The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival annually assembles some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Parker’s musical individuality and genius and promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist.
Featuring:
Frank Wess Quintet
In 1953 legendary saxophone and flute player Frank Wess joined the famed Count Basie Orchestra. He utilized the popularity of the Basie band to introduce the flute as an independent voice to jazz audiences, becoming one of its first major soloists. In 1964 he moved to New York City to lead his own groups and play with bands such as the New York Jazz Quartet and Dameronia. He held a contract with ABC for ten years, performing for Saturday Night Live, The Dick Cavett Show and The Sammy Davis Jr. Show.
Gary Bartz
Grammy Award-winning alto-saxophonist Gary Bartz has had a long, noteworthy career in jazz. His distinguished body of work, spawning over fifty years, has made him one of the most esteemed saxophone players of his generation. Bartz has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Abbey Lincoln, Charles Mingus, McCoy Tyner, and Max Roach, among several others.
José James
Newcomer José James has been winning over fans with his deft combination of soul, hip-hop, and jazz since emerging on the scene in 2008. Possessing a warm, rich baritone voice reminiscent of such artists as Terry Callier, Jon Lucien, and Gil-Scott Heron, James has made his mark on the international stage by performing at such venues as Central Park SummerStage, North Sea Jazz Festival, Victoria Jazz Festival, Billboard Live, Centro Cultural, the Hermitage, and Royal Festival Hall. His debut album The Dreamer ranked number twenty-one on JazzTimes’ Top 50 Jazz Albums of 2008.
Aaron Parks
Pianist Aaron Parks made a splash in 2008 with his debut Invisible Cinema. The album showcases his virtuosity and harmonic complexity even as it references a wider world of contemporary music-making. Parks first came to public attention during his tenure with Terence Blanchard, and he appeared on three of the acclaimed trumpeter’s albums. With his technically involved yet boundlessly melodic and sensitive playing, the young musician is setting a new standard for jazz piano expression.
New York City, NY; NYC