THROUGH THE LENS: The Eclectic 2025 Tucson Jazz Festival Offered Something For Every Jazz Fan

Spread out over an expansive nine days (January 17-25, 2025), the Tucson Jazz Festival returned for its ninth season with an eclectic mix of jazz styles, artists, and nationalities that appealed to diehard fans and curious newbies alike. It seemed as though the entire town welcomed jazz enthusiasts from all over with open arms. 

Who could resist this marketing campaign: “Just imagine yourself sipping a Mezcal cocktail with your fellow jazz enthusiasts as the soulful sounds of a jazz quartet wash over you, bathing you in rhapsody. The weather couldn’t be more perfect – it’s cool enough to enjoy your favorite jacket but not cold enough to run inside. And you’re breathing in the fresh Tucson air, enjoying every minute!”

Based on my chats with, and the photos from, ND photographer C. Elliott, the fest delivered on its promise, and then some. 

Without a doubt the two legends, Paquito D’Rivera and Charles Lloyd, were the main draws. The Cuban born D’Rivera began playing when he was five, and fresh out of his teens he formed Irakere, an experimental band that combined jazz, rock, classical and Afro-Cuban music. He’s been doing that ever since and has a boatload of awards, including Grammys, and honors that attest to his expansive life in music. Now, at age 76 he shows that same sense of urgency.

Lloyd, born in 1938, also began playing at the early age, nine, and soon began listening to giants such as Coleman Hawkins, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker. He’s recorded over 50 albums, including the highly influential Forest Flower in 1966, and more recently a series of monumental records for Don Was’ Blue Note Records label. He’s also collaborated with such Americana stalwarts as Lucinda Williams, Bill Frisell, and Brian Blade.

Elliott told me she was especially taken with Sheila E., and Endea Owens & The Cookout. If Shelia E.’s name rings a bell it should as she began her career with Prince. She won her first Grammy last week in the Best Global Music Performance category for “Bemba Colorá,” with Gloria Estefan, and Mimy Succar, 40 years after her first nomination in 1985.

Nor should Owens be a stranger to a wider musical audience, if not her name. Not long after graduating from Julliard in 2018, she became a member of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Band, whose original leader was Jon Batiste; Owens also played on Batiste’s Grammy-winning album We Are. She had an NPR Tiny Desk concert in 2022 and was part of H.E.R.’s performance of “America the Beautiful” that preceded Super Bowl LX in 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded the Community Cookout, a non-profit organization that provides meals and music to underserved neighborhoods in New York.

Elliott told me that James Beard Award winner, Tucson’s own Chef Janos Wilder, was onstage during Owens’ performance, and cooked his famous “J Dogs” for both the band and fans.

Elliott also told me that while the fest hosted ten stages and venues, what continually fascinated her was the all day Downtown Jazz Fiesta, with a main stage and two smaller ones. It was free and open to all, headlined by  the Grammy-nominated New Breed Brass Band. She also caught a personal favorite, who is also one of mine, Pink Martini. Their performance was a separate-ticketed event, and as the band had previously played the festival, many fans migrated to that show.

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.