Jazz at the Wilkinson - Tuesday at 6PM

On the second Tuesday of every month, Todd Aschutler from the Jazz Festival screens a film featuring one of the artists that will be playing at the festival.  Headlining this year's festival is trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. the Wilkinson Public Library will screen his Hargrove's performance at New Morning in Paris from 2008. 

Here is a description of the performance from emarcy.com: 

Jazz artists are seldom respected in the genre that gave them a start, once they “crossover” into other musical genres.  Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, though, has always been an exception.  Effortlessly moving from ‘straight-ahead’ jazz to funk, R & B, and back, Hargrove defies labeling because he transcends it. 

In April 2008, Hargrove gave us sound nutrition with Earfood, a cohesive recording with his touring band playing songs tightened over extensive touring, mixed in with some originals.    Produced by Larry Clothier and Hargrove for the Groovin’ High label, distributed by Universal/Emarcy and recorded and mixed by the legendary engineer Al Schmitt, the 13-tracks featured Justin Robinson (alto saxophone & flute), Gerald Clayton (piano), Danton Boller (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums).

Hargrove said the goal of Earfood was “to have a recording that is steeped in tradition and sophistication, while maintaining a sense of melodic simplicity”.  Roy embodies his goal, in person as well as in his music. 

Now we have the pleasure of seeing Roy and his Earfood band perform material from this recording amongst a variety of other standards and originals live at the New Morning in Paris.  In Hargrove’s own words “the cohesive sound of the group is a result of our constant touring, and getting to know one another, on and off of the bandstand”. This tight sound, bond and energy of the group is clear for all to see in this near flawless live performance.