Telluride Jazz Celebration - Media and Press

Press photos are available to download. Images are in a zipped folder with a text document of photo information and credits.

McCoy Tyner has upon recent medical advice withdrawn from the 2008 Telluride Jazz Celebration.

Keyboardist Les McCann and saxophonist Javon Jackson along with Carl Allen on drums, Jeff Chambers on bass, and Tom Guarna on guitar will perform the concerts that were to feature Tyner at 9:30 pm Friday June 6 at the Michael D. Palm Theatre and outdoors at 5:30 pm Saturday June 7 at the main festival stage.

Tickets purchased in advance to Tyner's concert scheduled for 9:30 pm Friday, June 6 at the Michael D. Palm Theatre may be used for admission to the Les McCann and Javon Jackson concert in its place or be refunded. For further information contact the Telluride Society for Jazz at 970.728.7009 or info@telluridejazz.org.

Introducing for the first time this year, the Telluride Jazz Celebration will be providing live blogging online during each day of the festival. Throughout the celebration our staff will be making posts and uploading pictures, video and exclusive audio clips for you to enjoy. Additional content will be available online at Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.

New Dates of June 5-8, 2008 For Colorado’s Telluride Jazz Celebration [PDF Version]

Since 1977 Telluride’s majestic perch - high in the spectacular San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado -- has been the
site of an annual cultural event produced by the Telluride Society for Jazz combining the finest of nature and art that ranks
among the world’s most memorable music festivals. The intimate format and abundant opportunities to enjoy spectacular
alpine recreational activities complement the superb music presented each year at the Telluride Jazz Celebration (TJC).
Combining performances on outdoor stages during the day with theater and club shows at night, the TJC offers the best of
both worlds and with its new dates in June, it has become even more festive as it coincides with the 25th annual edition of the
colorful Telluride Balloon Rally.

The Neville Brothers
The Neville Brothers; Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril continue to provoke, entertain and excite audiences around the globe. The differences between the four Neville Brothers are as dramatic as the similarities that unite them, namely passionate funk and a feeling for blues-soaked deep pocket grooves that is the basis of their greatness and exalted place in our cultural history.

Dr. John
Dr. John is universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to New Orleans. His very colorful musical career began in the 1950s and continues to dazzle and delight audiences across the globe with his unique blend of voodoo mysticism, funk, rhythm & blues, psychedelic rock and Creole roots.

Les McCann and Javon Jackson Band
Javon Jackson came into international prominence as a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. As a recording artist, Jackson has appeared on over 125 recordings. Additionally, he has developed a formidable career as a leader, recording and touring throughout the world, incorporating many styles including jazz, funk, r & b and rock. He is joined by Les McCann, the iconic soul jazz pianist, vocalist and composer. Known as one of the godfathers of soul jazz, Les is recognized as a founding force for the genre known as funky jazz established in the mid 1960’s. This collaboration of the young along side the legend is not to be missed. In the words of the jazz bassist Marcus Miller, “This is the way to get your ‘old school’ funk groove on!

Maceo Parker
Maceo Parker: his name is synonymous with Funky Music, his pedigree impeccable; his band: the tightest little funk orchestra on earth. Everyone knows by now that he's played with each and every leader of funk, his start with James Brown, which Maceo describes as " like being at University "; jumping aboard the Mothership with George Clinton and a tribute to Ray Charles. He’s the living, breathing pulse which connects the history of Funk in one golden thread. www.maceoparker.com

Joe Lovano
According to Ben Ratliff of The New York Times “It’s fair to say that [Joe Lovano is] one of the greatest musicians in jazz history.” One of the leading saxophonists on the international jazz scene, Lovano has a husky tone on the tenor and soars on the soprano. He has one foot firmly rooted in the mainstream jazz tradition yet he continues to open new paths in jazz with an approach to improvisation is modern and daring and steeped in the tradition of Ornette Coleman. Before embarking on an award-winning solo career, Lovano emerged on the scene in the early ‘80s working in guitarist John Scofield’s quartet and in a bass-less trio with drummer Paul Motian and guitarist Bill Frisell that is still active today. James Weidman, piano; Esperanza Spalding, bass; Otis Brown III, drums.

