Mystery dates: Jazz Fest 07 speculation thread
By Frank De Blase on Feb. 6th, 2007 at 2:13pm 6 Comments
As the magnitude of the Rochester International Jazz Fest grows, it's getting increasingly harder for promoter John Nugent to keep things under wraps until the line-up announcement in April.
Last year, thanks to a little stealth, City Newspaper was able to announce several major artists 
well before Nugent's press conference, including James Brown and Etta James. It wasn't that we liked spoiling surprises; it's just that, well, it was so damn exciting we just had to share.
But now Nugent's toying with us. He's put a gag order on booking agents, publicists, and record labels to prevent leaks. Yet he jokes with us and drops little hints. And with those hints and some haphazard deduction, we've started to speculate about some Jazz Fest line-up possibilities and non-possibilities.
YEA
Nugent, referring to the late Godfather of Soul's appearance last summer, hints that he has an equally wild artist coming this year. Whose classic boogie-woogie and rock 'n' roll music might appeal to jazz fans? Who might be somewhat physically aggressive on stage? Who has a new album out? Jerry Lee Lewis.
Norah Jones went big time right about the same time she played the first JazzFest. She just released a new album and would certainly pack the Eastman Theatre. She owes us.
Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello just did an album together, and Costello's album with Metropole Orkest My Flame Burns Blue from last year is positively swingin'. And Costello's old lady Diana Krall tickles the ivories and sings as breathy and hot as Julie London. How about that for a triple bill?
NAY
Andy Summers might be a good crossover artist. He did an album a few years back dedicated to Thelonious Monk. But with The Police reuniting (and it feels so good) for the Grammy Awards, a tour is inevitable, so that rules Summers out.
Tom Waits would be an amazing addition but is adamant about not doing anything with corporate sponsorship.
YOUR GUESS
We're inviting readers to submit their own speculations --- wild as they may be. Follow our logic and see how close you've come when Nugent makes it all official. Post your guesses below!
User Comments
Here is what others say about this blog post. City Newspaper isn't responsible for the content of comments.
jerryg on February 7th, 2007
Dianan Krall's out, she just birthed Evlis C's spawn (Yuck-what a repulsive thought). Anyway, they had twins about 2 months ago, I assume she's doing the sta at home mom thing.
jerryg on February 7th, 2007
Oh, an afterthought. Keep an eye on Pollstar, usually artits who have their dates on there will start showing up. Right now the only one is Eldar at Max's on 6/11
John Nugent on February 7th, 2007
It's wonderful to see all the guessing of which artists we will be presenting at RIJF this year which is now fully booked. We're truly flattered because it means there is anticipation, which is what it's all about. The % of correctness of guesses is .01% at the moment ; ) Yes, Eldar is playing at max of eastman place - and his agent has breached our contract by posting it on Pollstar.
Pollstar will not be posting much about RIJF acts performing this year until April 5 - it's written in all artist agreements this year that they are not allowed to do so. When Marc Iacona and I announce the full program on April 5 at Max of Eastman Place, it will be 100% correct.
So, until then, keep on guessing! I can guarantee you this - RIJF 2007 is going to FLATTEN everyone ; ) Get your sleep now.
Cheers,
John Nugent
Producer/Artistic Director
Rochester International Jazz Festival
Mike on February 7th, 2007
Steps Ahead is coming it is on Steve Smith Website
Too Bad Brecker is gone...RIP Mike
Greg Bell on February 11th, 2007
Although I engaged in some scooping of the April announcements last year, John's the professional here and, so far, he has been doing something right, don't you agree? Although I reserve the right to be disappointed at who won't be in this year's RIJF, I also look forward to the surprises that I'll find in the artists that John Nugent et al bring to this year's festival. His new festival in Baltimore actually makes the prospects even sweeter in my book.
Bill "The Jazz Fan" on February 13th, 2007
Well as a fan of everything jazz in Rochester... I really hope to see Mr. Highsmith on the line up this year. I saw him and his dynamic band all of his 7 appearances for the Rochester Music Festival and at least 2 at FLPAC. Far as I could tell he'd be a perfect fit for the RIJF. Not to mention I saw him in the gym and he alerted me to the fact that he has a new CD featuring tracks with the great Wycliffe Gordon due in stores April/May 2007..... Man Maybe they could get Jimmie and Wycliffe. WOW!!! Guess we will have to just wait and see............
Bill "The Jazz Fan"