Smooth Summer Jazz Brings The Heat X 3

By Darlene Donloe

The Smooth Summer Jazz concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 18, did not disappoint.

The three artists on the lineup, Lizz Wright, George Benson, and Gregory Porter each caused the already smoldering Los Angeles temperature to soar to an even more feverish hotness. 

Wright, Benson, and Porter each brought their own brand of jazziness to the Bowl with individualistic skills that made each one of their sets an actual separate concert unto itself.

Lizz Wright

Lizz Wright kicked it off with a set showcasing her not-of-this-world voice's fullness.  She is, by far, an exceptional talent.  Her deep, guttural vocals seem effortless. The purity with which she sings is mesmerizing. If you think her CD is crazy good, seeing her live is on a whole other level. It’s divine. Without question, Wright is one of the greatest singers in the business with her smooth, luscious, and yes, sexy alto.

With her five-piece band, a piano, bass, two guitars, and drums, Wright, who donned a long, flowing black dress, was a magical songstress who held the behemoth Hollywood Bowl crowd in the palm of her hand during her 45-minute set.

The Georgia native, who used to be the musical director of a small church where her father was the pastor, started off with “Sweet Feeling,” then “Sparrow,” a song on her latest album called ‘Shadow.’ Her version of “Old Man” was magnificent, as was “This Way” followed by ‘Your Love’ and “Salt.”

Wright, who made her way to the piano, continued her set with the sultry, “Who Knows Where The Time Goes.”

The sensational Wright, whose memorable performance left the crowd wanting more. She could have sung all night and it would have been All-Wright!

George Benson

Next up was the incomparable George Benson who brought the nostalgia in his 75 minutes with hits from the 70s and 80s. 

Known for hits like “Turn Your Love Around,” “On Broadway,” “Give Me The Night,” and more, Benson is still the consummate showman.

Benson, who opened his set in a black shirt and pants, coupled with a white jacket, was joined on a couple of songs by legendary flutist Hubert Laws.

With a musical canon flush with hits, Benson started off with his classic, Breezin’ and it was off to the races from there. 

Accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, he breezed (pun intended) through some of his hits including “Unforgettable” “At Last,” “Smile,” “One Goodbye,” “Love X Love” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “A Song For You.” 

He went on to wow with “Love Ballad” and “Moody’s Mood For Love.”

Still a beast on the jazz guitar, Benson left the stage briefly to allow his percussionist, Lilliana de los Reyes, to righteously sing Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.”

When he returned in a blue velvety jacket, the second part of his set kicked off with “Turn Your Love Around.”

Benson, whose songs are known for having good hooks and lyrics, told how he became a millionaire two weeks after the release of his megahit, “This Masquerade.” 

“Give Me The Night” closed out Benson’s set, which was just the right ending.

Gregory Porter

There is no denying the musical prowess of Gregory Porter, the two-time Grammy winner, with the buttery voice. When he sings, he gives a masterclass.

Porter is a brilliant talent. There is a warmth to his music that is soothing. He is one of the most soulful jazz singers in the industry.

Donned in an all-white suit, Porter, accompanied by a five-piece band – piano, upright bass, saxophone, drum, and organ, has a unique and powerful voice that draws you in. He doesn’t move around the stage very much. It’s usually him, his mic, and his band. He’s excellent at telling relatable stories through each song – most of which are uplifting. 

While his 60-minute set was wayyyyy too short, he did sing “Holding On,” “If Love is Overrated,” “On My Way to Harlem,” a crowd favorite, “Take Me To The Alley,” “Insanity,” “Liquid Spirit,” and “Musical Genocide.”

There is always room for more, and then more of Gregory Porter.

Three distinct talents brought the heat to the Smooth Summer Jazz 2024 mini-festival - making it an exceptional experience!