HEALTHY DOSE OF JAZZ

Los Angeles-The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Honda presented The 15th Annual “Jazz At Drew” Legacy Music Series, Cultural Marketplace and Health Pavilion on October 1st and 2nd, 2005.

The annual theme continues to be “Building Cultural Bridges Through Music- Highlighting the Art of Medicine and Music”.

This annual installment of “Jazz At Drew” was a success from the word go. “Jazz At Drew” was a win-win situation for both Doctor (The University) and patient (The Audience). Several thousand people heeded the advice of their Doctors order to attend this wonderful festival, relax, listen to some good music, shop, have a great time, if not one could go to the health pavilion for some free medical advice.

The 15th Annual “Jazz At Drew” consisted of a dynamic line-up that resulted in a near capacity crowd blanketing the well manicured lawn of the campus.

The festival kicked off with the L.A. Multi-School Jazz Band directed by Reggie Andrews. This band is considered one of the most talented group of jazz musicians assembled from throughout Los Angeles. People entering the festival might have thought that they were being entertained by some seasoned professional musicians. This band is very professional in their delivery of straight-ahead jazz tunes such as “Cantaloupe Island”, “Moon Dance”, “and “Impressions” to name a few.

Local legend Garland Green sang a delightful set of Blues, R&B, and Gospel tunes. The crowd  strolled down memory lane with “If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time”, I’m a Jealous Kind of Fellow”, “Darling You Send Me”, “Back Door World”, “Outskirts of Town”, “Little Blue Bird”, “Let The Good Times Roll”, “and closed with “God Be The Glory”.

“Jazz At Drew featured several unwritten themes. Actor and bassist Malcolm Jamal Warner and Miles Long and bassist Me Shell NdegeOcello served up an eclectic, funky set of “Neo Soul” for an appreciative audience.

Smooth jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips had plenty of fun strolling through the crowd and dancing with several people.

The party continued with a pleasant set from the always crowd pleasing Jazz Crusaders featuring Wayne Henderson with special guest Ronnie Laws.

“Old School R&B” was another apparent theme as the Dazz Band, The Emotions and Ricky Minor Band performing a tribute to Donny Hathaway featuring James Ingram and keyboardist Frank McComb. Mr. McComb nearly stole the show because he sound remarkably like Donny Hathaway.

The final day of “Jazz At Drew” opened with some jubilant and joyful gospel music provided by Ellen Norwood, The Mighty Hearts, the Mighty Men of Christ and Soul Seekers Gospel and cheered on by gospel greats Mary Mary.

Al Williams Jazz Society with Vocalist Nikki Harris dispensed a healthy dose of be-bop, beautiful ballads to the blues.

The crowd got their groove on with the smooth jazz sounds of guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. with a taste of George Benson and Norman Brown.

The highlight of the weekend was hearing the legendary trumpeter/flugelhorn and cornet player Freddie Hubbard. My patience was rewarded with an original set of straight-ahead jazz.

The 15th Annual “Jazz At Drew” finished off on a rousing note with Gerald Wilson Conducting The Jazz At Drew Ambassador Orchestra, a tribute to Marvin Gaye that featured members of the late great vocalist band, and Dennis Edwards & The Temptation Review.