Lawrence B. Johnson
All-stars all day, and all free
The 2009 festival has been great fun and filled with phenomenally rewarding music. That it's entirely free is quite amazing. The weather has been ideal and the crowds large, mellow and involved.
One more well-packed day remains. If you decide to join the throng, here are several promising destinations:
* The blues-gospel flavors of pianist Johnny O'Neal. Noon at the Absopure Stage.
* Vocalist Sheila Jordan and pianist Tad Weed. 3 p.m. on the Absopure Stage.
* Clarinetist Eddie Daniels with the Wayne State University Big Band in a Benny Goodman tribute. 4:15 p.m. at the Carhartt Amphitheatre.
* Guitarist John Pizzarelli's Quartet with his father and fellow guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli as special guest. 5:15 p.m. on the Absopure Stage.
* Bottoms Up! A summit of stellar bassists John Clayton, Christian McBride and Rodney Whitaker. 6 p.m. at the Mack Avenue Pyramid Stage.
* Monk on Monk. Drummer T. S. Monk revisits music written by his father, the legendary pianist Thelonious Monk, with several different small groups. 7:30 p.m. at the Absopure Stage.
* Finale: The world premiere of a work for jazz quintet and big band by the festivals artist in residence, John Clayton. Featuring the Clayton Brothers Quintet and the Scott Gwinnell Big Band. 8:30 p.m. at the Carhartt Amphitheatre.
