WAYNE SHORTER ACOUSTIC QUARET 
The decision by the virtuoso instrumentalist and composer Wayne Shorter, an inspiration to generations of tenor and soprano saxophonists who played jazz-rock fusion for decades, to tour in a wholly acoustic context for the first time since the late-60s was perhaps the most major recent development on the international jazz scene. And remarkably, his quartet featuring pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade that performed to a standing-room-only audience at the Teatro Turreno on 17 July which also appeared at the Frontone Gardens during UJ 2001 is the first acoustic band he has led at any point in his distinguished career. A living jazz legend, Shorter was the winner of this year’s Heineken Jazz Prize which he received before the start of his UJ 2002 concert. A featured
soloist and music director of various editions of the famed Jazz Messengers drummer Art Blakey led from 1959-63, Shorter later became an integral part of the exceptional “Second” quintet trumpeter Miles Davis formed in 1964 that included pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams.  continua

(a cura di Mitchell Feldman)

JAZZ GUITAR WITH BUCKY PIZZARELLI
Last night Bucky Pizzarelli performed an inspired set of some of the most famous jazz compositions at the Bottega del Vino. Supported by two other extremely talented guitarists, Howard Alden and Frank Vignola (who looks to be well on the way to a bright career), Pizzarelli presented a delightful concert that showcased his skill at performing 30’s and 40’s style jazz.  His style and elegance are as strong as ever.

(a cura di Giovanni Serrazanetti)

BERKLEE FACULTY 
The ongoing series of midnight concerts at the Hotel Brufani featuring
members of the faculty at the Berklee College of Music’s summer program at
Umbria Jazz continued 17 July with a performance by a quintet featuring
pianist Consuelo Candelaria, tenor saxophonist Dino Govoni, guitarist Mark
White, bassist Claudio Zanghieri and drummer Mark Volpe. The set, which
included “Refrigerator Experiments” by White and Govoni’s “In Your Absence”
as well as the timeless standard “Body & Soul,” “Loud Zee” by Jerry
Bergonzi and Clifford Brown’s blues “Sandu” made it clear that if the
development of the next generation of improvising musicians is entrusted to
the work of mentors like those instructing at Berklee, the future of jazz is
in good hands.

(a cura di Mitchell Feldman)

COOLBONE BRASS BAND
Street bands are one of the oldest expressive jazz forms. In the beginning they were invited to play at funerals wedding’s parade, at carnival days and other celebrations. This tradition is still alive and well and the reason why Umbria Jazz has been inviting them every year to open the festival season. Coolbone set themselves apart from other New Orleans jazz bands with their productions featuring wind instruments, bass-drum and sousaphone. The performance is focused on a completely revised repertoire of traditional pieces and more modern songs by artists such as Sting and the Beatles. 

(a cura di Giovanni Serrazanetti)

PRAISING THE LORD WITH MUSIC
Every afternoon at 14:30 at the Alfa Soul Stage next to the Louisiana Corner in the Carducci Gardens Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel Gospel Singers create a sanctified atmosphere with their righteous and soulful gospel sound. One of the essential musical styles from which jazz evolved, gospel praises the lord in harmony and rhythm and Henderson and his group had their audience on their feet, clapping their hands and exclaiming “hallelujah” song after song. The inspirational effect of this joyous form of musical celebration is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

(a cura di Mitchell Feldman)