Grooview Festival Features Dr. John, The Neville Bros. and Maceo Parker

TELLURIDE – The 32nd Telluride Jazz Celebration brings a kaleidoscopic burst of amazing talent to town this weekend, with jazzy jams, funky fusion, sizzling sambas,

scorching vocalists, and swingin’ big bands all on the spectacular roster.

Jazz fires off with a bang in Town Park on the McCoy Tyner stage at 2:45 p.m. this afternoon, with Son Como Son, headed up by the vivacious Cesar Bauvallet.

“It’s a busy day for us. Opening the festival is very important,” says Bauvallet. “If you kick the ball in the wrong direction, it goes flat! We want to do it with quality and love.”

No worries about that. Son Como Son serves up a spicy mix of all styles Cubano, from boleros to merengues, and the resulting sound is mucho caliente indeed.

“The band plays traditional and contemporary Cuban music, and also modern jazz,” explains Bauvallet. “We’re very excited to be coming back to Telluride. The mountains are beautiful, the place is wonderful, but the people make it even better.”

Son Como Son will not only kick off the festival today, but also appear at Jazz After Dark at Las Montañas. “We’re doing the Free Jazz Project this weekend,” adds Bauvallet. “I love playing the festival and Las Montañas, but I get to Telluride and say, I wanna play the library!”

In conjunction with the festival, The Free jazz Project includes the Artists in the Library Performance on Saturday afternoon at Wilkinson Public Library, and the Fiesta in Elks Park on Sunday.

“There’s so much magic with the kids, and those families. I can see emotions and memories coming through their eyes when they hear this music that we all grew up with. It’s so wonderful.”

Be there for the first note from Son Como Son today, which will set the tone for the fantastic festival.

The Crescent Super Band with special guest Joe Lovano will be up next, and look for the magnificent Lovano to pop up throughout the weekend, including during his Main Stage set on Saturday.

The Crescent Super Band is comprised of top teens from Utah, and considered the best band in the nation of its kind.

Director Caleb Chapman says the kids are on fire. “The band has won two Downbeat awards, countless accolades, and has played almost every major jazz fest in the world,” he explains. “Over the last four years, they’ve played with nearly 200 celebrity artists. These are the living legends of jazz, and it’s so inspiring for the kids to get to play with the masters.”

Stylistically, the band swings hard, and is carrying the torch of the big band sound. “We do a lot of new literature, and incorporate everything from classic swing to funk,” says Chapman. “These kids will blow people away. It’s gonna be a blast!”

No doubt about that, especially with the addition of Lovano’s finesse. Look for the Crescent Super Band to rock the afternoon!

Then, make way for the mah-velous Bettye LaVette. “Bettye is very interesting,” says festival Executive Producer Paul Machado. “She’s been around for awhile, but just started to get all of this great hype lately. I heard her on E-Town, and thought, ‘Who is this character? She’s hot!’”

Scorchingly torchy and simply scrumptious, LaVette’s latest effort Scene of the Crime was nominated in the best Contemporary Blues Album category for a Grammy Award, and the soulful singer has also recently received the Contemporary Blues Female Artist accolade at the 2008 Blues Music Awards. In other words, LaVette is on a roll.

“I’m greatly relieved,” says the songstress. “But mostly I’m working like a dog!”

Flawlessly weaving new songs with tasty standards, Lavette’s style is all her own. “I’m still introducing myself,” she explains. “My producer said, these styles don’t go together, they’re all different. But I say, they’re only different until I sing them, then they’re all my style, you see!”

LaVette is on the fast track, and she says, that’s just the way she wants it. “I want to go farther than before, and I need it to come very fast,” she laughs. “I just want to stay strong, and keep getting these great reviews until I’m in everyone’s house!”

You’ll know when LaVette’s in the house, and be sure to stop by the festival store and pick up a copy of the new CD. “Tell everyone that I’m on the way!” Indeed, she is on her way, straight up the charts, and coming this afternoon to a beautiful venue near you. Don’t miss her.

