Litchfield Jazz Festival named ’Top 100 Event’ for 2006

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The Litchfield Jazz Festival was recently honored by the American Bus Association as "One of the Top 100 Events in the US and Canada for 2006." The Festival is entering its 11th season at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Northwest Connecticut on August 4, 5, 6. With stars like Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, Brad Mehldau and Diana Krall, it's no wonder JazzTimes magazine called the festival "among the best of the best.'' The celebration kicks off on Friday, August 4, with a gala "Friends of the Festival" party, with music provided by outstanding students of the Litchfield Jazz Camp. The party is followed by a performance by the "best jazz pianist of his generation (Time Magazine), " Cyrus Chestnut with his trio. After this performance the Litchfield Jazz Festival proudly presents multiple Grammy Award Winner and international music legend, Dionne Warwick.

On Saturday, August 5, the music begins at noon with pianist Robert Glasper, with Vicente Archer on bass and Damion Reed on drums. Terell Stafford's group follows. Stafford, who has performed previously on the festival with Bobby Watson, appears here with Bruce Barth on piano, Chris Beck on drums and Don Braden on saxophone. Next, the festival presents the exciting Trio Da Paz featuring three of Brazil's most in-demand musicians, Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Duduka da Fonseca. Carol Sloane, "one of the grandes dames of jazz singing, " (The New Yorker) follows. Next up, Lee Konitz appears with Rufus Reid on bass, Matt Wilson on drums and Peter Bernstein on guitar. Born in 1927, Konitz was one of the most influential alto saxophonists in the development of modern jazz, alongside Miles Davis, Stan Kenton and others. Closing this extraordinary day of music is seven-time Grammy winner Eddie Palmieri. Mr. Palmieri's career spans 50 years as a bandleader of salsa and Latin jazz, and his discography includes more than 32 titles.

Sunday, August 6, the festival opens at noon with percussionist, Eddie Marshall. Mr. Marshall and his ensemble will perform a composition commissioned by the Chamber Music America Encore: New Works Grants. Next on stage, the Dena DeRose Trio. Dena is a true triple threat: a pianist, vocalist, and composer/arranger. Critic Joel E. Siegel called her the "most creative and compelling singer-pianist since Shirley Horn." Ms. DeRose appears with Matt Wilson on drums and Martin Wind on bass. Next up is a Litchfield first – a piano duo: Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes. Mr. Charlap, one of jazz's foremost pianists, has played with Gerry Mulligan's band, Carol Sloane, Marian McPartland, Steely Dan, and many others. Ms. Rosnes has earned three Junos (the Canadian "Grammy") and two Jazz Report awards for Best Jazz Album. Continuing this power-house of a day is the John Scofield Trio with Steve Swallow on Bass and Bill Stewart on drums. Next up is the James Moody Quartet with Renee again on piano, Adam Nussbaum on drums and Todd Coolman on bass. James Moody has been an institution in jazz since the late '40s. Closing the 11th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival is Dr. John who proudly stands alongside Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino as one of New Orleans' all-time distinctive voices. Dr. John appeared on the Litchfield Jazz Festival in 2001 and literally had people dancing in the aisles.

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