Saxophonist Wraps Up Branford Jazz on the Green Series

Under skies that were a tad threatening, the Branford Jazz on the Green series wrapped up a wildly successful season a week ago today.
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Music lovers packed the Green (and Town Hall steps and near-by knoll) to listen to saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa. A native of Seattle, he performed worldwide with The Rippingtons and reunited with them for a 20th anniversary tour in 2006. In his solo venture, he has released nine CDs.

Kashiwa presented the final show of the season Aug. 21, playing with Trever Somerville on drums, Dave Anderson on bass and Jay Rowe on keyboard. Rowe also wowed them with his own show on the Green this summer. 

In 2004, Kashiwa founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, including himself, Steve Cole, and Kim Waters; they released two CDs together. Together, they charmed audiences with the Rat Pack style of repartee.

And, indeed, charmed the Branford crowd with his rendition of ​“Summertime.”

When not performing, Kashiwa passes on his musical expertise through the music program at Shoreline Community College in Seattle. In fact, he told of teaching flute to his 11-year-old daughter, which, like with any parent teaching his child, brought on tears – his tears, he laughed.

As always, the atmosphere was convivial. Concertgoers greeted each other, set-up their little dining spots, and headed back and forth across Main Street for ice cream. We caught up with Colin Sheehan and his mother, Carmel O’Grady Sheehan, (pictured) who were having fun. 

At the break, Kashiwa signed CDs for fans, alongside the staff of the Branford Recreation Department, which helped coordinate the jazz series. 

It was a great evening to just relax.

The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well. 

Dusk fell on the crowd … as they enjoyed the encore from Kashiwa that wrapped up another successful jazz series.

Oh, and the rain was a no-show after all. Indeed it was a no-show all season long.

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