Since 1977 Telluride’s majestic perch - high in the spectacular San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado -- has been the site of an annual cultural event produced by the Telluride Society for Jazz combining the finest of nature and art that ranks among the world’s most memorable music festivals. The intimate format and abundant opportunities to enjoy spectacular alpine recreational activities complement the superb music presented each year at the Telluride Jazz Celebration (TJC). Combining performances on outdoor stages during the day with theater and club shows at night, the TJC offers the best of both worlds and with its new dates in June, it has become even more festive as it coincides with the 26th annual edition of the colorful Telluride Balloon Rally.
Featured Artists:
Ozomatli: From L.A. to the World In their thirteen years together as a band, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from being hometown heroes to being named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors. Their music-- a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga-- has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. They are recently featured on the 2009 Commemorative Inaugural CD.
Bill Frisell Trio: “Guest of Honor” - featuring Eyvind Kang & Rudy Royston Frisell combines the finesse of jazz, the thunder of rock, the vast openness of country, and the experimental mind-set of avant-garde in his playing. After studying with Jim Hall in the early 70’s, Frisell helped redefine the function of the guitar in contemporary music. An important part of his sound comes from the deft use of a volume pedal, which he uses to give his instrument a floating, breathing quality. Today, his genre-defying music can only be called classic Americana, and his humor is ever present in his Art. Off stage, his modesty shines through his gentle personality to reveal the reflective soul who is never content to rest on his laurels. By Ed Enright, Downbeat Magazine, February 2009.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe: A highly energized funk machine, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe has been expanding listeners' minds and making them move to animated grooves since 1998. Led by former Lenny Kravitz sax-man Karl Denson, the Tiny Universe brings a dynamic sound that defies categorization. The band members, Denson on vocals, tenor sax, alto sax and flute, guitarist Brian Jordan, bassist Ron Johnson, keyboard player David Veith, trumpet player Chris Littlefield and drummer John Staten, have earned a reputation as kings of the unstoppable all-night show.
Jimmy Herring: Jimmy is one of the most acclaimed guitarists of his generation. Plying his skills in contexts ranging from classically song-driven rock to technically demanding jazz-fusion, Herring's playing combines a restless, jazz-inspired improvisational zeal with the immediacy and intensity of his rock'n'roll roots. After stints with such beloved outfits as Widespread Panic, the Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, and the Allman Brothers, Jimmy Herring is finally flying solo with his own amazing band. www.jimmyherring.net
Lizz Wright: Her first two Verve releases, “Salt” and “Dreaming Wide Awake", established her as one of the jazz world's most celebrated rising stars, both an accomplished songwriter and a versatile, deeply expressive singer. The New York Times' Stephen Holden says she “stirs jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues into a reflective, flowing style that elongates songs into prayerful meditations". Telluride Jazz welcomes her return to the Main Stage.
Donald Harrison: Alto Saxophonist, Donald Harrison is being called one of the most important musicians of the new millennium by CBS Sunday Morning. He is the originator of the Nouveau Swing style which merges acoustic swing with modern R&B, second-line, hip-hop, and reggae rhythms. His smooth jazz recording, “The Power of Cool," went to the top of Billboard Magazine's Smooth Jazz and R&B charts and is considered a classic. Don't miss this acclaimed quintet!
Rebirth Brass Band: Rebirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. With its latest release – “Rebirth For Life” – the band has delivered its best studio album in years. The invigorating music that sounds so spontaneous is the combination of natural born talent, dedication, spirit and a complete immersion in the New Orleans street tradition. Christian Scott: Trumpeter Christian is one of the brightest jazz stars to emerge in the last few years. At 22, he has both the tone and the conviction of the great players of his instrument. A New Orleans native, Scott's Quartet represents the next generation of Crescent City horn blowers whose lineage started with the legendary King Oliver and Louis Armstrong.
Kenny Walker: This renowned Denver bassist has assembled one of the swing-ingest sextets ever to come out of the Rocky Mountain region. “New York and New Orleans have been the Meccas of jazz…and a measuring barometer for great jazz performances. However, what is completely unusual though, is for an entire group to reflect this kind of greatness. Kenny Walker’s Sextet is such a group.” Benny Golson on Kenny’s CD Terra Firma. With Peter Summer on tenor, All Hood on Trumpet, Dave Corbus on guitar, Jeff Jenkins on piano and Paul Romain on drums.
Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble This program is for the serious student and is directed by renowned jazz educator and performer Bob Montgomery. A national talent search is conducted for students age 13 and up via audition tapes. Students selected receive scholarships to this special week- long program culminating with a main stage performance at the festival. Audition information available on the web site.
Young Razzcals Jazz Project The Young Razzcal’s Jazz Project made its first appearance at the Jazz Celebration on the Stage in 1995. The kids were nine to twelve years old. They’ll make their seventh appearance this June. The Razzcals are still young; eleven to sixteen. They have evolved into a group of prodigy jazz players. Butch Miles, drummer with the Count Basie Orchestra said, “These kids are the future of Jazz” Veteran jazz educator, teacher and musician, Dave Adams, direct them.
Super Sale on tickets through February 15! TICKETS ON SALE NOW at telluridejazz.org or call 970-728-7009 For Ticket, Lodging and Travel Services, please visit our Official Central Reservation Sponsor at: TELLURIDE.com.
Single Day Passes: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: $ 35 from $50
Three-day Park Passes: $ 99 from $125 Weekend All-Access
Pass: $135 from $165 Entry to Town Park Stage and participating night venues, on a first-come first-serve basis after first priority Patrons, Sponsors and Artists are seated. Patron
Pass: $550 from $675 First Priority entry to all participating Night Venues and events, special stage-side seating at Town Park, and food and beverage catering at Town Park in the Patron Pavilion. In addition, patrons are invited to opening and closing parties and special sponsored events throughout the weekend.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
