Top Five Must-See Acts at Jazz Fest

Barry Harris with Chuck Israels and Mel Brown (Friday, Feb. 15, at Jimmy Mak’s)
Pianist Barry Harris, still sharp and dextrous at 83, is one of the last great bebop innovators we have, and bassist Chuck Israels is best known for making the greatest musical minds of his generation (including Coltrane, George Russell and Bill Evans) sound even better. Both should shine in the trio setting, especially with that whippersnapper Mel Brown on drums.



Hot 8 Brass Band (Saturday, Feb. 16, at Dante’s)
This wild, hip-hop-infused brash brass octet (pictured) from New Orleans has visited our fair city a few times, but this Dante’s appearance should be its most ass-shaking to date.

 

The Jazz Message: Celebrating Art Blakey (Friday, Feb. 22, at Newmark Theatre)
A jaw-dropping collection of legends (Curtis Fuller? Eddie Henderson? George freaking Cables!?) pay tribute to one of the best drummers and most beloved figures in the music’s history. This is an absolute can’t-miss show for Portland jazz fans.

 

Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane, George Colligan and Matthew Garrison (Saturday, Feb. 23, at Newmark Theatre)
Another huge lineup featuring another famed Bill Evans sideman! We also get a return visit from Ravi Coltrane, whose distinctive sound recalls—but never apes—the spiritual sounds of his famous father.

 

Galactic, featuring Corey Glover (Saturday, Feb. 23, at Crystal Ballroom)
Funkiest. Jazz Fest. Ever.


SEE IT: The Portland Jazz Festival runs Feb. 15-24 at various venues. See pdxjazz.com for a complete lineup.

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