Download Festival Press Release - Jim Wadsworth Productions

Jessica S. Novak
Office of Marketing & Communications
7700 Clocktower Drive | Kirtland OH 44094
440.525.7278 | [email protected]
Lakeland Community College hosts the 36th Annual Jazz
Festival “Jazz across generations”
Oldest jazz fest in Northeast Ohio features pioneer of jazz - rock fusion Larry Coryell,
and local and out-of-state high school jazz musicians
KIRTLAND, OH – January 14, 2008 - The 36th Annual Lakeland Community College Jazz Festival will
showcase “Jazz Across Generations,” February 21 – 23. Lakeland’s Jazz Festival has remained true to its
original mission of instilling the excitement and magic of jazz education to the younger generation of
musicians. Over 25,000 middle and high school musicians from throughout the state have participated in the
festival in celebration of this uniquely American art form, jazz. The results are seen in many schools, many
who now boast jazz bands and jazz combos. This year includes two high schools travelling from Michigan to
take part.
“This concert is the embodiment of how passion for music is passed down from one generation to the next,”
said Jim Wadsworth, known locally for bringing music talent to jazz night club Nighttown. “The Coryell
project brings father and son together. It’s the perfect concert for this year’s generation theme.”
Performance schedule:
Saturday, February 23
The Coryells
8 p.m.
$17 ground floor, $15 balcony
Saturday evening’s special guest performance is provided by The Coryells, featuring legendary guitarist
Larry Coryell, his wife, vocalist Tracey Coryell, and son, guitarist and vocalist Murali Coryell. An all-star
supporting cast includes electric bassist Jeff Berlin, and drummer Paul Wertico.
Optional dinner/concert package
5:30 p.m.
$45 per person
Price includes ticket to the concert and an elegant dinner prepared by the top chefs of Lakeland’s
Clocktower Cuisine, dinner music performed by The Ed Michaels Quartet. Cash bar available. Special
Lodging- Best Western Lawnfield Inn and Suites 8434 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio. 440.205.7378
Stay overnight in this historic hotel. Ask for the special LCC rate.
Free Clinic- 4- 5:30 p.m.
The Coryells will hold a free clinic to share their knowledge and expertise of jazz for amateur and
professional musicians. Free and open to the public. Musicians encouraged to bring their instruments for
this unique opportunity.
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra Concert
8 p.m.
$12 ground floor/ $10 balcony
Director Larry A. Smith presents “A Generations Concert” with special guest artist Ed Michaels. Also
featured will be award winning special guest ensemble, The Dave Sterner Quintet.
-more-
Middle and High School Jazz Performances
Thursday, February 21, 7 p.m.
$7 adults/ $4 seniors and non-performing students
Tomorrow’s Stars – area middle school jazz ensembles perform.
Friday, February 22, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and
Saturday, February 23, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
High school jazz ensembles perform for adjudication.
Free and open to the public. This year includes two high schools travelling from Michigan to take part.
About Larry Coryell
Known as a pioneer of jazz-rock fusion, guitarist Larry Coryell is an innovative presence on the jazz scene
today. In the sixties and seventies his landmark group, Eleventh House, showcased his rocking electric side.
Since then, his career has included acoustic guitar, jazz rhythm, and a Brazilian album, as well as recorded
and performed classical pieces.
“Coryell's career is a model of diversity,” said Lakeland’s Dean of Arts and Humanities Dr. Don Killeen.
“Quite simply Larry Coryell is a guitarist without boundary. In every category he stands out.”
Coryell’s sound has influenced many of the top guitarists in the field such as John Scofield, John
McLaughlin, and Al DiMeola. His recent fusion recording, “Tricycles,” showcases his guitar alongside two
esteemed sidemen, Mark Egan on bass and Paul Wertico on drums. In late 2006, Larry released a brand
new acoustic CD, "Laid Back & Blues - Live at The Sky Church in Seattle," on the Rhombus label which
features his wife and new vocalist, Tracy Coryell. In addition to his recent CDs, he just released his
autobiography, "Improvising," as well as a new DVD featuring an all-star cast that was taped in Los Angeles
in 2006.
The Coryell guitar tradition continues with Larry's sons Murali and Julian, who are both featured on the CD
"The Coryells" (Chesky records, 2002). Appearing at Lakeland with Larry will be his son, Murali Coryell,
who is an emerging star in both the jazz and blues world. Besides being a first class guitarist, Murali is also
a vocalist of distinction. His repertoire as a vocalist is equally spread between blues, jazz and soul.
“The common ingredient in Murali's book is good taste and versatility, much like his father,” added Killeen.
Besides his collaborations with his father, Murali has cut his teeth working with some big names including
blues masters Buddy Guy and Duke Robillard. Murali Coryell has released six CD's and with consistent
touring he is destined to rise up in the ranks of blues and jazz.
Electric bassist Jeff Berlin is one of the most highly regarded players on his instrument in the world. He has
performed at the highest levels in the jazz and pop world contributing to recordings by artists like Bill
Bruford, Yes, George Benson, and Allan Holdsworth. A native of Florida, he arrived on the music scene at
the same time as his friend and colleague Jaco Pastorius. Patorius cited Berlin as one of his favorite
bassists, and their mutual expertise undoubtedly influenced one another. A dedicated educator, Berlin
founded the Players School of Music in Clearwater, Florida 30 years ago. Berlin has six solo CD's out.
Recent solo tours have featured artists like Randy Brecker, Othello Molineaux, Paul Wertico, and Danny
Gottlieb.
Drummer Paul Wertico is best known for his 20-year tenure in the Pat Metheny Group. During that time, he
toured the world and recorded several albums that were not only best sellers, but are now considered
classics in modern jazz. A resident of Chicago, Wertico remains active leading his own group and touring
regularly as a member of Larry Coryell's Trio. Over the years, he has recorded with many of the leading
figures in jazz including Kurt Elling, Von Freeman, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Jerry Goodman, and Paul
Winter, and he has also worked with singer/songwriter Terry Callier.
Vocalist Tracey Coryell has been a regular guest artist with the Larry Coryell Trio the past two years. She
is featured on Coryell's most recent release, "Live at the Sky Church" (2007), and is currently working on her
debut CD which will showcase her jazz skills as well as her abilities as a singer/songwriter.
For details, call 440-525-7526 or visit www.lakelandcc.edu/concerts.
Media resource website can be found at http://jwpjazz.com/Lakeland_Jazz_Fest.html
The 36th Annual Lakeland Jazz Festival, a presentation of the Arts & Humanities division, is sponsored
annually by a generous grant from The Lake County Visitors Bureau.
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