Recap: Jazz in the Valley Pays Respect to Jazz Elders and Showcases the Artform

August 22, 2024

2–3 minutes

Photos: Rudy Lu

The weather forecast was threatening. There were heavy thunderstorms to the south, some sporadic rain in the north. However, the skies were cloudy there was little precipitation during the festival lending to a flat warm light underneath the festival tent. The music was primarily post bop with the great exception of the opener and the closer, Latin jazz.

Harpist Brandee Younger and her trio opened a set of primarily spiritual jazz, drawing on the catalog of one of the founders of that sub genre, the late Alice Coltrane. “Rama Rama”and “Journey to Satchidanada” were among the compositions. Her own meditation that was composed during Covid reflecting on those times “Unrest”. “Blue Nile” was played from an earlier period. Bassist Rahsaan Carter and drummer Alan Mednard added to the compositions with their ideas as well as accompanying her harp.

The classic hardbop of alto saxophonist 85 year old Charles McPherson leading a quartet fronted by festival creative director Javon Jackson and rounded out by Jeb Patton-piano, Willie Jones III-drums and David Williams bass. Leading off with Charlie Parker’s “Star Eyes” , transitioning into the original “Song of the Sphinx”, McPherson alternated horn solo space with Javon with Jeb Patton providing color. Willie Jones III and David Williams swung like crazy! Tony Bennett’s “Because of You” and the ballad “Darn that Dream” showcased the ability of the band to play ballads. Maestro McPherson still actively records and is on Smoke Sessions Records.

Songstress Nnenna Freelon added drama to the stage with magnificent stage presence and broad expressive gestures while singing along with the accompaniment of Javon Jackson and band. Gospel tunes “Mary had a baby” and “Wade in the Water” were featured along with some originals “Dark and Lovely”.

The genre is also reflected in the poetry/writings of 81 year old Nikki Giovanni. Her 2023 recorded collaboration with Javon Jackson was highlighted with recitations on food, romance and politics.

Musical interludes between set changes were played by Javon Jackson and his band. The festival was closed with the danceable sounds of Mitch Frohman and the Bronx Horns. So ended the Jazz In The Valley Festival for 2024. It began raining, shortly after the festival ended.