Saratoga Springs, NY -- The 37th annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, one of the most celebrated and longest running jazz events in the world, will be held on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This year's festival headliners include Earth, Wind & Fire, Trombone Shorty, Terence Blanchard, Dave Holland Prism, Patti Austin, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Quinn Sullivan, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Newport Jazz Festival®: Now 60, among others. Tickets for the festival will be available online beginning February 25 for Saratoga Performing Arts Center's highest level members and March 18 for the general public. Tickets and information are available at www.spac.org.
Located in Saratoga Springs, New York at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the
festival was founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein and has
hosted a who's who of jazz greats over the years including Miles Davis,
Dave Brubeck, B.B. King, Wayne Shorter and Ray Charles.
With an inside seating capacity of 5,200, lawn seating of 20,000, world
class jazz talent performing on two stages, and an idyllic state park
setting located just three hours driving time from either Boston or New
York City, the festival draws thousands of fans from across the
Northeast and throughout North America.
"Over
the last 37 years, the Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival has
established its place as one of the premier summer music festivals in
America," said Marcia J. White, SPAC's President and Executive Director.
"In 2014, this event will mark a defining moment when we welcome Earth, Wind & Fire,
one of the greatest bands of all time. With more than 90 million albums
sold worldwide, this band's appeal is timeless and its spectacular live
shows continue to draw sell-out crowds from coast to coast.
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Jon Batiste
Photo Credit: Peter Leuders
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"Sharing the bill with Earth, Wind & Fire will be a star-studded lineup including the phenomenal Trombone Shorty who rocked the house during his 2012 festival appearance, Billboard chart-topper Patti Austin who makes her festival debut, rising star Jon Batiste and his Stay Human band, NEA Jazz Master Eddie Palmieri and his Salsa Orchestra, blues guitar prodigy and Buddy Guy protégé Quinn Sullivan and jazz giant Terence Blanchard, among many others. The Gazebo stage will feature some of the hottest rising stars on the jazz scene including Jaimeo Brown, Robin McKelle and the Flytones and the Sean Jones Quartet,"
she adds. "Special thanks go out to our title sponsor Freihofer's which
helps us present fans with a spectacular event each and every year; the
spirit of partnership they bring to this festival is truly one of the
reasons for its success."
"The
37th jazz festival at SPAC will be one for the record books. The
powerhouse and diverse line-up is certain to thrill our audience," said
Danny Melnick, President of Absolutely Live Entertainment, which
co-produces the festival with SPAC. "I have wanted to book Earth, Wind
& Fire for years and we finally have them closing our Saturday program will a full-concert set!"
In
addition to festival headliners, Gazebo Stage programming will continue
to feature an innovative mix of established and emerging artists in
jazz. The lineup includes: Melissa Aldana Crash Trio, Marc Cary Focus Trio, Jaimeo Brown, Mary Halvorson Trio, Sean Jones Quartet, Warren Wolf & Wolfpack, and Tim Berne's Snakeoil, all of whom are making their festival debuts. The stage will also feature returning saxophonist Lew Tabackin with his trio.
While
two-days and two-stages of live, world class jazz is the centerpiece of
the weekend, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a fine
arts and crafts fair, CD signings by artists, a full-service bar in the
Hall of Springs, southern style barbeque and other food vendors, all
presented by Stella Artois. Guests are welcome to bring in their own
food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas.
Parking for the event is free.
"Last
year we celebrated Freihofer's 100th anniversary with fireworks,"
Melnick adds. "Because of Freihofer's continued generous support, this
year's festival will have musical fireworks all weekend long."
Stella Artois
returns to the festival this year and is the lead sponsor of the lawn
experience ("the hang"). The upscale Belgian beer company is no stranger
to sponsoring high-profile arts and cultural events; they've been
notably involved with the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Singapore Jazz
Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival.
"Wrapped
around these two glorious days of world-class music is SPAC's
postcard-perfect setting in the majestic Saratoga Spa State Park - the
perfect place to stretch out, relax and take in the music," reflects
White. There is truly no better way to kick-off the summer."
