By Barbara Smith, Contributing Writer
“Thank you for the magic of the Monterey Jazz Festival,” crooned bassist Christian McBride, in saluting Tim Jackson, who retires after 33 years as Artistic Director this year. True to the MJF mission, 2023’s 3-day fest celebrated the classics and brought on the new, reminding all why Monterey is the place to be the third weekend of September each year.
Other highlights: Terri Lyne Carrington and the all-female New Standards on Sunday brought in a joyous explosion of musical energy. 23-year-old Samara Joy, whose voice holds echoes of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaugh, delivered the Charles Mingus classic “Reincarnation of a Lovebird,” which she beautifully penned lyrics to, phrased with incredible range. Brit Jamie Callum brought the party to the stage, commanding fans to “crazy dance” on his count of four, and even the most staid in the stadium caught the fever.
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