Clad in full kilt and regalia, Rufus Harley made a rare Detroit appearance in 2000, proving that he's still a true original in utilizing the bagpipes as a jazz instrument.
It was a real coup getting the hard bop collective One For All to perform outside of their New York environs during the 2000 festival. Part of the group's front line, tenor man Eric Alexander is quickly developing into a truly original voice.
Also a part of One For All, trumpeter Jim Rotondi has a bristling tone and an energetic style that recalls the early work of Freddie Hubbard.
Bassist Christian McBride makes no bones about having fun during his performances and his set at the 2001 Detroit festival was no exception.
For the first time in 2001, Toledo-based vocalist Ramona Collins would take the Detroit stage. Her robust approach and sparkling personality mark her as regional talent worthy of wider recognition.
The Mingus Big Band was one of the main attractions during the 2000 festival. Trombonist Conrad Herwig was among the many all-stars who are regularly featured with this repertory ensemble.
Jane Bunnett and Spirits of Havana were just one of the groups to deliver that Latin tinge this past Labor Day weekend.
Multi-instrumentalist Bill Easley is such a versatile musician that his talents are often taken for granted. During the 2001 festival he appeared with headliner Jimmy Smith.
It had been awhile since he had taken the festival stage in his hometown of Detroit, but James Carter made up for his absence by staging two shows at the 2001 festival. A late afternoon performance with his electric band found him utilizing his soprano sax at length and working up some sweat.
Part of James Carter's musical entourage for some time now, keyboardist Craig Taborn developed a wall of sound jumping back and forth between his Fender Rhodes and Hammond B-3.
Chris Hovan has been active in the field of jazz since his days at the
Berklee College of Music in the mid-'80s. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he
has been a past trustee of the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society and a jazz
deejay at WCPN-FM. A freelance musician and record collector, Hovan has
been a contributor to the MusicHound album reference guides for jazz
and swing, is the Focal Point Editor for AAJ and a regular contributor to
The Jazz Review and The Cleveland Free Times. Hovan also
regularly pens liner notes for the independent Criss Cross Jazz label.
