Kick out the jams at Discover Jazz Fest
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Groove Central: Jazz-funk guitar great Will Bernard and his all-star band — bassist Tim Luntzel, drummer Stanton Moore and keyboardist Robert Walter – perform Tuesday at Nectar's in Burlington as part of the Discover Jazz Festival. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
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By TOM HUNTINGTON Arts Correspondent - Published: June 5, 2009
A once hugely popular Vermont group and a pair of compelling instrumentalists are noteworthy attractions in the next few days at the 26th annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, which starts today and runs until Sunday, June 14.
Here's a look at the three artists, who are sure to get the juices flowing:
Saturday: Belizbeha featuring the Giant Country Horns
Back in the mid-1990s, Burlington was home to a thriving music scene with a plethora of bands playing a myriad of musical styles. But none – excluding Phish – were more popular than Belizbeha, a multiracial collective of creative college grads known for their infectious mix of hip-hop, jazz, funk and soul that could whip capacity crowds into dancing frenzies or knock 'em out with beautiful ballads.
Following the release of their classic 1995 debut album, "Charlie's Dream" – which went on to sell over 10,000 copies – Belizbeha hit the road hard, attracting a sizable fan base and attention from record labels. When their much-anticipated follow-up, "Void Where Inhibited," came out in 1998, it seemed like the stars were aligned for serious success. Things fell apart shortly afterward, however, as inter-band relationships dissolved and group members went their own ways.
The spark has occasionally been rekindled, though, with scattered shows over the years. Saturday, the original cast of characters – which includes Burlington hip-hop institution Fattie B – will gather once again to kick out some old-school jams. Sweetening the deal is the addition of a kickin' horn section featuring sax stalwart Dave Grippo and stellar trumpeters Joey Sommerville and Jennifer Hartswick.
Lose your "Inhibitions" and "Catch the Flow" when the "Children of the Jazz" "Come Back Home" to "Rock Da Mic" with their funky "Fusion."
Vermont "hip-pop" group Strength in Numbers gets the party started.
Flynn MainStage, 8 p.m. $25, $20, $1.5
Monday: Luis Perdomo Trio
A longtime member of bands led by young-lion saxophonists Ravi Coltrane and Miguel Zenon, Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo and his own tight-knit trio have been wowing crowds with increasing frequency in recent years.
Called "one of New York's most eloquent young pianists" by the Boston Phoenix, Perdomo, 37, moved to New York City when he was 22, earning degrees in both jazz and European classical music at the Manhattan School of Music and at Queens College.
Following the release of his acclaimed 2005 debut as a leader, "Focus Point," the All Music Guide said that Perdomo "is rapidly becoming one of New York's premier pianists, not only inside of Latin circles but also in the larger jazz world."
Perdomo's trusty trio consists of bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Eric McPherson. All three are in fine form on Perdomo's excellent 2008 CD, "Pathways," his third as a leader.
Perdomo "consistently brings whomping rhythmic thrust and a consummate sense of groove," said the Village Voice a couple of weeks ago. "His working trio … is a marvel of rapport."
FlynnSpace, 8:30 p.m. $23.
Tuesday: Will Bernard Group with Tim Luntzel, Stanton Moore and Robert Walter
Bay Area native and current Brooklynite Will Bernard, who turns 50 next month, has been called "one of the best-kept jazz-guitar secrets on the planet."
A steady and standout member of bands led by New Orleans drum dynamo Stanton Moore (Galactic) and San Diego keyboard wizard Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars) – both of whom will be part of Bernard's all-star quartet at Nectar's (along with super-sideman Brooklyn bassist Tim Luntzel) – Bernard has released several standout discs of his own.
Bernard's 2007 star-studded groove-fest, "Party Hats," earned him a 2008 Grammy nomination for best contemporary jazz album. "Blue Plate Special," released last year, is a more stripped-down quartet set that still delivers some seriously gritty and ferocious jazz-funk grooves.
"A refreshing example of intelligent party music," said All About Jazz, "'Blue Plate Special' is another document that reinforces Bernard's reputation as a talent deserving wider recognition."
Nectar's, 10 p.m. $25 advance (age 21 and older), $28 day of show (age 18 and older, if available).