The Montclair Jazz Festival is in full swing. The annual festival, hosted by Jazz House Kids, kicked off this year’s festivities with its free Soundcheck Series on June 16 that featured performances by pianist Jason Moran and saxophonist Bobby Watson — a union of tenured and contemporary voices in the diverse pantheon of jazz. The artists represented their home cities, Watson from Kansas City, and Moran from Houston, highlighting the theme of this year’s series that celebrates key locations throughout jazz’s storied history.
Saxophonist Watson, who performed with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and gave Jazz House Kids co-founder and bassist Christian McBride his first professional job, kicked off the evening at Wellmont Plaza with a set of soulful, straight-ahead jazz that included standards — like an incredibly sultry rendition of Duke Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood,” that was also famously recorded by late centennial legend John Coltrane. Watson’s band featured Wallace Roney Jr., son of the late legend Wallace Roney, on trumpet. Moran took to the stage soon after with a group that featured all Houston area natives, including saxophonist Walter Smith III. The group shifted the evening’s tone into a more avant-garde direction, performing a host of originals and reinterpretations of classic standards, like a spacey, almost ambient rendition of “What a Wonderful World.” Moran’s voice is unmistakable and his voice unique, using time and space in new and exciting ways.
Jazz House Kids provides a host of valuable resources to the Montclair community, including education initiatives for the youth and the elderly. The festival is celebrating its 17th year of cultivating community and celebrating art. The flagship Downtown Jamboree, which will take place in Lackawanna Plaza on August 15, will feature dozens of local vendors and over 150 young, emerging voices performing alongside heavy hitters and fan favorites like Cyril Neville, Patrice Rushen, and Dianne Reeves. A special “pay what you can” Jam Pass is available this year, giving attendees access to an express entry lane and an opportunity to win access to the VIP tent. For more info and for the full lineup, visit montclairjazzfestival.org.
