Centrum's Jazz Port Townsend takes place the last weekend of July each year and the Festival's 42nd year included seven groups over three concerts: Friday, Saturday matinee and evening performances. The relaxed presentations and informality are hallmarks of the festival, this year including singers, composers, small groups and an all-star big band. Performers are internationally renown and also make up the faculty for the Jazz Workshop which precedes the festival.
Opening the radio series on August 7 is The Clayton Brothers Quintet performance from the matinee concert. The group is co-led by bassist John Clayton (who is also Artistic Director of Jazz Port Townsend) and alto saxophonist Jeff Clayton. Terell Stafford is on trumpet, Gerald Clayton (John's son) is pianist and Kendrick Scott is the drummer. The Claytons each contributed an original piece and there's a hauntingly tender treatment of "Close Enough for Love".
Next in the series are three singers, Dee Daniels, René Marie and Dena DeRose in solos, duets and a trio performance. Their concert will air on Sunday August 14 at 2 p.m. Pacific on 88.5 FM.
For more information:
Jazz Northwest airs Sundays at 2 p.m. Pacific on 88.5 FM KPLU and streams at kplu.org. Past programs may be streamed anytime at jazznw.org . The program is recorded and produced by Jim Wilke exclusively for 88.5.
