San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022

Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022
San Jose CA
August 12-14, 2022

San Jose Jazz's Summer Fest 2022 provided a vibrant spectrum of diverse music genres at multiple venues in historic Plaza De Cesar Park, conveniently located in downtown San Jose. This year's robust lineup included: Charlie Wilson, Stanley Clarke, Lelah James, Omar Sosa, Javon Jackson's Charlie Parker at 100 with Gary Bartz, Charles McPherson & Donald Harrison, Howard Wiley, New Orleans Suspects with Erica Falls, Cameron Graves, Kim Nalley, Raul Midon, Silvana Estrada, The Brubeck Brothers, Ray Obiedo, Judith Hill, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Keyon Harrold, Ledisi, Orquestra Latin Heat, Aki Kumar and so much more.

Friday, August 12

SJZ launched the expansive three day event with an opening night happy hour for sponsors and local dignitaries including Raul Peralez, council member, at the popular Continental Bar Lounge. The overall Fest vibe was warm and easy going. Ralph, a festival veteran shared his opinion of SJZ Summer Fest 2022. "I think it's great and it's been one of my main staples for many, many years. It's right around my birthday and I just like to use it as my birthday celebration. Danny, added his views. "It's always been fabulous. My dear friend Mr. Ralph Lee is the premier sponsor. In every year, it has gotten better and better.

Keyboardist Cameron Graves confidently took the Jay Paul Company Montgomery Stage. His band consisted of Colin Cook, Derrick Elliot and Andy Prado Jr. Songs included "Seven Sacred Spheres," "Red," "Life Carriers" and Seven Mansion Worlds. He energetically played music from his first two albums, Planetary Prince (Mack Avenue,2017) and Seven (Mack Avenue Records,2021). The material was based on The Urantia Book. While sorting out a sound issue, a patient visitor yelled "You're worth the wait Cameron." Graves focused on playing his Yamaha acoustic piano for the entire session. His "Sons of Creation" kicked off strongly and the rhythm section propelled the tune for its duration.

After the refreshing previous number, the Planetary Prince talked about the significance of the number 7. Seven days in a week for instance, and then dedicated the song "Seven" to the number. The track had a slow piano intro then the drums ignited the song. Towards the end of his stage time, Graves asked repeatedly," Do you want one more?" Someone emphatically yelled "Start Over!" Many people agreed. Closing with the thought provoking "End of Corporatism," his long piano introduction with extended bass solo garnered serious applause. This was followed by a rousing drum solo. Happy screeches and shouts were heard throughout. The entire band came into play full force for the finale and standing ovation.

When asked about his festival impressions, Graves graciously responded. "I love the festival here in San Jose. I just love being out here with these musicians and also to play with some of the other musicians (Colin Cook, Max Gerl, Mitch Mitchell). Colin is with me but then also there's Mike Mitchell and there's Max. Those are the usual guys that are with me. But they got to... get the sound right." He described what he liked about this year's Summer Fest. "The people that sing, music, atmosphere, food. There's no drama. Yeah! I just chill in the music. This is our third year."

Among the numerous Summer Fest attendees, long term devotion was a common theme. Linda and Otis Watson, past Fest board members, talked about his involvement. "Well, I started off 20-25 years ago. I was thinking about getting involved with the MJF board and was exposed to the San Jose Jazz message and fell in love. Have been here ever since."

Saturday, August 13

In the afternoon, the New Orleans Suspects delivered some NOLA flavor to the spacious main Sobrato Stage. During their opening song, the band leader shared his enthusiasm for the sunny South Bay climate. "We digging this weather. There's no humidity. Where we live, you have to swim home. NOS's second song had an extended version of the Michael Jackson hit "Man in the Middle." Guest vocalist Erica Falls lifted off with the songs "Ain't No Use," and the Allen Toussaint standard "Yes We Can."

After the show, Falls gave her fresh thoughts. "Right now, it's a little warm, but not as humid as New Orleans. We have the humidity where it feels I have a coat on outside... but it's beautiful here in San Jose. My first time here for sure at the festival, and I'm enjoying myself. And it's nice to see so many beautiful people walking around. Everybody's here to enjoy music and have a good time. Yes! I'm having a fantastic time."

PG&E Silicon Valley Stage saw the playfully uncanny Howard Wiley Show with saxophonist Wiley paying homage to the "OGs like Duke Ellington and others." His opening song written for Jimi Hendrix was entitled "Blues for Jimi." With his devasting band, Wiley's blistering composition was a great way to fire up both the set and the cozy venue. He talked about his Richmond CA high school days learning musical scales and his time in detention. He introduced Barbara, a teacher and friend of 30 years, then dedicated the show to her. The Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos glowed on the nearby Hammer Theatre Stage.

