I N - T H I S - I S S U E :

Detroit Jazz Festival Highlights

By Lars Bjorn

This year’s Detroit Jazz Festival equaled that of recent years with an overwhelming amount of jazz in all its varieties. I spent much of my time at the Jazz Talk Tent, but was able to catch a few great performances elsewhere.

The Jimmy Wilkins homecoming was heartwarming in many ways: the assembled big band of Detroiters sounded spirited with his (and his brother Ernie’s) arrangements, there were many inspired solos, and meeting Jimmy for a Talk Tent panel was special. (Jimmy was once a regular contributor to this newsletter with his notes from his adopted hometown of Las Vegas). I was blown away by Barry Harris’ introductory choruses to “Bags’ Groove,” an exemplary case of blues-playing, superbly backed by the thunderous bass of Marion Hayden and the rock solid drums of Gayelynn McKinney. This intro paved the way for Regina Carter’s finely measured violin solo and the spunky playing of the orchestra.

Two veteran alto players provided other high points: Phil Woods and his tight quintet at Campus Martius and Lou Donaldson and his organ quartet at the Waterfront. Donaldson’s solos were brief but soulful as ever and his wisecracks have not wilted. On opening night it was a pleasure to hear the great voice of Kevin Mahogany again.

TOP: Phil Woods Quintet with, from left: Bill Mays, Woods, Steve Gilmore and Bryan Lynch

RIGHT: Linda Yohn and vocalists Barbara Morrison and Joan Belgrave after a Talk Tent panel; Jimmy Wilkins and George Benson; Stanley Clarke signing LPs for his fans in the Talk Tent

BELOW: The audience at the Waterfront enjoying music on a late summer afternoon.