2014 Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival Artists
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Amphitheatre
Earth, Wind & Fire One
of the most popular funk and R&B bands of all-time -- selling over
90 million albums in their 44-year career, with countless hits and
awards -- Earth, Wind & Fire will make their festival debut,
performing a full-concert length set, including their complete light
show. They'll appear in support of a new album, Now, Then & Forever.
Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most prestigious and popular
headlining artists the festival has ever presented in its 37-year
history.
Dr. Lonnie Smith Octet Described by The New York Times
as "a reliable captain of soul [who] can make almost any groove feel
deep and inevitable," this Hammond B-3 organ master will make his
festival debut, performing in support of his latest album, In The Beginning Vols. 1 & 2.
The project spotlights a collection of Smith's original compositions
from early in his career (most of which were initially documented on his
classic mid-to-late 1960s Columbia Records and Blue Note Records
albums).
Terence Blanchard The
multi-faceted trumpeter, bandleader, film-score and soundtrack composer
returns to the festival for his fourth appearance as a leader and fifth
overall. Terence Blanchard first played the festival with jazz legend
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers in 1985. Subsequently appearing at
the festival with his own band in 1991, 1995, and more recently in 2008.
This year, Blanchard will perform in support of his most recent Blue
Note Records release, Magnetic, which was nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in December 2013.
Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band featuring Steve Smith & Tom Kennedy The
festival is proud to present the U.S. debut of a new "super band," led
by virtuoso guitarist Mike Stern and renowned saxophonist Bill Evans
(both sharing the common thread of having worked with Miles Davis in the
1980s). They are joined by an explosive rhythm section consisting of
drummer Steve Smith and bassist Tom Kennedy, providing for a complete
and vigorous set of jazz fusion at its best.
Jon Batiste & Stay Human At
25, Jon Batiste is considered by many to be one of the most exciting
and progressive new crossover talents on the scene today. A "Movado
Future Legend" award recipient, and a "Steinway Performing Artist,"
Batiste has performed in innumerable prestigious events and venues
across the world. His modern take on the American songbook, through the
channels of a virtuosic pedigree in jazz and classical music, is
attracting critical acclaim as well as audiences across all
demographics. Together with his band Stay Human, Batiste is creating a
unique grassroots movement that encourages accessibility and
appreciation in the art of the live performance. Apart from his natural
focus, Batiste is also a noted advocate for music education (Traveling
Ambassador for Music Unites, Associate Artistic Director for the
National Jazz Museum) and a regular figure in television and film (HBO's
Treme, Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer). Batiste's appearance will be his first since 2008, the year he made his festival debut.
Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters Appearing
at the festival only once in 1997, guitarist Ronnie Earl & The
Broadcasters will make their long-awaited return in 2014. Earl is
considered a New England blues guitar legend -- a staple on the local
blues circuit for years (having received praise from blues masters such
as B.B. King and Muddy Waters).
Robin McKelle & The Flytones Hailing
from Rochester, New York, vocalist Robin McKelle placed third in the
2004 Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition. However in recent years,
McKelle's music has been beyond generic classification as a jazz
vocalist. Alternatively, she has fully embraced classic rhythm &
blues, traditional pop music, and soul styles. Her latest album, Soul Flower,
released on Sony Music's recently re-launched OKeh Records, showcases
her passion for classic American R&B. Her second, forthcoming OKeh
album, titled Heart of Memphis, strikes a chord with a more roots-centric sound. McKelle will make her festival debut.
Gazebo
Marc Cary Focus Trio featuring Rashaan Carter & Sameer Gupta Multi-dimensional
keyboardist Marc Cary, who will make his festival debut as a leader,
has credits ranging from Abbey Lincoln and Dizzy Gillespie to Erykah
Badu and Q-Tip. A four-time GRAMMY® Award nominee (through
collaborations), Cary successfully released his first solo piano record
in mid-2013 on Motéma Music, titled For The Love Of Abbey (a
tribute to his mentor and collaborator Abbey Lincoln). The festival will
spotlight Cary in a different format, with his Focus Trio (featuring
Rashaan Carter & Sameer Gupta). Fusing East Asian, Indian, African,
and Native American influences within the African-American blues and
jazz traditions, Focus Trio recently released their second Motéma album,
titled Four Directions.