Later in the day, another East Bay favorite, Ray Obiedo with Peter Michael Escovedo, packed the PG&E Stage. Guitarist Obiedo started off with "Vera Cruz" which he recently performed with patriarch Pete Escovedo. Popular New Orleans vocalist Erica Falls also lead her own band at the JPC Montgomery space. DK, a brand new fan, spoke positively of Falls' performance. "Oh yeah, she has a real jazz [voice]. All the octaves. She goes up but doesn't come down. But I like when she was singing her version of the old school titles."

Hammer Theatre Center entertained Kim Nalley with pianist Tammy Hall, bassist Michael Zisman, drummer Leon Joyce, and special guest trumpeter Terell Stafford. The San Francisco singer talked about husband shopping. After giving a detailed description of what she wanted in a partner, her girlfriends told her "You want a purse!" A surge of laughter from the female fans filled the hall. Nalley asked pianist Hall what she wanted to play next. Hall replied "I'm a Fool to Want You." Kim said "Maybe a little bit later. that's heavy [the song]. Now I'm gonna fill you with light and brightness. Don't know about you, I love the San Jose jazz fest." She then went into the rocking Louis Jordan blues classic "Let The Good Times Roll." New visitor KD spoke about Nalley's singing. "I like her blues and her blues mix with the jazz. Especially her trumpeter [Stafford] was very good... but especially when he would play his soul... wonderful."

Before the ageless Charlie Wilson (Gap Band) took the main Sobrato Organization Stage, the overflowing audience waited with a palpable anticipation. When Wilson appeared with his large band and backup singers, the park erupted immediately. Chants of "We love you Uncle Charlie!" were heard continuously throughout the night. He started the scorching set with hit songs from both his extensive solo career and Gap Band days. His immense following heard "Yearning For Your Love," Burn Rubber" and There Goes My Baby." At 69, Mr. Wilson commanded the stage with focus and vigor.

The indefatigable Wilson had the airy platform rollicking with hit songs while effortlessly moving around. It was amazing watching him smoothly shift into heartful ballads. The dancers in flowing gowns gracefully swirled around him, complimenting the loving mood.

At times, the joyful reaction from the huge house was deafening. The photographers and video crews were smiling and giving thumbs up signs. During the lively date, Wilson talked about the past substance issues he conquered in life and the faith that still sustained him. When the night ended, a nearby fan was ecstatic. "What do you say about Charlie Wilson. He's been around forever! So, considering he was with the Gap Band back then, he's still got it after all these years. It's all good especially with his backing saxophonist. I love saxophones. He was very good and his male backup singer was really good in between wardrobe changes."

Sunday, August 14

The spectacular Javon Jackson's "Charlie Parker at 100," featured a fine front line of tenor saxophonist /bandleader Jackson, Gary Bartz (alto/soprano saxophone), Charles McPherson (alto sax) and bassist Donald Harrison on the Sobrato Organization Main Stage. This celebratory session paid a spirited tribute to the iconic Bird and his legacy. Talented trumpeter and composer Keyon Harrold held court at both the JPC Montgomery stage, and later at the intimate UA Local 393 Breakroom Stage. His vocals at the Breakroom held the room in quiet awe. Mumbi blues vocalist Aki Kumar performed "Hindu Man Blues" on the Blues/Big Easy Stage while people swayed to the music.

Late afternoon, multi Grammy winner bassist Stanley Clarke and his young band set up for some solid music on the main stage. After the opening song, Clarke mentioned he loved the San Jose weather and introduced his fresh band. After the second song finished, someone clearly exclaimed "Greatness Stanley!" During the third song, loud applause was heard during Clarke's solo. Lynne, a first timer, was pleased. "The concert was awesome. I can't wait until next year. Keep up the good work San Jose! "

South First Street hosted the popular Culture Night Market showcasing local artists, restaurants and the Latin Tropical Stage on Saturday and Sunday. The street stage was thick with people dancing to the rhythmic music of Orchestra Tiano, Sabor de mi Cuba, Orquesta Latin Heat and others.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest regular Ralph summed it up best. "I'm a festival man. San Jose is right up there with the best of the best. This is an awesome event. So, I invite each and every one of you that hasn't been here, to come and experience not only the festival, but the greater city of San Jose at its best." The 32nd edition of San Jose Jazz's Summer Fest was filled with an eclectic mix of genres, venues, and a relaxed atmosphere with literally something for everyone's musical palette.

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