San Diego Jazz at The Creek has a long history featuring a stellar line-up of smooth jazz, gospel and R & B artist on Labor Day weekend. Kirk Whalum will headline the two day series on Saturday, and Norman Brown will close it out on Sunday.
We over here at The Chocolate Voice had the chance to chat with San Diego Native Darryl Williams, world renowned bass player who is opening the show on Saturday. Darryl had this to say about Jazz At The Creek.
“JATC has a rich history when it comes to celebrating some of the best in the music business— Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, Will Downing, Patrice Rushen and so many others. And now this week-end, heavy hitters Norman Brown and Kirk Whalum. Both of these talented guys are iconic and stellar musicians with a long career in the music industry.”
Darryl Williams
Williams, a graduate of San Diego State University where he studied jazz, begin playing music in middle school. He started out playing the cello for an easy credit and ended up focusing more of his time on the bass guitar, which at that time had less players in the classroom. From there he went on to Morse High school where he met his mentor, the late Carl Evans Jr. in a writing class. Evans, was the co-founder in the early 80’s of “Lights Out Jazz Band, Fattburger.”
While still a teenager, he quickly became noticed around town for his talent and went on to open for R&B funk band Lakeside, soulful singer Al Green and Gospel legend Shirley Caesar.
Between his experience with the above mentioned talent, he is also a huge fan of one of the baddest bass players in the industry, the late Louis Johnson of the 70s-80s band “Brothers Johnson.” Williams credits Johnson for his motivation in wanting to become an accomplished bassist.
Through the years Williams made a name for himself, setting out to prove that he has what it takes to become one of the most sought-after and extraordinary electric bass players in the industry.
Williams has had the privilege of accompanying nationally-renowned headliners that include Clint Holmes, Angela Bofill, Tevin Campbell, Howard Hewitt, and he did a road stint with Chaka Khan.
The dynamic bass player has become a fixture on the smooth/contemporary jazz stage sharing the stage with Richard Elliot, Peter White, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and many more.
Currently his brand new single, “San Jose,” not to be confused with the city in California, is a song about San Jose, Costa Rico, and can be heard on Sirius XM’s Water Colors several times throughout the day. The inspiration behind the song, is his wife’s first cousin, Costa Rican politician Espy Campbell Barr, who became the first Black woman of African Descent to become Vice President in Costa Rica and in Latin America.
Also performing on stage with Darryl on Saturday, is sax player B. Thompson. Other performers include vocalist Rebecca Jade, Shannon Peterson, and Lamont Dozier Jr.
Opening up the show on Sunday, is Aretha Scruggs. Followed up by Lao Tizer Band featuring Karen Briggs & Eric Marienthal.
“Fans of contemporary smooth-jazz have a lot to be excited about this year at JATC, said Williams. “Both days will probably sell out. And, get there early!”
The beautiful gem of a venue is located at Market Creek Plaza, will feature a festival atmosphere, boasting vendors, food trucks and there will be art, clothing and accessories for purchase.
Part of the proceeds go towards advancing STEAM through youth mentorship and training in the entertainment industry arts and technology.
What: San Diego Jazz At The Creek, “Family Reunion Backyard Celebration:
When: September 2nd and 3rd, 2023 from 2:00 PM-7:00 PM
Where: Market Creek Amphitheater, 310 Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA. 92114
