Nestled in the rolling hills of this historic city, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont kicked off its third year of great music. Once again it showcased an outstanding line up of musicians, vendors and fans. Located on the historic Maymont estate, the two-stage venue allowed a lot of room for fans to roam the countryside. They were able to listen to their favorite artist or taste the local foods that were being prepared on site. With a kick off show at the beautiful Hippodrome downtown on Friday night, the stage was set for a great weekend of music.

Patrons arrived early as the off-site shuttles brought them in. Greeted by friendly volunteers, they picked a stage and settled into their favorite lawn chair as they shared stories, food and drink. Vocalist Joy B. Moore kicked off the main stage with new music from her latest, Retro Love Song. The two-time Urban Gospel Alliance Award winner had the crowd in her hand in no time. At the same time, Robbie Cunningham was warming up the patrons at the other stage. The group Doors Wide Open followed Moore on stage and took the audience to another level with their jazz, funk and fusion repertoire. Matt Zavitz continued to impress on sax while Matthew Walton added some great guitar. Standup jazz was in attendance when Ravi Coletrane graced the same stage with songs from his latest, Spirit Fiction. The son of jazz great, John Coletrane, showed his chops on the tenor and allowed us a glimpse of his heritage. Meanwhile violinist Maestro J was tearing up the other stage and getting everyone singing “Purple Rain” (that would soon be soaking us all) and finishing up with “Ain’t Nobody.” Loved his stage presence and the excitement he brought to the stage and crowd.

After some technical difficulties, Keiko Matsui hit the stage with her band along with saxophonist Jackiem Joyner. The rains didn’t stop the intensity on stage as she moved from piano to keyboard to her portable keys. Joyner’s sax was a welcomed addition to many of the songs she played from The Road and Moyo. I’m always amazed to see so much music coming from one lady. ”Awakening” and “Affirmation” were highlights of the set.  Meanwhile, Kim Waters was at the other stage with his sultry sax. With his fresh jettison from the Sax Pack, Waters included hits from both Love Stories and This Heart of Mine. He had the wet crowd on their feet as this fun one came to a close. Bluesman Robert Cray followed Matsui, and promptly chased the rain away after just a few songs. The Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame member had everyone singing to “Strong Persuader” as well as “Not Coming Home” from his forthcoming release, Nothing But Love. Dressed in a dark purple shirt, he closed the set with “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” as the crowd was dancing on their feet.

I didn’t get a chance to see legendary bass man Stanley Clarke at the other stage, but I heard his show was one to remember. Instead, I stayed at the other stage to take in one of the hottest artists on the scene right now. Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews) and Orleans Avenue hit the stage with a wall of intensity and excitement that had not been seen all day. His set didn’t let up the whole time. Flanked to the right with both baritone and tenor sax, these guys produced a New Orleans sound that had everyone on their feet. It’s no wonder they call it “Supafunkrock.” They cranked through many of the songs from Backatown. He was as comfortable behind the trombone as he was behind the trumpet or vocals. “Hurricane Season” and “Let’s Get It On” had everyone in a festive mood. I took off across the venue to get a good seat for the finale at the other stage that included Dave Koz, BeBe Winans and Brian Simpson.

Darkness had encased the site and there was a distinct buzz in the air. Koz didn’t let anyone down as the crowd stormed the stage for “Put The Top Down” from his Hello Tomorrow , which was followed by favorite “Together Again” and “All I See Is You.” Vocalist Margaret Dale joined him on stage for the classic, “Don’t Look Any Further” followed by the timeless “Silver Lining.” Brian Simpson was featured next on “It Can Happen.” BeBe was introduced as he and Dave sang and played the emotional title track from The Dance. There were tears flowing as the emotional heartstring was touched across the hills. They followed that one up with Winans’ “I Don’t Know What You Came To Do” followed by a new patriotic melody of “My Country Tis Of Thee” and “America” after a salute to the troops. Simpson followed that out front with his portable keyboard as he entertained the crowd with the title track from his South Beach release. Dave closed out the electrical set with his signature “You Make Me Smile” on that wonderful little soprano of his. It was the end of a wonderful day and a very appropriate song to close the night with. Across the way, India Arie was finishing up her set on the other stage.

Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to the second day of festivities. The weather was even better, and I bet the crowds were too as they were treated to John Pizzarelli, Najee, Norman Conners, Jeff Lorber, Nick Colionne, Norman Brown, George Benson, Pancho Sanchez, and the Whispers. This is really a great festival and it continues to grow each year. I was very impressed with the organization, the number of top artists, and the openness of this festival. I urge you to mark it on your calendar for next year and check it out.