Mini Review: Inaugural Spenard jazz festival packs the house

Posted by arts_reviews

Posted: June 17, 2008 - 12:31 am

Dawnell Smith
Daily News Correspondent

A bevy of local jazz artists turned Organic Oasis into a sizzling hot spot for original music last Saturday at the first annual Spenard Jazz Festival. The place felt cozy with bodies as the Karl Pasch Trio opened the full day event with tunes that fused jazz with other forms of music like funk and hip-hop.

By night's end, people sat on the floor and stood shoulder to shoulder as they grooved to everything from the witty, sultry vocals of Marian Call to the dazzling finger work of Rama Ishaya on piano and Joe Craig on guitar.

Organizer Yngvil Vatn Guttu promises to throw a bigger, better party next year, but old timers will shake their heads in ode to the old days by then.

"You should have been here last year," they'll say. "That's when you could really feel the vibe."

Until then, look for Karl Pasch, Liz Malys, Karma Helix, the John Damberg Latin Jazz Quartet, Marian Call, Rama Ishaya and Yngvil Vatn Guttu at gigs around town.

If you made it to the festival, too, post your comments below. What would you like to hear next time around?

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