City Newspaper Archives - 5/2007
MUSIC: Jazz Fest can't be just for purists
Published on May 08, 2007
A FEST FOR PURISTS?
Like Ian Downey, I consider myself a jazz purist, but I'm not about to knock the best thing to happen to Rochester in the past 30 years ("Jazz? Or Music for Elderly Suburbanites?"). With over 200 concerts this year, there will be plenty of good listening opportunities.
My wife and I have supported live jazz performances in Rochester for close to 50 years. I've lost count of the jazz clubs that have failed for lack of support. It should come as no surprise to Ian that for a festival of this magnitude to be a commercial success, it has to bring in talent that appeals to other than the purists. Jerry Lee Lewis will play to a packed house. Had it been Bobby Watson, the theater would include Ian and myself and be less than half full.
My hat is off to John Nugent, who is a straight-ahead player of considerable talent, yet knows how to run a successful festival. If Ian had his way, there would have been a great first festival for him and me, but probably not a second.
Mike Spitulnik, Winona Boulevard, Irondequoit
