Trombonist
Ernest Stuart has performed alongside the likes of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Branford Marsalis and on venerated stages like The Blue Note and The Village Vanguard during the multi-talented Philadelphian’s rapid ascent in the jazz world.
His self-released debut album,
Solitary Walker, was released last year and boasts a raw quality – using acoustic instruments and as few microphones as possible) – that may come in handy as Stuart takes his next big leap in organizing the inaugural
Center City Jazz Festival.
“When performing, I just show up, play and get paid,” says Stuart, 28 and a Temple grad. “During the show, anything unexpected can happen on stage and it will usually influence the music in wonderful ways.
“When I’m planning an event there are so many moving parts and I’m so depended on everyone doing their job well, that the very thought of something unexpected happening causes me to lose sleep at night.”
The festival, set for next Saturday (April 28) from 1-8 p.m., features 17 bands at four Center City Philadelphia venues –
Chris’ Jazz Café (1421 Sansom St.),
Fergie’s Pub (1214 Sansom St.),
MilkBoy Philadelphia (1100 Chestnut St.) and
Time Restaurant (1315 Sansom Street). General admission, all access tickets are $25. Stuart is donating 200 tickets to local high school musicians.
With the recent closing of Ortlieb’s Jazz Haus (which reopens this week under new management and with a new sound) and the disbanded West Oak Lane Jazz Festival, next Saturday’s event hopes to resuscitate a scene that was once great and now seems to be bubbling up once again. One early, modest indication is Stuart surpassed his Kickstarter fundraising goal of $16,500 by nearly $800.
Flying Kite (FK): What was the inspiration for the festival?
Ernest Stuart (ES): The Philadelphia jazz scene is the inspiration for the festival. I've witnessed its decline through the lack of consistent booking, the closing of venues, and the death of many influential older musicians. I think we deserve better considering all the music and musicians Philadelphia has contributed to the global jazz scene. It was time get off the ropes and start fighting.
FK: How it will help ease the pain of the loss of the West Oak Lane fest?
ES: I don't think the Center City Jazz Festival will help to ease the pain of losing the West Oak Lane Festival. For instance, the WOL fest was important to the people and businesses in that neighborhood. I don't see how a festival in Center City can create a spike in business for a "mom & pop" shop on Ogontz Avenue. Hopefully, the CCJF will contribute to the rejuvenation of musicians' and community members' resolve to take ownership of the jazz scene and create mutually beneficial opportunities for each other.
FK: How would you classify jazz's place in Philadelphia's music scene?
ES: Jazz is in a position to gain influence in the local music scene. It seems Philadelphia's musicians, from any genre, acknowledge the jazz scene's contributions to the city and even harken back to the days jazz was more accessible.
If we (jazz musicians) focus on quality music and continue developing ways to make our live performances more accessible to everyone, jazz's influence should grow.
FK: What leaders of Philly's jazz scene will be prominent parts of the festival?
ES: Mike Boone. Mike is one of the few older musicians who regularly perform with younger musicians on the scene. He's a generational link in the local jazz scene. He'll be performing with me and perhaps another group at the festival.
FK: What's one show you won't want to miss and why?
ES: Actually, besides not missing the entire festival, you shouldn't miss the preview show at the Art on April 20. The show will be a double-header and will feature Korey Riker's and George Burton's bands. It's going to be a great night of music.
FK: Who or what has helped bring the event together? Is it definitely going to be an annual event?
ES: Obviously, the Kickstarter campaign and cooperation from the venues have been key for making this happen this time around. This will be an annual event, but I can't depend on Kickstarter every year. I would like to focus on garnering sponsors early in planning process and raise enough funds to create a bigger more musically-inclusive festival next year.
FK: When the festival is over, where can we find some jam sessions?
ES: Luke O'Reilly runs a great session on Monday nights at Time Restaurant. He also alternates Friday late night jam sessions with Victor North at Chris' Jazz Cafe. Chris' Jazz Cafe hosts a great jam session on Tuesday nights as well. If you happen to be in Germantown on a Sunday night La Rose has a jam session that's run by drummer Rob Henderson.
JOE PETRUCCI is managing editor of Flying Kite. Send feedback here.