What a wonderful closing to the 2014 Festival around midnight. There were multiple artists playing the same instrument. Ehud Asherie and Rossano Sportiello sharing the same keyboard on the Steinway Grand Piano and frequently changing from one side of the keyboard to the other. At the same time Herman Burney and Nikki Parrott were sharing the same bass with Nikki playing the strings while Herman fingered the fret work. Simultaneously Chuck Redd and Eddie Metz were swapping seats on the drum set when not standing and playing the various cymbals while, when available, Herman Burney was keeping time on another of the cymbals.
While all of this was going on Bria Skonberg-trumpet, Ed Polcer-cornet, Adrian Cunningham-clarinet, Nate Najar-guitar, Patrick Harrison-accordion, Jim Fryer-trombone and Harry Allen-tenor saxophone were swinging the closing selection for the 34th Festival. Many attendees, as they were leaving, commented they thought this was one of the best festivals they had ever attended.
Make plans and mark your calendar to attend the 35th Annual Jazz Festival February 5, 6 & 7, 2015 at the Wilmington Riverside Hilton Hotel. Artists are currently being identified for performing in 2015. Check the Festival Web Site frequently for updates and artist additions at NCJAZZFESTIVAL.COM. The Thursday evening performance on February 5th will be a tribute to the great composer/piano player George Shearing featuring Rossano Sportiello-piano, Nikki Parrott-bass and Chuck Redd-drums & Vibes.
