The Friday, July 27, 2012 opening McCurdy Pavilion show at the Jazz Port Townsend Festival will feature two great sets of music.
The first set features the Eric Reed Trio with special guest, Walter Smith III.
Named a “Rising Star” by Downbeat Magazine, Eric Reed was plucked out of college by Wynton Marsalis to tour with him, and hasn’t looked back. The legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal, has called Eric “one of my very favorite pianists.”
Eric Reed ‘s latest recording is “The Baddest Monk” (Savant Records). Reed says that Thelonius Monk’s music makes it possible “to travel way out there, if you’re willing to go where it can take you.” This album of Monk classics illustrate the breadth of Reed’s thought on one of the most idiosyncratic of jazz composers.
“Monk is smiling. Your love and respect for my father oozes from every track. You really get it!!” T.S. MONK
Reed and his trio will be joined by the dynamic sax player Walter Smith III, who besides leading a quintet, is and has been a member of several amazing groups including the Terence Blanchard group, Ambrose Akinmusire’s band, Christian Scott’s group, Jason Moran’s Big Bandwagon, and the Christian McBride situation band.
After intermission, we will launch into a set that Artistic Director John Clayton calls “Dynamic Duos.”
With Tamir Handelman on piano, Chuck Deardorf on bass, and Rodney Green on drums, we’ll showcase a wide range of duo-oriented jazz (and include some surprises as well!).
- “A Salute to JJ and K ” featuring Wycliffe Gordon & Jiggs Whigham (trombones);
- “Six String Masters” with Bruce Forman & Graham Dechter (guitars)
- “Drummage” with Jeff Hamilton & Matt Wilson (drums); joined by Wycliffe Gordon, Jiggs Whigham, Bruce Forman, Graham Dechter
The mainstage show is part of 3 nights of performances at Jazz Port Townsend, including Jazz in the Clubs. Be sure to check out Jazz Port Townsend packages to purchase performances at a discount (processing fee applies).