The third and final night of the Emory Jazz Fest 2014 coincided with the Candler Concert Series. The Newport Jazz Festival, founded in 1954, is among the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. Celebrating their 60th year, George Wein, the longtime producer of the Newport Jazz Festival and Danny Melnick, the associate producer, hired some of the best jazz musicians in the world to represent the Festival. Mr. Melnick wanted a band that not only represented the traditions of Newport, but a contemporary ensemble that would reflect the current status of jazz world-wide. The Newport Now 60 Tour-a group of recognized international all-stars began their 17 city tour in Atlanta at Emory University. The tour will end this summer at the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island.
Anat Cohen, a clarinetist and saxophonist, was DownBeat Magazine’s Clarinetist of the year for six years and led the multi-generational cast. She is known for her ability to charm and entertain an audience. Cohen was joined by an all star cast including vocalist Karrin Allyson, Randy Brecker (trumpet), Larry Grenadier (bass), Mark Whitfield (guitar), Peter Martin (piano) and Clarence Penn on drums.
The concert was filled with unbelievable solos and amusing introductions from each of the soloists that reflected the long relationships between members of the band and also their mutual admiration. Each member played a featured role in a vast array of melodies. La Vie en Rose featured Cohen who received a warm and fervent response from the Emory audience while Allyson sang Brazilian jazz tunes in the original Portuguese. Although Randy Brecker has the ability to solo hard and fast like the best bebop players, it was his tone and polish on slow melodies that really stood out. The program was further enhanced by a drum solo by Clarence Penn-which was a blur, complete with flipped drum sticks and smooth transitions.
A group of all-stars whose binding ethic was the joy of playing: smiles predominated and high energy reigned throughout the performance. It was a night of brilliance and surprise: everything you could hope for during the last night of a fabulous Emory Jazz Fest.