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Newport Jazz Festival 2014, Day 3

Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Smackloud and robust, the horns blasted at the audience with a sound so voluminous it seemed impossible only four horns could have created it.
And yet, four horns had.
"Were you here yesterday?" Boston jazz radio host Eric Jackson had asked the audience during the band introductions no doubt an obvious reference to prior day's the harrowing rain.
"You are hearty souls," he said in response to the cheers. Cheers from a crowd that had gathered for the 60th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management.

Billy Hart
drumsb.1940

Cecil McBee
bassb.1935

George Cables
pianob.1944

Billy Harper
saxophoneb.1943
On an incessant, straight-ahead set, with lots of extended solosthe kind that lasted for 32 bars, used lots of vibrato, left the crowd momentarily stunned, yet had the hearty souls howling for morethe Cookers began the final day of the festival with a high-energy set that received an enthusiastic audience response.
Spurred by a rhythm section that kept constant hold of the one, yet toyed with subtle fills and time changes, the horns drove melodies in varying directions on a set that included Harper's "Captain Black," and "Croquet Ballet," McBee's "Peacemaker and "Farewell Mulgrew," a dedication to the late pianist

Mulgrew Miller
piano1955 - 2013
In contrast to the Cookers' high-octane performance, the

Lee Konitz
saxophone, alto1927 - 2020
Partway through the slow-tempo opener "Stella By Starlight," Konitz sidelined his horn to vocalize some scat. "We're very pleased, and proud, and all those kinds of things, to be here," he told an attentive audience that continuously increased in numbers throughout the performance.
"The pianist is gonna pick the next song. I just hope he picks something we know," Konitz heckled prior to "Thingin," the second piece from the set. At times, the lyrical qualities of Konitz's horn were matched by

Dan Tepfer
pianob.1982
"I chose to play some correct notes," Konitz said about his solo. "I hope you don't mind," he playfully chided.
During "Body and Soul," the ocean breeze kicked up, and the first seagull of the day could be spotted on shore. It wasn't long before raindrops followed.
For "317 East 32nd Street" Kontiz called fellow altoist

Grace Kelly
saxophoneb.1992
At the festival's main stage, the Brubeck brothers wrapped up an extended performance that included "Marian McPartland." Their version of "Take Five" saw Mike DeMicco transpose Paul Desmond's famous alto saxophone melody onto the guitar, while "Blue Rondo A La Turk," showcased Dan Brubeck's drumming.
As the rain continued, a growing number of patrons sought shelter in the Louis Jadot Wine tent, which was located in close proximity to the main stage. In addition to red and white wines, the tent also housed the festivals official beer sponsor, North Coast Brewing Company. Beer offerings included Brother Thelonious, a Belgian Style Abbey Ale, named for the famed jazz pianist

Thelonious Monk
piano1917 - 1982
While the beer may have been Monk, the music was all about Mingus. Opening with "Bemoanable," the Mingus Big Band took to the main stage. Fraught with rhythmic changes, harmonic nuances, and musical precision, the set also included "Invisible Lady," "E's Flat A's Flat Too," and "Fables of Faubus."
Always classy, and a man who consistently displays respect for the music,

Ron Carter
bassb.1937
A commanding presence, Carter's warm, round bass sound anchored a tranquil set laden with meaningful expressions. Joined by guitarist

Russell Malone
guitar1963 - 2024

Donald Vega
piano
Cedar Walton
piano1934 - 2013
The upbeat shuffle, "Laverne Walk," dedicated to the bassist

Oscar Pettiford
bass1922 - 1960

Jim Hall
guitar1930 - 2013
Near the Quad Stage, Elmer's Store, a Cajun food vendor, was kind enough to offer shelter from the rain. Gumbo in hand, patrons experienced the

Gary Burton
vibraphoneb.1943

Jorge Roeder
bass, acoustic"Yeah!" someone in the audience hollered, inspiring a round of applause that prodded Roeder's playing. His hand floated along the bass, procuring notes of varying intonation, climbing higher and higher, until a harmonic overtone rang out, as the band came crashing back in unison.
During "Remember Tango," the rain had noticeably picked up, but the audience's moves were more related to dancing than they were related to avoiding the raindrops.
"Sunday's Uncle," was the third selection from Burton's latest recording Guided Tour. The closing piece,

Milt Jackson
vibraphone1923 - 1999
A noteworthy performance that served as a preservation of sounds,

Brian Torff
bassb.1954

Django Reinhardt
guitar1910 - 1953
Opening with "Djangology," the band brilliantly showcased musical dexterity. Acoustic guitars, violin, accordion, and upright bass braided sounds together creating rarely heard, yet richly detailed music.
Violinist Pierre Blanchard counted off "Charelston," which utilized a variety of scratch chords and bayou backcountry sounds that hinted towards skiffle.
"This is our first time at Newport and we are very excited to be here," Torff said to the crowd, noting that all of the other musicians hail from France
Employing dazzling and elaborate finger picking speeds, the band held the audience captive on "Them There Eyes," while "Lovely Wife," an original piece by guitarist Samson Schmitt, demonstrated musicianship of poetic beauty.
"Tea For Two," which featured Pierre Blanchard's violin work and provided Torff an opportunity for a bass solo, fetched just one of set's five standing ovations.
"Florida Brasil," was comprised of picturesque sounds that conjured images of flowing streams and rolling hills, and "Hate Train" got so heated that Schmitt actually broke two guitar strings. The lively set closed with "Bossa Dorado," and Reinhardt's upbeat "Minor Swing."
In what was one of the festival's most unique and interesting performances, the music of Django Reinhardt brought the Quad Stage to its end, and the 60th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival was soon over. Newport: a heralded past that stands poised with a promising future. Now, here's to hoping that next year will a little drier!
Photo Credit: Richard Conde
Tags
Live Reviews
Timothy J. O'Keefe
United States
Rhode Island
Providence
Billy Hart
cecil mcbee
George Cables
billy harper
Mulgrew Miller
Lee Konitz
Dan Tepfer
grace kelly
Thelonious Monk
Ron Carter
Russell Malone
Donald Vega
Cedar Walton
Oscar Pettiford
Jim Hall
Gary Burton
JORGE ROEDER
Milt Jackson
Brian Torff
Django Reinhardt
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