JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL,NEW YORK June 12th 2006-June 24th 2006 New York, N.Y., Northeast USA
Opens a separate window.
Report for 2006
- Carnegie Hall
The 2006 JVC Jazz Festival - New York opened with a level of excitement that would be matched only by the next 11 days' worth of music. The Jazz Festival kicked off with a rousing New Orleans tribute hosted by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion and featuring the classic Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion
- Roy Hargrove
Then it was off to the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on June 13 for a show by piano master Hank Jones. Jones treated the audience to endless surprises as he shared the stage with friends Russell Malone, Roberta Gambarini, and Roy Hargrove (who also performed later in the week at Irving Plaza and in the Vanguard tribute at Carnegie Hall).
This opening evening also marked the return of the Stanley Clarke/George Duke Band after a 16-year hiatus. Fans, new and old, found themselves under the spell of the reunited duo. In addition to these two amazing concerts, June 13th also marked the beginning of a five-night film series at the Makor Center which chronicled the lives of Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock and Charles Lloyd/Billy Higgins.
The Festival continued with a dazzling seven show series spanning the history of jazz at the Kaye Playhouse. Following Hank Jones' opening concert, the series continued with a tenor saxophone celebration featuring Houston Person, Eric Alexander, and Harry Allen; piano pioneer Toshiko Akiyoshi was saluted by up-and-coming pianists Tomoko Ohno and Hiromi. Akiyoshi treated the crowd to an engaging solo piano performance and guitar great Bucky Pizzarelli, with help from Howard Alden and John Pizzarelli, celebrated his 80th birthday.
- 2006 Program Book
Clarinetists Don Byron and Ken Peplowski celebrated the role the clarinet has played in jazz. "Ragtime to Swingtime" featuring Vince Giordano shone the spotlight on the traditional and "A New Orleans Trumpet Celebration" brought the sound and spirit of New Orleans to Kaye Playhouse thanks to enthusiastic performances by Christian Scott, Marlon Jordan, and James Andrews.
