Saxophonist Phil Woods (born November 2, 1931) was much more than just another alto saxophonist who followed in the footsteps of the great Charlie Parker. Throughout his career, he carved his own path, continuing to develop his own voice on the instrument, as well as his voice as a prolific composer. He delved into the avant-guarde with his group 'The European Rhythm Machine' for several years when he chose to become an expatriate. But shortly after his return to the United States in 1972, he formed the straight ahead group he was to lead until shortly before his death ten years ago. Through multiple changes in personnel, his bassist, Steve Gilmore and his drummer, Bill Goodwin stayed with him the entire time. 

Before his life was tragically ended by an automobile accident at the age of 25, trumpeter Clifford Brown (born October 30, 1930) set the jazz world ablaze with his seemingly effortless mastery of his instrument and incendiary playing. His trailblazing quintet with drummer Max Roach and saxophonists Sonny Rollins, and later, Harold Land, set the standard for the post bop era, and many of the compositions he penned for this band remain jazz standards.

Pianist / composer Thelonius Sphere Monk (born October 10, 1917), often referred to as the 'High Priest of Bebop', was one of the founders of the musical movement, alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie at Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem. His idiosyncratic piano style and compositions are so distinctive as to be immediately identifiable as completely his own. His total originality is undeniable, there is only one Monk!

Pianist/composer Bill Evans (born August 16, 1929) remains one of the most influential jazz pianists to this day, some 45 years after his death. His introspective, impressionistic use of harmony, and his unique touch and piano sound have shaped the concept of all players who have come after him. He produced an enormous body of work: over 50 albums as a leader and nearly as many more as a sideman, and he was nominated for 31 Grammys.

Saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley (born September 15, 1928) and his cornet-playing brother Nat (born November 25, 1931) co-led a popular jazz combo for many years in the 1960s and 70s. While Nat composed much of the music for the group, Cannonball’s galvanic,  pyrotechnic alto saxophone playing was the big draw. Indeed, from the time he arrived on the New York jazz scene in the 1950s, he set the town on fire with his incredible virtuosity and distinctive tone and attack. He was a key member of the great Miles Davis sextet alongside John Coltrane that recorded the classic album Kind of Blue.

Plus, St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village this Saturday, September 27th! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saxophonist and composer John Coltrane (born September 23, 1926) remains one of the most revered and influential musicians of all time across genres. The spiritual force of his music speaks to people who aren’t even jazz aficionados, but has been an overwhelming influence on all of us who play this music to this day.

And don't forget ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Trumpeter / composer Kenny Dorham (born August 30, 1924) is hardly a household name, but one would be hard pressed to name a musician held in as high regard by other jazz musicians. He played at a consistently high level throughout a career that included stints with Charlie Parker, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Joe Henderson to name just a few, and myriad excellent recordings under his own name. A number of his compositions have become jazz standards as well.

And don't forget ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Saxophonist Sonny Rollins turns 95 this Sunday, and the Jazz Evensong Quintet honors this milestone by programming an afternoon of his compositions. Widely recognized as the greatest improviser of all time, his well of inspiration sometimes seems bottomless, and he refuses to fall back on licks and patterns on the rare occasion when he feels less than inspired. Sadly, health issues forced his retirement from performing for the past several years, but any one of the brilliant recordings he made over his long career would have easily secured his place as one of the all time greatest practitioners of our music.

Plus ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Jerome Kern (born January 27, 1885) was one of the most beloved and prolific of the Great American Songbook composers. While he wasn’t especially fond of jazz music himself, many of his compositions have been embraced by jazz musicians because of their strong, original harmonic and melodic content.

Plus ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saturday, September 27, 2025