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Renewing the Legacy: The Day 2 Musical Odyssey at the Newport Jazz Festival

By Dave Kaufman
October 3, 2023
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Day 1 | Day 2 | Part 3

The first day at the Newport showcased a multitude of performers who could be described as "beyond jazz" or "jazz adjacent." Their performances were greeted enthusiastically, and they added a palpable energy and a festive vibe. In the last two days of the festival, the balance shifted somewhat to artists working within the elastic boundaries of the tradition. Kudos to artist director

Christian McBride

bass
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Christian McBride for curating an exceptional roster of artists, including those with broader youth appeal and artists more likely to appeal to old-school jazz aficionados. It was an excellent and immensely satisfying mix. McBride also served as MC at many of the events with good humor and predictable nods to the city of Philadelphia. He also graced the stage with performances, including his ensemble, Jam Jawn, and an appearance with

Joshua Redman

saxophone
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Joshua Redman's Moodswing Reunion— standing as high points of the weekend.

This in-picture essay is not intended to be a review but an opportunity to share my experiences, thoughts, and impressions in prose and images.

Saxophonist and vocalist

Camille Thurman

saxophone
b.1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Camille Thurman accompanied by the

Darrell Green

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Darrell Green Quartet gave a rousing performance to open day. Trumpeter

Wallace Roney Jr

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Wallace Roney Jr, son of the late great

Wallace Roney

trumpet
1960 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Wallace Roney, who would later perform with

Bobby Watson

saxophone, alto
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Watson, was one of the unheralded stars of the day. Thurman and Roney Jr. forged a great front line. Thurman is a rising star in the jazz world, and this was unequivocally affirmed by this performance.

In recent years,

James Brandon Lewis

saxophone, tenor
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">James Brandon Lewis (JBL) has garnered considerable praise for his extraordinary talents as a musician, composer, and live performer. His Jesup Wagon album was named Downbeat Album of the Year in 2022. Making his Newport debut, JBL led a trio including drummer

Chad Taylor

drums
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Chad Taylor and bass guitarist

Josh Werner

" data-original-title="" title="">Josh Werner. Over the past decade, Taylor and JBL have frequently collaborated and have a superb musical chemistry that was evident in this performance. JBL's music perfectly straddles the boundaries between tradition and free jazz. He is a deeply emotional and spiritual player, as most clearly reflected in his recently released album, For Mahalia, With Love. On this occasion, the music was drawn mostly from his acclaimed album, Eye of I, including a jazz rendering of the gorgeous

Donny Hathaway

vocals
1945 - 1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Donny Hathaway R&B classic, "Someday We'll All be Free," and the gospel-informed blues-soaked "Even the Sparrow." The performance was one of the great highlights of Day 2.

I caught about 15 minutes of the

Superblue

" data-original-title="" title="">Superblue set. This is a relatively new group featuring vocalist

Kurt Elling

vocals
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Kurt Elling, innovative guitarist/bass guitarist Charlie Hunter, drummer

Nate Smith

drums
b.1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Nate Smith, keyboard player

Julius Rodriguez

piano
b.1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Julius Rodriguez, and a three-man horn section,

Chris Ott

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Ott on trombone,

Dan White

saxophone
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Dan White on saxophone,

Jon Lampley

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Lampley on trumpet. The music had more of a groove, and R&B feel representing something of a change for Elling. A highlight was a splendid version of the great Eddie Money song "Baby Hold On to Me."

Alto saxophonist and esteemed composer Bobby Watson is renowned for leading exceptional ensembles, including his longtime group, Horizon (later New Horizon and Horizon Reassembled), and the Newport All-Star Quintet was no exception. He was accompanied by longtime collaborator

Curtis Lundy

bass
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Curtis Lundy on bass and veteran

Victor Jones

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Victor Jones on drums.

Wallace Roney Jr

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Wallace Roney Jr, on trumpet, and

Jordan Williams

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jordan Williams, a young, immensely talented pianist, rounded out the ensemble. Watson's music presents a fascinating duality: while deeply rooted in the hard bop jazz tradition, it continually resonates as fresh and innovative. His strong compositions are punctuated by enticing hooks drawing on the blues and R&B.

Among the numerous outstanding performances, the one by the illustrious

Charles Lloyd

saxophone
b.1938

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Lloyd Quartet stood as the pinnacle. At 85, Lloyd demonstrated that he is at the apex of his artistic prowess, delivering an exceptional performance. This year, he was honored with Downbeat's Artist of the Year award—a recognition he first received in 1967. Lloyd's relationship with the Newport Jazz Festival dates back to 1961 when he performed alongside

Chico Hamilton

drums
1921 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Chico Hamilton. This year, he took the stage with his "New Quartet," comprised of

Jason Moran

piano
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Jason Moran on piano,

Reuben Rogers

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Reuben Rogers on bass, and

Eric Harland

drums
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Harland on drums. Initially formed in 2007, this ensemble has frequently worked together over the years, with Harland and Rogers continuing as Lloyd's regulars. This occasion marked a noteworthy return for Moran.

The quartet opened with an extraordinarily compelling rendition of "Dream Weaver," a track that was a big hit for Lloyd in the 1960s. I've had the privilege of witnessing Lloyd's performances multiple times, yet this was the first time I heard him play this particular piece. Lloyd is a master of melodic improvisation, imbued with a profound spiritual depth. His compositions are counted among the most remarkable in the jazz repertoire. A particularly electrifying moment came with Jason Moran's intensely impassioned piano solo on "Zoltan," a composition by

Woody Shaw

trumpet
1944 - 1989

" data-original-title="" title="">Woody Shaw. As Moran performed, Lloyd looked on, his face awash with evident pride and delight. The quartet's performance was unequivocally the high point of a festival replete with memorable moments.

