We asked Artistic Director John Clayton for his thoughts on the artists you’ll be seeing at 2008 Jazz Port Townsend.
We’ll divide those comments into one post for each mainstage show.
Today, we feature the artists on the Saturday afternoon bill: Eric Alexander and Kim Nazarian, and an All-Star tribute to Bob Florence. You can purchase tickets for the Saturday afternoon show online.

Eric Alexander
"Eric Alexander’s command of  the tenor saxophone strikes awe in the listener.  He’s one of the most flexible players in the business.  One can hear his Dexter Gordon, Mobley, Trane influences, yet Eric’s sound is clearly Eric.  He’s a regular in clubs in NY like SMOKE, much like the days when listeners could hear George Coleman every week.   One of his favorite sounds is that of his horn combined with trumpet.  He’ll have that with the fiery Gilbert Castellanos, PLUS one of the smoking-est baritone sax players on the planet, Gary Smulyan.  This group can burn a hole through anything."

Kim Nazarian
"How lucky we are to hear the solo voice of Kim Nazarian.  Her work with The New York Voices is widely known, but seldom do we get to hear her do her own thing.  I not only love her singing, I also love her ability to communicate to audiences, whether the audiences are listeners or musicians.  Kim will touch your soul."

All-Star Big Band to Tribute Bob Florence
"Bob Florence was a legendary composer and arranger, and a generous spirit at Jazz Port Townsend. Bob was a wonderful and warm person, and his piano playing was always fresh and innovative, prompting younger musicians to seek him out. Bob was slated to lead this summer’s All-Star Big Band in a concert of his music, before he passed away in May. Instead, Kim Richmond, faculty member and lead alto player in Bob’s band, will direct the All Stars in a tribute to Bob."

Stay tuned for the Saturday evening performance guide…