A cross-section of musicians paid tribute to legendary jazz and soul producer Joel Dorn last night in New York City. The free show was part of Lincoln Centers Outdoor Festival and featured heartfelt performances by a number of Dorns longtime collaborations. The night opened, appropriately enough, with a few songs by the funk outfit Mocean Worker, which features Joel’s son Adam Dorn. New Orleans legend Dr. John then offered a solo piano rendition of ‘April Showers,’ as well as a collaboration with guitarist Cornell Dupree on ‘Next Time I See You.’ Other highlights included Roberta Flack singing ‘First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,’ vocal group The Persuasions’ surprise appearance on ‘The Ten Commandments of Love,’ a solo trumpet workout by Hugh Masekela and a cameo by Washington DC go-go legends Black Heat, who reunited for the first time in 30 years to perform ‘No Time To Burn.’ Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, one of the last groups to record with Dorn during his storied career, also paid tribute to the producers work with Rahsaan Roland Kirk by offering a medley of ‘The Black and Crazy Blues’ and ‘A Laugh For Rory.’
Other performers included Mose Allison, Jane Monheit, Frank Vignola and Wardell Quezerque, who conducted an invisible orchestra. At one point in the evening, Dorns longtime associate Kevin Calabro delivered a touching speech about his work with Dorn at 32 Records, Label M and, most recently, Hyena Records. The evening came full circle by ending with Mocean Worker joining pianist Les McCann for a ripping version of his biggest hit, ‘Compared To What.’