It is always a challenge to figure out which shows to attend at the San Jose Jazz Summerfest. And this year was no different. On the last and third day of the festival I ended up watching Storm Large and her band. She is a sassy, no-nonsense singer, who effortlessly went from singing a love song to totally turning a well-known Cole Porter number into a funky version. She got started in her singing career working punk and rock gigs. She also sings with Pink Martini, the Portland-based music group.
Gary Nunez and Plena Libre played Puerto Rican music and they had the audience up on their feet dancing and doing the congo line much to the chagrin of the well-intentioned ushers.
The highlight of the day for me was watching the wonderful Bria Skonberg and her group of musicians. She embraced old jazz standards and played some of her own delightful compositions. She is a talented trumpet player and vocalist. Dalton Ridenhour, who accompanied her on the piano was wonderful.
The Kamla Show 