[Dixielandjazz] The San Diego Festival

[Fred Hoeptner]

My wife and I thought that the San Diego jazz festival this year was a real
winner and second Ken's comments. There was excellent attendance at all the
venues that I visited, probably better than last year when the contraction
began. My favorite bands, High Sierra, Yerba Buena, Uptown Lowdown, and
Titanic, were all there. The audience interest in Billy Mata and the Texas
Tradition and Tom Rigney and Flambeau, both of whose styles lie somewhat
outside the bounds of strict trad jazz, was gratifying. Mata plays authentic
western swing of the Bob Wills variety which I haven't heard in many years. 

 

For some unknown reason the piano sessions in the foyer were scheduled for
only 20 minutes, hardly enough time to experience much of the performers'
repertoires.   

 

Fred Hoeptner

La Crescenta, CA

 

Message: 11

Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2010 08:04:16 -0800

From: "Ken Gates" <kwg28 at sbcglobal.net>

To: "Dixieland Jazz" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>

Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>

Subject: [Dixielandjazz] San Diego festival

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Unless I missed it, I haven't seen any comments about the San Diego
festival.

I was there Thursday through Sunday, so I'll give a few observations.  I
thought the festival was terrific in every way.  Good venues, good
scheduling, the hotel operating nicely, and most important----very, very
good music with variety for all tastes of pre-bebop styles.  Clarinet and
saxophone aficionados had Dave Bennett, Anita Thomas, Tim Laughlin, Chloe
Feoranzo, Kim Cusack and the fine reed players of the bands to hear.  Clint
Baker (cornet) and the Grand Dominion regulars have adjusted to each other
and are a powerhouse to hear.  Chloe is far more than the teenage phenom of
the past 2 or 3 years and is a major player of both sax and clarinet.  Yes,
a smaller festival than the glory days, but with much talent and 5 venues
(plus foyer listening) going on there is still more good music going on than
time to see it all.

 

Ken Gates   Ventura, CA