Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Friday Highlights
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Friday Highlights
Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Friday Highlights
Ambrose Akinmusire
Trumpter Ambrose Akinmusire is a rising star in the jazz world. He christened the Quad Stage with his quartet Friday opening with "Roll Call for Those Absent." His set included covers and originals like "As We Fight." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Bria Skonberg
Trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg was joined by her band The Jazz Compatriots for a rousing set of music. She's another highly regarded new voice on the jazz scene. The band opened with "Hotter than That" as well as classics "So is the Day" and Ellington's "Tea for Two." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Lucky Peterson
Lucky Peterson and his band brought some welcome blues to the Jazz Festival. His varied set included "Lucky's Blues" along with popular classics "I Can See Clearly Now" and closer "Proud Mary." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Christian McBride
Four time Grammy winner Christian McBride is among the top bass players in the world. He led his trio through a set of jazz classics including "Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery and "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" by Brooks Bowman. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Snarky Puppy
2014 Grammy Winning band Snarky Puppy returned to the Festival this year, headlining on the Fort Stage. The Brooklyn, NY based ensemble got the crowd moving with hits "White Cap," "Binky" and "Lingus." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
George Wein
Long time Producer and Newport Festival legend George Wein keeping an eye on things. Wein turns 90 in October. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Berklee Jazz Orchestra
The Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra opened the Festival on the Fort Stage. Under the direction of Greg Hopkins, they are one of the best college bands in the nation. Guitarist Mitch Selib of Medfield, MA was featured on several tunes. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Shawn Kellerman
Shawn Kellerman, guitarist for Lucky Peterson. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Mark Turner
Mark Turner, Sax player for Johnathan Blake Quartet. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Gerry Clayton Quartet
The Gerry Clayton Quartet on the Main Stage. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
The Trumpet
Trumpeters like Bria Skonberg ruled Friday at Newport Jazz. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Lucky Peterson
Lucky Peterson took his guitar out into the crowd during his set. (Photo: Alex Perullo)
