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25th Annual Savannah Jazz Festival hits a sour note

Published Date: September 30th, 2006

Jazz Festival at Forsyth Park

I have to ask this one question. Does anyone actually hear the artists that play the Jazz Fest before they take the stage? Is there an audition process? Is anyone asked to submit a recording of some sort? You would think the Coastal Jazz Association of Savannah would want to last another twenty-five years. Now, I say this only because tonight I sat on the lawn of Forsyth Park with seven of my closest friends listening to what I can only think was a pianist playing what some may refer to as “free jazz”. Ornette Coleman he was not though! It sounded more like that awkward time when the sound tech. tunes the instruments. Whatever the case, nights like this are what makes me realize just how wonderful Savannah can really be. The sky was unusually clear. The air was cool. For a little over three hours we all enjoyed the sounds of late summer, the taste of Chilean wine, and the laughter of community.

5 Responses to “25th Annual Savannah Jazz Festival hits a sour note”

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#1
Ron
October 2nd, 2006 at 3:48 pm

Nice inaugaural post Drew. Great concept. Will support you any way I can. In fact, will check with my IT person to see what is involved with posting Blog Savannah in the side bar on our blogsite with a direct link as these type endeavors I typically leave to his better informed “consultancy”. Will lift some of our Savannah Getaways blogs from time to time and repost them to this site if that is within protocol. Im the interim,keep on keeping on!

Best,

Ron

#2
Anonymous
October 17th, 2006 at 8:35 am

I found the “blog” response above to Saturday night at the Savannah Jazz Festival to be humorous at first read -but subsequently, in some sense sad.

To me, it helps demonstrate the uphill battle it takes to foster an understanding and acceptance of jazz.

I am sure the pianist the writer is referring to was ‘Randy Weston’ playing with Ben Riley.

I can just imagine asking Mr. Weston, who has been a revered & respected jazz player longer than most of us have been alive, to “audition” to play at the SJF.

#3
drew
October 17th, 2006 at 8:50 am

Yes, in some sense it is sad. When you are dealing with a largely, musically “un-educated” area such as Savannah you need to be at least acutely aware of their audio palette. I would no more put Ornette Coleman or Mingus in front of this audience as I would Randy Weston. I think what is important is that this was a Saturday night at 8pm - PRIME TIME for outdoor festival attendees. Why not feature something more mainstream such as a big band or a traditional combo? If you want to have more free players then host them on a secondary stage or at odd hours. I know it isn’t fair. Life isn’t fair. But we have to subtly expose the audience to things other than Kenny G at a much slower pace than one might think or they will leave with much the same thoughts I did. I am a jazz afficianado and have even studied with Thelonius Monk Jr. However, I know that the mainstream needs to be treated with kid gloves in a lot of situations.

#4
Сandy
January 12th, 2007 at 11:49 am

Hi!I’m looking for some great jazz, and thought you might be able to recommend. To give you an idea of my taste, I’m a fan of piano jazz. I like Keith Jarrett–esp. the Koln Concert. Is there anything else of similar calibre? Or anything else that ranks on the top of your list?

Thanks!

#5
drew
January 12th, 2007 at 12:05 pm

Yes, as a matter of fact I do have some recomendations. Although there is nothing as epic as Jarrett’s Koln Concert I suggest you check out:

  • Gayle Thurmon at the Planter’s Tavern every night except Monday
  • David Duckworth at 514 West (not sure of nights)
  • or keep an eye on Kokopelli’s schedule for rotating events

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