Call it resolve. Call it surrender. Call it zen. Whatever. The lines that snake down the sidewalks for Jazz Fest venues are as long as ever --- particularly at Kilbourn Hall and Montage. But the vibe is cool. For the most part the anticipation trumps impatience, and waiting in line seems to be taking on the same ritualistic feel of tailgating at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

And of course, there was a major league queue for Ernestine Anderson's first show at Kilbourn Hall. The woman has sung with Johnny Otis and Lionel Hampton. The early show was standing-room only, and the lady sounded outta sight. In her platinum aftermarket 'do, Anderson sat in front of a fabulous trio. Often I listen to jazz singers as they rhythmically counter, or even contradict, musical convention. And frankly it seems a little backwards sometimes. But when Anderson tackled Johnny Mercer's "Skylark," she was totally freestylin' on the recipe, and yet it made more sense if she had kept the rubber side down. Classy, sassy, brassy, and cool.

The California Guitar Trio at Montage was a little more experimental and darker sounding than I remember. Either there were loops coming from somewhere or somebody was plugged into some effects. Though a trio, these guys play as a concise and singular unit, like a guitar-wielding Hindu god. Maybe we could call it Guitarshnu.