by Ken Laster
You couldn’t ask for a more perfect night to start the 52nd consecutive year of the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series. As the crowds gathered at 6:00 PM, the sky was clear, temperatures were comfortable and the anticipation was growing for this return to Hartford of a couple of the most beloved area jazz artists. Both band leaders, Jovan Alexandre and Dezron Douglas made their way back from New York City to hometown Hartford to kick off this year’s favorite summer jazz series.
Jovan Alexandre
Jovan Alexandre brought his new quartet to the pavilion along with several new original compositions. His set was a fine example hard-bop modern jazz played with the intensity and freedom that Hartford jazz fans have heard coming from Jovan’s tenor sax for years. This time Jovan showed a new maturity with his stage presence as band leader.
After a brief intermission and a proclamation by Mayor Luke Bronin on the 52 years of summer jazz in the park, it was time for Dezron Douglas to take the stage. Bassist Douglas, always an advocate for the jazz scene in the city of Hartford, introduced his Black Lion sextet. The crowd cheered as another Hartford favorite, Lummie Spann was announced on alto sax. Dez’s set was infused with influences from of reggae and funk. He surprised the crowd by rocking an electric bass for the entire performance. It was a high energy set to say the least.
Dezron Douglas
This was a great night for all, filled with modern creative jazz coming from the stage, and a fun evening of community spirit from the appreciative crowd. If you missed the show, there are 5 more Monday nights of jazz in Bushnell Park. If you can’t make the show, it is simul-cast on the radio by WWUH 91.3 FM. You can check out all the information on the 2019 Paul Brown Monday Night series at this link.
photos by Maurice D. Robertson
