Staff Picks - SMF 2010
Rob Gibson | Jennifer Connor | Lauren Grant | Jane Levy | Maria Lancaster | Paul Maree | Jim McBeath | Ryan McMaken | Ricardo Ochoa | Gene Pinion | Emily Rich
Rob Gibson, Executive & Artistic Director
As Artistic Director, I am fortunate to work closely with Daniel Hope (Associate Artistic Director, Chamber Music), Marcus Roberts (Associate Artistic Director, Jazz Education) and Gene Pinion (Education Director) to ensure that each programmatic area of our festival is of the highest artistic caliber. While it would be impossible to pick a favorite event, I have selected a dozen concerts that should be special and memorable.
ASO with Lang Lang: Even if you disagree that he's "bigger than the Beatles," there's no debate Lang Lang is exposing classical music to millions of people. His Savannah debut with one of the nation's finest orchestras under the direction of Robert Spano on a program that also includes Tchaikovsky's 5th should make for plenty of fireworks.
The Assad Brothers/Roby Lakatos Ensemble: This one-time only pairing showcases one of the world's most extraordinary violinists with his band, and two of the great classical and Brazilian guitarists in our time. If you don't become a believer in gypsies and wizards, see me after the concert.
Major Minors: Sierra Noble/Sarah Jarosz: 18-year-old Sarah Jarosz could have turned pro out of high school but chose the New England Conservatory to further her startlingly original songwriting and creative ways of singing and playing. 19-year old Canadian Sierra Noble shares this double bill and emphatically demonstrates that the future is bright for young originals.
Wu Han, Philip Setzer and David Finckel: Two of the most heavenly piano trios ever written performed by three remarkable musicians and SMF favorites. If you don't get enough of David & Phil playing the Schubert Trios, they'll be back with the Emerson Quartet the following week for two all-Dvorak programs.
Chris Thile, Mike Marshall & Caterina Lichtenberg: Three virtuoso players from different generations, backgrounds and musical conceptions combine to showcase the history, elegance and firepower of the mandolin. Expect for Sarah Jarosz to show up and keep them all on their toes.
Sensations 2: If you don't get into the recital by Gabriela Montero and Gautier Capucon, the following evening offers these two amazing musicians alongside Daniel Hope and friends performing Dvorak's E-flat Piano Quartet and Brahms' 2nd String Sextet.
Yefim Bronfman: I'm a piano junkie with a handful of personal favorites, and Fema is certainly in that group. He's playing this same program at Carnegie Hall two weeks later for nearly twice the price, so save yourself a plane ticket and a room and spend the $57 in the beautiful Telfair rotunda - it'll be worth it.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: The best jazz orchestra in the world bar none, the JLCO makes their 3rd appearance here in as many years. They never repeat material and they just get better all the time.
New Orleans Blues Party: Crescent City piano showman Henry Butler knows how to light up a room and make people have a great time. With his trio rocking the Morris Center shortly after the JLCO concert, don't be surprised if Wynton and his guys get into the mix.
Nicole Cabell: This stunning young Southern Californian, on the verge of superstardom, is singing this season at The Metropolitan Opera and the Lyric Opera, as well as with the Chicago Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. Her approach is intelligent and fresh, and her magnetic stage presence will be made clear in this all-American program at the glorious Telfair Rotunda.
All-Star Swing Summit: If you love jazz, this program represents the state of the art. Beginning with the three finalists in the Swing Central competition, the main concert showcases some of the greatest musicians today including the Clayton Brothers, the Marcus Roberts Trio, Wycliffe Gordon Quintet, Marcus Printup Quartet and others.
Bill Frisell Trio/Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba: Couldn't think up a better way to close the festival than to have two of the most modern sounding bands in the world on a double bill in the intimate Charles H. Morris Center. Americana meets Mali and the grooves will be flying in these Savannah debuts.
Jennifer Connor, Development Manager
Major Minors: Sierra Noble/Sarah Jarosz
The maturity and skill set of these two musicians - both under 20 years old - is simply incredible. The talent of Sarah Jarosz lies not only in her hauntingly beautiful voice but also in her exquisite mandolin playing. This double-bill with equally-talented Sierra Noble is a reminder that quality music exists beyond what is on popular radio.
Mark O'Connor/Renaud Garcia-Fons
Mark O'Connor can be seen and heard through an increasing number of media outlets - and with good reason. Though a lesser known name in the U.S., Renaud Garcia-Fons is well known throughout Europe and is one musician that captured my avid interest from the very first song I heard. He plays the bass with such fluidity that it seems to transform into another instrument entirely. Absolutely beautiful!
