Artists hope to save Salt Lake jazz series

Piano superstar Dave Brubeck says he has always looked forward to playing in Utah, especially as part of the Jazz in Salt Lake City series over the past 10 years. And John Pizarelli expressed sadness at the news that the series may be on the verge of going away.

These artists, and others among the 450 who have performed in the series, have formed some definite opinions about what goes on here. And those opinions, those feelings, seem to be fairly united, regardless of the artists' diversity.

"I look forward to it," Brubeck told the Deseret Morning News. "The last times I've been in Salt Lake it's always been wonderful.

"Technically I'm not supposed to go to any elevation about 5,000 feet, and I think Salt Lake might be above where I'm supposed to play, according to my cardiologist. But I do it, knowing that Gordon Hanks will always have some oxygen if I need it."

Hanks, the co-founder/producer of the series, announced last week that financial issues may bring the series to an end after the current season, although he hopes to continue with a few concerts each year.

"I'm sad because it was such a great program," guitarist Pizzarelli said.

He also recalled a previous time when Hanks was considering stopping the series. "I said, 'Listen, we'll come and do it for nothing for you if you need to raise money or pay bills or whatever you need. We'll come and do it. Put us up in a hotel, and we'll come and do the gig.' (Gordon's) that kind of person, and the program has been that good.

"When they show you the 10 years of people who have played there, it's an amazing list of people. He's kept the quality up, and it's not just been the music he likes. He's made a good fit with a lot of different styles of music too, and I think that's what's unique about it. The good programs do that.

"They don't just bring in one style of music and shut out everyone else. They try to play a lot of different styles for people, and it opens up the community."

Pianist Michel Camilo said that the warm reception he always gets from Hanks and co-founder Michael MacKay has made a big difference for him. "That's very special," Camilo said, "especially when you live on the road like we do. When you tour the world and you're totally jet-lagged, there they are, waiting for you with these big smiles, and they embrace you."

Camilo said that he considers Hanks and MacKay to be family now, a relationship that is special for him — but that is not an unusual sentiment for artists in this series.