's audience.
At 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at the Avalon Theatre, trumpet player Dominick Farinacci and pianist Aaron Diehl will perform as a duo, followed by the Grace Kelly Quintet. Farinacci has gained recognition from Quincy Jones, among others, who says of Dominick, "this kid is 360 degrees!" Diehl, who has performed with the Wynton Marsalis Septet, is known for his interpretations of the music of Scott Joplin, "Jelly Roll" Morton, Art Tatum, Duke Ellington and other masters of the jazz piano.
The Monty Alexander Jazz Festival is presented by Jazz on the Chesapeake, a program of Chesapeake Chamber Music, dedicated to promoting jazz in the Chesapeake region. The festival is underwritten by Verizon, with additional support from numerous business and private sponsors.
Tickets can be purchased online at ChesapeakeChamberMusic.org/jazz or by calling the Chesapeake Chamber Music office at 410-819-0380.
By AMY BLADES STEWARD Special to Weekend! The Star Democrat
Monty Alexander's album "Harlem-Kingston Express: Live!" is #1 on the USA Jazz charts this week!
All performances held in historic Easton, MD at the Avalon Theatre.
Friday, September 2, 7:00 p.m.
Dominick Farinacci and Aaron Diehl
Grace Kelly Quintet
Saturday, September 3, 4:00 p.m.
Salute to Charlie Byrd:
Chuck Redd and ensemble, with guitarist Nate Najar
Saturday, September 3, 8:00 p.m.
Monty Alexander Quartet
