There’s plenty worth hearing this week as the Chicago Jazz Festival enters its 20th year, but it’s clear that the programmers at the Jazz Institute of Chicago could only stretch the city’s budget, which has remained nearly flat for the past few years, so far: as fine as Randy Weston’s closing-night performance of his “African Sunrise” promises to be, it’ll still be less impressive than the piece’s debut in Grant Park 14 years ago, and this year’s only new commission, by Ed Wilkerson’s Shadow Vignettes, wouldn’t have been possible without an NEA grant. Maybe it’s just the ringing in my ears from last week’s Air & Water Show talking, but it seems to me if the city were really concerned with supporting culture we’d hear more great music and less noise pollution.
Petrillo Music Shell
:20 PM NANCY WILSON
:20 PM BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET
noon KARL MONTZKA QUARTET
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Led by organist Karl Montzka, this local group claims to avoid the typical greasy B-3 combo sound in favor of more adventurous, fusion-tinged terrain “by performing original compositions and unique arrangements.” The rest of the group includes guitarist John McLean, bass trumpeter Ryan Shultz, and Karl’s brother, drummer Eric Montzka.
