The 2016 Newport Jazz Festival was a non-stop exciting exposure to all style of jazz within the genre. The Friday program offered a full day featuring largely newer acts celebrating younger players. The Friday evening program at the Newport Casino embraces the origins of Newport Jazz Festival at the site of the original festival in 1954, This classy affair featured Chick Corea and Gregory Porter. The Saturday program was sold out and coupled with a very hot sunny day as well as a Regatta nearby and then a water main break on one of the two main arteries in and out. Needless to say, my role as a driver for Festival made for a full day on the road Saturday. Sunday afforded some great opportunities to capture some of the acts. I am enthralled with Gregory Porter's voice and Lizz Wright has captivated me from the start. I was surprised to see that she hadn't been back since 2002! One word describes her - Beautiful! Her voice is delectable and I consider one of the shots I captured to be my "one and done". Had I had to stop shooting after that frame, I'd have been happy. The Django Festival All Stars returned after appearing here in 2014 and their take on gypsy jazz is incomparable. Kamasi Washington is the newest name on the roster and he was considered by many to be the high point of the weekend. I missed hearing Joey Alexander and Monty Alexander, two of my piano faves.
The heat proved to be a challenge for some and the medical crew was active. I had the joy of spending some time with Jimmy Heath, Charles Lloyd and The Django group. The time will pass quickly as we approach the 2017 Festivals. I, for one, can not wait. Enjoy!