Legendary composer, producer, arranger, and social activist Quincy Jones has been an inspiration for a number of different artists. During the years, he has worked with some of the greatest R&B, jazz, pop, blues, and gospel stars such as Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Duke Ellington, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis. In 1968, together with songwriter Bob Rissel, Jones became the first African-American to be nominated for an Oscar (Best Original Song for Banning). In 2008, Jones was also named an Ambassador at the Grammys, and served as Artistic Advisor for the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
On July 14th, 2008, a very special event took place at the Stravinsky Auditorium in Montreux, Switzerland. A number of musicians who have had the opportunity to work with Jones during the years gathered to celebrate his 75th birthday. For well over two hours, they sang, played, joked and thanked a living legend.
The actual concert is truly impossible to describe with simple words. Even a quick glance at the names of the musicians who took the stage should immediately reveal to you how incredibly influential Jones has been. In fact, one could argue that many of them have been just as influential as Jones – years from now, people will still talk about Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, James Moody, and Toots Thielemans.
While I do not wish to single out any of the performances from Quincy Jones: The 75th Birthday Celebration as they are all absolutely terrific, there are two sets that I just have to mention to you. The first one is by the award-winning septet from New York City, Naturally 7. Their acapella versions of Billie Jean and Wall Of Sound are simply phenomenal. The second set is by Belgian jazz icon Toots Thielemans, who many years ago I was fortunate enough to see playing his harmonica live – at the age of 86, he is still as good as I remember him!
The most expensive seats costs $380 – for the Quincy Jones night and it was an event that mistified the whole audience.
When an artist of the stature of Quincy Jones celebrates his 75th birthday you can be sure its going to be quite a party. Quincy Jones has a long and rich history, and the cream of musical talent turned up to serenade Q on this very special occasion. The main concert lasted over two and a half hours and the musicians then spilled out into the bars and cafes of Montreux with the music still going strong as the sun was coming up the next morning! Backing on all tracks provided by the Montreux In The House Band: Greg Phillinganes (keyboards), David Delhomme (keyboards), Paul Jackson Jr. (guitar), Nathan East (bass), John Robinson (drums), Paulinho da Costa (percussion). Accompanied by the Swiss Army Big Band conducted by Pepe Lienhard. It was an unforgettable night to remember! A real star studded event!
Tracklisting:
Disc One
Introduction by Claude Nobs
1) The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin & Stevie Woods
2) Let The Good Times Roll Rahsaan Patterson & James Moody
3) Makin Whoopee Patti Austin
4) Moodys Mood James Moody & Patti Austin
5) The Television Song James Moody & John Robinson
6) Honeysuckle Rose Freda Payne & Joe Sample
7) Shiny Stockings Freda Payne & Joe Sample
8) Im Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town / In The Heat Of The Night Mick Hucknall
9) If I Ever Lose This Heaven Ledisi
10) Midnight Sun Al Jarreau & Larry Williams
11) One Mint Julep Petula Clark
12) Goin To Chicago Blues Petula Clark & Paolo Nutini
13) My Ship / Summertime Franco Ambrosetti
14) Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Nana Mouskouri & James Morrison
15) Almost Like Being In Love Nana Mouskouri & James Morrison
16) Miss Celies Blues (Sister) Chaka Khan, Patti Austin & Greg Phillinganes
17) Whats Going On Ledisi, James Morrison, Rahsaan Patterson, Tobias Preisig, Patrice Rushen & Toots Thielemans
18) Eyes Of Love (Carols Theme) / Bluesette Toots Thielemans
Disc Two
1) Walking In Space Chaka Khan & Lee Ritenour
2) Strawberry Letter 23 Paolo Nutini & Lee Ritenour
3) How Do You Keep The Music Playing Patti Austin
4) The Dude Al Jarreau
5) Billie Jean Naturally 7
6) Wall Of Sound Naturally 7
7) Mama Aifambeni Angelique Kidjo
8) State Of Independence Angelique Kidjo & Larry Williams
9) Everything Must Change Curtis Stigers
10) Cool Joe, Mean Joe (Killer Joe) Herbie Hancock
11) Ai No Corrida Patti Austin, Gabi Goldberg, Dorothea Lorene, Stevie Woods, Kent Stetler & Billy Cobham
12) Stuff Like That Monty Alexander, Patti Austin, Petula Clark, Billy Cobham, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Angelique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Nils Landgren, Ledisi, James Moody, James Morrison, Nana Mouskouri, Naturally 7, Eahsaan Patterson, Freda Payne, Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample, Curtis Stigers & Larry Williams
The artists performing on this video are:
Ledisi, James Morrison, Rahsaan Patterson, Tobias Preisig, Patrice Rushen & Toots Thielemans
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