In 1970, producer George Wein rented Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center during the off-season with the intention of bringing the excitement of the Newport Jazz Festival, the largest outdoor music festival of its kind, to New York City.
By 1984, the festival was reborn as the JVC Jazz Festival. Marking its 24th anniversary this year, it offers more than the typical fare of a large concert hall. Planned and organized in collaboration with local communities in New York City, it features an array of must-see events, unique to the home of jazz.
In this chapter, and over the course of the next two articles, I would like to share some of the lesser-known aspects of this wonderful tradition with fans.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church, located in Midtown Manhattan, boasts contemporary architectural design. The church, where memorial services for both the late Duke Ellington (p) and Miles Davis (tp) recently took place, hosts Sunday evening mass services known as Jazz Vespers. Even more, on Thursday afternoons between June and August, it organizes admission-free concerts, bringing soothing sounds to the busy business district.
On June 21st, held in the midst of the JVC Jazz Festival in partnership with Downbeat Magazine, was a concert showcasing performances by selected members from the Berklee College of Music, William Paterson University, Eastman School of Music University and other renowned music institutions.
The outstanding features included a graceful ensemble by the Berklee College of Music with Pauline Jean, one of the most talented vocalists in the field. This was followed by the Miles Brown Sextet, a three-horn band consisting of postgraduate students, performing traditional jazz similar to the Jazz Messengers, yet combining elements of avant-garde jazz. Finally, the William Paterson Sextet, which, even though it was somehow rough around the edges, showcased a stunning performance of improvised music. There was also a piece where a special guest member, Mulgrew Miller, the instructor, jumped into the group to add luster to the entire performance.
It was a fulfilling experience showcasing a number of young performers who have the potential to continue to shine in the jazz scene.
Geri Allen (p) is a distinguished pianist from a group of young musicians who formed themselves as the M-BASE collective, founded by Steve Coleman in the mid 80’s. Including a trio with Paul Motian (ds) and Charlie Haden (b), she has worked with many of the greats of modern jazz, such as members of the Ornette Coleman (as, tp, vln) group, and other unique veterans of the scene. Through such collaborations, she rose to fame, eventually establishing a group in her own right.
Geri Allen (p)
On this special day, Geri Allen showed up with her two other band members at the stage in the courtyard of the Studio Museum in Harlem, a museum dedicated to African American art, located right in the middle of 125th Street. However, this time she added a young tap dance prodigy, Maurice Chestnut, to her trio as a special guest.
Geri Allen (p), Kenny Davis (b), Kassa Overall (ds), Maurice Chestnut (tap dance)
The trio first performed an original song from their newest collection, followed by the standard "Soul Eyes.” Geri Allen’s performance was both lyrical and aggressive, spellbinding the listeners, fueled by the impeccable performance of her rhythm section; a perfect combination of Kenny Davis on acoustic bass and Kassa Overall on drums. Next on stage was Maurice Chestnut. Not only were his bold movements visually arresting, but the tap rhythms made a powerful interplay with the drums, spurring Allen’s playing. She took the challenge head-on, using percussive sounds which drove the music into exciting polyrhythms (the simultaneous sounding of multiple rhythms). Soaked in sweat, Chestnut slowed down to catch his breath during a bossa nova, but as soon as another upbeat rhythm began, he was back on his feet. Geri Allen is known for her acute sense of natural rhythm, yet it was like watching her in fast-forward, propelled by a speed booster.
The Studio Museum in Harlem (courtyard)
Their performance brought together the spirit of these special fans in Harlem, rhythms echoing together between the buildings of the city. (June 21, 2007, New York City)
Links
St. Peter’s Church http://www.saintpeters.org/
The Studio Museum in Harlem http://studiomuseum.org/
Geri Allen http://www.geriallen.com/
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