All photos by Bill O’Brien
The 10th year of the recently concluded 2018 Branford Jazz summer series ended on a high note with the performance of saxophonist Elan Trotman & Tropicality, before an estimated audience of 700 on the Branford Green.
Trotman and his group were one of the high energy performers the jazz series scheduled over July and August. His music was inspired by such legendary artists as Kirk Whalum and Grover Washington, and his genre covers jazz, contemporary jazz and new age jazz.
The colorful Trotman was energetic all night long
Other members of Tropicality playing in the finale with Trotman were…
Ace Livingston, bass;
Will Davis drum;,
Kareem Thompson (left), steel drum…
and area artist Jay Rowe (right) on keys. Rowe joined the group at the concert finale
Carol Vigoritto, a longtime Branford resident, was seated at the back of the green enjoying the sounds with her son Glen and his wife Debra. “This group is very exciting to listen to,” said Vigoritto during the concert. “Elan Trotman is electric. He doesn’t stop,” she added.
Intermission is a good time for interaction with the crowd…
Including two jazz series regulars…
And a youngster, who gives the charismatic Trotman a fist bump.
Trotman is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. He blends Caribbean rhythms from his roots in the Bahamas to produce a unique sound full of surprises.
Some young folks stopped by to enjoy the music.
Alex Palluzzi, a member of the jazz committee, and director of the town’s recreation department, (here with staff member Victor Amatori) shouted the praises of the Tropicality group. “We saved them for last,” said Palluzzi with a smile. “Our committee did a pretty good job selecting the talent for this year’s series, don’t you think?”
He was right as the audience each week was up and dancing sometimes even before intermission. Each concert had performers that the crowd enjoyed. “I can’t remember one concert that a number of folks in the audience didn’t get up and dance”, said Victor Amatori, another member of the committee, who is also with the Recreation Department.
The crowd relaxes between songs.
Jack and Amy Norton along with their daughter Melanie, and 8‑year-old Oliver.
“I had several conflicts this year and couldn’t make all the concerts”, said Bill Miolene, who was there with his wife Geri.” If they were all as good as I heard, I won’t miss any next year that’s for sure.”
ET closes the show.