All photos by Bill O’Brien
Recognized by his saxophone peers as the greatest contemporary jazz saxophonist of his generation, Andy Snitzer made his case on the Branford Green Aug. 23 before an estimated crowd of 500 enthusiastic jazz enthusiasts.
Snitzer, along with the other members of the group…
Clint Deganon on drums;
Dave Anderson, bass; and
Mike Ricchiuti, keys…
…kept the crowd tapping their feet and bobbing their heads with their steady stream of deep melodic tones, which included two of his highly acclaimed singles “Taking Off,” that he opened the program with, and “Marseille,” which followed shortly after.
Andy gets in the groove with his highly acclaimed song “Marseille.”
Snitzer’s decades-long career has produced chart-topping hits that include seven Sirius/XM number one singles, eight Billboard top 20s, and the first Gavin Report smooth jazz no. 1. He launched his solo recording career in 1994 and later toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and Sting. He played thousands of recording sessions with music royalty including George Michael, Jay‑Z, Lady Gaga, and the late, great, Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Maureen Farrington of Branford with her Boston Terrier, Lily
Branford professional photographer Peter Hvizdak and his wife, Kate, moved to town four years ago and commented, “We are so happy that we moved to Branford. The quality of life here is great. This Green is always busy with good things like the festival, jazz series, Woofstock, and the annual library book sale … just a few special events that we come to.”
A couple of rising dance stars get with it during the music.
Andy talked often to the audience during his two sets, introducing the other members of the group and talking about the songs they were playing.
The group jams.
Parents Randy Owen and Deysy Escobar of Branford smile along with their cute daughter Carmen, 6.
Off-duty BPD sergeant Rich Dahlin chats with on duty sergeant Phil Ramey during intermission
“I can tell you Andy likes playing here tonight,” said his agent Kathy Vignau, who traveled to Branford from Red Bank, New Jersey. “He likes the setting here on the Green, he likes the sound (produced by Dennis Nardella), which is outstanding, and he likes that you have a crowd that enjoys jazz and appreciates the music. And he told me at the break he’d enjoy coming back here again someday.”
The group takes a bow at the end of the show.
Yet another great turnout for the 10th annual Branford Jazz on the Green series.
