According to George Scott (President of the Colored Musicians Club), when the concept of the Colored Musicians Club Jazz Festival first originated approximately ten plus years ago, it was dreamed that one year there could be a week-long festival. That year finally arrives for the 2017 CMC Jazz Festival, Presented by M&T Bank the week of July 24th.
The festival will include several venues and stages to accommodate a variety of jazz talent from the local, as well as, national jazz scene. Providing the heart of Buffalo a smattering of jazz sure to be enjoyed by many.
Included at the end of this article will be a downloadable PDF of the entire line-up and an image of the schedule. However, let us look at what the week will consist of in jazz:
On Monday, June 24th, on the CMC Stage enjoy the talented George Scott Big Band at 7 pm
On Tuesday, July 25th head over to Larkin Square to enjoy the Carol McLaughlin Big Band at 5:30 pm. Then at 7 pm and 9 pm, there will be two shows by the rising star (as noted by Downbeat and JazzTimes), French-born Scott Tixier. The jazz violinist has gained award-winning recognition in the jazz world for his unique vision for the violin and his stellar performances. Here is a trailer for his latest music album – Cosmic Adventure:
On Wednesday, July 26th you will be faced with the tough choice of two locations beginning at 5 pm. At Buffalo Place, you will be able to see the Jenny May Quartet, Ed Chilungu Trio, and the Alex McArthur Quintet. Over at Larkin Square Live beginning at 5 pm, holding court will be Brotha Perry Organ Quartet followed by the Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra.
On Wednesday, July 26th you can then head over to Pausa Art House for two shows at 7 pm and 9 pm by the Andre Killian Duo featuring Abdul-Rahman Qadir. Some may recall Andre spending time in Buffalo. He has developed a contemporary smooth jazz sound. Joining him will be one of Buffalo's most venerable jazz drummers, Abdul-Rahman Qadir. Here is a taste:
On Thursday, July 27th head on over to Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center and 9th Ward for shows by the Walter Kemp 3oh at 8:15 pm and two shows by Otis Brown III Trio. The Walter Kemp 3oh project, led by Kemp, is quickly gaining national attention with the release of their CD, Dark Continent. Otis Brown, III is a dynamic drummer who has performed with Esperanza Spaulding, Robert Glasper, Gretchen Parlato, Joe Lovano, and more. His Blue Note Album, The Thought of You was widely acclaimed. Here is a track from the album that features Gretchen Parlato:
On Friday, June 28th get ready for “Funk-n-Soul Friday” as we welcome home Buffalo native Zuri Appleby who will be performing with Arianna Powell and Daniel “DP” Powell for two shows. This pair met during their touring with Nick Jonas and immediately began a collaborative venture. Check out the recent performance at Buffalo Iron Works:
On Saturday, July 29th, the outdoor portion of the festival kicks off with the All-City High School Jazz Band at noon and runs through 6 pm. And, will include throughout the afternoon through the early evening some of Buffalo’s notable jazz artists with the groups Why Not?, The Blue Note 5 featuring Bruce Johnstone, Katy Miner Quintet, Greg Millar Quartet, Janice Mitchell Quartet, and the George Caldwell Quartet.
On the same Saturday, the indoor portion of the CMC Club gets underway at 1 pm and runs until 5 pm with the Barbara Levy Daniels Quartet, TrioPayazzo, Juini Booth, JazzWizz, and the Les Davis Quintet.
On Saturday, July 29th at 8 pm the pinnacle headline of the festival takes place at 8 pm at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery with The Baylor Project. The husband and wife team includes Marcus Baylor, former drummer for the Yellow Jackets, and vocalist Jenn Baylor. Here is a clip about their Journey Project as the Baylor Project.
To get more information, tickets, and passes make sure to visit the CMC Website at www.cmcjazzfest.com where you have 3 options to buy festival passes to all of this super jazz, as well as, to learn more about the jazz artists.
In support of the festival, JazzBuffalo in association with Pausa Art House will host a post-CMC Jazz Festival concert with the Blue Note 5 featuring Bruce Johnstone. This will be Bruce Johnstone’s debut performance at Paus Art House, which begins at 9 pm on Saturday, July 29th.
Join JazzBuffalo in congratulating the CMC for fulfilling a decade-long dream for a week-long festival!
Here is a handy PDF of the CMC Jazz Festival Schedule you can print or view: CMC Jazz Fest Schedule
Keep Jazz Alive!!
