Long Beach Jazz Festival Celebrates Big 30

Columnists, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on September 19, 2017 at 12:44 am

By Kim Webster

The LB Jazz Festival has reached a milestone celebrating 30 years; Kimberly Benoit daughter of LB Jazz Festival founder Al Williams commented, “This is just a blessing for my dad to pass on a legacy to me, and for me to pass on to my son.” “A Healthy Taste of Jazz” was once again the theme for the festival. Arisa Molineaux served as moderator for the various Pavilion Health & Wellness forums including speakers: dentists Dr. Safa Maiwand and Dr Mary Inku, Jamie Relei Ferguson (Food Guide & founder of Be Well Bites), Subriana Pierce (phURE Water), Dr. Joseph Bryant Jr. (sports director/life coach), Pren’tis Knight (founder & creator of ZTEK skin care products), Charlie Jordan Brookins (trainer/health coach founder of Fit thru Faith Enterprises), chefs Darrell ‘DAS’Smith and Ewanda Jackson.

Author/musician/composer Charles Wright discussed pre-60’s historical excerpts and personal stories from his memoir “Up For Where We’ve Come.” Outstanding Jazzytyme Pavilion performers were Wendy Cox f/Cornell Lamar & Vladimir Petit-Frere, Michole Briana White, bassist/composer/pianist Kevin O’Neal, Cameron Clark Trio, Railway HD Band, Jazztyme Playas f/vocalist Chelsea Nichole, J. Michael O’Neal f/saxophonist Curtis Brooks, The Other Mules Blues Band, Nick Smith Trio, Sulpacio Jones, and Ricky Jones.

Jazz Funk Soul featuring saxophonist/composer Everette Harp, keyboardist/producer Jeff Lorber, and guitarist/composer Paul Jackson Jr served up a tantalizing jazz mix to welcome everyone to the festival on Friday evening. In tribute to the late George Duke, Everette performed “Going Thru Changes” a song they wrote together. Vocalist/composer/keyboardist Rachelle Ferrell’s vocal performance of “I Forgive You” was mesmerizing. Bassist/composer/songwriter/producer Marcus Miller ignited a medley of songs including “Come Together” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “Tutu.” Band member Marqueal Jordan performed a soulful “Since I Fell For You” in tribute to the late Al Jarreau. And to top it off, he introduced surprise guest, the legendary Randy Crawford as she joined the band to perform the cosmic hit “Street Life.” Everyone was up dancin’ to “Doin’ Da Butt” the hit song written by Miller for the movie soundtrack “School Daze.”

Keyboardist Gail Jhonson, vocalist/songwriter Lynne Fiddmont, bassist Zuri Appleby, sax/flute artist Tomoka Nomura-Jarvis, drum artist Dee Simone, and guitarist Darlene Moreno comprise the all-female, lightening on stage band JAZZ IN P!NK.

Lynne’s heartfelt interpretation of “Our Love” was a fitting tribute to Natalie Cole hit “Katgirl” and a medley of hits by Herbie Hancock and Parliament-Funkadelic. Drummer/composer/songwriter Ndugu Chancler, pianist/organist Bobby Lyle, guitar bassist/composer Alphonso Johnson, guitarist/composer Craig T. Cooper, and vocalist Bridgette Bryant whipped up a smooth jazz mix including “Sweetest Tabu,” “So High,” and “How You Do The Thing You Do.” Saxophonist/composer/producer Eric Darius dazzled the audience as he strolled into the crowd playing his sax. Bassist/producer/songwriter Nathan East showcased 15 year old sax player Jordan on Herbie Hancock’s hit song “Cantalope” and his son keyboardist Noah East joined him on “Over The Rainbow.” Nathan also dedicated “11 8” to a Fourplay group member, the late Chuck Loeb.

Will Downing’s romantic baritone accompanied by the evening sunset was a perfect backdrop for his medley of hits. Saxophonist/songwriter Boney James rocked the atmosphere with his signature sound and playful dance closing out Saturday night.

On Sunday the Al Williams Jazz Society band blended jazz and blues for outstanding performances by Miss Barbara Morrison and surprise guest Les McCan. Spyro Gyra took us on a jazz fusion voyage with a medley including “Stolen Moments” and “Breakfast at Igor’s.”

Pianist/composer/founder of the band Fourplay Bob James’ smooth piano groove floated on a medley including “Blues Down Under,” “Avala Bop,” and “Westchester.” Saxophone/flute artist Najee took us on a reminiscent jazz with hits “Can’t Hide Love,” “Tokyo Blue,” and “Betcha’ Don’t Know What’s Goin’ On.” He also dedicated a song to Al Jarreau and Prince. Pianist/composer Ramsey Lewis and Urban Knights (guitarist Henry Johnson, drummer Charles Heath, bassist Joshua Ramos and keyboardist Tim Gant) cruised the jazz stratosphere on a medley of hits including “Brasilica,” “Sun Goddess,” and “Livin’ For The City.” What better closing to a fantastic 30-year celebration than Poncho Sanchez vibrating the stage playing the congas and timbales joined by his ensemble band! See you next year…