jazzahead! Day 3 and 4

On Saturday, I was invited to come on board De Liefde (“The Love”), a sailing ship which was the stage for several showcases for the New York-based Dot Time Records. I was in for a few surprises there: pianist and singer Theo Jackson opened the evening with tracks from his new album “Shoeless And The Girl”. He reminded me a bit of Peter Eldridge and also of some late 70s/early 80s Soul singers. His song “Little Do You Know” has the potential of really becoming a hit.

A well kept secret in vocal Jazz is singer Paul Jost who, with his raspy and sexy voice, did some amazing twists and turns on tunes by Sonny Rollins and Bill Evans together with some of lesser known standards. In his set, he also included the Ashford & Simpson classic “I Don’t Need No Doctor”. A real crowd pleaser. Special guest was one of the original founding members of The Manhattan Transfer, Erin Dickins, who came up with a stylish and well-rounded short set to show her captivating voice.

From Israel comes the spell-binding flutist Hadar Noiberg who I think is really becoming a force to be reckoned with on her instrument. Her album “From The Ground Up” was showcased that night and her ability to include several different and distinct influences into her artistry is really very appealing.

I couldn’t stay for Maria Mendes and her Band from Portugal. On the last day, I finally had the chance to explore some of the Bremen sightseeings because my host took me on a two-hour ride throughout town. During the final Breakfast of partner country France, next year’s partner country was revealed: it is going to be Switzerland.

I’m off now to meet Marcus Miller . Later.