The 23rd annual rochester international Jazz Festival began with a dramatic flourish, as an afternoon downpour gave way to clear skies, setting the stage for a week and a half of unparalleled musical experiences in downtown Rochester. The festival, a vibrant celebration of jazz in all its forms, offered a rich tapestry of free performances, paid Club Pass shows, headliners, jam sessions, and workshops.
By the end of the first day, Jazz Street—the festive moniker for Gibbs Street during the festival—was abuzz with music enthusiasts planning their week around the myriad of offerings. The festival’s diverse lineup ensured that there was something for every jazz aficionado.
Jamile’s Brazilian Jazz Quartet Enchants at the Inn at Broadway
The festivities kicked off on a high note with Jamile’s Brazilian Jazz Quartet at the Inn at Broadway. Jamile, a masterful vocalist, captivated the audience with her rich, textured alto tones and her deep connection to the music of her homeland. Her performance was a seamless blend of joy and technical prowess, as she moved effortlessly between deep low vowels and pure high tones.
The quartet’s setlist, entirely in Portuguese, was a colorful journey through various themes, from the aroma of cooking onions to the antics of a hypochondriac experiencing his wife’s labor pains. Jamile’s descriptions of each song added a layer of accessibility, making the performance engaging for all. The highlight of the set was “Cantor da Noite,” a slower ballad that showcased Jamile’s vocal character and her ability to convey deep emotion, even to those who didn’t understand the lyrics.
The set concluded with a lively rendition of “The Girl From Ipanema,” a classic bossa nova tune that the quartet transformed into a loose, gliding melody, breathing new life into a familiar favorite.
Shebad Brings Psychedelic Funk to The Duke
Across town at The Duke, Shebada band from Guelph, Ontario, made their second annual appearance at the Jazz Fest. Their performance was a testament to their comfort and versatility, as they effortlessly blended contemporary psychedelic funk, soul, and R&B. The band’s eclectic mix of synthesizers, woodwinds, and rhythmic instruments created a rich, immersive soundscape.
Lead singer Claire Voy entertained the audience with humorous anecdotes about their touring mishaps, including an overweight merchandise bag. The band’s latest release, “Dancing Nonstop,” leaned into a toe-tapping samba groove, while “Brother” showcased a jazzed-up countryesque sound. The audience was treated to a dynamic performance that included light choreography and a plethora of instruments, making for an unforgettable night.
The Campbell Brothers Celebrate Juneteenth with Gospel at Temple Theater
In the beautiful Temple Theater, the Campbell Brothers took the stage, surrounded by tall stained glass windows. The brothers—Chuck Campbell on pedal steel guitar, Phillip Campbell on electric guitar, and Carlton Campbell on drums—launched into a powerful gospel set that celebrated Juneteenth. Their performance began with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the “Black National Anthem,” which compelled the audience to stand and reflect on the song’s historical significance.
The Campbell Brothers, pillars of the Sacred Steel genre, delivered a performance that was both technically impressive and spiritually uplifting. Guest vocalist Denise Brown’s exuberance energized the crowd, prompting claps and vocal participation. The set included rapid dynamic changes and mind-blowing solos, culminating in an emotional rendition of “Amazing Grace” and a high-stakes finish with “Don’t Let the Devil Ride.”
Joe Lovano and Friends Honor Coltrane at Kodak Hall
At Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Joe Lovano and Friends paid tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane, celebrating the centennial of his birth. The performance also honored the recently passed saxophonist Sonny Rollins. The ensemble, featuring Lovano, Gregory Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi on saxophones, Leo Genovese on piano, Peter Slavov on acoustic bass, and Otis Brown III on drums, delivered a masterful tribute.
The first set included nearly 30 minutes of Coltrane’s works, such as “Seraphic Light” and “One Down, One Up,” as well as Rollins’ “East Broadway Run Down.” The performance was a testament to the musicians’ technicality and ease, with each instrument ringing out clearly in the expansive hall. Special guest Frank Tiberi joined for the second set, adding depth to the improvisation on Coltrane’s “Naima.”
Lovano announced that Tiberi’s recordings of Coltrane from the early 1960s, entitled “The Tiberi Tapes,” would be released later this year. The final set culminated in a passionate display of musical connection and joy, leaving the audience in awe.
