Stepping Out

In tune with the Long Beach Jazz Festival

Fall starts off on a jazzy note

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Its debut in September 2003 seems like ages ago.Queen's

“After that first festival, people started to expect it,” says Steve Adelson, the well-known Chapman Stick player and the festival’s longtime producer. “I couldn’t disappoint them. It’s my commitment to the community. It’s wonderful to hear people’s excited anticipation of each year’s edition. “I am constantly approached by our fans, asking who’s playing and when the festival will be taking place.”

The festival attracts an international line-up of world-class musicians each year, always a mix of returning performers and new additions.

“Of course some of our fan favorites will be back plus some very unique and exciting new groups,” says Adelson. “We get 200 musical act solicitations a year and it’s a difficult process to select from among all the high quality entertaining music. “As the producer, it’s been a very rewarding experience to present music to the public that they might not otherwise have heard. The musicians experience the excitement of their new fans resulting in a mutual admiration.” 

The festival’s 13th edition is bigger and better than ever, according to Adelson. “Each year we book a higher-profile roster of players and as in previous years, we anticipate overflow crowds for each set.”

And, as always, LBJF does not charge admission. “As a result of the generous contributions, the festival, as it has always been, remains free to the public. Without the fantastic support of our sponsors, this event simply wouldn’t happen,” says Adelson.

“Once again we will present a wide array of jazz styles — from gypsy swing and traditional to fusion and world music. It’s great to share the creative output of these musicians with the community. And, as a Long Beach resident, it’s wonderful to see the vitality in the city for those four days.”

LBJF will welcome back some of its favorite “alumni” along with some special guests. Some of the returning celebrated performers include festival regulars Chieli Minucci with Special EFX, Bakithi Kumalo (an integral part of Paul Simon’s Graceland Band), along with fan favorites the Frank Vignola and Vinnie Raniolo Duo. Vignola spent eight years performing with Les Paul and brings that entertainment factor in a thoroughly enjoyable collaboration with Raniolo.

“Bakithi just came off a tour as bass player with Paul Simon and Sting,” notes Adelson. “Bakithi,who hails from South Africa, always felt it important to give back to the community and we are delighted that he wants to come back and support LBJF each year.”

Rachel Z returns with Omar Hakim and their great group, The Trio of OZ. “Omar and Rachel are coming off a Canadian tour with the legendary band Journey (as well as Neil Schon’s Vortex),” adds Adelson. “Local legend Dean Brown, who moved out to the west coast a decade ago, returns to his home base in Long Beach where he established the super group Primo with Schuyler Deale and Bernard Soto. Dean is royalty in Long Beach.” 

“This year I look forwarding to presenting a special Stick-Tet ensemble with core members Frank Bellucci, Bryan Carrott and Nydia “Liberty” Mata. Special guests will include my good friends Chieli Minucci, Rachel Z, Mino Cinelu, a percussion master, and harmonica virtuoso Gregoire Maret, who toured with Pat Metheny for two years. It should be an exciting jam, based on my original music.”

Other performers coming back include local big band Uppercut. “They return to our stage bringing their powerful horn arrangements, performing the repertoire of legendary bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears,” says Adelson.

New to the lineup this year are the Queen’s Cartoonists, Unit One featuring Mark Egan, Mino Cinelu’s World Ensemble, Steve Kroon’s band, Rhythm Future, and the Nicki Parrott Trio.

The Queen’s Cartoonists play the intricate music of Raymond Scott. “Audiences will recognize the music, which was used extensively in Looney Tunes cartoons, hence the name,” Adelson remarks. 

“Mark Egan was the first bass player with the Pat Methany Group. He was an integral part of many of Pat’s legendary recordings.”

Mino Cinelu is an incredible percussionist,” Adelson continues. “I had the pleasure of doing a show with him in California last year. His resume includes performing and recording with Miles Davis, Weather Report, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. We are honored to debut his band at LBJF.”

Steve Kroon, the well-known conga player, brings a six piece band with him. He’ll be playing his own brand of Latin originals.

Rhythm Future features virtuoso guitarist Oli Soikelli, from Sweden, and violin master Jason Anick. Their music is in the tradition of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. “The group has been making major waves lately,” Adelson adds.

And, Nicki Parrott is an exciting bassist and vocalist who played for a decade with the legendary Les Paul. She hails from Australia. 

The Long Beach Public Library will present 14 sets of music over the four days. Other venues include nearby restaurants, the Long Beach Hotel and the Long Beach Historical Society.

“We greatly appreciate the continuing efforts of Library Director George Trepp, Tim Dupont, for his graphic expertise, Edie Kalickstein, the board and the Friends of the Library, and the custodial staff,” Adelson states. “The festival could not exist without the support of the library and the generosity of our sponsors. The festival also thanks Peter Kuperschmid for his expertise in making everybody sound great, and Sam Roca, for production assistance.”

  Adelson performs on Saturday afternoon and later at a dinner set at The Park, at 7:15 p.m. He will also help host Sunday night’s jam session/closing party at the Long Beach Hotel. “Qualified musicians are invited to come play and fans are invited to listen — and party,” Adelson says.

When not involved with LBJF, Adelson teaches and performs throughout the U.S. and internationally. Soon after the festival he will be doing five solo shows in the Czech Republic. He continues to play locally at restaurants such as Inatome (this weekend), Saverio’s and The Cabana.

For more information, visit www.longbeachjazzfest.com.