Lew Tabackin Trio A
favorite at the Saratoga Jazz Festival since debuting in 1980 with the
award winning Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band (a group that he formed with
Akiyoshi, his wife), this year marks acclaimed flutist and tenor
saxophonist Lew Tabackin's ninth overall festival appearance and second
as a leader (first appearing with his own group in 2000). Performing
with his Trio, Tabackin will break tradition and appear on the intimate
Gazebo Stage (having always performed on the Amphitheatre stage in
previous festival editions). His accolades and awards include a 2012
nomination for the JJA Jazz Awards; winning the Downbeat 2010 critics poll in the Flute category, and winning his 4th consecutive Swing Journal Reader's poll.
Jaimeo Brown with JD Allen & Chris Sholar Renowned drummer, composer and conceptualist Jaimeo Brown's haunting debut as a leader, Transcendence
(Motéma Music, 2013), brilliantly taps the root soul connections
between African-American spirituals, transcendental East Indian music,
Coltrane-esque improvisation and 21st century electronic music. Joined
by guitarist/producer Chris Sholar (Q-Tip, Kanye West, Jay Z) and
saxophonist JD Allen, Brown will make his festival debut.
Mary Halvorson Trio with John Hebert & Ches Smith Guitarist/composer
Mary Halvorson has been called "NYC's least-predictable improviser"
(City Arts), "the most forward-thinking guitarist working right now"
(NPR) and "one of today's most formidable bandleaders" (The Village
Voice). Halvorson will make her festival debut, appearing with her
longstanding trio - her flagship ensemble - featuring bassist John
Hebert and drummer Ches Smith. In addition to the trio, Halvorson leads a
quintet, a chamber-jazz duo and is also an active member of bands led
by Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Myra Melford, Marc Ribot, and Tom Rainey,
among others.
Robin McKelle & The Flytones (see info above)
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Trombone Shorty
Photo Credit: Kirk Edwards
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SUNDAY, JUNE 29
Amphitheatre
Trombone Shorty Called the "Jimi Hendrix of the Trombone" in a recent profile by Rhythms'
magazine, trombone/trumpet phenomenon Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
returns for his second festival appearance (debuting in 2012), with his
signature "Supafunkrock" sound -- a combination of New Orleans' funk,
rock, R&B and hip-hop. The New Orleans born and bred musician has
had a meteoric rise since the release of his GRAMMY® nominated 2010
debut album, Backatown and released a follow up album, For True, in 2011.
Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra A
nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and 2013 National Endowment for the Arts
Jazz Master (the highest honor bestowed by the United States), pianist
and bandleader Eddie Palmieri returns to the festival for the first time
since 1990 (marking his second overall appearance). Performing with his
Salsa Orchestra, Palmieri is known as one of the finest Latin jazz
pianists of the past 50 years. His music is renowned for its infectious
sound, distinctive orchestrations and trailblazing style (the first to
incorporate elements of salsa, funk, soul, jazz, and a band comprised of
Latin and African-American musicians).
Patti Austin A
GRAMMY® Award-winner who crosses all musical genres, has made 17 solo
albums, and has performed her award-nominated hit songs on the GRAMMYS®
and the Oscars, acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Patti Austin will make
her festival debut. Austin has had a star-studded career that began at
the age of four, making her one of the most beloved artists in the world
and a mainstay on the Billboard Jazz Albums charts. Her 2007 release, Avant-Gershwin (Rendezvous), was awarded a GRAMMY® for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance."
Dave Holland Prism with Kevin Eubanks, Craig Taborn & Eric Harland Bassist,
composer, and bandleader Dave Holland has a rich history with the
festival. He appeared with his own band in 2002, performed with Jack
DeJohnette's Parallel Realities tour in 1990, and in a quartet format
with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Brian Blade in 2004. He returns
to the festival with his new band, Prism - an electrifying project that
is equally groove-oriented as it is avant-garde. The project features
guitarist Kevin Eubanks (who appeared at the festival with his own group
in 2013), keyboard specialist Craig Taborn, and drummer Eric Harland.
Holland recently released Prism's debut album (of the same name),
marking 40 years since his first recording as a leader, Conference of the Birds (ECM).
