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