Guitarist

Julian Lage

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Julian Lage has emerged as a most valuable player in the world of jazz. His contributions span a myriad of sessions and albums, collaborating with artists as diverse as Charles Lloyd,

John Zorn

saxophone, alto
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">John Zorn, and

Kris Davis

piano
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Kris Davis. Additionally, he has built an impressive body of work as a bandleader, often working in the trio format. Lage appeared with his trio, including longtime partner

Jorge Roeder

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Jorge Roeder and

Dave King

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave King, best known for co-leading

The Bad Plus

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.2000

" data-original-title="" title="">The Bad Plus. The trio has played together for the last few years and has developed a remarkable rapport characterized by keen telepathic communication. Roeder, a much in-demand bassist, is a musician of remarkable sensitivity and responsiveness. King is a most dynamic drummer. Lage has a beautiful guitar sound immediately recognizable across different contexts. The group was in exceptional form and seemingly having a great time on stage. Sadly, the event was sandwiched between Christian McBrides Jam Jawn and

Arooj Aftab

vocals
b.1985

" data-original-title="" title="">Arooj Aftab,

Vijay Iyer

piano
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Vijay Iyer and

Shahzad Ismaily

bass, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Shahzad Ismaily's performance. There was a significant overlap between the three performances; regrettably, I could see only 15 minutes. Friends who caught the entire set suggested it the day's best performance.

Christian McBride led an all-star "Jam Jawn" featuring saxophonist

Ravi Coltrane

saxophone, tenor
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Ravi Coltrane, guitarist

Eric Krasno

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Krasno, drummer

Nate Smith

drums
b.1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Nate Smith, percussionist

Negah Santos

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Negah Santos, and legendary pianist

Bob James

piano
b.1939

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob James. The setlist ran the gamut from a beautiful version of

Afro Blue

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Afro Blue to

James Brown

vocals
1933 - 2006

" data-original-title="" title="">James Brown's "Sex Machine" to Bob James compositions, including the "Theme from the Taxi." James, at age 83, is still an extraordinary pianist and soloist. This was a set you couldn't help but enjoy.

And now for something completely different. Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance drawing on their critically acclaimed album, Love In Exile. The three musicians play largely improvised music ranging from gorgeous minimalist soundscapes to chamber jazz. To paraphrase Banuj Kappal's writing for Pitchfork, recurring themes and motifs invite you into these "complex emotional inner worlds." The Newport Festival is fast-paced, punctuated by relatively short sets and then having to rush to the next stage. But if you could tune out the external world albeit briefly, there were moments that were transcendent.

Jon Batiste

piano
b.1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Batiste closed the festival with a dynamic performance, fronting a 17-piece big band including 11 horn players. The main stage was packed for this highly anticipated finale. There was an extended platform reaching into the photo pit, where a throng of about 30 photographers jostled for shots. Batiste was in perpetual motion, and getting one's camera to focus and the shutter to fire was quite challenging. Batiste is not just a prodigiously talented musician but also a captivating entertainer. He and his ensemble gave a full-throttle 90-minute performance that electrified the large crowd. A standout moment was a compelling rendition of his hit song "Freedom," which had everyone on their feet dancing. The performance served as a perfect capstone to another extraordinary day of music. View Slideshow

With Camille Thurman at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Dan White and Jon Lampley with Superblue at the Newport...

Shahzad Ismaily with Love in Exile at the Newport Jazz...

Vijay Iyer with Love in Exile at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Vijay Iyer With Love In Exile At The Newport Jazz Festival...

Darrell Green with Camille Thurman at the Newport Jazz...

Arooj Aftab with Love in Exile at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Shahzad Ismaily with Love in Exile at the Newport Jazz...

The Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Ryan Lerman with Scary Goldings at The Newport Jazz...

Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Charles Lloyd At The Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Christian McBride at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Charlie Hunter with Superblue at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Camille Thurman at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Bobby Watson and Curtis Lundy at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Bobby Watson and Christian McBride at the Newport Jazz...

Ravi Coltrane with Christian McBride's Jam Jawn at the...

James Brandon Lewis, Chad Taylor And Josh Werner At The...

Rudy Royston with Big Gigantic Does Jazz at the Newport...

with Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Josh Werner with the James Brandon Lewis Trio at the...

Julian Lage at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Julian Lage and Jorge Roeder at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Nate Smith at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

With Camille Thurman and Darrell Green Quartet at the...

Nick Cassarino with Jennifer Hartswick at the Newport Jazz...

Eric Harland with Charles Lloyd at the Newport Jazz...

with Big Gigantic Does Jazz at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Julian Lage and Jorge Roeder at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Jennifer Hartswick at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Dave King with the Julian Lage Trio at the Newport Jazz...

Jennifer Hartswick with Nick Cassarino Duo at the Newport...

James Brandon Lewis At The Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Chad Taylor with James Brandon Lewis at the Newport Jazz...

Ravi Coltrane with Christian McBride's Jam Jawn at the...

Arooj Aftab with Love in Exile at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Ingrid Jensen with Orrin Evans at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Ingrid Jensen with Orrin Evans at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Louis Cato at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Nate Smith with Superblue at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Nêgah Santos with Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival...

Randy Runyon with Big Gigantic Does Jazz at the Newport...

James Brandon Lewis at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Reuben Rogers with Charles Lloyd at the Newport Jazz...

Charles Lloyd at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Wallace Roney Jr. at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

Dominic Lalli with Big Gigantic Does Jazz at the Newport...

Jon Batiste at the Newport Jazz Festival 2023

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