"It has been 32 years since I had the good fortune to attend a Monterey Jazz Festival. This year was really a 'gas.' (Telling my age.) The highlights for me were the 'extraordinaire talents' of Dave Holland, Jim Hall, and the "youthful ones" - Gerald Wilson, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, James Moody, and Ornette Coleman. Terence Blanchard performed his new works, "A Tale of God's Will" and "A Requiem for Katrina", with a chamber orchestra. Very moving! The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, composed of young high school players from a dozen states, or so, were outstanding. There "is" hope for the future of jazz. Terence joined the youth for a few numbers. The Monterey Jazz All-Stars featured the soulful talents of James Moody, Terence Blanchard, Derrick Hodge(base), Kendrick Scott(drums), and a terrific young piano player, Benny Green. Joining the group was the beautiful jazz vocalist, Nnenna Frreelon. Her styling, her poise, her vocal range reminded me a lot of a young Sarah Vaughan. She brought the house down, and I fell in love all over again. Mort Sahl, who performed at the first Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958, was the host for Sunday night. He was was funny and his jokes were poignant about todays affairs. On Sunday morning a group of photographers who photograph jazz performers had breakfast at the Hyatt. Dear Mr. Gerald Wilson and his lovely wife, Josephina, joined us. Gerald is a personal, sweet man. At a group photo afterwards James Moody and Ornette Coleman were present. I was in "7th Heaven". The mood, the camaraderie, the love of all at the festival permeated the wonderful sunshine and mist of Monterey." All color photographs can also be printed in black and white. Please contact Paul Slaughter Photography for print sizes, price, and/or usage fees.

Trees, Monterey Fairgrounds, MJFWilson, Gerald MJFBlanchard, Musicians in Repose MJFGreen, Benny MJFMc Laughlin, John MJFFreelon, Nnenna MJFTuning Piano, Coffee House MJFWilson, Gerald and Moody, James MJFMoody, James and Linda MJFWilson, Gerald and Josaphina MJFColeman, Ornette MJFSahl, Mort MJFSign MJFCouple, Rain MJFCouple MJFVolunteer MJFGarden Stage MJFFood Area JFArena Empty MJFAudience MJFJacket MJFLos Lobos MJFAudience  MJFNext Generation Jazz Orchrestra MJFAudience  MJFTaylor, Otis MJFHunter Band, James  MJFTaylor, Cassie MJFHolland, Dave MJFHarland, Eric MJFPotter, Chris MJFBurrell, Kenny MJFDelgado, Issac MJFColeman, Ornette MJFRollins, Sonny MJFBlanchard, Terence MJFKrall, Diana MJFHall, Jim MJFMoody, James and Blanchard, Terence MJFMoody, James MJFFreelon, Nnenna  2 MJFBrubeck, Dave MJFWilson, Gerald MJF