Tucson Jazz Festival
Centennial Hall, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Fox Theatre
Tucson, Arizona
January 13-15, 2023
by Mary Andrews
Jazz in January never seemed so good since its inception in 2015 with its diversity and talent. It’s just the first weekend of the 10 day 2023 festival. The weather in Tucson is an ideal draw for folks from the other states. Add some of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the country and it can’t be beat.
The kickoff of the festival featured charismatic, master tenor saxophonist, Joshua Redman and his band at University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall. Redman played melodically during the night improvising with pinched notes and introspection with compositions like his self penned “Stop Fighting”or Louis Armstrong’s “Wonderful World.”
The jazz ride took the audience on a journey filled with multiple moods of dramatic, playful diverse sounds. It was an amazing exploration to feel the emotional shades through the musicians’ instruments. The music was without lyrics. The performance was thrilling as it grabbed your attention. For a complete set list please click here.
The Portland, Oregon based band, Pink Martini, has been to Tucson on multiple occasions. Storm Large has been the lead singer on occasion. Tonight we had the pleasure of hearing the superb vocals of China Forbes, Edna Vasquez, and Jimmie Herrod. Presence of the Tucson Symphony added another dimension to the popular ensemble with more than 35 artists playing. Bandleader and pianist, Thomas Lauderdale, led the band through a night of sizzling and sultry energy, romping through two hour of exotic, colorful tunes sung in multiple languages. Latin energy seemed to dominate the night of trademark Pink Martini tunes. Set list:
Jazz piano phenom, Matthew Whitaker, headlined the third night of festivities with Tucson Jazz Institute’s Ellington Big Band opening the show. Whitaker scaled the keys of the piano, electronic keyboard as well as the Hammond organ.
The 21 year old Juilliard senior played with the technical finesse of an old jazz soul. Whitaker has been blind since birth and was easily able to turn on his bench to play both the piano and organ. He was able to add some electronica vibe at times as well. Selections included Chick Chorea’s “Spain,” Ellington’s “Garden Wall,” and Dr. Lonnie Smith’s “Pilgrimage.”
Tucson Jazz Festival continues through January 22. We will cover more of the highlights as the week moves on.
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