The 2004 Contemporary Jazz Celebration was a huge success at many
levels. Approximately 240 people from the Monroe County area (with
visitors from Syracuse, Buffalo, New York City, Ohio and as far away
as Japan!) were treat to a musical Thanksgiving feast.



The 2004 Contemporary Jazz Celebration was opened by Trio East
featuring Jeff Campbell, Rich Thompson, and Clay Jenkins. Their set
treated a full-house of listeners to the very best of modern jazz
heard anywhere on the planet. Their impeccable delivery set the "bar"
for all of the stellar performances to follow. By 6:30, Bob Snieder
took the stage and it was standing-room-only at that Montage Grille.
His virtuoso performance thrilled the audience ever and was met with
great enthusiasm.



People filled the lounge area enjoying the music from afar while
others were lining up for a chance to stand in the event area (let
alone get a table from 7:00 to 10:00). For good reason; it was
because of the great music provided by the Bill Tiberio Group
featuring Melvin Henderson, Gerry Youngman, Jared Schonig, and with
Harold Pannel providing vocals. Bill Tiberio gave one of the best
performances of the night as he poured himself into each and every
note. This very diverse, warm and enthusiastic audience fueled their
performance with excitement and applause. The room was packed; no
one wanted to leave because Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. gave the
performance of his life! He was joined on stage the by the
incomparable Brother Wilson, Hiram Swain, Victor Antonetti , Hector
Diaz, and Robbie Gissndanner. The band was absolutely electrifying.
His brand of smooth jazz and R&B was complimented by the newly
emerging songstress, Therese Lott.



With the lounge area filled with the over-flow from a packed house in
the event area at 11:00 pm, Thornwood took the stage. Herb Smith led
his band into a sizzling hot performance of improvisational jazz
funk. His trumpet improvisations were simply outstanding. John
Nyerges delivered a series of amazing performances on electric piano
while guitarist Marcus Robinson inspired the audience with his
heartfelt soulful grooves. Steve Curry had the drum solo of the
night with his rhythmic interpretation of the Miles Davis
classic "Tutu." Bill Tiberio, Jake Glaskow and Brad Johnson laid down
some serious funk and delivered great music performances as well. The
stand-out vocals of the night were delivered by the sultry and
seductive sounds of Cinnamon. Backed by Thornwood, she
simply "wowed" the audience.



None of this would have been possible without the generous editorial
and advertising support you provided to help us get the word out
about this soon-to-become a Rochester Thanksgiving weekend tradition.



We plan to do this again next year and plan to expand the roster of
artists to include a number of other great Rochester jazz artists
like Harold Danko, Prime Time Funk, Gap Mangione and Chuck Mangione
(if their schedules permit). Montage Grille and other venues to be
determined later. Please save the date for the 2005 Contemporary
Jazz Celebration.



Thanks again,



Marcus S. Robinson

2004 Contemporary Jazz

585.820.7874

http://www.thornwoodjazz.com/jazzfest.htm