The final scheduled concert for the 2015 Branford Jazz Series had Janet Planet and Friends from New York on the Branford Green.
The crowd of nearly 800 was very impressed with Planet’s friends, including Rod Blumenau, on piano, Ike Strum, on bass, Zack Harmon on drums and Tom Washatka on saxophone. He doubles as Planet’s husband.
There’s always a gang at the Civil War monument enjoying the music
A special guest appearance by legendary guitarist Gene Bertoncini added to a great night of soft jazz on August 20.
Planet has been performing for over thirty years with jazz legends like Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Marian McPartland and the Count Basie Orchestra and has appeared both throughout the country as well as in Canada, Germany, Japan, Russia and South Africa.
Her performance in Branford included some of her songs including, “‘The Consequence of Two,” and the Richard Rogers hit from the 30’s, “My Funny Valentine.” She also sang, “Just like a Woman.”’
Paul and Janet DelGobbo from Durham come to the concerts every year. After the show he told the Eagle, “That was a terrific show, so relaxing. We really enjoy coming here to hear the great music.”
DelGobbo and several others said Planet’s music and musicians were excellent and that they put on one of the most enjoyable concerts this summer.
A couple of young dancers enjoy the music
Janet and Friends stand for an ovation after the show
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