By: Rudy Lu

In the 70s, Kenny Garrett was considered a young lion among the up and coming Jazz musicians of the era. He was one of the few to go on tour with Miles Davis (1987-1981), who redefined his sound from his post Bop period to creating a fusion sound that influences, Jazz, Rock, Bop and Hiphop to this day.

Kenny is 65 years old, 4 years older than Miles was when he transitioned, With his quintet of Jazz veterans, he excited the young students of the Skidmore Jazz Institute. The sound of the band was audience friendly rather than academic. Garrett was moving across the stage, directly engaging with the audience.

Rapping, talking, playing an electric piano as well as playing the saxophone he is famous for. This made for an uplifting evening which is sorely needed in these times.

The material spanned the entire career spanning multiple projects with emphasis on groove, hence 2 percussionists and synthesizers . This is the direction, much jazz has been heading, one with more audience participation than has been seen in the postbop scene.

With all due respect to Kenneth Gorelick (aka Kenny G.), when someone wants to hear Kenny G, I will stream this Kenny G (Kenny Garrett).

Band

Kenny Garrett-Saxophones, keyboards

Keith Brown-Piano

Jason Clothier-bass

Michael Ode- drums

Rudy Bird- Percussion