32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival

Columnists, Jazz N LA, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on August 17, 2019 at 11:17 pm

By Kim Webster

This year continues with the Festival theme,”A Healthy Taste of Jazz.”  Health & Wellness Pavilion Speakers included:  Dr. Veronica Jones (Asst. Clinical Professor of Breast Surgery), Rick Kittles Ph.D, Dr. Rachal Liverman (dental surgery), Dr. Nita Landry (OB/GYN), Dr. Teri L Rhetta (medical/behavioral health), Dr. Marissa (psychologist), Margena Carter, Michelle Harthill, Kiaundra Jackson, Lenny McNeil, and Chef D.  Vivian Fullerlove hosted the pavilion.   Discussions ranged from physical and mental health to financial and motivational topics.  KJLH hosted a lounge featuring music, interviews, and a surprise visit from station owner Stevie Wonder who also performed with CJ Morton.  Outstanding McDonald’s Pavilion Stage performers included:  Brotha Phil, Abuv The Luv featuring Paul Russo, Romel Veal, The JAZZTYME PLAYAS, Sulpacio Jones, Wake Campbell& Teresa Grayson, Gabriel “Slam” Nobles, Cameron Clark & The Jazz Experiment F/Dean James, Dominique Hammons, and Gary Metz.

Funky/jazzy guitarist David P Stevens opened the festival on Friday.  His song “The One” was spiced with a bit of “Kenny Burrell guitar sound” and he soared on George Benson’s “Give Me The Night!”  Michael Lington, Paul Taylor and Vincent Ingala aka SAX to the MAX collaborated on a mix of contemporary-urban-soulful jazz grooves.  Singer/songwriter/producer Eric Benet’s vocals mesmerized the ladies with hits “You’re The Only One,” “News For You,” and “Spend My Life With You,” and he later had everyone partying to “Georgy Porgy” and Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover.”

On Saturday trumpeter Willie Bradley cruised the audience playing his jazz rifts.  The Al Williams Jazz Society featuring Barbara Morrison and Alexis Joi honored the Fancy Miss Nancy Wilson with musical song. Jazz in Pink f/keyboardist Gail Jhonson, violinist Karen Briggs, and harpist Mariea Antoinette spreaded their Pink Haze of jazz, rock, fusion, and R&B on several compositions including:  “Katgirl,” “Always There,” “Gimme Your Love,”  “Pusher Man.”   The Jazz Classics featuring pianist/composer/producer/songwriter Patrice Rushen traveled to jazz land embracing classic hits and saluting the great Ndugu Chancler. It’s “Cold Duck Time” with percussionist & Long Beach Jazz Fest alumnus Poncho Sanchez and his Latin ensemble.   Guitarist/composer Norman Brown sparked the stage with energy, performing a medley from his album “After The Storm,” and jammed on  “Shaft – Let’s Take a Ride,” “West Coast Coolin’,” and “Any Love.”  Singer/songwriter Angie Stone delighted the crowd with her hits “No More Rain,” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and “Brotha.”

Bassist Darryl Williams’ and saxophonist Bryan Thompson’s smooth, mellow sound welcomed everyone on Sunday. Special EFX All Stars guitarist/composer/producer/bandleader Chieli Minucci, violinist Karen Briggs, saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassist Gerald Veasley, keyboardist Lao Tizer, drummer Joel Rosenblatt, and vocalist Elliott Yamin spun an eclectic jazz mix.  The Rippingtons featuring guitarist/composer Russ Freeman took everyone on an exotic jazz cruise spiced with funk, rock, and Latin grooves. What can we say trumpeter/composer/educator/movie soundtrack artist Terence Blanchard and trumpeter/flugelhornist/composer Arturo Sandoval are jazztastic!   Just when we thought the concert was winding down- wait a minute- keyboardist, trombonist, bassist, writer, composer, producer Brian Culbertson energized the stage!  Brian took us into the jazzstrophere with a medley of hits including:  “Say What,” “Colors of Love,” “Always Remember,” “Funkin’ Like My Father,” and a remix of Kool & the Gang’s “Hollywood Swinging.”   Wow what a fantastic finale!  See you all next year.