Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2016 Program

Dizzy Gillespie
Afro-Cuban
Experience
Afro Cuban Experience, a 6-8
piece ensemble led by Dizzy
Gillespie’s long-term bassist
John Lee, showcase the unique
rhythms and well-loved melodies
(such as “Manteca” and “Tin Tin
Deo”) of Gillespie’s oeuvre of
Cu-Bop which he developed with
Chano Pozo in the 40s and 50s.
Their repertoire also explores the
broader world of Latin-American
music—the tunes that Dizzy
would have been playing today.
The musicians are drawn from the
high-calibre pool of New Yorkbased
talent that frequent the
Dizzy Gillespie Big Band and All
Star groups, such as trumpeter
Freddie Hendrix, saxophonist
Sharel Cassity, Brazilian pianist
and vocalist Abelita Mateus,
drummer Tommy Campbell and
percussionist Roger Squitero.
They perform with energy, verve,
and style, putting their own fresh
stamp on a well-known genre.
Jamison
ROSS
Jamison’s passion for music was realized
while growing up in his grandfather’s church,
where he learned how to present music with
honest intent. A native of Jacksonville, FL, Jamison
began his study of Jazz as a high school student at
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Jamison gained
worldwide acclaim as a featured musician in the Tribeca
Film Festival winning documentary CHOPS; a film that
followed the school’s jazz ensemble as they prepare and
perform in the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially
Ellington Festival competition. Ross went on to further his education
at the University of New Orleans where he earned a Master of Music
degree. Jamison won the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition
for drums in 2012, the most prestigious award for jazz artists. In 2015, the
drummer earned his first GRAMMY nomination for his self-titled, debut project
Jamison in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Album. Jamison has gained acclaim
within the genre through his collaboration with Wes Anderson, Jon Batiste,
Henry Butler, Billy Childs, Dr. John, Jimmy Heath, Ramsey Lewis, Ellis Marsalis,
Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Marcus Roberts, Patrice Rushen, Cecile
McLorin Salvant and Snarky Puppy. Jamison’s artistry, interpreted through his
profound knowledge of jazz, is an honest and organic expression of humanity.
It is true to him, it is Jamison.
52 2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2016 Jacksonville Jazz Festival 53