Suggestions?

[Lester_leaps_in]

I'm looking for a really good Blues and/or R&B/Jazz cross-over band to consider for a jazz festival in Syracuse summer 2008. The idea is to broaden our appeal somewhat, while maintaining relevance to Jazz. Here's a link to our 2007 festival: http://www.jazzinthesquare.org/

Any suggestions?

[ibjamn]

Astral Project!!

[denideadhead]

Not blues/R&B per say but Dr John played Litchfield Jazz Festival two years ago and he attracted a little different crowd but played a show that had appeal to a Jazz audience.

[chuckm]

Ronnie Earl can do a blues/jazz/gospel sound with ease. Check out "Grateful Heart" or "Healing Time".

[jonnygospeltent]

Paul Cebar and his Milwaukeeans without a doubt.

[Blitzzzzz]

Bryan Lee!!! Without a doubt, his latest album on Justin Time Records, "Katrina was her Name" is a monster, a career best! I went six or seven tunes deep playing it on my radio show (Big City Blues Cruise, 3-5p EST, <wemu.org>, which means it is the strongest sort of album. He plays blistering hot blues, but there are lots of New Orleans elements, beats and tempos which make it very listenable for all sorts of audiences!:cool:

[Michelino]

Definitely The Soul Rebels Brass Band or why not Dirty Dozen, Or NewBirth...and then there is Bonerama! (btw...they take the stage in about 90 minutes in RockJazzster...or rather its hoity burb Pittsford). Or Trombone Shorty would be also an inspired choice that we have seen too little of around here. Better get Troy before he gets too big!

Bryan Lee and Ronnie Earl are both great names, but I see them both at the Blues festival you have rather there rather than the Jazz Fest.

[denideadhead]

Bryan Lee!!! Without a doubt, his latest album on Justin Time Records, "Katrina was her Name" is a monster, a career best! I went six or seven tunes deep playing it on my radio show (Big City Blues Cruise, 3-5p EST, <wemu.org>, which means it is the strongest sort of album. He plays blistering hot blues, but there are lots of New Orleans elements, beats and tempos which make it very listenable for all sorts of audiences!:cool:
Good choice !

[Jordan]

How about Scrapomatic - based out of Brooklyn. They are solid Blues and their vocalist, Mike Mattison, who also sings lead for Derek Trucks, is as good as I've heard.

Also, Campbell Brothers - based out of Rochester. No better blues than gospel style blues.

[papafrog]

Deacon John
Davell Crawford
Henry Butler
its early in the mawnin...ill try and think of more later...

[Michelino]

Lester,

My wife reminded me to mention Catherine Russell (http://www.concertedefforts.com/artists_russ.html) to you. I 've suggested her before around here (several times) (http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showpost.php?p=102806&postcount=483) and that is just because she is an incredible and vibrant talent.

Hope to meet you here at the Campbell Bros benefit later this month. Bonerama was awesome last night especially great to see so many young kids still in High School rush the stage and conga line through the audience while their parents looked on. (The Bones played a special benefit concert here at a local high school that involved playing a couple of number with the school's Jazz ensemble)

[NYMAMA]

How about Bob French Band?

[Lester_leaps_in]

WOW! So many good ideas! Thanks, folks. You've given me plenty to work with.

Michelino, I hated missing Bonerama. Please tell me more about the Campbell Brothers benefit.

[Michelino]

Please tell me more about the Campbell Brothers benefit.
Here you go:

Campbell Brothers Christmas Jam

Date: Saturday, December 29, 2007

Description: 12/29/2007 THE CAMPBELL BROTHERS CHRISTMAS JAM - 7:30pm Harro East Ballroom, Rochester NY. Special guests include The Buddahood Horns and Drum section, and many Rochester guest musicians. Guest painters and artists will create onsite art. A benefit for ArtPeace and other Rochester charities. Tickets $20 at door or in advance from ArtPeace at www.artpeace.org

Location: Harro East Ballroom, Rochester NY

[Lester_leaps_in]

Special guests include The Buddahood Horns and Drum section, and many Rochester guest musicians.

Sounds good, and right now, that date is open for me. I'd like to make it.

Any chance of Jon Seiger being there?

Thanks, again.

[Michelino]

Sounds good, and right now, that date is open for me. I'd like to make it.

Any chance of Jon Seiger being there?

Thanks, again.

Don't see it on his calendar. (http://www.jonseigerallstars.net/Schedule.php) (Looks like he was just in the Sirackus Area Nov 18th). Looking into Next Year...this engagement looks very interesting:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday
May 23rd, 24th, and 25th
Jon on Solo Piano
The Grand International Ragtime Jasstime Festival
Alexandria Bay, NY