Quinlin, also the founder of the Boston Irish Tourism Association, hopes to make Massachusetts as much a destination for domestic and international jazz fans as New Orleans, Chicago, or New York. Jazz enthusiasts who go to the MassJazz website will find listings for hundreds of performances, festivals, clubs, and educational programs.
“When people say Massachusetts is a cultural center, they’re not necessarily thinking of jazz,’’ says Eric Jackson, host of “Jazz on WGBH with Eric Jackson.’’ “But there’s fascinating jazz history, not just in Boston but in Worcester and the western part of the state as well.’’ Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney were among the Boston-based pioneers who began touring with Duke Ellington’s band in the 1920s. Pianist Chick Corea, drummer Roy Haynes, and saxophonist Phil Woods were all born in Massachusetts.
In addition to its deep-rooted heritage, the state is still home to a flourishing jazz scene. “There’s no limit to your ability in this area to hear some great jazz along a wide spectrum,’’ Jackson says.
From Pittsfield to Provincetown, there are more than 130 venues with live jazz. The vitality of the jazz scene here surprised even a lifelong aficionado like Quinlin. “I was startled to see how many grass-roots festivals and schools there are across the state,’’ he says.
A lineup of jazz greats regularly comes through Boston throughout the year to perform. “Scullers in Boston and the Regattabar in Cambridge are among the best jazz venues in America and on the circuit for world-class musicians,’’ Quinlin says. “And the Berklee Performance Center is among the most important venues in jazz.’’ Joe Sample, David Sanborn, Kurt Elling and the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, and Gary Burton are among those who will be performing in Boston early this year.