Dave Liebman Group
“David Liebman is a preeminent jazz saxophonist who has sustained a top-of-the-line reputation for four decades. He embodies a rare combination of discipline, knowledge, technique, and passion. Simply put, he is a true and dedicated master. With Liebman, guitarist Vic Juris, bassist Tony Marino, and Marcinko, the David Liebman Group gave a stunning, vibrant, and swinging performance.” -- All About Jazz

Bettye LaVette
“In a career spanning 40 years, she has maintained a level of almost unrivaled quality” -- Soul Historian
Bettye is on the cover of the current issue of Pollstar. Her new CD "The Scene of the Crime" has been Grammy nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album of 2007, is showing up on several "best of" end of the year lists and is up for three Blues Music Awards. Bettye also just taped “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross on NPR.

Simone
She’s her own woman, a singer, songwriter and performer whose ability to transcend genres echoes the tradition of her mother, musical icon and jazz vocal pioneer Nina Simone. Simone is blessed with a rich range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration, Her new CD is slated for release in February of 2008.

Grupo Fantasma
Based in Austin, Texas, Grupo is said to be the finest and funkiest Latin orchestra to come out of the United States in the last decade. This collective is still riding the momentum of their critically acclaimed performances with Prince in London before 20,000 people. They also had a stint at Prince’s Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and the Golden Globes. Fantasma opened for Prince in front of 8,000 fans in Miami, Florida and served as his backup band for the CBS Superbowl Bash in South Beach, the ALMA Awards airing on national television.

Chuscales
(Guitarist) is internationally recognized as one of the new breed of flamenco guitarists who combine fluid technique and close study of contemporary musical forms to move the flamenco guitar into new territory. “Chuscales” was born in Antequera, Spain (Malaga), and raised in Granada in a family of professional musicians and dancers. He has toured in Canada, Europe, South America, Japan and United States. “Chuscales” is featured on the CD: his solo album "Guitarra Flamenca".

Maelstrom Trio featuring Skerik
This New Orleans-based Trio including Skerik, Brian Coogan and drummer Simon Lott combines exciting elements of free jazz, funk, metal and textural music. Born Eric Walton, tenor and Baritone saxophonist, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed “saxophonics”. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin and Garage A Trois including Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter and Mike Dillon and recently featuring Marco Benevento.

Crescent Super Band
Composed of students aged 13 to 18, ‘The Music School’ -- based in American Fork, Utah -- performed at the 34th Annual International Association for Jazz Education Conference. They were invited to open the event, playing with special guest, Doc Severinsen, the legendary Tonight Show bandleader. Under the direction Caleb Chapman, the band has performed at major European jazz festivals including North Sea in The Netherlands and Umbria Jazz in Italy.

Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble
This program is for the serious student and is directed by renowned jazz educator and performer Bob Montgomery. A national talent search is conducted for students age 13 and up via audition tapes. Students selected receive full scholarships to this special week-long program culminating with a main stage performance at the Telluride Jazz Celebration. For audition and scholoarship information, please click here.

Early Bird tickets available through February 21, 2008!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW at www.telluridejazz.org or call 970-728-7009
For Ticket, Lodging and Travel Services, please visit our
Official Central Reservation Sponsor at: www.TELLURIDE.com

Single Day Passes: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: (Advance sales limited to 1,500 tickets) $45 from $50
Three-day Park Passes: (Advanced sales limited to 500 tickets) $115 from $125

Weekend All-Access Pass: (Advanced sales limited to 500) $150 from $165
Entry to Town Park Stage and participating night venues, on a first-come first-serve basis
after first priority Patrons, Sponsors and Artists are seated.

Patron Pass: $595 from $695
First Priority entry to all participating Night Venues and events, special stage-side seating at Town Park, and food
and beverage catering at Town Park in the Patron Pavilion. In addition, patrons are invited to opening and closing
parties and special sponsored events throughout the weekend.

Sponsored By:
No Wasted Notes and Raynier Institute & Foundation, Mountain Village Owners Association, US Bank of Telluride, Las Montañas, The Telluride Foundation, CCASSE-Town of Telluride, Colorado Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Toyota, Kendall-Jackson Wines, Dworbell, Inc., Finlandia, Great Lakes Airlines, Black Canyon Jet Center, Grand Junction Free Press, Plum TV, Alpine Lodging & Real Estate, Downbeat Magazine; Azadi Fine Rugs, Resort Quest-Telluride, Ice House Camel’s Garden Hotels; Montrose Daily Press; Mitchell Feldman Associates, Elinoff Gallery, Telluride Daily Planet, Evian Water, Just for Kids Foundation; Telluride Tourism Board, Bear Creek Lodge-San Sophia Inn, Amstel Light / Heineken



