Mellow Madness Music

Capital Jazz Festival

June 6 - 8, 2008

Day 1

In the words of Sly Stone “Hot fun in the summertime” was experience to expect on this three day weekend of music. The festival kicked off with the versatile vocalist Patti Austin hosting the event. Boney James and Brian McKnight gave stellar performances on the Pavilion Stage Friday evening that fired up the crowd for what was to come Saturday.

Day 2
            Festival fans lined up early Saturday to get first crack at setting up. The heat was bearing down and much water and liquids were consumed for hydration. The temperature wasn’t a set back because the fans were here to party. The festivities erupted at high noon at the Pavilion Stage with Ken Ford electric violin. In the meantime on the Symphony Woods Stage songwriter, keyboardist and singer Frank McComb performed to the delight of his loyal fan base. Many compare Frank to other artist but his natural talents are one of a kind. Frank overwhelms you with his ballads and fires up the crowd his funky keyboarding.

            When attending The Capital Jazz Festival it is an injustice to not take advantage of both stages. The line up is so large you feel like a rabbit hopping from stage to stage. It is essential to dress light and wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Spyro Gyra is a jazz festival favorite. It matters not if Spyro Gyra performs in a concert hall or outdoor venue; they always get the same reaction when they strike up “Morning Sun” (fans go crazy). The heat had no effect on Kim Waters one of the coolest sax players in Smooth Jazz. Kim had the ladies in frenzy with his suggestive playing on his sax. I don’t think he broke a sweat but the crowd did.

            There was so much talent at this festival you felt as if you were at a music banquet. Maysa solo appearance was awesome. Usually she performs with Incognito but seeing her solo is an experience of its own. Maysa sang many selections from her “Sweet Classic Soul” cd with fire and passion fire. It was Still Waters melted the hearts of us all. There was a party starting in the Symphony Woods Stage when Loose Ends hit the stage. It felt like the mid eighties again when Jane Eugene and Steve Nichol pumped us up with songs like Mr. Bachelor, Hanging on a String and Watching You. It was Sweetest Pain that iced the cake (the memories).



Wayman Tisdale game is still on. Back in action from a bout with cancer he overwhelmed us with selections from his current cd Rebound. The sophisticated Roberta Flack kindled the spirit of us all with her classic Feel like Making Love, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song. After Roberta Flack set Dianne Reeves performance started on the Pavilion Stage. Reeves sweet voice and storytelling was comforting. When she performed Testify and Better Days it was church on a hot summer’s day. We got a rain shower that cooled things off before the end of her set.

Day two ended with two fantastic performances by Chris Botti with selections from his current cd “Italia” and Jeffery Osborne who wooed and romanced us with songs from his days with LTD and his solo projects. Finally were all drained from this exciting day and we needed a much wanted rest for the final day.

Day 3

Four80East and Down To the Bone kicked off the final day with cool grooves and acid jazz. In the meantime at the woods stage a throwback party jumped off with the Average White Band. This Scottish band has been a favorite in the USA since the early 70’s. Songs like School Boy Crush, Cut the Cake and Pick up the Pieces had the trees swaying in the woods form the excitement of the crowd.

RnR featuring Rick Braun and Richard Elliot was an adrenalin rush. Both artists are master’s horn greats and showmen. Jazzy Soul Collective featuring Jimmy Sommers (sax), Vikter Duplax (vocals), Gordon Chambers (vocals) and Lynne Fidmont (vocals) all gave great individual performances. Also they preformed together as duets Jimmy & Vikter and Lynne & Gordon.

The most impressive performances of the day were from Eric Roberson and Ledisi. Eric Roberson is a genius; his song writing, vocals and showmanship is the real deal. Eric performed songs from his latest cd “Left” and also wrote a song on stage and performed it. As for Ledisi, this young lady is future mega star. The energy, passion and stage presence she exerts in her performances is the formula to stardom. She had us all singing songs from her Grammy nominated “Lost and Found” cd. If both artists are playing in a venue near you, I suggest that you attend.

I have never attended a Howard Hewett concert without seeing the ladies melt in his presence. You would not believe the excitement and the energy from the crowd. He thrilled us with selections from his days with Shalamar and songs from his solo projects. His signature “Say Amen” closed the energy filled session. Jonathan Butler performance was colorful blend of jazz, world music and gospel. His guitar and vocals captivates flows throughout the performance. Jonathan is a motivating force and joy to watch coming from his days of Apartheid South Africa to today’s superstardom.

Finally Joe Sample and Randy Crawford the act I eagerly wanted to see. I remember in the early 80’s when I last saw them together with Joe a member of the Crusaders and Randy singing with the group. Visions of Street Life danced thru my head which they performed with elegance. What excited the crowd were the selections from their collaborated cd “Feeling Good”. The festival had to wrap up but we were reminded that we did not have to wait until June 2009 to enjoy such excitement. On September 27 thru October 2, 2008 Capital Jazz Presents – Super Cruise 2 with an all star lineup. Log on to www.capitaljazz.com for details. Cya next year!

Written by
Jerry “The Mouse” Clark
Mellow Madness Music