LaVette’s performance will undoubtedly set the stage for the final act in Town Park tonight, with the highly-anticipated appearance of the super-funky Maceo Parker. Simply synonymous with funk, Parker is the alto master, whose career includes collaborations with everyone from James Brown to Prince, Parliament, Ani Di Franco, James Taylor and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The latest release, Roots and Grooves, is a cooking compilation of live shows that Parker did with the WDR Big Band, and pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles, as only P-Funk Parker could do. If you’ve not heard it yet, look out. When this funkster gets ready to rip, there’s no stopping the train.

Parker is a phenom and is packing his relentless band with him as he goes around the world this summer. As James Brown said, “Maceo, I want you to blow!”

Pace yourself, because on Saturday, the festival gets underway at noon in Town Park, when the Telluride Student All Stars Jazz Ensemble kick off the day in a big way. Students audition from around the country for the opportunity to play in the prestigious group, and these are the rising jazz stars of the future.

Then, brace yourself, when the Maelstrom Trio featuring Skerik takes the stage by storm. In addition to buddies Brian Coogan on keys and Simon Lott on drums, the saxophonic master Skerik says, the trio is bringing a special guest. “We’re out on the road, and we have Steve Moore, the amazing trombone player with us. He’s got a new CD out called Stebmo, and it’s just killer,” says Skerik.

The sensational saxman adds that the trio has been hitting it hard lately. “We’ve done a lot of recording, both in the studio and live shows, so things are getting mixed right now. Hopefully Maelstrom Trio will have some stuff out at the end of the year, including some pieces with a string section and vocals which are really cool,” he adds.

“Garage a Trois also has a record that is getting mixed right now, and I’ve been working on stuff with my other project, Beta Popes, so there’s a lot of music to put out there.”

Got that right, Skerik pumps it out at lightning speed, has performed with virtually every major player on the planet, and, like a wall of sound, the Maelstrom Trio is bound to blow your mind. “We’re really about improvisation, whatever we’re feeling that day, so it’s exciting, as no two shows are ever the same,” says Skerik. “We do all kinds of music, and different things pop out depending on what we’re feeling.”

Skerik adds that he’s been to Telluride before, and looks forward to the weekend. “It’s a great town, people are mellow there, and it’s different than other ski towns in Colorado. In fact, I really don’t like playing any of the other resorts in Colorado. Telluride is one of the last places where people are real, and it’s a very special thing.”

Catch the edgy Maelstrom Trio several times this weekend, including the ragers on tap at the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon during Jazz After Dark. “We’re having a lot of fun right now,” says Skerik. “People should really come out. It’s getting pretty crazy.”

Following the Maelstrom Trio, prepare for something completely different with the phenomenal Flamenco master Chuscales with Yi Yi. Drawing on his deep roots in Spain, the amazing Chuscales will wow with his fantastic finesse, phrasing and style.

“Flamenco is the tradition of the gypsy, and also a way that people are living,” he explains. “It’s so much in the blood, and extends so many other feelings, in the singing and dance. It’s not only the music, but a way to live.

“I am a gypsy myself, and was born into a traditional Flamenco family in Granada,” he continues. “My grandmother lived in the caves of Sacromonte where there was always singing and dancing. For me it was easier to absorb the Flamenco style in this way than to learn it in school.”

Chuscales seamlessly blends the music of his heritage with modern sounds. “I like all kinds off music: jazz, classical, and I like to incorporate these all into my music, so I have many colors coming out,” he muses.

Appearing with Chuscales is the marvelous percussionist Yi Yi, and “Chusco” notes that he too will have a special guest this weekend. “My wife, Mina Fagrado, is a great Flamenco dancer who will be with us at the Las Montañas show.” Intriguingly charming and absolutely brilliant, catch Chuscales Saturday afternoon on the McCoy Tyner Stage, and also Saturday night during Jazz After Dark.

Saturday afternoon, the Jazz Celebration gets into full-swing with the incredible Joe Lovano. The Grammy winner has more accolades under his belt than a be-bop tune has notes, and you can bet on a sizzling performance from the saxophone superstar, whose tone and ability to smoothly segue between styles is widely known.

