The second day of the Rochester International Jazz Festival presents new sounds and some sounds that will be more like comfortable shoes. While I've selected three that I can see during the night, as always I will be open to have my ears lead me elsewhere. Here's my thoughts on what I'm going to try to hear on the second day of the RIJF:
- My first stop is likely to be Ranky Tanky. You might think that Ranky Tanky is what I'm talking about above, but think again. While this Charleston, SC quintet mines the rich musical heritage of the Gullah culture, the members of the band deep jazz roots as well. Their first album climbed to #1 on several jazz charts. The term “Gullah” originates from West Africa and means “a people blessed by God.” Apparently, “Ranky Tanky” translates loosely as “Work It,” or “Get Funky!” This is precisely the reason I keep coming back as I get the chance to hear music that broadens my perspective (and I like funky...). Ranky Tanky will be hitting the stage at Kilbourn Hall at 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. They will also be performing at the new venue at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom on Sunday, June 19th at 7:45 pm and 9:45 pm.
- I believe I'll head over to hear the Champian Fulton Trio. I heard only part of her last set at the 2015 RIJF, and I believe she was playing solo. Fulton mines the standards and has performed with jazz royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Scott Hamilton, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. Champian Fulton Trio will be playing at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the Innovation Theater. She will be playing solo piano on June 19th at Hatch Hall at 5:45 pm and 7:45 pm.
- I plan on closing the night out with the Tiberi & Garzone Quartet. I'm not sure whether this will be the comfortable shoes or new sounds. Veteran jazz saxophonist George Garzone is the creator of the triadic chromatic approach, and many saxophonists I enjoy have studied with him (including Joshua Redman, Seamus Blake, Danilo Perez and drummer Antonio Sanchez). Garzone is joined by Frank Tiberi, who is a reed all-star who has played with the masters since 1969 when he started in Woody Herman band, ultimately leading the group since 1987. The Tiberi & Garzone Quartet will be appearing at the Montage Music Hall at 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
The shows in my "back pocket" might be Gary Versace Trio (where/when) and some fun with Dwayne Dopsie & Zydeco Hellraisers (where/when). While I'm unlikely to go out for the Devon Allman Project, I might sneak over for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band who open for it...
