RENFREW JAZZ FESTIVAL TO FEATURE LEGENDARY SAXOPHONIST-FLUTIST LEW TABACKIN ON AUGUST 25
Lew Tabackin
The 22nd Annual Renfrew Jazz Festival will be held on Sunday, August 25, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the lawn behind the Renfrew Museum, 1010 E. Main St., Waynesboro, PA. Admission is free. In the event of rain, the concert will take place at Waynesboro Area Middle School auditorium.
This year’s concert will feature legendary saxophonist-flutist Lew Tabackin, accompanied by Paul Bollenback (guitar), Boris Koslov (bass), and Mark Taylor (drums).
Lew Tabackin, flutist and tenor saxophonist, is an artist of astonishing vision. His electrifying flute playing is virtuosic and passionate. His distinctive tenor sax style includes the use of wide intervals, abrupt changes of mood and tempo, and purposeful fervor, creating a distinctive melodic and rhythmic style which has made him one of the most highly respected jazz musicians in the world.
Tabackin’s jazz credits are impressive. Early on in his career, he played with Tal Farlow and Don Friedman and later in the big bands led by Cab Calloway, Les and Larry Elgart, Maynard Ferguson, Joe Henderson, Chuck Israels, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Clark Terry, and Duke Pearson. During the late 1960’s, Mr. Tabackin led his own trio and also played in groups with Donald Byrd, Roland Hanna, Elvin Jones, and Attila Zoller, as well as working with Doc Severinsen and the studio band for Dick Cavett’s television show. In 1968 he met Toshiko Akiyoshi when the two played together in a quartet. They eventually married and moved to Los Angeles, where they formed the award-winning big band known as the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. While in Los Angeles, Mr. Tabackin also played with Shelley Manne and with various trios of his own with Billy Higgins, John Heard, and Charlie Haden. He also toured Japan frequently. During the 1980’s he began to get some long overdue recognition as a flutist, winning many Down Beat critic’s and reader’s polls. In 1982, he moved to New York. Since then he has solidified his position as a major tenor saxophone and flute artist, both in live concerts and on recordings. He continues to tour the world as a soloist, playing clubs and jazz festivals with his own groups and as featured soloist with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. www.lewtabackin.com
Paul Bollenback (guitar) will be appearing at Renfrew for the 19th time in 22 years. Each year that Bollenback returns, he is teamed with a totally different group, including a headliner and rhythm section. Over the years, Bollenback has recorded seven albums as a leader including, “Invocation,” which features Randy Brecker and Chris McNulty and was honored in Downbeat magazine as one of the best CD’s of 2008. In addition, Bollenback has been featured on countless other albums as a sideman, including 15 with organist Joey DeFrancesco, and has performed and/or recorded with Gary Bartz, Stanley Turrentine, Charlie Byrd, James Moody, Paul Bley, David “Fathead” Newman, Arturo Sandoval, Della Reese, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ravi Coltrane, Joe Locke, Dave Valentin, Seve Wilson, Buster Williams, Jim Snidero, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and appeared at jazz festivals and clubs around the world. In 1997, Bollenbeck was named Musician of the Year at the Washington Area Music Awards. His range and impressive discography as both a sideman and a leader speak for themselves. In 2011 Bollenback garnered a Grammy nomination for co-production on Joey DeFrancesco’s Never Say Goodbye (Hi Note). www.paulbollenback.com
Two time Grammy award winning bassist Boris Koslov has been on the New York and International scene for the past 20 years. Currently serving as bassist, arranger, and musical director for the Mingus Dynasty, he has performed over the years with many jazz greats including Michael Brecker, Ray Barretto, Lew Tabackin, Benny Golson, Michel Legrand, James Moody, John Blake, and many others.
Mark Taylor (drums) has been the drummer of choice for some of the most well known musicians in the history of jazz, including Benny Carter, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Joe Hdnerson, Lee Konitz, David “Fathead” Newman, Chet Baker, Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Sonny Stitt, Frank Wess, Buddy Tate, Eddie Daniels, Al Grey, Monty Alexander, Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, Mose Allison, Freddie Cole, Johnny Hartman, and scores of others. He has performed on more than 60 albums, and has toured extensively around the world.
Parking for the free concert is available in Renfrew’s lower lot off Welty Road. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information call the Renfrew Institute at (717)-762-0373 or visit renfrewinstitute.org