10 Don't Miss Acts at 2016 Newport Jazz
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
10 Don't Miss Acts at 2016 Newport Jazz
10 "Don't Miss" Acts at Newport Jazz 2016
Kamasi Washington
Kamasi Washington took the Jazz world by storm a year ago with the release of The Epic. The album is a tour de force from a musical collaborative led by Washington. You'll also find him crossing genres on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly. He's playing Friday on the Fort Stage and Sunday on the Quad Stage.
Lizz Wright
Lizz Wright is one of those artists who stretches the boundries of jazz. Her sound combines elements of R&B, folk and jazz to crate a really great vibe. Check out her recent album Freedom and Surrender and look for her on the Quad stage Sunday at 1:55. (Photo: Jesse Kitt)
Chick Corea
Chick Corea is a legend in jazz world, having begin his career in the 1960's with Miles Davis. He'll be celebrating his 75th birthday in Newport along with his Trilogy consisting of Christian McBride on bass and Brian Blade on drums. They play Friday night at the Tennis Hall of Fame and again on Saturday at 2:30 on the Fort Stage.
Kneebody
Kneebody returns to Newport after a well received appearance last summer. With pulsing keyboards and hip hop beats, the band is known to cross musicial genres. They play Friday at 2PM on the Fort Stage. (Photo: Paul Fornia)
Jose James
Jose James is a popular vocalist who is known to blend hip hop and jazz. He recently released a tribute album, Yesterday I Had the Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday, in honor of the singer's 100th birthday. He'll perform on the Fort Stage Sunday at 12:50. (Photo: Janette Beckman)
Angelique Kidjo
Angelique Kidjo comes to Newport on the heels of her second winning Grammy award in the World Music category. She's one of the top African jazz vocalists ever and is also a social activist and UNICEF goodwill ambassador. She'll close the Festival Sunday at 5:15 on the Fort Stage.
Joey Alexander
13 year old Joey Alexander returns to the Jazz Festival after making a huge splash last year. The child prodigy, who was featured on 60 minutes in January, has been described as a genius on keyboards by Wynton Marsallis among others. He brings his trio to the Quad Stage Saturday at 2PM. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Nels Cline
Nels Cline is probably better known to most as the lead guitarist from Wilco. He's played in a number of formats throughout his career and arrives in Newport Sunday with his 17 piece ensemble and a new album. Lovers. Catch his band on the Fort Stage Sunday at 11:25.
Tierney Sutton
Tierney Sutton is a gifted vocalist who is expected to bring her "After Blue" project to Newport. The project is based on the work of Joni Mitchell and was nominated for a Grammy award in 2013. She appears on the Quad Stage Friday at 3:05.
Galactic
Galactic is a popular New Orleans band returning to Newport after a rousing set in 2015. They blend classic New Orleans sounds with modern vibes. Check them out when they play the Fort Stage Friday at 5PM.
