Another year in the book’s for Vail Jazz Party.  Wycliffe returned to Vail once again to work with some incredibly young talent and then he shined with members of the Vail Party House Band in the opening night concert to a packed tent!  Saturday he stepped in for the amazing James Morrison, when he was turned away at the airport for visa issues!  Welcome to the USA!–well not this time, sadly.  Wycliffe duplicated the popular show that Morrison was set to do, playing at least 10 different instruments and showcasing his versatility and his awesome chops!

Sunday he was up early, bringing his Gospel sensibilities to the stage for another packed house eager to hear the soulful sounds of this year’s lineup.  He rounded out the day with another Vail Party House Band show, his back-by-popular-demand “Funk” show that had everyone up on their feet dancing to the music of James Brown and Aretha Franklin, he was a guest at the evening’s ballroom show to honor Chicago sax legends and then if that wasn’t enough, he appeared on the popular late night jam session hosted by mate Adrian Cunningham.

Labor Day came to a close with a stirring set with vocalist Rene Marie, a final set by the Vail Party House Band and a final showdown with the featured artists from the weekend.  This year’s festival was truly a “labor” of love and Wycliffe hopes to return again soon!