Six jazzy reasons why Bakersfield is not just for country and western music

Louie Cruz Beltram wowed the crowd at last year's Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles. The Bakersfield native is one of the great Latin jazz bandleaders and musicians.Bakersfield native Mary Osburne was a world renowned jazz guitarist. She was one of the more important and influential women in the world of jazz.Grammy nominated contemporary jazz artist David Benoit has been recording music since 1977, with over 25 solo recordings. He's also a Bakersfield native.View the list »
For over 25 years, the annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival has been bringing world class jazz acts to Bakersfield every May. Currently held at the outdoor Amphitheater on the campus of Cal State Bakersfield, the two day event has proven to be very popular.

Music newsletter

Bakersfield is known throughout the music world as the birthplace of the "Bakersfield Sound," a style of country music popularized in the 1960s that was a reaction against the slickly produced "Nashville Sound" style of country music popular in the 1950s. Influenced by rock and roll music and utilizing electric instruments and a backbeat, it went on to influence country-rock and outlaw music. Two of the more famous musicians linked with it are Bakersfield's Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Related topics

Advertisement

However, you may not have known that Bakersfield has also had a history in the world of jazz music as well.

It's the birthplace of some world famous jazz musicians, the home of a renowned annual jazz festival, and a growing training ground for young jazz musicians who are making their mark in the jazz world today. Bakersfield also has a variety of local venues that offer live jazz, including the weekly Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, and several talented, local jazz musicians who can hold their own with anyone.

Here are just six examples of why Bakersfield isn't just a place for country music and honky tonks. Leave a comment if you have some additional ones.

View the list
  • For over 25 years, the annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival has been bringing world class jazz acts to Bakersfield every May. Currently held at the outdoor Amphitheater on the campus of Cal State Bakersfield, the two day event has proven to be very popular.
  • Grammy nominated contemporary jazz artist David Benoit has been recording music since 1977, with over 25 solo recordings. He's also a Bakersfield native.
  • Bakersfield native Mary Osburne was a world renowned jazz guitarist. She was one of the more important and influential women in the world of jazz.
  • Louie Cruz Beltram wowed the crowd at last year's Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles. The Bakersfield native is one of the great Latin jazz bandleaders and musicians.
  • Known primarily as the co-founder of the critically acclaimed rock group, Spirit, drummer Ed Cassidy moved to Bakersfield as a youth. He successfully sought out and played with renowned jazz musicans before forming the group Spirit with his stepson, Randy California. His jazz background heavily influenced their material. Unfortunately, Mr. Skin, as he was known, passed away recently.
  • Since 2006, the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, a 501(c)(5) non-profit corporation, has been filling a need for jazz in Bakersfield. Each week it holds a workshop consisting of a beginning jazz class, a featured jazz act, and an open jazz jam session afterwards.The BJW gives away several thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to deserving jazz students. Additionally, it brings in world famous jazz musicians several times a year for jazz clinics that are offered to the public at no charge, as well as holding an annual benefit concert to help generate funds for the organization.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Bakersfield Jazz Music Examiner

Frank is an environmental engineer with a Master's degree in Environmental Pollution Control. His love of jazz was nurtured by growing up in a family of jazz musicians, one of whom (his mother) continues to perform in her 90's. As a result, it was a natural fit for him to become the Corporate...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...