The demise of one of the world's premier jazz advocacy organizations topped the jazz world's headlines during 2008, a year that also saw several jazz festivals impacted by the worsening economy. Yet the music itself--and its makers--continue to survive if not thrive in many ways. Here's a look at notable happenings and achievements...

Frequently, even free music downloads can be overpriced. Of course, there are always exceptions to any rule and the Monterey Jazz Festival 2008 Music Sampler from iTunes is one fine example of how free can be worth so much more than nothing. Upon entering the Monterey Fairgrounds on a festival day, there's an assortment of people selling programs, providing security and generally just wandering around. Add to it the sounds of music emanating from the various stages and the smells coming from the food booths surrounding the grounds' perimeter and you have a perfect recipe for sensory overload. Hidden in this mélange of music, merriment and meals are a few people whose sole purpose for that day is to give you something for nothing...

Renato Sellani does not have to play the piano to charm you. At the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia in July of this year, he could be seen walking his small dog Briciola through the crowded piazzas. At 82, he walks carefully, with a slight stoop. They were an endearing pair: Sellani impeccable in striped blazer and jeans and Nikes, Briciola toddling at the end of her leash. The cigarette hanging from Sellani's mouth completed the package...

City Jazz Festival December 4-5, 2008 16 Tons Moscow, Russia {{Erik Truffaz = 14260}} December 4 Swiss trumpeter Erik Truffaz, a moderately well-known figure on the international tour circuit, surely counts Russia as a favorite gigging destination. This concert, in a popular pub-cum-music-club called 16 Tons, saw him welcomed by a highly enthusiastic young crowd--a far cry from the standard demographic at most similar events in the UK. Despite lengthy delays in reaching the city after landing at the airport, Truffaz and his quartet played with similar vigor, whipping up euphoric grooves based on relatively simple melodic and harmonic ideas. His effective cross-section of jazz and popular music is the main source of his mainstream appeal, although the live show was nevertheless largely sans gimmicks save for the drummer's momentary dabbling with electronic randomness. Obvious references can be made to the late work of Miles Davis, so it's not particularly original, but the band was enjoyable to watch and Truffaz can certainly look forward to many happy returns to city and country...