Mellow Madness Music

17th Annual
Capital Jazz Festival
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia, MD
June 5-7, 2009

Day One:

The rainy weather did not dampen the spirit of the concert on goers. It had rained the majority of the day and it seemed that it continue when the festival kicked off at 7:30.
With no rain interrupting Foreplay kicked of the 17th Capital Jazz fest with an astonishing performance by Bob James, Harvey Mason, Larry Carlton and Nathan East. Many Foreplay favorites like “Chant”, “West Chester Lady” and “Still the One’ excited the crowd.

Chaka Khan replacing the convalescing Natalie Cole closed the first day with a fiery performance. During the Concert Chaka shared with the audience a very heat warming story how she turned her life around. Mesmerizing songs like “Sweet Thing” and “Through the Fire” cruise the audience down memory lane. It was the party songs that that got the juices flowing “I Feel for You”, “Once You Get Started” and the female anthem “I’m Every Woman” rocked the house.

Day Two:

Trumpeter Joey Summerville kicked off the second day on the Pavilion Jazz Stage (main stage) with a spirited throw down performance. The Atlanta based performer pumped the crowd up with selections like “Schoolboy Crush” and “Bounce”. Another Atlanta based act Daysahead graced the Soul Stage at Symphony Woods (second stage). Kim Leachman and guitarist Steve Wright making their debut at the Capital Jazz Fest performed a jazz –funk set.

Marion Meadows has a way with the ladies (as most sax players). His cool demeanor and sensual sax just drives the females wild. This year was a first for Marion at the Capital Jazz Fest performing as an act and not playing in a group. The crowed loved the selections from his current cd Secrets. Marion has come a long way from the days playing with Norman Connors. Meanwhile on the Soul Stage an explosion of fun was taking place. Leela James action pack presence fired up the muddy fans. Leela is a combination of Chaka Khan, James Brown and Tina Turner. Performing an Old School set from her current cd Let’s Do It Again.

The versatile Regina Belle captivated the audience on the Jazz Stage with her signature “So Many Tears”. I was reminiscing during entire song (Regina’s voice flows with romance and style). She also shared an experience overcoming surgery last year and thanking the Lord for recovery. Regina performed other of her trademark tunes “Baby Come To Me”, “Make It Like It Was” and “A Whole New World”. The treat of the day was Rahsaan Patterson. He must have the cleanest voice in the industry. I sat and grooved to favorites “Feels Good”, “Spend the Night” and Sade’s “Stronger than Pride”. During the performance of “Stronger than Pride” you could not hear a pin drop. He has to release this selection on his next project. Amazing!!!!!

He’s Back!!! Will Downing is in old form after his fight with the muscle disorder polymyositis the past year. It’s an amazement how Will’s robust voice just weakens the knees of the opposite sex and motivates the guys to romance their better half. Favorites performed “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This” accompanied with Maysa, “I Try” and “Free”. Will also showcased selections from his new cd Classique.

I have waited for years to see the group Swing Out Sister. The trio from Manchester England displayed many trademark tunes “Breakout”, “Surrender”, “Am I the Same Girl” and “Twilight World”. Corinne Drewery lead singer had much help from the audience singing along with her step by step. Rushing back to the Jazz Stage to see Norman Brown I heard the sweet and fast licks from his guitar as he open his set. Norman is a true craftsman to say the lease. Also on stage with Norman was Gail Johnson (manager) on keys. Norman shared stories and performed selections from his idols Jimmi Hendricks, Wes Montgomery and George Benson. He gave the three guitarist credit for making him the player he is today.

Master vibraphonist Roy Ayers showmanship is always on point. Roy has so many signature tunes that identify his soulful style. On the agenda “Searching”, Everybody Loves the Sunshine” was the crowd pleasers. On the Soul Stage –The Underground Divas (Maysa, N’Dea Davenport and Caron Wheeler) three sisters that got their start performing in British Soul bands. The sonbirds jammed the woods with favorites from Incognito (Maysa), Soul to Soul (Caron) and The Brand New Heavies (N’Dea). The Underground Diva project is spearheaded by Maysa with hopes for taking it on the road.

Finally the show everyone was waiting for master musician George Duke. The definition of George Duke is Pure Energy. George kicked it off with “Brazilian Love Affair” and “No Rhyme, No Reason”. The standard “Dukey Stick” and selections from the new cd Dukey Treats followed. That was a lot to take in for one day but it’s the Capital Jazz Festival and its only here once a year. Got to get some rest for Day Three!

Day Three:

Two guys that I was wanting to see perform Mike Phillips and Anthony David. The two dazzled the crowd with jazz, ballads and funk. You could tell that Hidden Beach Records was in the house with the funky sax of Mike Phillips (definitely Unwrapped). Anthony David “Cold Turkey” and “Something About You” define the troubadour that Anthony is. It was his song “Words” that mesmerized the crowd. Mike mentioned that both he and Anthony are taking this show on the road.
I thought that never would I see Gary Taylor perform but this is the Capital Jazz Festival and you see artist like Gary perform on its stages. You may know some of his work from The Whispers, Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr. and Lalah Hathaway but Gary is a fine singer himself. The songs “Woman of Color”, “Tease Me” and “Blind To It All” moved many onlookers. This is certainly an artist you would want to start collecting on cd.

Next on the agenda is Pieces of a Dream and Phil Perry together on one stage (amazing). The late Grover Washington Jr. produced Philadelphia’s - Pieces of a Dream back in the late 70’s. Their style has graduated to be one of today’s premier jazz acts. Pieces dazzled the crowd with favorites old and new. Veteran vocalist Phil Perry captivated the audience with his crafty falsetto range on favorites “If Only You Knew” and “Desire” with the support of boys from Philly.

Lalah Hathaway warm and gentle performance soothed the atmosphere of the midday. The rich sound from her voice, the grooves from the band and her backup singers (including Rahsaan Patterson) was the recipe for a fantastic show. My favorites “Forever, For Always, For Love”, “Something” and “Let Go” had my full attention. Lalah is working her way into the company of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson and Minnie Riperton. She has to be interesting singer in her craft.

Bass, Bass, Bass that’s what you get with S.M.V. (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten). I am willing to bet President Obama could feel the funk in the White House 30 miles away in DC. Songs “Tutu”, “School Days” and Thunder thumped out the Jazz Stage. Stanley mentioned that never have three bass players performed like this ever. After witnessing this you have a new perspective of the bass guitar.

It wasn’t possible to witness all acts. I missed the acts of Peabo Bryson, Angie Stone, Kirk Whalum and Al Jarreau because I recently attended their concerts prior to the Capital Jazz Festival. You can bet your bottom dollar that they also wooded the festival on goers. That wraps up the 2009 Capital Jazz Festival. Cya next year June 4-6, 2010

Written by
Jerry “The Mouse” Clark
Mellow Madness Music