Jazzy numbers

Much focus will be given this summer to this August’s arrival of the 60th anniversary edition of the Newport Jazz Festival (not the 60th festival mind you, just the fact that it’s been 60 years since the very first festival was held in Newport back in 1954). As mentioned in prior postings, this will be the 50th edition of the George Wein-produced festival to be held in Newport.

But there is another very admirable anniversary taking place 12 days earlier on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Jazz in July opens its 30th anniversary run (July 21-31) at the 92nd Street Y. 
 
One of the highlights: Jazz in July founder Dick Hyman returns for a July 29 concert honoring the legacy of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz. It will feature three generations of pianists: Hyman, Bill Charlap and Christian Sands.  

(Hyman was artistic director for the first 20 years. Charlap has been Jazz in July artistic director for 10 years. They are also distant cousins.)

Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant makes her Jazz in July debut on July 30 with Charlap’s trio with a celebration of the music of Sarah Vaughan. 

Talent lined up for the other concerts in this artfully constructed series includes trumpeters John Eric Kellso, Brian Lynch and Jeremy Pelt; saxophonists Harry Allen, Jesse Davis, Jon Gordon, Jimmy Greene, Ralph Moore, Ken Peplowski and Steve Wilson; singers Sandy Stewart and Sachal Vasandani; pianists Ted Rosenthal and Renee Rosnes; guitarist James Chirillo; clarinetist Ken Peplowski; bassists Todd Coolman, George Mraz, Peter Washington and Sean Smith; and drummers Willie Jones III, Dennis Mackrell, Lewis Nash and Kenny Washington. Here’s a link to the concert schedule. Check it out.