SAxophone Summit Archive

The 2016 PDX Jazz Festival

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 7, 2016 | Special Features

The 2016 PDX JAZZ FESTIVAL in Portland Oregon The 13th annual Jazz Festival featured the timeless work of the towering mid-20th-century saxist John Coltrane. The quest of the city of Portland to live a meaningful life challenges PDX Jazz to present audiences with compelling programming and community outreach, and to foster the growth of musical offerings in the Pacific Northwest. The festival examined Coltrane’s dynasty thru a number of musical vantage points: family (Ravi Coltrane), legacy (Reggie Workman, and modern day masers associated with Coltrane’s music: Sonny Fortune, Azar Lawrence, Joe Lovano, JD Allen, Charles Lloyd, Javon Jackson, Orrin Evans, Chuck Israels, Mel Brown and Devin Philips. One of the big events of the festival was The Saxophone Summit Supreme concert. It featured JD Allen, Devin Phillips, and Jimmy Greene, all heavily influenced by Coltrane. Pianist Orrin Evans trio was heard in two programs in a supporting role. Many jazz artists across a broad musical spectrum performed during the 11-day festival in Portland. Gary Peacock                     made his Portland debut, and award-winning singer Dianne Reeves made a festival appearance. The festival was kicked off by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and the […]