Sunday
Thematically Sunday at the Telluride Jazz Celebration has always featured the sounds of New Orleans. The festivities begin with a parade down Colorado Avenue this year featuring Red Baraat. I made it down to the box office in time to catch a rowdy rendition of “It’s All Over Now.” The horns echoed off the building as the fans danced in the streets.
Soon after the Young Razzcals Jazz Project took the stage. Another student group this time lead by the dedicated Dave Adams. Throughout its fifteen-year history this group has featured 125 young musicians. Performing a wide range of styles heavily focused on traditional jazz, these young musicians showed their impressive talents. An original entitled “ZK30” gave us some swing-heavy horns that really got the day started on the right foot.
DVS also known as Mike Dillon, Johnny Vidokovich, & James Singleton featuring Brian Haas was up next. Their 90 minutes was the type of jazz that has been known to upset traditionalists. This band is not restrained by tradition in fact they push the boundries of jazz, bebop, and punk at the same time. There is so much raw talent and experience in this group. Dillon sang his original “I Ain’t Buying” with his beautiful croak. Mike invited Mr. Vidokovich to play his tune “Dr. Watson.” The band gave us an instrumental version of Jane’s Addition’s “Summertime Rolls” before they exited stage left.
The high impact East meets Funk band Red Baraat appeared as the rain began to pour. They along with the audience diligently pushed on as the storm continued. Yet another band hailing from Brooklyn this eight-piece band is the ultimate North Indian infused dance party. Red Baraat is the brainchild of lead singer, composer, and percussionists Sunny Jain. He danced fervently as the band played on. This show was a wholly unique experience and definitely worth further exploration.
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen finally got their chance to play on the main stage. After a strong performance the night before it was time for Cleary to smack that NOLA sound off the canyon walls. Songs like “Gangsta Luv” got the night going strong early. Cleary’s fingers tickle the keys while his band shreds. Jon sand a marvelous rendition of Alan Toussaint’s “What Do You Want The Girl To Do?” Jon Cleary has been called the 8th Wonder of the World, and I’d have to agree. His raspy elegance combined with his impeccable skills at the piano make him a not to miss show.
Dragon Smoke is yet another band formed in a late night New Orleans jam session. Consisting of Stanton Moore on drums, Robert Mercurio on bass, both from Galactic alongside Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville, and singer songwriter Eric Lindell. The lineup is pretty unfathomable not to mention the fact that both Mike Dillon and DJ Logic sat in for large chunks of the set. For the first song Ivan sent Nigel Hall out to the keys.
“I’m gonna nominate myself for MVP… I have to.” –Hall
He was absolutely right. Ivan appeared and our MVP retreated backstage. “Rollin’ to the Country” set the mood for the last show of the festival, and reminded us of our remote locale. Dillon and Logic first appeared for the song “Gravy Cadillac.” They did a version of King Floyd’s “Groove Me” that set the audience on fire. Dragon Smoke was an absolute pleasure and the best way possible to say goodbye to Telluride.
The Telluride Jazz Celebrate has become one of my favorite events in Colorado. Simply put this is the most relaxed festival, with the strongest lineup year after year, in the prettiest place in the state. What’s not to like? There’s so much to do and see beyond the festival that I recommend coming down a day early next year. The locals are incredibly friendly despite having to put up with a festival every single weekend of the summer. The sunsets are simply stunning, and I can’t think of a better place to listen to some of the best jazz being played life today.
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