Always one of the highlights of Centrum's annual Jazz Port Townsend Festival is the big band performance which takes place on Saturday afternoon. Some of the greatest jazz composers and arrangers have directed this band in their own music, but this year was different. Festival Artistic Director John Clayton, Jr conducted a special tribute to David Marriott, Sr., a champion of music and the arts in general, who passed at the end of April. He was the longest-serving member of the Centrum Board and had deep roots and connections with Port Townsend as well as Seattle.
The music was selected and arranged by David Marriott, Jr and Thomas Marriott to include some of their father's favorite music. David Jr. played trombone and Thomas played trumpet in this tribute concert and both made comments about their family's love for and associations with this music. The Centrum All-Star Big Band is comprised of members of the music faculty that leads the Jazz Workshop during the week preceding the Festival on the last weekend of July. This year marked the 44th season of Jazz Port Townsend, the longest-running jazz festival in Washington state.
The Festival:
Spend a week living and learning with some of the finest musicians in the jazz world. Led by Artistic Director John Clayton, Jazz Port Townsend is the summer jazz camp designed to take you to the next level of musicianship. There’s a lot to learn at Jazz Port Townsend in 2018 and we are excited to introduce you to several faculty who are new this year. Whether it’s your first time here or your 33rd, you’ll find lots of fresh input on how to improve throughout the year.
The workshop is open to participants high school-aged and above, so whether you’re a journeyman performer, aspiring professional, or an enthusiastic beginner, you’ll find colleagues who are the perfect fit for you to make music with. If you are an educator, please visit our Educator Track section to learn how you can be a part of the week.
Artistic Director John Clayton has hand-picked faculty who are outstanding both as performers and teachers. They’ll inspire you with their playing and then work with you directly to develop your own skills.
You’ll receive focused instruction as you rehearse daily in combos or vocal classes. Jazz Theory sessions provide valuable information for increasing your skills as an improviser. Master classes are conducted each day by faculty members who cover topics specific to their chosen instruments. “Faculty Presents” concerts each afternoon give you a chance to hear performances in an intimate setting. The workshop culminates in a series of “Students Present” concerts in which all participants have an opportunity to perform.
Setlist:
Stompin' At The Savoy
Stella By Starlight
The Bop Father
Little Frances
"Tain't What You Do
Captain Bill
Musicians:
Michael Brockman sax
Travis Raney sax
Mark Taylor sax
Alex Dugdale sax
Gary Smulyan sax
Dan Marcus trombone
Jiggs Whigham trombone
David Marriott, Jr. trombone
Greg Schroeder trombone
Terell Stafford trumpet
Brad Allison trumpet
Jay Thomas trumpet
Thomas Marriott trumpet
Dan Balmer guitar
Eric Verlinde piano
Katie Thiroux bass
Matt Wilson drums
Audio:
Jim Wilke
Video:
Parker Miles Blohm
Photo:
Jim Levitt
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