Jazz Fest 2011: Around the world, out in space

There was a hint of things to come back in January when the Detroit Jazz Festival crew let out a few preliminary names for the 2011 festival, names like Davie Holland, Vijay Iyer, Ivan Lins, Amina Figarova, and triple-dose vocal collaboration of Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves and Lizz Wright (saluting Miriam Makeba, Abbey Lincoln and Odetta). With a theme of “We Bring You the World,” the artists represented Brits, Africans, Brazilians, Azerbaijanians and a couple of stripes of Americans.

But the more extensive roster made public Tuesday is breathtaking in its breadth. Among the new names: Jason Moran and the Bandwagon, Luciana Souza and Romero Lubambo, Warren Wolf and WOLFPAC, Anat Cohen, the Joe Lovano Us Five, Paquito D’Rivera, the New Gary Burton Quartet, and the Dave Brubeck Quartet. There’s old school R&B with Chuck Jackson and new school with Rahsaan Patterson. There’s the funk of Mandrill.

There are nods to the Detroit tradition with Regina Carter Reverse Thread, Curtis Fuller and tributes to the Jean Goldkette and J.C. Heard Orchestras.

Oh, yeah, and in addition to the United Nations of performers (the new additions, add Cuba, Israel, Belgium, Japan and other pins to the festival map), the festival goes off-planet with the Sun Ra Arkestra.

It’s free and over the Labor Day weekend, now for the 32^nd time. See the full lineup to date at detroitjazzfest.com.