Summer means jazz is in the air, and there is plenty of it this season. From such well-known headiners as Diana Krall and Terence Blanchard, to such world musicians as Baaba Maal, who will be sweet discoveries, it’s the time of year to get out to hear music.
Here are nine events you might want to take in and satisfy your thirst for America’s own music:
E-Town, Bill Frisell’s New Quartet, June 12, Boulder Theater|Denver native Frisell long ago established himself as one of the most original guitar slingers in jazz by incorporating the whole of the American musical experience into the wide-open spaces of his solos. Billing his current group the New Quartet, this taping of the nationally syndicated “etown” radio show will give Boulder listeners an opportunity to hear Frisell’s latest take on Americana.
Baaba Maal, June 13, Denver Botanic Gardens; June 14, Chautauqua Auditorium|This tireless Senegalese vocalist is a legend in his homeland, and he deserves the same status everywhere else. Dynamic, original and sometimes intense, Maal’s recordings are treasured by collectors of Afropop.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass, June 22-25, Rio Grande Park, Aspen.|Sometimes Jazz Aspen’s lineup consists of more rock and pop than jazz, but this year’s June festival splits the difference between jazz and smart pop singers like the emerging pianist/vocalist Jamie Cullum, the promising Lizz Wright, the popular but increasingly risk-taking Diana Krall, and the exhaustingly prolific Elvis Costello, whose new CD celebrates the songwriting of New Orleans mainstay Allen Toussaint, who will appear with Costello. Expect a bounty of soulful, intelligent music.
Amadou and Mariam, June 27, Boulder Theater|This married duo from Mali has been together for three decades, but it was last year’s bright and pulsating “Dimanche a Bamako” CD that broke them with American audiences. It’s about time, too: Who couldn’t use a dose of sunny, funky optimism in these troubled times?
Plas Johnson, July 6-7, Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge|You’ve got to spend at least one summer night taking in the sophisticated atmosphere of Denver’s finest straight-ahead jazz venue, Dazzle. Saxophonist Johnson is one of the great under-the-radar players of whom everyone has heard but few can identify by name. His is the original sound of Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther” theme. That alone makes Johnson’s tenor one of the most distinctive in pop culture history. See him at Dazzle during the month of his 75th birthday.
Evergreen Jazz Festival, July 28-30, various Evergreen locales|In what has solidified as an annual tradition, jazz groups who happily worship at the altar of Louis (Armstrong) and Bix (Beiderbecke) find much to celebrate in the roots of swing. James Dapogny’s Chicago Jazz Band and the Independence Hall Jazz Band are two of many national and local acts scheduled.
Telluride Jazz Celebration, Aug. 3-6, various Telluride locales.|Telluride has become the annual pilgrimage for serious jazz fans seeking a weekend at altitude. This year features numerous performances from guests of honor, the Brazilian duo Flora Purim and Airto Moreira. Also slated: pianist Herbie Hancock and his quartet, trumpeter Terence Blanchard, Denver-bred saxophonist Javon Jackson with organist Lonnie Smith, superb violinist Regina Carter, guitarist and Telluride Jazz fixture Larry Coryell and rising stars Soulive. With a lineup like this and the Telluride backdrop, what’s not to love?
Chris Botti, Aug. 29, Denver Botanic Gardens|Is this trumpeter the “new” Chet Baker? Is he “smooth” jazz? And what’s with his on-again, off-again relationship with Katie Couric? Speculative questions all, but one thing is certain: He sells a lot of CDs through his sincere approach to jazz standards. Expect his Botanic Gardens performance to sell out.
The Vail Jazz Labor Day Weekend Party, Sept. 1-4, Vail Cascade Resort and Spa|To close out the summer, it’s an assemblage of musician’s musicians, many of whom return from previous Vail jazz parties. Top-notch improvisers the Clayton Brothers Quintet, Trio Da Paz, pianist Henry Butler and guitarist Russell Malone have all signed on for this year. If you’re familiar with any of these names, you should be there too.
Bret Saunders writes about jazz for The Denver Post. Saunders is host of the “KBCO Morning Show,” 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays at 97.3-FM. E-mail him at bret_saunders@hotmail.com
