Noted photographer, Paul Slaughter, has posted a terrific photographic portfolio of his coverage of the Monterey Jazz Festival's 50th on his web site.
Here is what Paul had to say about the Festival.
“It has been 32 years since I had the good fortune to attend a Monterey Jazz Festival. This year was really a gas.
The highlights for me were the extraordinary talents of Dave Holland, Jim Hall and the “youthful ones"--Gerald Wilson, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, James Moody, and Ornette Coleman. Terence Blanchard performed his new works, “A Tale of God's Will" and “A Requiem for Katrina," with a chamber orchestra. It was very moving! The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, composed of young high school players from a dozen states, or so, were outstanding. There is hope for the future of jazz. Terence joined the youth for a few numbers. The Monterey Jazz All-Stars featured the soulful talents of James Moody, Terence Blanchard, Derrick Hodge (base), Kendrick Scott (drums), and a terrific young piano player, Benny Green. Joining the group was the beautiful jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon. Her styling, her poise, her vocal range reminded me a lot of a young Sarah Vaughan. She brought the house down, and I fell in love all over again.
Mort Sahl, who performed at the first Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958, was the host for Sunday night. He was was funny and his jokes were poignant about today's affairs.
On Sunday morning a group of photographers who photograph jazz performers had breakfast at the Hyatt. Dear Mr. Gerald Wilson and his lovely wife, Josephina, joined us. Gerald is a personal, sweet man. At a group photo afterwards James Moody and Ornette Coleman were present. I was in 7th Heaven.
The mood, the camaraderie, the love of all at the festival permeated the wonderful sunshine and mist of Monterey."
Here is what Paul had to say about the Festival.
“It has been 32 years since I had the good fortune to attend a Monterey Jazz Festival. This year was really a gas.
The highlights for me were the extraordinary talents of Dave Holland, Jim Hall and the “youthful ones"--Gerald Wilson, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, James Moody, and Ornette Coleman. Terence Blanchard performed his new works, “A Tale of God's Will" and “A Requiem for Katrina," with a chamber orchestra. It was very moving! The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, composed of young high school players from a dozen states, or so, were outstanding. There is hope for the future of jazz. Terence joined the youth for a few numbers. The Monterey Jazz All-Stars featured the soulful talents of James Moody, Terence Blanchard, Derrick Hodge (base), Kendrick Scott (drums), and a terrific young piano player, Benny Green. Joining the group was the beautiful jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon. Her styling, her poise, her vocal range reminded me a lot of a young Sarah Vaughan. She brought the house down, and I fell in love all over again.
Mort Sahl, who performed at the first Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958, was the host for Sunday night. He was was funny and his jokes were poignant about today's affairs.
On Sunday morning a group of photographers who photograph jazz performers had breakfast at the Hyatt. Dear Mr. Gerald Wilson and his lovely wife, Josephina, joined us. Gerald is a personal, sweet man. At a group photo afterwards James Moody and Ornette Coleman were present. I was in 7th Heaven.
The mood, the camaraderie, the love of all at the festival permeated the wonderful sunshine and mist of Monterey."
Photo Credit
Gerald Wilson © Paul Slaughter
For more information contact All About Jazz.
