Miles Davis Permeates Playboy Jazz Lineup

With producer George Wein, executive producer Hugh Hefner and several of the musicians on hand at the Playboy Mansion, plans were announced Wednesday for the 12th annual Playboy Jazz Festival, to be held Saturday and Sunday June 16-17 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Maintaining what looks like a better-than-usual balance between artistic and economic considerations, Wein has lined up a show over which the shadow of Miles Davis hangs heavily. In addition to Davis’ own group, the Saturday attractions include such Davis alumni as Herbie Hancock, Jack De Johnette and Dave Holland, who will join with Pat Metheny to introduce a new quartet. Ex-Davis drummer Tony Williams will lead his quintet. Chick Corea will bring his Akoustic Band, and will reappear Sunday leading his Elektric Band.

Wayne Shorter, who played in Davis’ legendary 1960s band, will make a guest appearance Sunday with Milton Nascimento; also on Sunday Gerry Mulligan, who was part of Davis’ “Birth of the Cool” band, will lead his group.

Doc Severinsen and Lionel Hampton will offer big band sounds Saturday and Sunday respectively. Two vocal blues legends will join forces Saturday when Joe Williams presents Jay McShann as his guest; the Sunday singer will be Etta James.

Piano sounds will include Brazil’s Elaine Elias on Saturday and, in her first-ever Bowl appearance, the virtuosic Dorothy Donegan on Sunday. Rounding out the Saturday program will be Poncho Sanchez’s Salsa Band with guest Tito Puente, and the Western States Jazz Contest winner. Sunday, Lee Ritenour will head a unit including Ernie Watts; Hiroshima will play its first Playboy gig since 1980, and the Cognac Hennessy Jazz Search winner will open the show.

For the 10th time, Bill Cosby will emcee. Starting May 6 there will be 11 free-admission community events, among them a jazz cruise aboard the California Hornblower June 3, featuring the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut band and pianist Ross Tompkins.