		Telluride Jazz Media and Press Page Press photos are available to download. Images are in a zipped folder with a text document of photo information and credits. Dowload Press Photos (24 mb) • Media Contact: Mitchell Feldman 706.550.0263 Recently in the News: Telluride Daily Planet 12/27/07: A sunnier jazz festival releases its early line-up Les McCann and Javon Jackson fill in for McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner has upon recent medical advice withdrawn from the 2008 Telluride Jazz Celebration. Keyboardist Les McCann and saxophonist Javon Jackson along with Carl Allen on drums, Jeff Chambers on bass, and Tom Guarna on guitar will perform the concerts that were to feature Tyner at 9:30 pm Friday June 6 at the Michael D. Palm Theatre and outdoors at 5:30 pm Saturday June 7 at the main festival stage. Tickets purchased in advance to Tyner's concert scheduled for 9:30 pm Friday, June 6 at the Michael D. Palm Theatre may be used for admission to the Les McCann and Javon Jackson concert in its place or be refunded. For further information contact the Telluride Society for Jazz at 970.728.7009 or info@telluridejazz.org. Live Blog and Festival Updates Throughout the Weekend Introducing for the first time this year, the Telluride Jazz Celebration will be providing live blogging online during each day of the festival. Throughout the celebration our staff will be making posts and uploading pictures, video and exclusive audio clips for you to enjoy. Additional content will be available online at Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. VISIT THE LIVE BLOG New Dates of June 5-8, 2008 For Colorado’s Telluride Jazz Celebration [PDF Version] Since 1977 Telluride’s majestic perch - high in the spectacular San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado -- has been the site of an annual cultural event produced by the Telluride Society for Jazz combining the finest of nature and art that ranks among the world’s most memorable music festivals. The intimate format and abundant opportunities to enjoy spectacular alpine recreational activities complement the superb music presented each year at the Telluride Jazz Celebration (TJC). Combining performances on outdoor stages during the day with theater and club shows at night, the TJC offers the best of both worlds and with its new dates in June, it has become even more festive as it coincides with the 25th annual edition of the colorful Telluride Balloon Rally. Featured Artists: The Neville Brothers The Neville Brothers; Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril continue to provoke, entertain and excite audiences around the globe. The differences between the four Neville Brothers are as dramatic as the similarities that unite them, namely passionate funk and a feeling for blues-soaked deep pocket grooves that is the basis of their greatness and exalted place in our cultural history. Dr. John Dr. John is universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to New Orleans. His very colorful musical career began in the 1950s and continues to dazzle and delight audiences across the globe with his unique blend of voodoo mysticism, funk, rhythm & blues, psychedelic rock and Creole roots. Les McCann and Javon Jackson Band Javon Jackson came into international prominence as a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. As a recording artist, Jackson has appeared on over 125 recordings. Additionally, he has developed a formidable career as a leader, recording and touring throughout the world, incorporating many styles including jazz, funk, r & b and rock. He is joined by Les McCann, the iconic soul jazz pianist, vocalist and composer. Known as one of the godfathers of soul jazz, Les is recognized as a founding force for the genre known as funky jazz established in the mid 1960’s. This collaboration of the young along side the legend is not to be missed. In the words of the jazz bassist Marcus Miller, “This is the way to get your ‘old school’ funk groove on! Maceo Parker Maceo Parker: his name is synonymous with Funky Music, his pedigree impeccable; his band: the tightest little funk orchestra on earth. Everyone knows by now that he's played with each and every leader of funk, his start with James Brown, which Maceo describes as " like being at University "; jumping aboard the Mothership with George Clinton and a tribute to Ray Charles. He’s the living, breathing pulse which connects the history of Funk in one golden thread. www.maceoparker.com Joe Lovano According to Ben Ratliff of The New York Times “It’s fair to say that [Joe Lovano is] one of the greatest musicians in jazz history.” One of the leading saxophonists on the international jazz scene, Lovano has a husky tone on the tenor and soars on the soprano. He has one foot firmly rooted in the mainstream jazz tradition yet he continues to open new paths in jazz with an approach to improvisation is modern and daring and steeped in the tradition of Ornette Coleman. Before embarking on an award-winning solo career, Lovano emerged on the scene in the early ‘80s working in guitarist John Scofield’s quartet and in a bass-less trio with drummer Paul Motian and guitarist Bill Frisell that is still active today. James Weidman, piano; Esperanza Spalding, bass; Otis Brown III, drums. Dave Liebman Group “David Liebman is a preeminent jazz saxophonist who has sustained a top-of-the-line