Login / RegisterTD Vancouver International Jazz Festival goes retro
The first releases from the 2012 edition of the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival sport a slightly retro feel. Not only does the annual jazz bash find guitarist Bill Frisell exploring the music of John Lennon and a Terrell Stafford tribute to Duke Ellington sidekick Billy Strayhorn, it also boasts the return of veterans George Benson and Wayne Shorter, plus a somewhat more surprising comeback from Cream bassist Jack Bruce. (He’ll appear in the Spectrum Road quartet alongside keyboardist John Medeski, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana.)
But fans of the often adventurous festival needn’t fear: the event, which runs from June 22 to July 1, intends to remain forward-thinking.
“Let’s just say that there’s more riches to be announced over the weeks to come,” Coastal Jazz and Blues Society media director John Orysik told the Straight. In addition to a typically strong showing from the Scandinavian countries, Orysik promises a renewed focus on performers from France and the U.K.
“Some of these concerts are a first for us,” he stressed. “There’s a generational shift happening in the music, with many more younger musicians making an impact on the musical and cultural scenes over there—and we want to showcase them here.”
Details are still to come, but for now note that you’ve got until May 30 to pick up a $150 Hopper Pass, which allows festival-goers to attend up to 60 ticketed events. ($175 passes may be purchased from June 2 to 15.)
