Since Stix Hooper and the Universal Guild for Jazz and Progressive Music began the Solvang Jazz Festival three years ago to promote the genre to a wider audience, the event has only grown, attracting more audiences, spilling an educational component to the schools, and providing a stream of talented jazz artists to the community.
The message that jazz is good has reached audiences. However, Hooper said, the message isn’t clear to audiences used to admiring musicians based on their pop star status.
“The focus should be on artistry rather than profile and popularity,” said Hooper, president of the guild that presents the festival.
“You hear the younger generation say, ‘I’m going to go see so-and-so,” he added. “It would be nice to hear them say, ‘I’m going to hear so-and-so and listen to the artistry of the music.”
In keeping that balance between artistry and popularity and providing a good time for all, Hooper has strived to maintain a high caliber of artists performing at the festival. A successful jazz musician himself, Hooper has access to top-notch jazz performers, such as Justo Almario.
Almario is just the type of musician Hooper means when he talks about the right mix of artistry and popularity. Almario has dedicated himself to being an artist first, Hooper said.
“What makes him special is his complete proficiency on his instruments and the quality of his musicianship,” Hooper explained. “He’s one of these jazz people who can be spontaneous, creative, and use improvisation.
Almario was born in Colombia and influenced by the traditions and cultures of his homeland. A multi-instrumentalist, he’s mastered the soprano and tenor saxophones, clarinet, and flute. He’s fused Latin, Afro-Cuban, South American, funk, and jazz genres into something all his own. He studied at the prestigious Berklee School of Music before a stint with Mongo Santamaria as the band’s musical director.
“When people think of Latin jazz, it’s based on Afro-Cuban rhythms, which I like very much, but in my case my language and vocals has to do with Colombian tradition,” he said. “As a musician, I want to reach audiences with a message that brings peace and joy. When you play in front of a live audience, it’s very inspiring.”
Almario has brought peace and joy to the ears of many with his collaborations, pairing with top figures in jazz and other popular music, including Patrice Rushen’s Grammy Awards Orchestra, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, George Duke, Tito Puente, Machito, Dave Grusin, Ndugu Chancler, and Alex Acuna.
His film credits include Happy Feet, Lost City, Sideways, Romance and Cigarettes, and Living Out Loud.
Almario grew up in a family of musicians, so he’s never wanted to be anything else—and he hasn’t been. Except maybe an expert cook.
“I love cooking,” he said, breaking into a hearty laugh. “I’m not too picky. I’d love to learn how to cook Italian cuisine. I also like Japanese cuisine. Being a musician, I’ve traveled many places around the world, and the music of those places has inspired me, but so has the cuisine.”
In his travels, he said he’s searched for the best Danish pastry, but he hasn’t found it yet. Maybe it awaits in Solvang.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone wants an aebleskiver. Send her one at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 24 – Oct 1, 2009.