In a performance that ranked among the best at the conference, saxophonist Tim Ries reworked some classic numbers from the Rolling Stones catalog in an ensemble that included Ben Monder, Ed Simon, and Clarence Penn.
Pensive in demeanor, Ed Simon saved his energy for several heated solos during his set with Tim Ries and his Rolling Stones Project.
Along with Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman, the legendary Michael Brecker took the stage in a show billed as The Three Tenor.
Bassist Cecil McBee locked in tight with drummer Billy Hart for The Three Tenors set, seen here admiring one of the drummer’s typically incendiary solos.
Heard in several performances including a mainstream set with Phil Woods, drummer Billy Hart proved to be a ubiquitous personality during IAJE 2004.
One of the more interesting elements in an otherwise meandering performance by the Jason Moran Bandwagon, drummer Nasheet Waits has chops to spare and a polyrhythmic approach that’s truly impressive.
Another impressive set during IAJE 2004 came from saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and his incendiary ensemble, with the original charts as strong as the inspired solos from all.
In a powerful front line that included Jim Snidero and Joe Magnarelli, trombonist Conrad Herwig was a valuable asset to the Walt Weiskopf Nonet, both as a section man and fiery soloist.
Arguably, drummer Matt Wilson’s set was the highlight of the conference, with alto saxophonist Andrew D’Angelo being a man in constant motion with several tricks up his sleeves to boot.
C. Andrew 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 a regular contributor to All About Jazz, Down Beat, and The Cleveland Free Times. Hovan also regularly pens liner notes for the independent Criss Cross Jazz label.
