Monterey Jazz Festival comes to the Landmark Theatre

Grammy award-winner Terence Blanchard is appearing at the Landmark Theatre
Sunday for the 50th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival.

“(The Monterey Jazz Festival) is one of the only international festivals that
still plays exclusively jazz,” said Kendrick Scott, a drummer on Blanchard’s latest
album, “A Tale of God’s Will: A Requiem for Katrina.”

With songs featured on Spike Lee’s recent HBO documentary, “When the Levees
Broke,” the “Requiem” has thrilled music critics since its debut in August 2007.

Less than a week after he walked away with the Grammy for Best Large Jazz
Ensemble Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Blanchard is scheduled
to perform songs with a skilled sextet comprised of Scott, bassist Derrick Hodge,
saxophonist James Moody, pianist Benny Green and vocalist Nnenna Freelon.

With the exception of Freelon, all the artists are veterans of the nationally
touring festival.

Hodge said the efforts both in the studio and on the road have been paramount.

“It’s always special working with someone as dedicated to the message of jazz
as Terence,” he said.

Scott and Hodge are both looking forward to their stop in Richmond.

“It’s been an inspiring run so far, and we’re really looking forward to reaching
more people,” Scott said.

In addition to Blanchard’s all-star sextet including Hodge and Scott, Blanchard’s
latest album features saxophonist Brice Winston, pianist Aaron Parks, Zach Harmon
on the tabla and happy apple and the 40 member string ensemble, the Northwest
Sinfonia.