This year’s Jazz Talk Tent brings together a number of jazz researchers, local musicians, scribes and broadcasters to honor Detroit’s past heroes and celebrate the fantastic array of musical talent on display this weekend. What a Feast!
Hot Pepper
Saturday, Sept. 4, 12:15PM
Jazz historian Gary Carner shares the fruits of his thirty-year research into the life and times of baritone saxophonist Park “Pepper” Adams, one of Detroit’s elite jazz legends. Carner’s multi-media presentation features rare recordings, photographs and fresh information about the saxophonist.
Pepper Adams’ Detroit
Saturday, Sept. 4, 1:30PM
Pepper Adams is among a special group of Detroit jazz legends that came of age during the 1950s—“the golden era of Detroit jazz.” Although small in stature, his baritone sound packed plenty of punch. Baritonist Gary Smulyan, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Ken Kellett and jazz historian Gary Carner join moderator W. Kim Heron.
MTA: Perry Robinson
Saturday, Sept. 4, 3:00PM
This session provides an opportunity to hear clarinetist Perry Robinson—who developed into an ESP legend during the 1960s—expound on life, music and the many groups with which he’s performed. Local jazz icon Michael G. Nastos, who played with one of Robinson’s groups, will lead this session.
Before Motown: Jazz in Detroit, 1920-60
Saturday, Sept. 4, 4:00PM
Authors/historians (and Jazz Talk Tent hosts) Lars Bjorn and Jim Gallert survey Detroit’s rich jazz history. The presentation includes rare photographs, information and uncommon recordings by pianists Willie Anderson and Barry Harris and Finzel’s Arcadia Orchestra.
The Amazing Gypsy: Django Reinhardt
Saturday, Sept. 4, 5:15PM
Detroit Jazz Fest celebrates the centennial of Django Reinhardt’s birth with a special presentation by Hot Club of Detroit guitarist and jazz historian Paul Brady, who has unearthed a wealth of information about the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist. As a special treat, Brady will be joined onstage by some Hot Club bandmates for a number (or two!).
Evan Horne, Jazz Detective: A Talk by Bill Moody
Saturday, Sept 4, 6:30PM
Author/musician Bill Moody discusses his series of murder mysteries (which star pianist Evan Horne) and the challenge of creating a jazz detective. He will also read excerpts from his forthcoming novel, Fade to Blue.
Layin' it Down – Ray Brown
Sunday, Sept. 5, 1:00PM
This session focuses on the life and music of bassist Ray Brown, one of jazz’s most prolific and influential figures. A distinguished panel of musicians and scholars, including writer Bob Porter, bassist Christian McBride, drummer Karriem Riggins and pianist Benny Green will discuss Brown’s life and music.
Brownie Speaks
Sunday, Sept. 5, 2:30PM
Clifford Brown, one of jazz’s brightest trumpet lights in the 1950s, died over 50 years ago at the mere age of 25. But what is his legacy? What do younger musicians think of his music? Twenty-seven-year-old trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, who cites Brown as one of his major influences, meets up with pianist and bandmate Jonathan Batiste to discuss the legend of “Brownie.”
DownBeat Blindfold Test
Sunday, Sep. 5, 3:30PM
Returning for a second chorus is DownBeat’s Dan Oullette, proprietor of the fabled magazine’s Blindfold Test. This year’s test features piano greats Mulgrew Miller and Kenny Barron. Want to hear their candid views on jazz, old and new? Don’t miss this!
The Message: It's About Blakey
Sunday, Sept. 5, 5:30PM
Drummer Art Blakey helped develop dozens of outstanding young musicians in his half-century as leader of the Jazz Messengers. We are fortunate to have Randy Brecker, Bobby Watson, Mulgrew Miller and Donald Harrison on hand to represent the “Blakey Academy” and share their experiences working with one of the most influential band leaders in jazz history. Broadcaster (and percussionist) Michael G. Nastos leads this panel.
The Nitty Gritty
Monday, Sept 6, 1:00PM JazzCorner producer Lois Gilbert leads this discussion about the special music qualities of legendary pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader Horace Silver. She is joined by trumpeter Randy Brecker and pianist Michael Weiss, co-leaders of the Finger Poppin’ band, along with Detroit pianist Buddy Budson.
New York & Detroit Jazz Clubs
Monday, Sept 6, 2:30PM
New York photographer and Jazz Standard Artistic Administrator Zak Shelby-Szyszko joins Detroit jazz proprietors Bill Foster, Bert Dearing and Paul Howard to talk about the challenges and rewards of running a jazz joint. Lars Bjorn and Jim Gallert anchor this panel and provide a historical perspective.
Betty "Bebop" Carter Opens the Door
Monday, Sept. 6, 3:45PM
Vocalist Betty “Bebop” Carter had a gift for finding talented young musicians and developing that talent. Jazz researcher Bill Bauer, author of Open The Door: The Life and Music of Betty Carter, has prepared a special multi-media presentation that combines rare photographs and recordings.
