Detroit Jazz Festival 2009

[Bobl]

Thanks, Al and Don

We'll be leaving in half an hour. Might see you at Absopure, Al....
White haired old guy with Irish green eyed lady. Green lawn chairs....

Peace to all. This is one of the great events in the best big city/small town around!

[Bobl]

Perhaps the best Jazz festival yet.
Kudos to all involved in the planning and execution, and to Charles McPherson for holding that 35 second note...and for "standing up" to the Detroit Princess after the ship's horn blast. His quip:

"What was that? I don't care how big the boat is. I wouldn't take that from a canoe, why would I take it from this one?"

The smiles in the crowd were precious...

[1KielsonDrive]

Downtown was rocking, or should I say jazzing? The crowds were too big to enjoy the music as much as I'd like. I usually attend smaller venues at this point in my life - no more arenas, outdoor amphitheatres and festivals. I like more intimate venues. Regardless, this was one for the ages. I haven't seen downtown Detroit movin' and groovin' like that for years - much more fun than Super Dooper Pooper Bowl. Linda Yohn on WEMU was still carrying on excitedly about the festival today on her show. She said musicians were overheard calling this the best Detroit Jazz Festival ever. Gerald Wilson's album, Detroit, is to be released soon. It is so SWEET.

[1KielsonDrive]

Any photos posted would be much appreciated.

[vetalalumni]

Kudos to all involved in the planning and execution, and to Charles McPherson for holding that 35 second note...and for "standing up" to the Detroit Princess after the ship's horn blast. His quip:

"What was that? I don't care how big the boat is. I wouldn't take that from a canoe, why would I take it from this one?"

The smiles in the crowd were precious...

That type of impromptu talk with the audience is priceless, especially if you are a big fan of that particular artist. It is terrific that Detroit holds this event.

[Jimg]

Thanks to folks for dropping by the Jazz Talk Tent; it was crowded for every event. One highlight was the Hank Jones conversation. Another was the Wayne Shorter interview. What an interesting cat! The DownBeat Blindfold test with Charles McPherson was a big hit - the results will appear in their January issue.