Lovano is packing a punch with his two drummers, Otis Brown III and Francisco Mela, plus Cameron Brown on bass. Look for Lovano to appear throughout the festival in various configurations, including tonight at the Sheridan Opera House, and Saturday on the Raynier Free Stage at Elks Park. And of course, there’s his buddy, Dave Liebman from the Saxophone Summit who’s hovering, so who knows.

This may well be the year of the sax, as there are loads of great horn players in town. In fact, another great sax player was recently added to the roster following the cancellation of McCoy Tyner, when Jazz announced that Javon Jackson would team up with the legendary Les McCann and step in at the last minute.

As Jackson’s website says, “Get your old-school funk groove on” and that’s exactly the vibe you can expect for the McCann-Jackson set. In addition to his busy touring schedule with the Javon Jackson Band, Jackson has been teaming up with the funk master Les McCann for numerous appearances as of late, and the collaboration is explosive.

“He’s one of the new young bucks, you know,” says McCann of Jackson. “I’m fortunate to have had these tremendous pairings with great sax players throughout my life, and thing with Javon just finally happened.”

Happens is more like it, as McCann is known for being in the moment, and the improvisational skills of this combo can reach uncharted territory. “He’s not so funky,” jokes McCann. “I’m funky!”

Share the joy and get the funk, with Les McCann and Javon Jackson, Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. on the Town Park Stage, and also at Jazz After Hours at the Palm tonight.

Closing Saturday’s festival line-up, it’s Grupo Fantasma, the 11-piece Latin funk powerhouse out of Austin. The incredible band has been on the road with Prince, and was lauded as “one of the sickest live bands ever” by Philadelphia Weekly. Fusing funk, Latin, rock, and high-octane jams, Grupo will knock your socks off. Fantastico!

As the festival wraps on Saturday evening, head downtown, where a balloon glow will greet festivarians, as Jazz coincides with the 25th Annual Balloon Festival this year. Look for members of the Jazz X-Press band to break it down into a New Orleans style street ensemble as the balloons light up – it’s gonna be a gas!

On Sunday, the CSU-Chico Jazz X-Press will kick off the final day of the celebration at about noon in Town Park.

“They brought me out to re-build the jazz program at Chico State in 2002,” explains Director Rocky Wilson. “We’ve gradually been building it up, and recently announced a new undergrad degree option in jazz studies.”

A long-time friend of Machado’s, Wilson says he’s grateful for the support. “It’s a fantastic festival, and Paul has done so much to be supportive of Jazz education, plus the kids get to hear all of these great players. It raises awareness, and really these kids are the next evolution of jazz, that’s where the music is gonna come from in the future.”

Catch out these rising stars on Sunday.

Be there Sunday afternoon for the sublime Simone, who has just released her spectacular recording, Simone,Simone.

“I finally have the CD in my hands, it’s so exciting,” says the effervescent singer. “Now I’m ready to get the word out to the rest of the world!”

Simone notes that she’s playing numerous gigs this summer in support of the new disc, including one that is near and dear to her heart. “I’m playing the Village Gate, which is now called Le Poisson Rouge. It’s interesting, it’s the same time slot that my mom used to perform in, the Saturday midnight show, which I didn’t realize until my dad told me about it. It’s the cost of the learning curve, and another part of what I’m learning about my mom.”

Big shoes to fill, Simone has had her challenges. “When my mom first died, I felt concerned that I couldn’t answer questions about her, but thankfully, the grieving is over. She was just Mommy to me, but she was Nina Simone to the rest of the world. I’ve finally stepped into those shoes, and it’s a joyful walk.”

Joyful for audiences too, Simone now has arrived in the big leagues, recording her CD with a stable of 19 musicians. “I know the music of the big bands like Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie, but it’s one thing to listen to that music on a record, another to front a band like that. It’s a symbiotic thing, the band and the audience create this positive energy that raises the vibration in the air. Suddenly you find yourself smiling and its joy, joy, joy!”

