Portland Jazz Festival

Loved the concert - but could have used a little more volume. Had to strain to hear the earlier tunes especially. The band was great - especially the kora player - music was true world music - mixture of many sources. Regina's tone and execution was beautiful.

I'm no expert, just an appreciative listener, and I thought that Joshua Redman and his quartet put on a frigging clinic of what virtuoso modern jazz performances ought to be. It was dazzling!

Esperanza Spalding (and her backup musicians and singer) in concert was one of, if not the most, intense and amazing musical experiences I've ever had. This young lady has so much musical talent! The sky is the limit for her musically. Her latest CD is so very creative and groundbreaking musically, and the selections from the CD were performed so very well. It was a very classy, very well performed, well thought out concert. I was very glad I was there, and I hope she comes to Portland (her home town) again soon!

Her concert was amazing (I could have done without what seemed like a 20 minute drum solo, however). I loved hearing the original african song followed by her interpretation of it.

The performance was great. The only problem I had was that we had tickets to the Regina Carter performance and since the tickets didn't actually state the length of this performance I'd made the assumption that there would be enough time to get the next event. It may have been that this performance ran over its scheduled time (it WAS a live performance, after all), leaving us with less than 20 minutes to get to the next event. The lack of cabs meant that we had to sprint to get the 12-14 blocks to Regina Carter.

Having just won a Grammy, and as the headline performer at the Festival, I expected a more energiticand lively performance, and a more personal exchange with the crowd. Disappointed.

While there was little banter with the crowd, the Chamber Music Society and Esperanza Spalding put on a very professional and tight show. She is an amazing vocalist and bassist, and has put together an amazing ensemble of musicians for what was an unforgettable night of music. We were glad to have her back home and hope to see her again many times over the years.

Excellent musicians. Each with composing abilities and incomparable improvisitation skills. Truly an interesting group. Their idea of honoring a jazz artist each year is an interesting concept. I will be following this group as they progress in their concerts

Great talent, but I've been noticing that sound people have been too aggressive for my taste. I've taken to bringing ear plugs to concerts for this reason. In this venue, did we even need any amplification?

They were a good band ....but it seemed more like a jam session....we left aft 3 songs

Esperanza Spaulding expands her art form. She emphasized the FLOW of the jazz feast that she set before us with her wonderful " Chamber Music Society". The audience's applause seemed a distraction from the music, so as a group we were forced to offer our appreciation via rapt presence and participatory listening. What a gift!

Totally professional, demanding, unforgetable! Next time I want see some of your other sides.

Poncho and his band sounded beautiful and had a great stage presence...the venue itself is beautiful but the 80's dance party happening downstairs was annoying because they had the music cranked up...

Music and entertainment was great - only negative was having to wait out in freezing weather well beyond the advertised 8:30 opening of the doors.

Esperanza's performance was amazing. Her skills as a musician are one of the best I have ever witnessed. Her compositions are complex but easy to listen to and the group that backs her up is great as well. Very well worth the time and money.

Outstanding! A must see! Music lovers of any genre will enjoy this performance.

I first became aware of Esperanza after reading about her in Bass Player magazine several years ago, and have been following her ever since. I saw her in concert Friday night, in Portland, and was completely captivated by her performance. She is quite simply, amazing. As impressive as her vocal and instrumental abilities are, I am also impressed by how grounded and articulate she is, especially at her young age. I think she has a great career ahead of her. Don't miss out on any opportunity to see her perform.

We all stood after the last song, and in my mind I was saying WOW, and then I heard someone say aloud, WOW and I knew I was not alone. My ears have not enjoyed such beautiful listening in many many years. The intricate danceable rhythms, on beats, off beats, timing, melody... jazz/ fusion for the 21st century. I am a lover of electronica, the kind that gives itself soul, that does not sound like computers but like music with life, and this group, all instrumentalists brought that feel in the opposite direction. Their collective sound weaving together so well yet each individual standing out. To think, 2 days ago I never even heard of Nik, and now, how will I live without this music, I won't live without it, I have already purchased 3 cd's!! I want to move to Zurich to be near it! A truly amazing show, So so so glad I went on a whim and wow, did it ever pay off.

Who knew Chamber music could be so exciting. Esperanza Spalding and her group of talented musicians were wonderful. The lines of the harmonies with the instruments and vocals interspersed took me for a joyful ride. I didn't want it to end. I was glad she chose a jazz standard for her encore. Her sweet voice was haunting and I loved the tone of her bass playing, pushing and pulling the pulse of the song. Everyone around me and I think in the theatre were all enchanted. Can't wait tell she comes back.

My husband and I were simply stunned. We are huge fans of Ms. spalding and of jazz music, and remain so. But I've never been to a concert before with less connection between the performer and audience. Coming straight off her Grammy win and to her home town crowd no less - she played and sang brilliantly and technically, and we enjoyed the virtuosity..but felt as tho the audience might as well not have been there at all. We could have stayed home and played the CD. She said not one word to the audience to connect or acknowledge their being a part of the evening - not even a "Hello Portland" or "Good to be home"...and we KNOW she is a charming, eloquent and gracious performer, having seen her from Austin City Limits and other events. The concept show didn't bring anyone in - and no one on stage looked like they took joy in the music. You can forgive a lot when the performance invites you in - this one did not. The encore was the best, but even then there was no reaching out to share... maybe she had a very bad day.

I bought our seats as part of a birthday present for my husband and he could not have been better pleased. We've both gone to hear Dave play before (super club venues) and love his smooth, laid back style. But this was above and beyond, very personal, very funny, very nostalgic and melancholy. Dave chatted with the audience, played and sang mostly his own music & lyrics (all wonderful), a sharing of his own life, and kept every member of the audience greatly entertained. A lot of artists are plastic and unreachable, put on airs, but Dave was warm and real. We walked out feeling like we'd spent the evening with a good friend. Dave's music is full of fun and stories we could really relate to, always felt personal. To say he is a treasure is sort of cliche sounding, but he really is. Portland's gold. It was a wonderful evening.