Rochester International Jazz Festival, Season 2

Sunday, May 4 at 7 p.m.

From WXXI Public Broadcasting in Rochester, New York comes more exciting sounds and scenes from the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Reaching an audience of more than three million people, the first season of the Rochester International Jazz Festival offered viewers an unsurpassed look into one of the most popular and most respected jazz festivals in the country. Season two of the Rochester International Jazz Festival, airing Sundays at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV 21 (cable 11) beginning May 4, with a radio version airing Thursdays, beginning May 1 at 6 p.m. and repeating Saturdays at 3 p.m. beginning May 3 on WRUR-FM 88.5, captures the essence of the 2007 nine-day music festival with spectacular performances by some of today’s hottest musicians and legendary names in jazz.

Shot in breathtaking high-definition, the series is comprised of six hour-long episodes shot in the historic Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music – just one of the 18 festival venues located in Rochester’s east end cultural district. Each episode features one amazing concert from six distinctively different and talented artists: renowned guitarist Bill Frisell, jazz pianist and composer Geri Allen, tenor saxophone jazz soloist Harry Allen, trumpeter Christian Scott, saxophone master James Moody, and jazz clarinetist Don Byron.

A preeminent arts and cultural center in Upstate New York, Rochester is home to the Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Memorial Art Gallery, and George Eastman International Museum of Photography and Film. With record-breaking attendance year after year, the Rochester International Jazz Festival will continue to make its home in the City as well. In 2007 the festival saw more than 120,000 jazz fans catching more than 250 concerts. The success of this world-class festival reaffirms that the arts in Rochester are one of the City’s greatest assets.

The Rochester International Jazz Festival is underwritten by the New York State Music Fund, Oppenheimer Funds Rochester and the Office of New York State Senator Jim Alesi.

More about the featured performers:

Bill Frisell: This renowned guitarist’s career spans more than 25 years, and his projects have explored American music ranging from country to folk, blues to jazz, as well as Brazilian, Greek and Malian.

Geri Allen: An American post bop jazz pianist, Geri Allen has been described as “a jazz pianist who dares to follow an unmarked road.” She was the first recipient of Soul Train’s Lady of Soul Award for jazz album of the year for Twenty-One, and was the first woman to win the Danish Jazzpar prize.  

Harry Allen: A world-class tenor saxophone jazz soloist, Harry Allen has over thirty recordings to his name. He has performed with Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Hank Jones, Frank Wess, and Flip Phillips, among others.

Christian Scott: This trumpeter from New Orleans is one of the brightest jazz stars to emerge in the last few years. He is known for his warm tone and ability to make notes that sound unlike a trumpet.

James Moody: Serenading lovers for over six decades, this saxophone master is best known for his hit “Moody’s Mood for Love,” an improvisational based on “I’m in the Mood for Love.” James Moody played be-bop with Dizzy Gillespie, recorded with Milt Jackson and worked with Mike Longo.

Don Byron: As clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and social critic, Don Byron redefines every genre of music he plays. Rooted in jazz he is still adventurous in his style having recorded klezmer music, hard rock and metal, and a rapper track.

About the Rochester International Jazz Festival:

Founded in 2002 – attendance at the Festival has grown each year, from 15,000 the first year to more than 120,000 in year six – attracting music lovers from around the U.S. and the world. John Nugent, Co-producer and Artistic Director, and Marc Iacona, Co-producer and Executive Director, consistently deliver a multi-dimensional festival with something for everyone. From legendary performers and familiar favorites – to rising stars and new discoveries – this is a festival that navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world. 

For more information, visit wxxi.org/jazz or www.rochesterjazz.com.

Pictured: Geri Allen
Photo Credit: Garry Geer