Jazz Fest 2007 Band List  (note: this is from last year's festival)

Great River All Stars - The year 2007 reconstructs an all-time favorite assembly of players who have performed off and on in La Crosse since the first Jazz Fest 21 years ago. Of course, Eddie Higgins, piano, back after a year's absence; then Bobby Lewis, trumpet; Eric Schneider, reeds; Russ Phillips, trombone; Reuben Ristrom, guitar; Charlie Braugham, drums and John Bany on bass.

Royce Murray Quartet -  From Phoenix, AZ where Murray is known as the Prince of the Hammond B3 Organ, this group will add some variety to the line-up. Murray, who with Pete Pancrazi, guitar; Chris "Doc" Stewart, sax;  and Darwell Davis, drums, plays a mixture of gospel, straight-ahead jazz, blues & soul heavily influenced by the style of the late Jimmy Smith, who befriended and encouraged him.  Audrey & I heard this group in Phoenix and were mightily impressed. We think you will be too.

Golden Gate Rhythm Machine - This will be the first time this California aggregation will be in La Crosse, but not so for two of its more prominent members, Bob Hirsch, piano and Bob Schulz, cornet. Leader and banjoist Scott Anthony has said he also plans to bring two other mid-westerners with his band: Tom Bartlett and Mike Walbridge on trombone and tuba respectively.

Chuck Hedges' Milwaukee Connection - Hedges, Dave Sullivan, Andy LoDuca, George Welland, and Bob Maynard make up the swingin'est quintet since the original Goodman Quintet. Maybe a lot better!

Paul Asaro Trio - We first heard a young Paul Asaro playing piano with Jim Beebe's Chicago Jazz, and now he travels the world over  performing  a rousing mix of Harlem Stride, Ragtime and Jelly Roll Morton music.  His vocals will also take you back to the roots of jazz. In La Crosse Asaro will combine with cornetist Scott Black and guitarist Craig Ventresco. Hold tight.

Rick Carlson Trio Featuring Ginger Commodore - Led by pianist Rick Carlson, including bassist Keith Boyles, drummer Dick Bortolussi and featuring vocalist Ginger Commodore, this group from the Twin Cities will be making a first appearance at the Great River Jazz Fest. The trio plays regularly at the Times jazz restaurant with various Twin Cities vocalists where we first heard them at a Sunday Brunch. It didn't take more than a glance across the table to agree that La Crosse audiences should hear this music too.

Wonderful World Jazz Band - Al Townsend, leader of this La Crosse based dixieland band, is another perennial regular.  This year he is augmenting his regular band with regular guests Jerry Martin on trombone, and Steve Clay on bass, both from Madison, Wisconsin. Don't miss the Sunday morning ecumenical Jazz Service in the Riverside Park band shell. (It may have rained last year, but that is strictly forbidden in 2007.)

Special Guest, Cornetist, Tom Saunders - Tom is flying in from Detroit to join Al Townsend's Wonderful World Jazz Band, since Wild Bill Davison, the regular guest cornetist with Al's band is regrettably unavailable due to death. The last time Wild Bill was here he played with almost every group here that year and, for all we know, Tom Saunders may do the same.

Stardust Big Band - Dick Chaffee again leads his Stardust Big Band, playing the hits of the Big Band era for listening and dancing pleasure. This band’s big finale on Sunday afternoon at the Freight House has become a festival occasion.  Try it.

Price-Gullion Quartet - Pianist Larry Price from Winona, MN and Tom Gullion, sax/flute player team with Eric Graham on bass and drummer Rich MacDonald to form this exciting quartet. Great River Jazz Fest regulars will remember Rich MacDonald for his work with the popular Dalton Brothers Trio. Now here's more proof of the quality of jazz in this area.

West Salem Community Jazz Band
This big band made up primarily of music teachers and former active musicians will play the break between the afternoon and evening sessions on Saturday as well as Sunday at 12:30 on the Concert Stage. They always have fun and they’re very willing to share.

 

Special Guest Judi K - Judi will join with a group of her friends from her glory days in Chicago for a reunion concert on Saturday evening. Backing her will be Bobby Lewis, Eric Schneider, Charlie Braugham, John Bany and Paul Asaro. Expect also to hear her with the Asaro Trio a time or two.