Greg Turner's report on the 2007 Chicago
Jazz Festival!
Dear Ron:
I did attend this year's Chicago Jazz Festival, and
would like to share a few photos with Jazz Advocate readers.
Of local interest, former Columbus resident and Ohio
State professor Pharez Whitted performed with a group led by Chicago pianist
and ex-Miles Davis sideman Robert Irving III in a uplifting tribute to
Thelonius Monk.
The great bassist Cecil McBee, a Central State
University alum and former area resident, performed with a group of veteran
jazz musician who called themselves The Cookers. their powerful set of
mostly original compositions was probably my favorite festival performance.
Indianapolis native James Spaulding and Toledo native Stanlety Cowell were
also part of the Cookers.
Former Cityfolk Artist-In-Residence Ray Vega performed
with a group of Latin Jazz All Stars in a heartfelt tribute to the late
pianist Hilton Ruiz.
As always, I had a great time and am already looking
forward to next year
Sincerely, Greg Turner