Newport
Jazz Festival®: Now 60 - Anat Cohen, Karrin Allyson, Randy Brecker,
Mark Whitfield, Peter Martin, Larry Grenadier & Clarence Penn Newport
Jazz Festival®: Now 60 celebrates both the great history of the Newport
Jazz Festival® and its current role as one of the most active
presenters of contemporary jazz artists in the world. This celebration
holds special meaning to the Saratoga Jazz Festival, as the project is
presented to honor George Wein (the legendary impresario who founded
both the Newport and Saratoga Jazz Festivals). Concert repertoire spans
the ages--from Louis, Duke, and Miles to Latin, Brazilian, and
fusion--making the leader of this international touring group,
clarinetist Anat Cohen, a perfect ambassador for the Newport Jazz
Festival. The ensemble features vocalist Karrin Allyson, trumpeter Randy
Brecker, guitarist Mark Whitfield, pianist Peter Martin, bassist Larry
Grenadier and drummer Clarence Penn.
Quinn Sullivan Blues
guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan will make his festival debut as a leader,
after a rousing surprise guest appearance with legendary bluesman Buddy
Guy last year. Currently 14 years old (soon to be 15 in March 2014),
Sullivan was given a toy guitar for Christmas at age three, and it
quickly became apparent he had a gift. By age eight, Buddy Guy
discovered Sullivan and became a mentor, fostering Sullivan's
development. Sullivan has since gone on to appear on national television
shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, Oprah, The Today Show, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,
as well as performing at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, the
Apollo Theater and the Beacon Theater. He appeared on Eric Clapton's
Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden in April 2013.
Gazebo
Melissa Aldana Crash Trio with Pablo Menares and Francisco Mela Chilean-born/New
York City-based saxophonist Melissa Aldana recently won the 2013
Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz saxophone competition, judged by a
panel of saxophonists that included Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Bobby
Watson, Branford Marsalis and Jane Ira Bloom. As the first female
instrumentalist to take first prize in this event since its inception in
1987, the 24-year-old Aldana was awarded $25,000 in scholarship money
and a recording contract with the Concord Music Group. Aldana debuts at
the festival with her Crash Trio, featuring bassist Pablo Menares and
drummer Francisco Mela.
Tim Berne's Snakeoil with Oscar Noriega, Matt Mitchell & Ches Smith Saxophonist Tim Berne will make his festival debut, performing with his working ensemble, Snakeoil. The New York Times
describes the band as "an investigative chamber-improv group," having
released two critically acclaimed albums on ECM Records, titled Snakeoil and Shadow Man, respectively. Byrne will be joined by clarinetist Oscar Noriega, pianist Matt Mitchell, and drummer/percussionist Ches Smith.
Warren Wolf & Wolfpack One
of the most important young jazz stars today, vibraphonist Warren Wolf
makes his festival debut as a leader, following an appearance with his
longstanding mentor Christian McBride in 2012. A multi-instrumentalist
who has also honed his chops on drums and piano since age three, Wolf is
quickly following in the footsteps of vibes masters such as Bobby
Hutcherson and Gary Burton, as a "keeper of the flame." He became a
member of the SFJAZZ Collective in 2013 (a post that Hutcherson
inaugurated in 2004). Additionally, he recently performed at the Detroit
Jazz Festival in duo with Gary Burton, whom is Wolf's labelmate on Mack
Avenue Records. Wolf released his sophomore Mack Avenue effort, Wolfgang, in 2013. He performs at the festival with his group, Wolfpack.
Sean Jones Quartet with Orrin Evans, Luques Curtis & Obed Calvaire Trumpeter,
composer, bandleader, and educator Sean Jones will make his festival
debut, performing with his working Quartet that features pianist Orrin
Evans, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Obed Calvaire. In addition to
releasing six albums as a leader on the Mack Avenue Records label over
the past 10 years, Jones is the former lead trumpeter for the Jazz at
Lincoln Center Orchestra. Additionally, Jones toured extensively with
Marcus Miller in 2010, followed by a special European tour project with
Miller, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter during the summer of 2011 (a
direct nod to the Miles Davis legacy).
Quinn Sullivan (see info above)
