City Blogs: Music Blog

June 15, 2009 at 10:19am

ROCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009: Day 3: Ernestine Anderson, California Guitar Trio

Recommend Blog Post
Total Recommendations (0)

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.

Comments for "ROCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009: Day 3: Ernestine Anderson, California Guitar Trio" (0)

City Newspaper is not responsible for the content of these reviews. City Newspaper reserves the right to remove reviews at their discretion.

No comments have been posted. Be the first and add one below.

Leave A Comment

(This will not be published)

(Optional)

Respond on Your Blog

If you have a City Account you can not only post comments, but you can also respond to articles in your own City Blog. It's just another way to make your voice heard.

Recent Comments

Darren said:

I'm not sure if this is "tongue in cheek", but let's assume so (I'm referring to the "No Wave"...

about MUSIC REVIEW: The Jet Black Berries, Filo Beddoe

sarah said:

That drums bass band was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

about CONCERT REVIEW: Helen Money, Hank and Cupcakes at Boulder

Roger Levy said:

I love Lee Konitz. A cousin of my mother passed away some years ago and left a huge record...

about CONCERT REVIEW: Lee Konitz at Kilbourn Hall

AMY LANG aka The Bone Yard Band Wife said:

If you are interested in learning more about Bone Yard, please visit their Myspace page at:...

about CONCERT REVIEW: The Cult, Boneyard at Main Street Armory

Pam Spallacci said:

"The sound was tall and wide and infinitely deep, as if it had no beginning and no end. The band...

about MUSIC REVIEW: Tranquilatwist, The Lustre Kings