Chris Thile, Mike Marshall & Caterina Lichtenberg
Chris Thile proved his undeniable talent during the 2009 Savannah Music Festival's presentation of The Punch Brothers. This year's concert, in the intimate Charles H. Morris Center venue, will provide an up-close experience of three amazing mandolin players, each with their own unique style and techniques.
Piano Showdown
Though past Piano Showdown performances have been a favorite for many at the Festival, this grouping has me particularly interested. The contrast between generations (82-year-old Dick Hyman and 26-year-old Gerald Clayton) and physical differences (Marcus Roberts and Henry Butler are both without sight) only enhances their various abilities and sets this Showdown apart from all others.
Swing Central Finale: All Star Swing Summit
Some of my more rewarding experiences during the Festival each year is working with the Swing Central High School Jazz Band Competition & Workshop and seeing the raw talent these student musicians possess. During the All Star Swing Summit concert, three of the top high school bands will be challenged to the next level as they play on-stage with renowned jazz professionals.
Lauren Grant, Marketing Manager
Mike Marshall's Big Trio/The Belleville Outfit
I am never disappointed with any of Mike Marshall's performances and from the CD alone, it will be a great, instrumentally impressive show. The Belleville Outfit had a great performance at our announcement and really want to catch the entire show this spring.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra with Lang Lang
This may be my only chance to see Lang Lang live and this will be the perfect way to open the Festival with another awesome ASO performance.
Major Minors: Sierra Noble & Sarah Jarosz
Both ladies are beyond talented and present very relatable music. By listening to a few songs, you can really hear their love for their art.
Chris Thile, Mike Marshall & Caterina Lichtenberg
I loved Chris Thile with Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, so I know this performance will be amazing when he performs with other excellent mandolin performers. It will be a great evening for hearing beautiful music and learning more about this great instrument.
Gabriela Montero/Gautier Capuçon
Any concert in the Telfair is a must-see/must-hear because of the intimate and beautiful surroundings, but I am looking forward to this performance in particular because of the great artistry of Montero's playing and the wonderful pairing of the piano and cello.
Jane Levy, Executive Assistant/Festival Administrator
Roby Lakatos/Assad Brothers
A unique bill with two unique groups. I love Eastern European music and these guys have the goods.
Nicole Cabell
Beautiful woman, beautiful voice
Gerald Clayton Trio
Young and hot jazz
Ruthie Foster/Kristina Train
This show will rock.
Mark O'Connor Hot Swing Trio/Renaud Garcia-Fons Trio
Turns the upright bass into something you have never heard before. Gorgeous music.
Maria Lancaster, Marketing & Development Director
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra with Pianist Lang Lang
I have seen and heard Lang Lang play on television at the Summer Olympics in China, at the Nobel Peace Prize presentation and on Oprah. His fingers seem to dance so slightly on the piano keys and the music created is unbelievably beautiful. Seeing him perform live will be a once in a lifetime experience.
Wizards and Gypsies: The Assad Brothers/Roby Lakatos Ensemble
Every time I listened to the music of the Assad Brothers and Roby Lakatos it reminds me of romanticism seen only in the "old movies."
Cherryholmes/Shannon Whitworth
Bluegrass and Country music - great combination. Since they have performed in the Festival before I know just how great this concert will be.
Gabriela Montero/Gautier Capuçon
Both beautifully gifted young musicians. Gabriela's improvisation is incredible.
Piano Showdown
Each year different, each year incredible.
Paul Maree, Graphic Design Associate
Wilco
I have all their albums since 1995 and have been listening to them for a long time. I missed their last Savannah appearance and cannot wait to see one of my favorite bands LIVE!
She & Him
I have always enjoyed listening to the music of M. Ward and watching Zooey Daschanel's movies. In 2006 when they joined together to make She & Him I couldn't be more excited. Zooey has a beautiful voice and the music they make together is amazing.
Major Minors: Sierra Noble & Sarah Jarosz
I have not had the pleasure to see these two young women perform live but I cannot stop listening to their albums. The passion and love they have for their music can be felt in every song. You would never tell by the maturity of their music that they are still only teenagers!
Bill Frisell Trio/Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Both these groups will be making their Savannah debut and nowhere but Savannah will you see a double bill quite like this. Bill Frisell's unique sounds and the energy of Bassekou Kouyate will make for one unforgettable night.
Cherryholmes/Shannon Whitworth
I had the opportunity to see Cherryholmes perform during the 2008 festival and was blown away by this Family of Bluegrass. Shannon Whitworth is another artist I cannot stop listening to. Her lyrics and smoky singing voice makes me count down the days till March 25th and 26th.
