2008 Summer Sizzle Line Up

Paul Silbergleit Quartet
11:00am

Dedicated to playing modern, original jazz that is still swinging and melodic, well-rooted in tradition.

To learn more about the Paul Silbergleit, visit his website.

Terence Blanchard
9:00pm

An internationally renowned jazz artist, Terence Blanchard is an influential and gifted trumpet player, bandleader, composer, arranger, and writer of over 25 film scores, including Mo' Better Blues, Eve's Bayou, and 25th Hour. It is as a film composer that Blanchard reaches his widest audiences; and since 1991, he has composed the scores for all of Spike Lee's films. Plus, his trumpet can be heard on the soundtrack of more than 50 movies, among them Mo' Better Blues, “ghosting” for Denzel Washington.

At age 21, Blanchard began playing with Art Blakey and the Messengers in 1983. Considered a leading artist in jazz, Blanchard started his solo career in 1990. Known as a straight-ahead player in the hard bop tradition, he utilizes an African-fusion style that sets him apart from other trumpeters.

Blanchard won a 2007 GRAMMY as a bandleader for A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina), a tribute to New Orleans. Blanchard won two Grammys previously – 2004 and 1984. Among Blanchard's 10 Grammy nominations are two in 2005 for Flow (Blue Note), produced by Herbie Hancock.

Since 2000, Blanchard has been Artistic Director at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. In 2007, Monterey Jazz Festival named Blanchard its Artist-in-Residence. As a member of the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Band, Blanchard completed a 10-week tour in March 2008, with special ensemble members James Moody, Benny Green, Derrick Hodge and Kendrick Scott.

To learn more about Terence Blanchard, visit his website.

Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble
11:00am

Influenced by Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, this Madison-based ensemble also draws from swing, traditional Latin, Parisian waltzes and vintage jazz.

To learn more about the Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, visit their website.

Steve Cole
9:00pm

Saxophonist Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in contemporary jazz as well as a prolific composer, producer and arranger, having scored four #1 R&R Smooth Jazz hits over the course of five major label releases.

As a player, Cole is known for his emotional, powerful melodic blend of jazz, soul, R&B, pop and dance. In his live shows, Cole captures an earthy, spontaneous vibe, often building – as he says -- “excitement through improvisation.”

Cole is a founding member of The Sax Pack (with Kim Waters and Jeff Kashawa), recently co-headlined a tour with Brian Culbertson, and has toured and/or recorded with Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Junior Wells, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, Rick Braun, Peter White and others.

Cole has sold hundreds of thousands of albums worldwide. The prestigious Blue Note / Narada label released True, Cole's newest CD, on which he refines his emotional powerfully meolodic. It was named Best of Jazz CDs 2006 by soul-patrol.com Jazz Times said of True, “[Cole] shows he has some real jazz chops. A funky, soulful jubilant ride from a guy who can really get down on the horn."

To learn to more about Steve Cole, visit his website.

Grassel - Tatnall - Richeson
11:30am

Instrumental inventors Grassel and Tatnall play guitar and bass simultaneously on their Superguitars as percussionist Richeson powers the program of new Grassel compositions.

To learn more about Jack Grassel, visit his website.

Swing-O-Matics
8:00pm

This octet will have you toe tapping and finger snapping to their neo-swing style. Upbeat cadence, vibrant vibes!

To learn more about Swing-O-Matics, visit their website.

Scott Burns Quartet
11:30am

The tenor saxman's original sound embraces all the energy and creative ideas of modern mainstream jazz.

To learn more about the Scott Burns Quartet, visit his website.

Swing Nouveau
8:00pm

Be ready to swing-dance in the streets to the snazzy sound of this 15-piece vintage band. Frolic to the joyful tunes of the 30s and 40s.

To learn more about Swing Nouveau, visit their website.