We got an early start, 3:30 for the line at Wilson Hall, GEVA to hear VickiKristinaBarcelona. We were enthralled by their performance of Tom Wait’s repertoire as they envisioned  it. From instrumentation to attire down to their stage presence they presented a carefully put together performance that kept us pinned for the entire hour. Read Jeff Spevak’s review at this link (it takes you to all the City Jazz Blog posts).  Once again we enjoyed the use of GEVA for  a venue even if it is a bit away from the center of activity (15 minute walk to Jazz Street Stage).

Following the performance we took that walk and paused for some truck side food on Main St (Marty’s Brisket) before entering Eastman Theater for Marc Cohn with The Alabama Blind Boys. We had seats in the center of the loge in the second row, right behind an annoying family of three with a bored restless child and a mother who could not stay put for more than 30 seconds. [rant on]I do not understand why parents spend so much money for tickets to bring children into a performance of this nature without preparing them for appropriate behavior. I also want to remind people that a concert venue is not your living room. There are others who paid the same ticket price who are afflicted by your behavior. [rant off] . The interaction between the Blind Boys and Marc was wonderful with Marc joining in their gospel and with them supporting Marc’s own numbers. When they wrapped the set after almost an hour and 45 minutes we were surprised at how much time had passed.  Please read Frank DeBlase at the link above for a more detailed review.

Down the stairs and across the street to Max to hear Audrey Ochoa on trombone with bass and drums making up her trio. I really enjoyed her trombone work once she settled into the performance. Initially her playing felt stiff to me and made me uncomfortable. Her stage presence contributed to a sense of unease. However her playing smoothed out and I was enjoying the performance without a lot of excitement when Carol decided she had had enough and it was time to move down the street to the Jam. So we did. 

We arrived as John Nugent took the stage for a couple of numbers with Bob Sneider. This was followed by Bob’s son on trombone and then by more students. It was approaching midnight and there did not appear to be any Festival performers in line to play so we headed home.

The Plan:  Lionel Loueke &Raul Midn in Kilbourn; Harold Mabern Trio at Max; KIandace Springs Temple Building (haven’t been there yet);Thomas Backman at Lutheran Church. The order is definitely subject to change and as always the word on the street will lead to changes.  

Will look for you on The Street