Jazz Currents

Granted, Carmen Lundy is not a name that surfaces early in the discussion of jazz vocalists. That especially interesting when you consider her career spans several decades, and she is a noted singer, composer, and actor. In addition to jazz, Carmen has always been open to the influences of R&B, pop, and folk music. Lundy made her debut appearance at Monterey this year in the Night Club before a packed audience. Many were already familiar with her work, as she has had a rather prolific recording career which started in 1985. Her debut release was on Justin Time Records, entitled "Good Morning Kiss". Working with a very tight trio consisting of Kenny Davis on bass, Jamison Ross on drums, and the incomparable Patrice Rushen, Lundy delivered a scintillating set demonstrating both her seasoned vocal skills, and very broad repertoire. #montereyjazz

It's been a number of years since George Benson last appeared on the Main Stage at Monterey. He was one of the headliners in the Saturday Afternoon set in the Arena. He also appeared on the Sunday afternoon panel discussion featuring recent NEA Jazz Masters honorees. Benson's 90 minute set was had plenty for the fans of George Benson the singer, and George Benson the critically acclaimed bebop guitarist. He opened the set with two burning instrumentals before launching into crowd favorites and several songs from his latest release, "Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole". His closing with "On Broadway" brought f ans from both sides of his career to their feet. All in all, a great way to cap off Saturday Afternoon.

There's nothing like the Monterey Jazz Festival. To begin with, it's truly a Jazz Festival. A few years ago, Branford Marsalis told the festival audience just how luck they were. As Marsalis put it, "...there is more jazz, than non-jazz, than any other festival in the world". Here, the legends of the music oar honored, the rising stars are recognized, and the emerging new artists are introduced to the jazz world at large. Over the next couple weeks,the "Faces of Jazz" pieces will highlight the images from this year's festival, along with mini reviews of the performances. Gregory Porter in his second appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival, first time on the main stage.   Jeff Clayton - Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Carmen Lundy - Monterey Jazz Festival debut   Patrice Rushen w/Carmen Lunday