Danilo Perez:Pianist Danilo Perez served as a catalyst for much of
the excitement generated by the Wayne Shorter Quartet and his joy in
accompanying Shorter's flights of fancy was self evident.
Brain Blade: Drummer Brian Blade is perpetually in motion and not
only takes his place as a viable new member of Wayne Shorter's band, but
continues to push the envelope as one of the most innovative drummers of his
generation.
Dave Douglas: It seems like trumpeter Dave Douglas is always
reinventing himself. His latest quintet features a crew of leaders in their
own rights, but the way they mold to Douglas' needs is a thing of beauty.
Randy Weston: As one of Thelonious Monk's most fervent disciples,
Weston is not only known for his prowess at the keyboard, but also for a
great body of work including "Little Niles" and "Hi Fly."
Rez Abbasi: A great writer and distinctive guitarist, Rez Abbasi is
the perfect foil for Christian Howes, serving as a more reserved counterpart
to Howes' histrionics.
Billy Harper: Making a rare Cleveland appearance working with Randy
Weston's African Rhythms Sextet, Harper provided further evidence of his
stature as one of the music's most important saxophonists.
Wayne Shorter: Alternately reflective and then intense, Wayne Shorter
has once again found his muse in a new acoustic ensemble that includes
Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, and Brain Blade.
Christian Howes: This Columbus native is really making a name for
himself via gigs with David Murray and D.D. Jackson. His first appearance
at Tri-C JazzFest allowed Cleveland audiences an even better opportunity to
enjoy Howes in his own creative environment.
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.
