ERMA — Jon Faddis headlined the Friday night, Nov. 7 opening concert of the 30th Cape May Jazz Festival at Lower Cape May Regional High School Auditorium. He was backed by Atlantic City’s Ed Vezinho/Jim Ward Big Band.
The set list was heavy on tunes made famous by the late Maynard Ferguson. The festival is a tribute to Ferguson.
Faddis thrilled the audience by hitting amazingly high notes on his trumpet. He played seated as a member of the 16-piece big band for much of the set.
Faddis was mentored by Dizzy Gillespie and played with Lionel Hampton and became lead trumpeter for the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band. He also toured with the Duke Ellington and Count Basie orchestras and played on over 500 albums.
The Ed Vezinho/Jim Ward Big Band played a rousing version of Ferguson’s hit “Birdland” featuring Demetrios Pappas on keyboards and Jack Hegyi on bass.
The jazz festival continues through Sunday afternoon.
Saturday night’s headliner concert features Pieces of a Dream performing at 8 p.m. at the high school auditorium. Free shuttle bus service is provided from Cape May where jam sessions begin at noon.
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