In upper-echelon jazz, Adrian Crutchfield, 41, and Ben Tankard, 62, are both considered gold standards. On Sept. 12, the gifted musicians transformed the Salem Civic Center Community Room into a colorful, memorable concert experience.
The sold-out event, which lasted from 5 to 10 p.m., underscored their popularity and impact on the genre. Jazz lovers of all ages attended the occasion. Other talented musicians joined the gentlemen on stage throughout the show.
To celebrate his wedding anniversary, Dominique Smith surprised the love of his life with tickets. “Since I’ve been a fan of both artists for years, I anticipated a great showing and they did not disappoint. The way my wife looked at me as we held hands took me back to when we were in high school,” Smith said. “We had dinner afterwards and she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm.”
Since the mid-1980s, Tankard has been making music professionally. His career accomplishments include releasing more than 20 studio albums, winning a 2010 Stellar Award for Best Instrumental LP and earning a Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist. “How Great is God,” “Remind Me” and “Tall, Dark & Jazzy” are some of the critically acclaimed songs in his discography.
When Crutchfield was four, he received his first saxophone. It all happened when jazz legend Kenny G, performing a concert in Roanoke, noticed the young Crutchfield’s fascination from the audience. Kenny soon stopped the show to invite the youngster on stage. Minutes later, he presented a young Crutchfield with a saxophone.
Halfway through the Sept. 12 concert, Crutchfield took a moment to reflect on that life-altering experience. “Kenny played a nursery rhyme and handed me an electronic wind instrument, literally putting the horn in my hands. That certainly sparked my career,” he said.
Anthony Hamilton, Bette Midler, Ceelo Green, Fantasia Barrino, K-Ci & JoJo and Young Jeezy are among the household names Crutchfield has had a chance to work with.
The last horn-man to perform and record with Prince and the New Power Generation, Crutchfield was featured on “Hit-N-Run Phase 2,” a Prince album that was nominated for a Grammy in 2017.
To Ryan Anderson, the concert was a great way to close out the summer. “Good musicians make quality art; the great ones can make people feel something real and deep. That is exactly what Adrian and Ben did for all in attendance last Saturday,” he said. “I hope that they both return.”
