2009 RIJF Wish List

Well, the seventh edition of the Rochester International Jazz Festival is history, and it turned out OK. I was one of many who was underwhelmed by the list of headliners but, as always, there was plenty of great music to enjoy. So now what about next year? I think they ought to set up a big interactive voting thing on the website, so everyone in the community could weigh in. But I also imagine they probably get tired of hearing people ask, "Why don't you book so-and-so?" Even so...

My wish list for the Eastman would include Van Morrison, Keith Jarrett, Abbey Lincoln (with Cassandra Wilson opening), Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder. And for Kilbourn Hall: Patricia Barber, Joao Gilberto (check out the review of his Carnegie Hall performance), Carla Bley, Kurt Elling and James Carter.

Brad Mehldau and Bill Frisell crossed my mind for Kilbourn, too, although Bill's been here before. I don't think Brad has. Anyway, I realized suddenly that they've both released albums (although to mixed receptions) with hometown girl Renee Fleming. Getting all three on the same stage might make for an interesting evening.

Speaking of jazz-player-and-singer-from-another-genre collaborations, how about Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson? They actually have a new CD coming out called "Two Men with the Blues." No plans to tour though, that I know of.

Who else? Rickie Lee Jones? Is Little Richard still performing? Who do you want to see?