Monterey Jazz Tickets

The MJF on Tour was really amazing. These amazing talents were seemingly thrown together (only a couple regularly play together) but melded so naturally into a variety of different combos. Christian Sands is the hub of the group, probably the most versatile pianist out there today. So many of the artists were amazing vocalists (Bria Skonberg, Jamieson Ross), in addition to the incredible Cecille McLorin-Salvant. The concert was really just a taste of what going to the festival to see these artists in concert might be. Made me pine for going back to Monterey this year!

The musicians were amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed myself; as did my wife. 90 minutes of jazz for a really great price.

First thing I have to say is they better come back next year because I cannot wait to hear them in person again. I have grandchildren that have played at Monterey and it seems that these fine musicians began at Monterey when they were in high school also. The group furthered my respect for what Monterey is capable of. I was literally mesmeized.

The Monterey Jazz Festival was amazing, especially the singer-(Raul?). My only complaint is that it was too short ( just about an hour).

I was thrilled with this show. Before I realized it, over an hour had passed and they were wrapping up with their final sets. Amazing group of musicians!

We anticipated so much more than what we got. The musicians in the first number were not together and sounded like they were feeling their way with the hall and the audience. I'm not sure what kind of jazz style this was or was supposed to be - fusion? - it just wasn't my kind of jazz as I vastly prefer the era of Ravi's father. And speaking of Ravi, he was disappointing and just didn't deliver. The "guest" artist (guitar/vocal) didn't really add that much to the show; in fact, his musical renditions seemed out-of-place with the rest of the quintet. Accoustically things were a mess. If I were a jazz pianist, I would have refused to play on that set up. The upper mid-range of the piano was so badly amplified that the instrument sounded tinny and very harsh. Similarly, the bass player's amplification was so boomy and over amplified that any of his fast work was a blur. His fast note and runs were lost in the muddy amplification. again, like the piano, if I were a bassist, I would have refused to plan on that system.

When one goes to a jazz performance one never knows what one will get. In this case my wife and I were pleasantly surprised by the amazing talents that appeared on the stage, and their beautifully arranged and executed show. A highlight was the surprise guest appearance of Raul Milon, a hugely talented guitarist and singer who added yet another dimension to the show. Highly recommended.

Did not enjoy the choice of tunes and the style of jazz. Too much loud showy trumpet and improvisations were mostly riffs on scales. The only recognizable song was the encore. While I understand that the musicians might prefer avant garde cutting edge jazz, they should have more respect for the audience and play at least a few more mainstream jazz selections. Even Monks Around Midnight was almost unrecognizable with hardly no piano solo. Also it was a very short concert with no intermission perhaps because the knew half the audience would have left then. I sure would have. Felt very ripped off for the money we spent.

The intimate venue of the Balboa Theater cannot be compared, a gem in San Diego. Each artist a master, together they were phenominal. It was a groove.

A most touching, outstanding, and worthwhile experience. Fantastic soulful musicians created an atmosphere and experience I won't forget. One of the best performances i HAVE EVER BEEN TO.