My message to John goes like this; but, first of all, John is John Nugent, Producer/Artistic Director Extraordinaire of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, version 13. June, 2014.
Dear John;
Here it is, so fast in coming, the days just after the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival ends. The question is now what to do today...the rest of the week. How to fill the time that for nine explosive days were filled with listening to samples, picking the first draft of our schedule for the evening, striving to get to several events in one evening on our beloved Jazz pass.
What a shining festival year this has been, so fully packed and over in a blink. The 13th season of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival was grand. For me, this was the year of the vocalist. While many of the instrumental groups still place high on my favorites list, I was struck by the supreme talents of female singers such as Cecile McLorin Salvant, Lorraine Klaasen, Karrin Allyson, Phaedra Kwant, Cyrille Aimee, Ester Rada, and of course, Catherine Russell, Diane Shuur (both known and loved) and so many more.
You have broken last year's record for number of attendees, offered and exceptional number of varied performances, feature the luxury of all venues within walking distance negating the need for long drives, shuttles or other hassles to get between events and kept Rochester top on the map for international jazz festivals. How I thank you for the opportunity to sample and hear music I would not find on my own, to meet new people that often lead to lasting friendships, and to renew other friendships. No more to be said as you hear from a multitude of attendees with advice and their own words of wisdom. So I wish you a good year and will go now to my playlist to listen to some of the gems from this years 13th edition of the Jazz Festival.
Ann Carol Goldberg
cgstudio.net
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
What Talent
Random thoughts; first of all, thanks everyone for your good wishes for our milestone anniversary. We were blown over by the messages.
Second, as many of you know we are obsessed by the Rochester International Jazz Fest and hardly able to concentrate on our daily life activities without humming, skipping, singing and praising the many memorable performances we are attending. A few highlights have been Akiko Tsuruga (Hammond Organ), Lorraine Klaassen, phenomenal African singer, interpreter and natural-born entertainer, Two Siberians--guitar and violin actually from Siberia and unique and entertaining, Woody Pines, funky and intriguing playing and singing (duo guitars, harmonica, drum, kazoo), The Brubeck Brothers quartet, celebrating their dad's legacy and talented in their own right, Les Doigts De L'Homme Quintet, picking and singing their way into your hearts.
However, I am blown away at the talent of Cecile McLorin Salvant, a singer, interpreter and true entertainer. We saw her first show at Kilbourn and tried to return for the 2nd but word got around so we could not get in. Once in, no one leaves the hall. She revived songs from 1905 and 1920 (Nobody sung in her style was like a mystery story, even though you anticipate the ending--a long, breathy, sigh -- the word "you"). She works the audience, seeming to interact with each and every person in the audience so you feel she is singing for you. Gorgeous in her white rimmed glasses, turquoise/blue dress and bright white HIGH heeled shoes with ankle strap, her apparently 4 octave vocal range, varied uses of intonation, brilliant interpretations, and regard for her band are extraordinary.
And she was introduced as "an up and coming talent." I think she has reached that category and will hopefully become a house hold name. Now back to the computer to plan our next Jazz festival jaunt. It is so hard to choose.
Ann Carol Goldberg
Second, as many of you know we are obsessed by the Rochester International Jazz Fest and hardly able to concentrate on our daily life activities without humming, skipping, singing and praising the many memorable performances we are attending. A few highlights have been Akiko Tsuruga (Hammond Organ), Lorraine Klaassen, phenomenal African singer, interpreter and natural-born entertainer, Two Siberians--guitar and violin actually from Siberia and unique and entertaining, Woody Pines, funky and intriguing playing and singing (duo guitars, harmonica, drum, kazoo), The Brubeck Brothers quartet, celebrating their dad's legacy and talented in their own right, Les Doigts De L'Homme Quintet, picking and singing their way into your hearts.
However, I am blown away at the talent of Cecile McLorin Salvant, a singer, interpreter and true entertainer. We saw her first show at Kilbourn and tried to return for the 2nd but word got around so we could not get in. Once in, no one leaves the hall. She revived songs from 1905 and 1920 (Nobody sung in her style was like a mystery story, even though you anticipate the ending--a long, breathy, sigh -- the word "you"). She works the audience, seeming to interact with each and every person in the audience so you feel she is singing for you. Gorgeous in her white rimmed glasses, turquoise/blue dress and bright white HIGH heeled shoes with ankle strap, her apparently 4 octave vocal range, varied uses of intonation, brilliant interpretations, and regard for her band are extraordinary.
And she was introduced as "an up and coming talent." I think she has reached that category and will hopefully become a house hold name. Now back to the computer to plan our next Jazz festival jaunt. It is so hard to choose.
Ann Carol Goldberg
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Fifty Years of Joy!
I haven't written a Message in a Minute in several months--too busy gathering adventures and images, but I have to much to share with you. Today on my mind the joy of reaching 50 years of bliss married to a great guy. June 21st, 1964, a hot, summer day. We are still so much in love, best of friends and gathering so many adventures, trying to cram everything we have dreamed about into our lives.
I find joy in sharing my thoughts with friends and getting your feedback on your life adventures, ups, downs and the wonders of daily living. My hopes are that human kind will work harder to save the environment for future generations and to lessen the hatred and hopelessness we have seen spread as we travel the world and work together to reach goals that should not be unattainable.
More posts to come. Thanks for being such good friends and acquaintances and a good life to all.
Ann Carol Goldberg
I find joy in sharing my thoughts with friends and getting your feedback on your life adventures, ups, downs and the wonders of daily living. My hopes are that human kind will work harder to save the environment for future generations and to lessen the hatred and hopelessness we have seen spread as we travel the world and work together to reach goals that should not be unattainable.
More posts to come. Thanks for being such good friends and acquaintances and a good life to all.
Ann Carol Goldberg
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