reputation for four decades. He embodies a rare combination of discipline, knowledge, technique, and passion. Simply put, he is a true and dedicated master. With Liebman, guitarist Vic Juris, bassist Tony Marino, and Marcinko, the David Liebman Group gave a stunning, vibrant, and swinging performance.” -- All About Jazz Bettye LaVette “In a career spanning 40 years, she has maintained a level of almost unrivaled quality” -- Soul Historian Bettye is on the cover of the current issue of Pollstar. Her new CD "The Scene of the Crime" has been Grammy nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album of 2007, is showing up on several "best of" end of the year lists and is up for three Blues Music Awards. Bettye also just taped “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross on NPR. Simone She’s her own woman, a singer, songwriter and performer whose ability to transcend genres echoes the tradition of her mother, musical icon and jazz vocal pioneer Nina Simone. Simone is blessed with a rich range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of music as a means of healing, empowerment and celebration, Her new CD is slated for release in February of 2008. Grupo Fantasma Based in Austin, Texas, Grupo is said to be the finest and funkiest Latin orchestra to come out of the United States in the last decade. This collective is still riding the momentum of their critically acclaimed performances with Prince in London before 20,000 people. They also had a stint at Prince’s Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and the Golden Globes. Fantasma opened for Prince in front of 8,000 fans in Miami, Florida and served as his backup band for the CBS Superbowl Bash in South Beach, the ALMA Awards airing on national television. Chuscales (Guitarist) is internationally recognized as one of the new breed of flamenco guitarists who combine fluid technique and close study of contemporary musical forms to move the flamenco guitar into new territory. “Chuscales” was born in Antequera, Spain (Malaga), and raised in Granada in a family of professional musicians and dancers. He has toured in Canada, Europe, South America, Japan and United States. “Chuscales” is featured on the CD: his solo album "Guitarra Flamenca". Maelstrom Trio featuring Skerik This New Orleans-based Trio including Skerik, Brian Coogan and drummer Simon Lott combines exciting elements of free jazz, funk, metal and textural music. Born Eric Walton, tenor and Baritone saxophonist, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed “saxophonics”. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin and Garage A Trois including Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter and Mike Dillon and recently featuring Marco Benevento. Crescent Super Band Composed of students aged 13 to 18, ‘The Music School’ -- based in American Fork, Utah -- performed at the 34th Annual International Association for Jazz Education Conference. They were invited to open the event, playing with special guest, Doc Severinsen, the legendary Tonight Show bandleader. Under the direction Caleb Chapman, the band has performed at major European jazz festivals including North Sea in The Netherlands and Umbria Jazz in Italy. Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble This program is for the serious student and is directed by renowned jazz educator and performer Bob Montgomery. A national talent search is conducted for students age 13 and up via audition tapes. Students selected receive full scholarships to this special week-long program culminating with a main stage performance at the Telluride Jazz Celebration. For audition and scholoarship information, please click here. Early Bird tickets available through February 21, 2008! TICKETS ON SALE NOW at www.telluridejazz.org or call 970-728-7009 For Ticket, Lodging and Travel Services, please visit our Official Central Reservation Sponsor at: www.TELLURIDE.com Single Day Passes: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: (Advance sales limited to 1,500 tickets) $45 from $50 Three-day Park Passes: (Advanced sales limited to 500 tickets) $115 from $125 Weekend All-Access Pass: (Advanced sales limited to 500) $150 from $165 Entry to Town Park Stage and participating night venues, on a first-come first-serve basis after first priority Patrons, Sponsors and Artists are seated. Patron Pass: $595 from $695 First Priority entry to all participating Night Venues and events, special stage-side seating at Town Park, and food and beverage catering at Town Park in the Patron Pavilion. In addition, patrons are invited to opening and closing parties and special sponsored events throughout the weekend. Sponsored By: No Wasted Notes and Raynier Institute & Foundation, Mountain Village Owners Association, US Bank of Telluride, Las Montañas, The Telluride Foundation, CCASSE-Town of Telluride, Colorado Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Toyota, Kendall-Jackson Wines, Dworbell, Inc., Finlandia, Great Lakes Airlines, Black Canyon Jet Center, Grand Junction Free Press, Plum TV, Alpine Lodging & Real Estate, Downbeat Magazine; Azadi Fine Rugs, Resort Quest-Telluride, Ice House Camel’s Garden Hotels; Montrose Daily Press; Mitchell Feldman Associates, Elinoff Gallery, Telluride Daily Planet, Evian Water, Just for Kids Foundation; Telluride Tourism Board, Bear Creek Lodge-San Sophia Inn, Amstel Light / Heineken