Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Weekend Highlights
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Weekend Highlights
The 2015 Newport Jazz Festival was an unqualified success this weekend at Fort Adams State Park. Fingers were snappin' and toes were tappin’ to beautiful weather and gifted performers all weekend long. GoLocal was there with Photographer Rick Farrell and Music Critic Ken Abrams. Check out some highlights in our slide show of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival.
Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Weekend Highlights
Cassandra Wilson
Cassandra Wilson hit the stage with a $100 bill and a crack band behind her. Her show was a tribute to jazz legend Billie Holiday who was born 100 years ago. Wilson strode through several classics including “You Go to My Head,” “These Foolish Things,” and “Billie’s Blues.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Pat Martino
Pat Martino is a veteran jazz guitarist who hung out with legends Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane as a teenager in Philadelphia. He brought his Organ Trio to Newport featuring organist Pat Bianchi. Their set didn’t disappoint; the band played originals “Mac Tough,” and “Inside Out,” as well as the Montgomery classic “Full House.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Hiromi
Hiromi returned to Newport this year playing the Fort Stage Saturday. A native of Japan, Hiromi came to the United States to study at Berklee College in 1999. The dynamic pianist led her Trio Project through several original compositions including “Warrior,” “Dreamer” and “Alive.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is a jazz artist who’s hit the big time. His enthusiastic performance demonstrated why he was chosen to be the band leader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His diverse set Saturday included the jazz classic “Love for Sale” as well as “If You’re Happy and You Know it” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly joined Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human throughout the weekend. The saxophonist leads her own band as well and is part of a recently released documentary film about the late sax player Frank Morgan. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Lisa Fischer
Lisa Fischer may be best known as a backup vocalist with the Rolling Stones. But she shines brightest with her own band Grand Baton. She rocked the house with her 1991 Grammy winning single “How Can I Ease the Pain,” as well as a couple of re-arranged Stones classics, “Jumping Jack Flash,” and “Wild Horses.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Tom Harrell
Legendary flugelhorn/trumpeter Tom Harrell and his quintet played to a full house on the Harbor Stage. He’s played on over 260 recordings during the course of his 40+ year career. The band played Harrell’s original compositions including “Delta of the Mile” and “Journey to the Stars.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Kenny Garrett
Kenny Garrett is one of the leading saxophone players in the world today. He began his career playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and later played with Miles Davis. He won a Grammy in 2010 for his collaboration album Five Peace Band. Saturday, fans heard “J. Mac,” “Happy People” and “Wayne’s Thing.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Irvin Mayfield
Irvin Mayfield and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra closed the proceedings on Saturday with a lively set of spicy classics. Jazz, rock and pop came together for hits like “Angola,” “Overjoyed” and “We Will Rock You.”The Grammy winning artist is a tireless advocate for the city and music of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Brandon Ross
Brandon Ross, lead guitarist for Cassandra Wilson, has played with other jazz stars like Bill Frisell as well as mainstream artists including Joan Osborne. He had solos on several numbers including "With a Little Moonlight," and "All of Me." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
RIMEA Jazz Ensemble
Every year at Newport, the Rhode Island Music Educator's Association takes part in the festivities with the RIMEA Senior Jazz Ensemble. The band features some of the best high school students in state led by conductor Willie Hill. Their set included selections from jazz greats John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and John Scofield. (Pictured: Nick Schmidt on guitar.) (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Scott Robinson
Scott Robinson fronted his doctette on the Harbor Stage Sunday. He was overshadowed physically (but not musically) by his contrasax, a gigantic instrument that makes the stand up bass seem like a violin. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
John Faddis
John Faddis led a three trumpet attack Sunday on the Quad Stage with the help of his able band and fellow horn blowers Sean Jones and Marquis Hill. Faddis, who is known for playing some of the highest notes possible on the trumpet, impressed with originals and covers including the Miles Davis classic "Seven Steps to Heaven." (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Dr. John
New Orleans ambassador Dr. John got the party started at the Fort Stage on Sunday. He returned to Newport after illness forced him to cancel last year. Fans rocked to hits "Jockamo," "St. James Infirmary" and "Goodnite Irene." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Joey Alexander
12 year old Joey Alexander is a child prodigy who has made a huge impression on the jazz world. With film crews in tow, he entertained those present with jazz classics "Footprints" and "It Might as Well be Spring." (Photo: Rick Farrell)
MMEA
Massachusetts Music Educators Association Jazz Band (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Jon Lampley
Stay Human trumpeter Jon Lampley (Photo: Ken Abrams)
James Carter
Award winning saxophonist James Carter (Photo: Rick Farrell)
