Above: Joseph Vincelli takes a grass-roots approach to smooth-jazz Friday at the Jazz in the Woods Festival in Overland Park. Photo by Bill Brownleee/Special to The Star
Its detractors deride smooth jazz as mere elevator music. If that's the case, transportation inside tall buildings is getting mighty funky.
Many in the audience of about 2,500 ended up on the makeshift dance floor in front of the stage on the opening night of the 18th Annual Jazz In the Woods festival.
Saxophonist Euge Groove instigated the dance party. His sound contains no more nutritional value than a funnel cake sold by one of the festival's vendors. Groove even serves his musical junk food with an extra helping of powdered sugar. This music isn't intended to be particularly inventive or challenging. But, hey, there's
nothing wrong with the occasional serving of dessert.
A four-piece band laid down mild but convincing funk while Groove whispered sweet nothings on tenor and soprano saxophones. He often employed an effect that made it seem as he was sharing the stage with a full saxophone section.
"Slow Jam" was the most effective of his original material. But it was Groove's playful juxtaposition of the Temptations' "Just My Imagination" and Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" midway through his set that broke the ice with the audience.
Groove is a likable front man. Even so, periodic lulls in his 85-minute set made it seem like he and his excellent band were stalling for time so a star vocalist -- perhaps former Groove employers Joe Cocker or Tina Turner -- could his or her way to the stage.
Groove repeatedly expressed concern about the quality of the mix. He needn't have worried. The sound and video projections were outstanding. The only logistical disappointment was the placement of a tent for corporate sponsors in what had been the prime spot in previous years for kids and their parents to play catch.
Attired in khaki pants and a white shirt, Joseph Vincelli looked as if he'd just strolled over from one of the nearby office buildings. Yet from the moment he began blowing on his alto saxophone, there was no mistaking him for a typical 9-to-5 guy. Vincelli honked and wailed throughout his enjoyable 75-minute opening set, mugging with children and flirting with women as he roamed through the audience, all the while maintaining his burly tone.
Sandwiched between those two fine saxophonists was guitarist Steve Oliver. As a technical demonstration of guitar effects, his hour-long set was mildly diverting. His approach is a twist on the pop moves of George Benson. But instead of "Breezin'", Oliver conjured only stale air. Most of the generously supportive audience thought otherwise. As with Groove and Vincelli, Oliver received a standing ovation.
A more artistically promising lineup is on tap for the festival Saturday. Those musicians will be hard pressed to provide more undiluted fun than was had Friday evening.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
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