The featured performers at the 2010 Alcorn State University Jazz Festival were McCoy Tyner and his working trio (consisting of Gerald Cannon on bass and Eric Kamau Gravatt on drums) plus Gary Bartz on saxophones. We made the 45 minute drive west to catch the performance. It was, as you’d expect, mindblowing.

Elvis Costello happened to be performing in Biloxi on the same evening but once McCoy’s group began the head of the first tune, it was apparent that we’d made the right choice (nothing against Elvis, but I’ve seen him 3 times before and with the same group). Plus… did I mention… The McCoy gig was FREE?!?!

I’ve been aware of the 2010 Alcorn State University Jazz Festival over the years, but I have never made it before. I will definitely be there every year going forward.

Kenny brought his lovely family down to Mississippi for a visit and luckily Steve and I got to visit with him for a couple of hours. In addition to the kids playing and Kenny’s wonderful wit, we were also treated to some of his playing on one of the beautiful hand-crafted guitars that his father (Micky Nowell) made for him. Pity he couldn’t stay a few months… or at least long enough to do a Great Big Buildings gig. Hey… Radio London and The Used Goods are doing reunion gigs so why not!?