We’re starting to think hot summer days and cool jazz!
This means, of course, we’re thinking:
Jazz in the Meadow ~ 2009 !
Pull out your calendars, mark the day, and check back for info about the musicians, the food, the fun, and the friends/family.
Welcome to Jazz in the Meadow 2009!
We are looking forward to an exciting and relaxing afternoon/evening at this year’s Jazz in the Meadow. The Bartletts and Benny Benedum have invited their dearest friends and collegial acquaintances to an enjoyable interlude in the Laurel Mountains – an opportunity to “kick back” and enjoy the vibes of great jazz and friends.
We are delighted to welcome to the stage at 1:00 p.m. Salsamba – one of the most exciting groups of jazz musicians in the area. They are not new to Pittsburgh but this is their first appearance at our venue. The group is led by Eric Susoeff – a California raised man who equally loves music and surfing and who now calls Pittsburgh home. His presence on stage leads one to think of him as “laid back” but in reality he is a dedicated musician who cares deeply about all aspects of his music. With those characteristics in mind, Eric has surrounded himself with musicians of like talents and dedication. They are George Jones (co-leader),congas, Eric DeFade, sax and flute, Paul Thompson, bass, and Tom Wendt, drums.
Their scintillating rhythms elicit sights and sounds of Latin and South American music that has entranced music lovers for many years. This group has combined those exotic rhythms with the subtle interpolations of the “straight ahead” jazz that Pittsburgh jazz lovers are familiar with.
Salsamba has a number of CDs and these will be available for sale and I am sure the musicians would be happy to autograph and personalize them for you.
Website: www.salsamba.com and www.myspace.com/salsamba
The second portion of our program begins at 4:30 p.m. with the beautiful piano stylings of the Frank Cunimondo Trio. There is little that can be said about Frank that has not been written or said before. He is arguably one of the best pianists from Pittsburgh. He has influenced more regional young pianists than perhaps anyone on our musical scene. His style and flawless interpretations of jazz standards remain the bench mark by which other local pianist are measured.
The Trio has been together for many years. Their integration of harmonies and rhythms blend so well that the outcome flows smoothly and euphoniously over the audience like a comforting musical blanket.
We welcome the Frank Cunimondo Trio back for their third appearance at Jazz in the Meadow. The members of the Trio are Frank Cunimondo, piano, Pat Crossley, bass, and Tom Wendt, drums. CDs will be available for sale and autographing.
Brooks & Helen Bartlett