Numero Uno: Shannon Whitworth: Ever since I met and listened to her in my first Festival, she was with the Biscuit Burners, there is something mesmerizing about her voice.
In the two spot: Did somebody say "party"? That can mean just one thing. Zydeco. And that is being superbly provided by Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys.
Number Three: Mike Marshall gets the nod. He's been in a lot of Festivals. But he never gets stale. His fast moving fingers over the mandolin and the crew he has around him, keeps you toes tapping and you pulse pumping. Go Mike.
The fourth choice is a slam dunk: The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. I can sum it up in two words. "Way Cool"!!!!
Last but far from least: Ben Tucker's birthday party. First off, how can you go wrong with an act with the word party in it? Not to mention Ben has a lot of friends that want to wish him a happy birthday in their own special ways. I just hope I get a big piece of cake.
Ryan McMaken, Communications & Production Director
Bill Frisell Trio/Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
Without a doubt one of the most intriguing double-bills I've ever heard of. Each of these four shows will be something unique to behold. Both Bill Frisell and Bassekou Kouyate are artists with distinctive and unmistakable voices, incredible backing musicians, and keen improvisational abilities. The two other Big World of Music shows are incredible double-bills, too!
Chris Thile, Mike Marshall & Caterina Lichtenberg
Three masters whose talents cover the complete range of music for the mandolin - they pick, we grin.
Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band
The debut performance of a new band at SMF! Derek Trucks is among the best soloists to ever pick up an electric guitar, and Susan's instrumental and vocal prowess is undeniable. When's the last time a husband and wife competed for a Grammy? These two are head-to-head in the 2009 "Best Contemporary Blues" category (with another 2010 SMF artist, Ruthie Foster, also in contention).
David Greely Duo
Mid-day performances of Cajun fiddle tunes by one of the genre's most astute players. David Greely has observed and participated in the upswing of interest in the music of Southwest Louisiana since the 80s as a member of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, touring the world as a featured melody player. Whereas the Mamou Playboys typify the Louisiana dance hall, this David Greely Duo show will transport listeners to a back porch near the Cajun Crossroads.
All-Star Swing Summit
The culmination of last year's Swing Central high school jazz band competition and workshop was my favorite show. With even stiffer competition among the high school bands coming in 2010, along with an incredible lineup of jazz musicians scheduled for the finale, I would suggest it to any music lover - even those who might think they don't like jazz.
Ricardo Ochoa, Operations Manager
Mike Marshall's Big Trio/The Belleville Outfit
With Mike Marshall on mandolin, Paul Kowert on bass and Alex Hargreaves on fiddle, this progressive trio has both strength and delicacy in their musical delivery.
Roby Lakatos/Assad Brothers
This performance just falls on the category of "Rare Shows on planet-somewhere-else". Needless to say: CIMBALOM, google it!
Mark O'Connor Hot Swing Trio/Renaud Garcia-Fons Trio
During the 100th anniversary of Django Reinhardt, Garcia-Fons and Mark O'Connor will transport your imagination to Europe and the golden age of Gipsy Jazz.
All-Star Swing Summit
Clayton Brothers, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup...all in the same room? - I wouldn't miss it.
Sensations V with Mark O'Connor
Mark O'Connor is definitely the master of crossover music. This is a great program that will be amazingly executed.
Gene Pinion, Education Director
Mike Marshall's Big Trio/The Belleville Outfit
The finest vernacular string music to be heard anywhere. Mike Marshall is a master of all stringed instruments and equally matched with Paul Kowert and Alex Hargreaves.
All-Star Swing Summit
Nothing smooth about this jazz! This is the real deal, a gathering of the greatest swinging improvisational musicians in the world on one stage, preceded by three superior high school jazz bands.
Han, Setzer & Finckel
SCHUBERT!
The U.S. Army Strings
From our nation's capitol, some of the best young string players in the US, dedicated to serving our country and serving up some exquisite arrangements in a variety of ear-pleasing styles
Singing the Sacred Harp
The audience will find itself being the performers in this workshop/demonstration highlighting an authentically American musical tradition with deep Southern roots.
Emily Rich, Development Associate
Zydeco dance party: Jeffrey Broussard & The Creole Cowboys
I like this style music and look forward to all the dancing.
Patty Loveless/ Kathy Mattea
I am excited about seeing Patty Loveless. I enjoy her new CD but I'm hoping she will play her older songs too.
Ruthie Foster/ Kristina Train
I think this will be an interesting concert because I don't think they sound much a like so I think it will very diverse.
Sierra Noble/ Sarah Jarosz
This is probably the one I'm looking most forward to hearing! I like both of their sounds and am a big fan of their style music.
She & Him
I am excited for this concert because they have a unique sound and lyrics.
