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Summerfest 2zero19

SJ Musicality

By Carl Fisher

August 31^st, 2019

music making

It just so happened that I was in town for one of my favorite musical experiences, SJ Summerfest. Camera in hand and program heavily marked up, I was off to discover what the 30th incarnation had to offer.

I had seen one performance indoors on the opening Friday night, but the photo ops just weren’t that attractive. Because natural lighting is so much more pleasing, I took myself outside and ended up spending most of it at the Jazz Beyond stage, which featured up and coming talent such as Aneesa Strings.

taking it in

It was byoc (bring your own chair), set your butt down on the curb, or stand. So many choices. And one had to be conscious of too much cranial exposure, so a hat of some sort was a must have.

carabana

There was an eclectic mix of both sounds and sights. The appearance of a group of energetic dancers and drummers brought some welcome Brazilian flare to the festivities. I’m sure what we witnessed paled in comparison to the real thing, but it was a tasty sampling.

shaggydoo

They may have played with some well known folks, but I was less than impressed with the musicality of Domi and JD Beck. I guess they're just not my thing. They certainly had the hair thing going though.

dance to the music

If the music moves you....

You can never start too young releasing that inner musical beast.

son rise

I had first heard about Sons of Kemet on the Gilles Peterson show on BBC 6 and was captivated by the energy of their music. The front man, Shabaka Hutchings, is also a member of The comet is Coming, in case you want to also check that out. The Sons were one must see acts for me and they didn’t disappoint.

Lose the hat. Lose the vest. And it’s still smokin.

feeling the juju

Juju Exchange had the merch and the chops that belied their relative youth. They had not just t-shirts and CDs, but also two versions of their LP for sale. I opted for the cheaper of the two and am satisfied with my choice. I can survive without colored vinyl.

The music was satisfying, but the most entertaining part (at times) was the animation of the trumpeter. You could tell that at least he was having a good time.