Simone will be bringing in her “Infamous Seven” for this performance, and she says she’s ready to strut her stuff. “I never had any doubt that I had my own voice, and Mom didn’t either. Thank God I’ve survived it!”

More than survive, Simone is a testament to perseverance, and you’ll want to hear each and every note. Sensational.

Stick around, because the phenomenal Dave Liebman Group will take the crowd into the cool on Sunday afternoon. “I’m out with my regular group for the next week or two, hitting the Edmonton and Rochester festivals. Then I begin to tour with the Saxophone Summit, that’s Joe Lovano and Ravi Coltrane,” he explains. “We’ll be out in support of the new record Seraphic Life that’s coming out soon.”

Liebman notes that the Saxophone Summit has been dormant since the passing of Michael Brecker. “We’re getting back out with Ravi, and of course, we’ll be honoring Michael on that tour.”

Liebman is a monster sax and flute player, who says he owes a lot to the greats. “It’s such a legacy. I saw John Coltrane many times in the 60s as a teen in New York. Then Elvin Jones in the 70s, and of course, Miles Davis. We always celebrate Coltrane’s legacy, and we’ll probably pull out a couple of his tunes during the festival.”

Easily moving from the straight-ahead to the latest in fusion, the Dave Liebman group features phenomenal players that will have you groovin’. Catch them a couple of times this weekend, including in the intimate setting of the Sheridan Opera House Saturday night.

On Sunday evening, all rise, as it’s time for New Orleans royalty to roll in for the grand finale of the festival. Dr. John will command the stage, starting at 4:30 p.m., and the voodoo daddy will have some new spicy treats in store, as his new CD, The City That Care Forgot, was just released this past week. Special guests on the terrific effort include Eric Clapton, Ani Di FRanco, Willie Nelson, and Terence Blanchard, and a first listen shows the enduring legend remains at the top of his form. Get up, and get down with the delicious Dr. John.

To top it all off, it’s the creme de la creme, when the Kings of New Orleans funk, The Neville Brothers hit the stage.

“Bring body bags, we ain’t taking no prisoners!” says Art Neville. The first family of funk is rolling into Colorado with appearances in Snowmass and Telluride this weekend, and Art says, the band is gonna bring it to the mountains.

“We’re looking forward to getting out there,” noting that the brothers live all over the country, although Art remains in New Orleans.

“We have a great time when we get together, and get a little funky groove going on. Jazz fest was great in New Orleans. I had my own time slot which was fun, and then of course we had the Neville’s. Me and my brothers – now that was serious!

“It’s like the Meters. The original band, I mean, which was so great when it was happening. I thought that was the best band I ever played with. Now the Neville Brothers are the best band, mm-hmm!”

Art notes that the band may lay a few new grooves on the crowd. “I’ve been listening to some tapes, and some of these things are so hot, that if I could steal them I would!

“Yes, it’s gonna be good to come up and see you all. Mm-hmm, we’re gonna bring the funk to Telluride!”

Indeed, there nothing finer a good dose of the Nevilles, the best of the best. Give them a royal welcome.

Beyond the festival gates, the Jazz Celebration includes the free concerts in Elks Park, the Jazz Brunch and all of the Jazz After Dark shows at The Palm, Sheridan Opera House, Fly Me to the Moon Saloon, Las Montañas, and the Bubble Lounge, where by the way, you can get a hit of O2, and catch the funky jazz of BluOrbit tonight, and Mike Gwinn & The North Fork Flyers on Saturday.

Look for music to pour out of every door, including at the Noir Bar, and at The Floradora, where Eagle & The Sky Ponies with Lane Rider will be this weekend. Oh, and there’s Felix y Los Gatos at the Brown Dog, Part-Time Bad Habit at Tommy’s and Hillbilly Hotel at the Buck. And don’t miss Limited Press Sunday night at the Moon, plus the random jam.

Seek it out, soak it all in and celebrate Jazz!