Lizz Wright’s stunning vocals helped enliven an occasionally sleepy Telluride Jazz Celebration last weekend. Photos by .
Jazz has a little something for everyone, so what better venue to experience this versatility than hearing more than a dozen bands in the grandeur of a box canyon during the 33rd annual last weekend? Despite the move of dates from fall to spring, the festival was plagued by cold and rain. This, remarkably, did little to damper the spirits of those in attendance.
“Guest of Honor” Bill Frisell plays with his trio at Telluride Jazz Celebration last weekend.
While much of the music was good, the lineup lacked some of the daring of years past. There were people there that genuinely enjoyed all of the acts that played, though I found myself a bit bored at times. I have a hard time maintaining focus when a band produces 31 flavors and they’re all variations on vanilla. As talented as the musicians were, the bands that played during the daytime all sounded like vanilla to me.
In the evenings the Celebration really shined: the opening night of the three-day festival featured the incredible On the One and Ozomatli. San Diego-bred On the One brought an energy that made the latecomers wonder what they had missed. Ozomatli, while maintaining their position on the Latin-inspired fringe of jazz, brought the attendees to their feet with plenty of dance-friendly music (a highlight of the festival).
A not-so-excited member of Rebirth Brass Band.
If a band’s having fun, it makes the show that much better. Rebirth Brass Band played music with a lot of energy, and from the sound of it you would think they were having fun. However, one look at their demeanors suggested they could care less. I found myself trying to block out the visuals and just focus on the music. (As a photographer that is no easy task.)
Bill Frisell’s playing justified his Guest of Honor label for the festival, and Lizz Wright’s breathtaking vocals drew people from their seats like moths toward a flame. Can’t wait to see what next year has in store. — Nathan Rist
Check out Nathan’s photo essay below.
On the One
Christian Scott Quartet
Bill Frisell Trio
Lizz Wright
Ozomatli
Rebirth Brass Band
Jimmy Herring
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is a freelance photographer and a regular Reverb contributor. He hails from the mountains of Telluride, but he’s currently studying at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
