“Superwoman” Sax Player Performs on Green

Lynn Riley, also known as the ​“Superwoman” of the sax and her jazz group, The World-Mix, drove up from Philadelphia to the Branford Green last week to play a great assortment of tunes before some 800 people.

For over 2 hours, the group wowed the audience in what is turning out to be a great selection of jazz groups for this year’s summer concerts. This was the second concert of the summer season. They are held each week on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

The band played a variety of tunes, including ​“Sadona,” ​“Island Breeze,” and ​“Pamela,” all from Riley’s album ​“Too Cool.” The audience tuned right in, including the very young. 

Riley, who plays alto and soprano sax, was joined on stage by Aaron Graves on ​“keyboards,” Rubin Edwards on electric bass, (pictured), Shawn Qaissaunee on electric guitar and Harry ​“Butch” Reed on drums.

This year, the kids in the audience seem to be getting into jazz, especially when Graves (pictured) played away. Last week the Urban Jazz Coalition from Columbus Ohio performed and received many favorable comments as well.

There were many smiles in the audience. Monsignor David Walker (L) of St Therese Church brought the Reverend George Couturier, the new pastor of St Mary’s Church to the concert. Father George started Wednesday.

These youngsters got into the groove during the concert

Riley, who also plays flute, was born in Washington D.C. and received a B.A. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Hawaii. She later continued her studies at the University of Missouri.

After the group’s first song, Riley thanked the audience for coming, saying it was, ​“great to be invited to the Branford Jazz Series.” She also praised the sponsors and organizers for putting on the jazz programs each year.

Friends having a good time included (L‑R) Eagle photographer Mary Johnson, Nicole Ball, former editor of the Branford Patch and her new baby daughter and Tina Marlowe.

And sometimes all you need do is swing from your chair.

The next concert features the soft sounds of singer Kelly Mittleman on Thursday, July 9. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. Be there as she sings old favorites like ​“Autumn Leaves,” ​“The Shadow of Your Smile,” ​“Nature Boy,” and ​“My Foolish Heart,” among others.
 
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