There are a few music festivals that take place every year in the Isle of Wight, the ‘Jazz Festival’ is an event that has taken place for only a few years. I am a Jazz guitarist and I had the privilege to perform there for the first time last year in 2006, it was great, I loved the atmosphere, the people were warm and friendly and I’ve never met so many people who knew their Jazz inside out.
I got ready to go on stage with Jazz Culture to perform a well rehearsed Jazz set for 11 am, it was around 10.50 am in the morning and I didn’t expect anyone to turn up until we finished, at 11am the place was packed, I don’t know where the crowd came from but everyone sat down looking serious and ready to be entertained.
I knew that letting them down was the last thing on my mind, I came this far over the water by ferry to get up early in the morning for an unheard of 11am gig, me and the band went into a few standards like ‘blue skies’, ‘killer Joe’, ‘taking a chance on love’ and ‘fly me to the moon’ it went down a storm, we were on stage for about an hour, we even did two encores. From that moment me, the band and the audience fell in love with each other, there was a powerful aura between all of us. Well I’ve been to Isle of Wight many times since and when I perform there it feels like home to me, I got the chance to play at this years 2007 festival and it was mind blowing, there were many great international acts included, very talented and inspiring, there was a nice vibe all around and the weather was fantastic, I can’t wait to go there again, even if you aren’t performing, it’s worth booking a trip out there for three days next April to absorb this Jazz experience.
By: Clinton Paul
In addition to its beautiful, mountainous terrain and friendly, Southern appeal, Tennessee is well-known for its thriving music scene, particularly in the jazz and blues genre. From Nashville to Memphis, some of the greatest minds in the music industry have recorded, lived or played in the state, taking advantage of its musical heritage and deep-rooted fan base. Both the jazz and blues genres have their roots in African-American communities; however, over time, the genres have evolved to reflect and include all cultures and faces.
Jazz Roots
Tennessee blues is rooted in piano, guitar and vocal chord progressions and raw, gritty lyrics that reflect the struggles of everyday life. No topic is taboo when it comes to the blues, with songs relating to racism, love, loss, finances and more – all meant to reflect the pain and emotion of society at the time. Meanwhile, jazz is a bit more upbeat, incorporating blue notes and vocal improvisation to a melodious sound. Jazz is generally a bit more polished and includes more instruments than blues, which is usually more dependent on percussion, guitar and vocals.
Founding Father of Blues
When it comes to great artists, W.C. Handy is known as the Father of Memphis Blues and is credited with writing one of the first Memphis blues songs, appropriately titled “Memphis Blues.” He also was the author of “Beale Street Blues,” aptly written to describe one of the main thoroughfares through the heart of Memphis. Many people credit Handy with the entire inception of the Memphis blues genre and for bringing it to the forefront of the music industry.
Tennessee Music Festivals
Since music is such a large part of Tennessee’s history, there are several festivals and celebrations centered around music annually. Two of the biggest festivals held in Memphis, both of which are well-attended by residents and tourists alike, are the Memphis in May music festival and the International Blues Challenge. Both of these festivals draw large crowds and feature some of the best performers in the industry.
Past artists in attendance at these festivals have included BB King, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, the North Mississippi All Stars, James Brown and many others. The Blues Challenge is a competition that draws more than 100 acts from around the world, all of them competing for cash, industry recognition, record deals and other prizes. The Challenge is put on by the Blues Foundation in an effort to continue the tradition of showcasing new talent to keep the genre from being eclipsed by more popular musical trends.
Another great festival is the Memphis in May music festival, which spans an entire month and incorporates the Beale Street Music Festival as one of its events. For visitors looking to hear some real, down home jazz and blues, the Beale Street Music Festival is the place to be. It most represents what Tennessee music is all about and boasts an unlimited amount of raw, real talent in one place.
By: Jason Hagemann
‘If music be the food of love, play on’ – Shakespeare. Create wonderful memories without sacrificing style and inspiration at your wedding. Here are some ideas for including jazz music at your wedding when you’re on a budget.
Play custom CDs
Compile and download your list of favorite jazz songs from a music platform such as iTunes, categorize your songs by wedding category (cocktails at reception, first dances, dinner, etctera) and burn each set to disc. Ask your wedding planner, best man or maid of honor, or other bridal/groom party attendant to play the corresponding CD to the appropriate time. Make sure you have great speakers, and review this with your “DJ”. This person can also be your emcee for the evening.
Singing to Jazz karaoke
iTunes has great karaoke compilations, recorded in professional studios to sound like the real thing. Search and download your favorite jazz songs (type in a keyword(s) with “karaoke” or “instrumental”. Ask a friend or several friends to perform different sets or songs. This is fun! Ask them to audition! You’ll find at least one friend or family member who missed their calling.
Hire a VJ
A VJ creates video art for large displays or screens for events such as concerts, music festivals or private events often at events such as concerts, nightclubs and music festivals One performer, duet or a small group performs to the video presentation. I’ve seen this done with 1 male lead, 2 female backup singers, performing at club events and private parties. Very entertaining and inexpensive!
Solo musician
A solo musician may be all you need for a beautiful jazz wedding. Someone who performs on keyboard and sings, performs in lounges or clubs usually is a very entertaining emcee, as well. Such performers are very talented with the keyboard, often utilizing other musical instruments at once, creating a full, live sound.
Most played jazz songs at weddings
At Last – Etta James
Fallen – Lauren Wood
Cheek to Cheek – Tierney Sutton
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennett
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
The Best is Yet to Come – Tony Bennett & Diana Krall
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
It Had to Be You – Harry Connick, Jr.
By: Christine Magtoto