Episode #48
Episode #48
Recording Date: June, 25, 2009
Location: JazzAscona, Ascona, Switzerland
Featured Artists:
Niki Haris
Jason Marsalis
The Chicago Stompers
Gege Telesforo
Othella Dallas
The Creole Coconuts
Freddy Cole
This was another International “Special Edition” episode of Studio Jams – one that takes us into the Swiss Alps, to the stunningly beautiful town of Ascona, Switzerland. Ascona is a quaint and quiet little town located on the shore of Lake Maggiore, only about 10 miles or so from the Italian border. Lake Como is also but a few miles away.
Each year, the JazzAscona International Jazz Festival pays tribute to New Orleans-style jazz, and invites musicians from all over the world to join in the celebration. Concerts are held in clubs (some permanent, others temporarily created in large tents just for the festival) and on a multitude of outdoor stages scattered around town. In this episode, viewers get a chance to learn a little about some of the performers at the 2009 edition of the festival through interview and performance segments.
The following artists are profiled in this 30 minute episode:
Jason Marsalis / USA
A versatile, well-versed drummer…brother of Wynton, Branford and Delfeago Marsalis, and the youngest son of pianist Ellis Marsalis.
The Chicago Stompers / Italy
An Italian big band jazz group that re-creates the authentic jazz vibe of the American “Roaring 20’s.”
Gege Telesforo / Italy
A seasoned Italian jazz vocalist and instrumentalist, extremely well-schooled in scat and vocalese…also a journalist, and television/radio personality.
Othella Davis / USA/Switzerland
A jazz vocalist, originally from the U.S. but now a longtime resident of Switzerland…a seasoned pro in her 80’s, she still performs regularly with her Swiss trio.
Freddy Cole / USA
A wonderfully gifted pianist and vocalist, and younger brother of the late Nat King Cole.
The Creole Coconuts / Italy
A a European jazz group, led by 2 clarinettists (not to be confused with Kid Creole and the Coconuts)
Again, one of the things that truly make this festival unique is how it effectively pays tribute to New Orleans and its rich jazz tradition – year in and year out. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it takes place in such a breathtakingly beautiful location in the Swiss Alps. JazzAscona is a festival I hope to visit many more times in the years to come.
– Tom Emmi / Producer
