11:03 PM
Blues, gospel, bop, Isaiah Thompson does it all with aplomb and showmanship. There’s a lot to say about the show, which I’ll leave to a more comprehensive review to publish tomorrow. But I wanted to report that the earlier hype I heard was spot on.
9:10 PM
Tessa Souter, in an evening length black dress, keyed into the weather with her early set, singing pensive, reflective tunes that only a rainy day can inspire. It included a take on “Eleanore Rigby” as a tribute to the late Jack Garner, former Democrat and Chronicle film and music critic (and a missed former colleague of mine, as well). It was, she said, his favorite of her repertoire. Before that, though, she sang jazz arrangements of Erik Satie, the French composer known for his sparse and atmospheric works. She worried, though, that it might be too depressing about halfway in, and changed course with some swing and and the famous Wayne Shorter tune “ESP,” the Miles Davis version despite using vocalist Cassandra Wilson’s lyrics. It was a nostalgic show for those of us who remember hearing Souter back in the aughts, for her earliest RIJF appearances. She is just starting her second set now, at Temple Theater.
I’ve taken an easier approach to the evening, finding time to enjoy the street music before going to hear Isaiah J. Thompson’s trio at Max of Eastman Place for the 10 p.m. set. I already heard from others that the first set was excellent, so I’m very much looking forward to it and will report back. If you heard him, please comment and let me know what you thought.
6:28 PM
I’m at Kilbourn Hall for Camila Meza, whose music is so warm and enchanting. She’s currently taking us on a three-part portal of works from her latest album, Portal. Beautiful show.
4:08 PM:
The Brighton, Victor, and Canandaigua high school jazz bands, who were scheduled to play the Jazz Street Stage between 3:45 and 6:15, are cancelled this afternoon due to the weather. All other shows are still on at this time.
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Follow this page for live updates from the Rochester International Jazz Festival on Wednesday, June 24.
Make sure to check out Jazz Festival Day 7: Daily Festival Guide for reviews from last night and recommendations for tonight.
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