Larry Carlton: You've heard his guitar on songs from Neil Diamond to Barbra Streisand

Larry Carlton is scheduled to play a Saturday set at this year's Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
Larry Carlton is scheduled to play a Saturday set at this year's Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
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Fans at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival might not recognize Larry Carlton’s name, but they’ve almost certainly heard his guitar. He’s been a studio sideman for years, playing on songs by Neil Diamond, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, the Four Tops, the Partridge Family, Wayne Newton, Leo Sayer, Barbra Streisand and dozens of others.

What time does Larry Carlton play at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Larry Carlton plays on the Groovin’ Stage at Ford on Bay starting at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, May 27.

Who is Larry Carlton?

In addition to thousands of studio sessions for other artists and a long stretch playing with the Crusaders, Carlton has carved out an impressive jazz career for himself. He’s put out two dozen solo albums, recorded the theme song for “Hill Street Blues,” won four Grammy awards and once lost the use of his left arm for six months after being shot by an intruder.

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What songs am I likely to know from Larry Carlton?

In his live shows, Carlton plays a few hits from his days with the Crusaders (“Chain Reaction,” “Soul Caravan,” “The Well’s Gone Dry”) and covers of hits from the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson and Carole King.

Has Larry Carlton ever played at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Yes, Carlton played at the 1989 festival, held at Metropolitan Park.

Where is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be on two stages, just a few blocks apart along the banks of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville.

The Swingin’ Stage will be at Riverfront Plaza, where the Jacksonville Landing used to stand. The Groovin’ Stage will be at Ford on Bay, a vacant space on Bay Street where the old Duval County Courthouse used to stand.

When is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

4-11 p.m. Friday, May 26; 4-11 p.m. Saturday, May 27; 4-10:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28

How much are tickets to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

All shows at the festival are free. VIP packages with reserved seating are sold out for every festival day except Friday. They’re priced at $199.

What should I bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

  • A credit or debit card: The festival is “cashless.”

  • A chair or blanket: The festival does not provide seating, other than in VIP sections.

  • A raincoat or umbrella: The festival is a rain-or-shine event.

  • A bit of patience: Security will briefly check your bags as you enter the festival grounds, possibly causing delays.

  • A comfortable pair of shoes: You can expect to do a good bit of walking and standing at the shows.

What can I not bring with me to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

Large coolers, tents, beach umbrellas, pets, grills, alcohol, professional recording equipment, knives, guns, skateboards, golf carts, Frisbees, drones and laser pointers.

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What events are associated with the Jacksonville Jazz Festival?

  • The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, which pits five rising pianists against one another on the Florida Theatre stage, is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25.

  • A pair of jazz clinics will be held at the Moran Theater on Saturday, May 27. The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors will lead a clinic at 10 a.m. that day and jazz bassist Reuben Rogers will lead another at 1 p.m.

  • An improvisational Jazz Jam will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 27, at One Enterprise, 225 Water St.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2023 lineup: Guitarist Larry Carlton