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Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour
Terence Blanchard, Trumpeter/Composer; Benny Green, Pianist; James Moody, Saxophonist; Nnenna Freelon, Vocalist
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Mechanics Hall - 8:00 P. M.
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Overview
On a chilly Friday, October 3, 1958, Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars strolled on stage at the Monterey Jazz Festival to play the last set of opening night. The crowd watched eagerly, inquisitively, as the great fifty-seven-year-old classic jazz trumpeter was introduced by zany, unpredictable forty-one-year-old emcee appropriately named “dizzy.” John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie got down on his knees, then rose and kissed Armstrong’s hand. Many people in the audience thought he was clowning, but he wasn’t. Gillespie worshiped the man he called “Pops.” These two icons, leaders of their respective schools---classic jazz, or Dixieland, and bebop---merged in that magic moment, the kind people came to expect during the next 50 years of the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Since its inauguration in 1958 the greats of the jazz world continue to make history at their annual festival.
“…Mr. Blanchard showed what a stunning trumpeter he is.”
–The New York Times
“Benny Green, the pianist with peerless technique…he finds a new voice on piano.”
– The Gazette
“As a musical explorer, performer, collaborator and composer, Jazz Legend James Moody has made an indelible contribution to the rise in American Music.”
–The New York Times
“Nnenna Freelon had no problem charming the audience with a bright, rhythmically infectious performance.”
– The Washington Post