Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Clearwater Jazz Holiday - Next Weekend


It's that time of year again: The Clearwater Jazz Holiday kicks off Thursday for the first of four nights' worth of jazz and etc. at breezy, waterside Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater.

There are more must-see artists on the bill this year than in previous years, along with a pair of household names -- George Benson, Natalie Cole -- sure to attract crowds large enough to pay the bills.

My picks: Jam/funk/experimental trio Medeski Martin and Wood; acclaimed pianist Lynne Arriale's highly interactive trio, with drummer Steve Davis and bassist Thomson Kneeland; vibraphonist/harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens' Samba Jazz Quartet; Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge with vibraphonist Mike Mainieri, drummer Adam Nussbaum and trumpeter Randy Brecker; virtuoso bassist Brian Bromberg's Downright Upright with Brecker, saxophonist Gary Meek, pianist Mitch Forman and drummer Dave Weckl; dynamic Miami trumpeter Arturo Sandoval; and Tampa bassist Michael Ross's quartet with guitarist LaRue Nickelson, tenor saxophonist David Pate and drummer Walt Hubbard. Pictured, above, is Bromberg.

The fest is free. For all the details, go here.

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