The Prescott Jazz Summit takes place the weekend before Labor Day and this year they were celebrating the 22nd year of the event. Situated about 100 miles north of Phoenix, the Summit draws many musicians from the Phoenix area and also Las Vegas which is only 250 miles to the Northwest.
Music education is a key purpose of the Summit and it has consistently presented clinics by working musicians. Showcasing student ensembles at the annual festival is a highlight and something I look forward to each year.
The Friday evening concert was held at the Elks Club Theater right after the Musicians Reception and concentrated on “Jazz on Broadway and in the Movies.”
Comedian and Master of Ceremonies Pete Barbutti again hosted the events and yes, told lots of corny but funny jokes. His delivery is unique and cannot be duplicated in any retelling. He has appeared over 1000 times on television and over 90 times on The Tonight Show while regularly working the Vegas clubs and command performances throughout the country.
Mike Vax (tp) is the Director of the Summit and also heads the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra. They held a “Trumpet Summit” set with Walt Johnson, Louise Baranger, and Mike “Gooch” Gurciullo creating a dynamic quartet of trumpets! Louise also plays the flugelhorn and showed her versatility on several sets.
Louise played with the Harry James Band in the early 1980s and b
