Brush with jazz

Newport jazz festival wants to rival other major shows; this weekend’s features more than 40 straight-ahead jazz artists.Newport Beach has made itself know for its regal shopping centers and high-end palate of eateries, but who knew it was becoming a magnet for jazz?

While most of Newport-Mesa endures cloudy skies this weekend, a cadre of music lovers from all over the world will descend on the Newport Beach Marriott for a four-day jazz party packing more straight-ahead jazz than a Harlem nightclub.

More than 40 musicians and several big bands will play the party, which culminates in an all-star jazz orchestra tribute to Count Basie, conducted by John Clayton and starring musical guest Barbara Morrison.

“You really get a lot of bang for your buck,” said organizer Joe Rothman, a native New Yorker who grew up witnessing the likes of Basie, trumpeter Earl Gardner and pianist Billy Taylor at famous jazz haunts like Birdland and the Hickory House.

“Over time, this event has really come on par with the major jazz festivals in New Orleans and Montreal,” Rothman said. “It’s about seeing today’s jazz greats in an elegant venue. We really tried to book acts that would go well together.”

Unlike traditional jazz festivals, Rothman has opted to call the weekend show a jazz party because no two performances will be taking place at the same time. Visitors will get a variety of different venues to see showcased talent -- the weekend begins with a jazz champagne brunch and a performances with vocalist Sue Raney backed up by Tom Ranier, Luther Hughes and legendary L.A. drummer Paul Kreibich.

Raney has “an amazing voice and stage presence, and I think it will be really nice for the brunch,” Kreibich said. “Her voice is very sweet and crystal clear.”

Rothman has also scheduled poolside jazz performances and nighttime dance parties.

“It’s just a good chance to get in a little strut,” said saxophonist Houston Person, whose band will be providing the tunes on Saturday night.

Each day culminates with the night performances in one of the main ballrooms at the Marriott, which has been transformed into a tiered amphitheater, replete with a large stage with an arch about it and state-of-the-art sound system.

Rothman said he’s done his best to keep the soul in this year’s jazz show; don’t expect any Kenny G, he warned.

“This is straight-ahead, mainstream jazz,” he said. “It’s music that a lot of people will recognize and everyone will enjoy.”

Standout performances this year include tenor greats Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen, as well as pianist performances by over ten piano greats in honor of the late David Abell.

“I spend about a year going to see different performers in live settings, so I can get a feel to see of they’d be right for our jazz party,” Rothman said. “The people that come out to the show are serious jazz fans, and we want to provide them with a first-class music experience.”

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Newport Beach Jazz Party

* WHEN: Friday through Sunday, times and performances vary

* WHERE: Newport Beach Marriott, 900 Newport Center Drive

* COST: Weekend passes are $300; evening performances are $65 per night; jazz brunches are $40 per person; and jazz pool sessions are $30

* INFO: Visit www.newport beachjazzparty.com for a complete schedule, or call (949) 759-500320060217ht04uikfMARK C. DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Paul Kreibich will perform this weekend at the Newport Beach jazz festival.