Montclair Jazz Festival and Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival are coming up
In a cruel twist of fate, the Montclair Jazz Festival and Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival -- two of New Jersey's most revered annual events in the genre -- used to be held on the same day.
But no longer, as Montclair's list of jazz greats will again overtake Nishuane Park Saturday (in its 7th year), and Morristown's 6th annual gig is saved for the following weekend, Aug. 20 on the Morristown Green.
Each festival will soon deliver a tremendous list of talents young and old -- many of whom were born and bred in New Jersey -- to thousands of fans in the coming weeks, so let's take a look at the must-sees in Montclair and Morristown.
Bands to see (Montclair Jazz Festival, Aug. 13)
Christian McBride -- In 2016, virtuosic bassist and Montclair resident McBride is New Jersey's greatest jazz ambassador, so naturally he'd return to headline his hometown festival. He will perform under the moniker The Christian McBride Situation, which includes efforts from "nu-jazz" spinner DJ Logic and the funk-tastic rhythms of veteran drummer Bernard Purdie. This will be McBride as you haven't seen him, in an entirely unique performance.
Dee Dee Bridgewater -- Forty years after Memphis songstress Bridgewater took home a Tony Award for her role in Broadway's "The Wiz," she headlines Montclair's fest alongside a terrific quintet of players. Her jazz works are highly lauded in the genre -- with three Grammys under her belt -- and her performances are always tremendously smooth. This should be a must-see set.
George Coleman -- Long removed from his days blowing with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, respected jazz saxophonist Coleman, 81, is still on the road, and will swing through Montclair with his George Coleman Organ Quartet. The Memphis-born living legend will be joined by his son George Jr. on drums, and show off 40 years as a band leader -- including work from his April release "A Master Speaks."
Michele Rosewoman -- Fans of world music, listen up. Rosewoman's terrific piano work and composing will flourish in a new program titled "New Yor-Uba: A Musical Celebration of Cuba in America." The set, which includes venerable players of both jazz and Cuban folkloric music, will trace the progression of tunes from the ancient Yoruba people of Nigeria, to Cuba and to New York in 2016. This should be epic.
See the full Montclair Jazz Festival schedule here.
Bands to see (Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival, Aug. 20)
Robert Randolph and The Family Band -- On pedal steel guitar, New Jersey's own Robert Randolph is a revelation -- Rolling Stone named him one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time -- as he melds gospel, jazz, blues, rock and more with his sprawling Family Band, which features relatives on vocals, drums and bass. Among his headlining set, Randolph will pay homage to Rusty Paul, son of guitar godfather Les Paul, who died in January.
Bucky Pizzarelli -- Paterson-born jazz guitarist and banjoist Pizzarelli celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, but he's still going strong, and will take the Morristown stage early next Saturday. Years removed from collaborations with Les Paul and Benny Goodman, Pizzarelli will play with his quartet and son Martin on bass guitar. Stop by to check out this timeless genre vet.
Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses -- Swing, swing, swing with Louis Prima Jr. and The Witnesses, who will take on a combination of originals, as well as hits from his storied father, including "Jump Jive an' Wail," "Just a Gigolo," but with a contemporary flare. Las Vegas-based Prima Jr. has been traveling for years, bridging the gap between rock and swing. This should be a fun set.
Quinn Sullivan -- Who says blues is just for older generations? Check out Quinn Sullivan, a 16-year-old guitar prodigy from Massachusetts, who's been mentored by Buddy Guy, and whose new album "Midnight Highway" is a fantastic collection of smokey jams. On the scene since age 7, the kid is unbelievable considering his age.
See the full Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival schedule here.
Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.