by Michael Rothschild

Boosted by beautiful weather and headliner performances from the exquisite Brazilian styled Requinte Trio, with singer Janis Siegel, plus impeccable guitarist Henry Johnson, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival celebrated its 15th anniversary with a dazzling array of styles and genres. Requinte Trio’s expertly crafted set featured intricate Latin rhythms and vocals, that ended with an audience participation finale on the song, “Tio Mocaco” that had the crowd on its feet and dancing. Henry Johnson showed off his Wes Montgomery/George Benson influences in an engaging program of Chicago Jazz showcased by a duet with songstress Bonnie Eisele on the standard, “Hello Like Before.” Opening for each of the headliners was Drummer Les DeMerle’s Jazz Quartet, which included Dennis Marks, bass, Mike Levine, keyboards, and Eisele on vocals, plus a rousing guest appearance from the 2018 AIJF Scholarship Winner, saxophonist David Truilo. “We are thrilled that this year’s shows were so well attended, and all were highlighted by very responsive crowds” said DeMerle, the AIJF’s Artistic Director.

The Festival kicked off opening day, October 7, to a sizable, 600 plus audience in Amelia Park that presented the FSU Jazz Ensemble 1, led by Leon Anderson. Tuesday’s Wine Tasting & Jazz drew an SRO crowd at The Amelia Island Wine Company. Things burst into high gear on Wednesday, 11/10, at the Sandbar and Kitchen with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band’s Jump Jive & Wail Swing Night Concert and Dance featuring Bonnie Eisele. At Thursday’s Latin Night, the popular El Nino and The Latin Jazz Knights produced some memorable rhumba-ing and cha-cha-ing on tunes like “Oye Como Va.” This year’s late night weekend jam sessions, hosted by David Truilo upstairs at Sliders following the headliner shows, were particularly exciting and each evening provided lively musicality and impressive guests. Two sold out Sunday Dixieland To Swing Jazz Brunches at Horizons with DeMerle’s Spare Rib Six Dixieland Band included Eisele, vocals, J.B. Scott, trumpet, Bill Prince, clarinet, Dave Steinmeyer, trombone, pianist Mike Levine and bassist Dennis Marks. The band performed a classic set of New Orleans high energy jazz chestnuts.

DeMerle added, “we are most thankful to have had the help from such a dedicated group of sponsors and volunteers, without whom the AIJF could not have happened.