Festival Review: Day 2 of the 70th Newport Jazz Festival

The day began under warm skies with an electrifying set by trumpet player Riley Mulherkar, whose brilliant technique and emotive playing set a high bar for the performances to come.

Following Mulherkar, pianist and vocalist Nicole Zuraitis graced the stage, captivating the audience with her soulful voice and intricate piano work. Her set was a perfect blend of jazz standards and original compositions, leaving the crowd in awe of her versatility and talent.

The trio "Golden, Brown and Delicious," featuring Mark Whitfield on guitar, Robert Hurst on bass, and Jeff Watts on drums, delivered a standout performance. Their seamless collaboration and individual virtuosity created a dynamic and engaging set that highlighted the best of contemporary jazz.

A moving tribute to Wayne Shorter was led by Ravi Coltrane, son of the legendary John Coltrane. This homage to Shorter's legacy was both a reflection on the past and a celebration of his lasting impact on jazz, with Ravi's performance capturing the spirit and innovation that defined Shorter's career.

Up-and-coming jazz guitarist Leanna La Havas wowed the crowd with her stunning technique and fresh approach to jazz guitar. Her innovative playing and captivating stage presence left an indelible impression, and fans are eager to see where she takes the genre in the future.

Artemis, a five-woman jazz ensemble, delivered a powerful and cohesive set that resonated deeply with the audience. Their synergy and mastery of their instruments kept fans glued to their spots, refusing to move until the final note.

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Samara Joy returned to the Newport Jazz Festival for the third consecutive year, this time gracing the biggest stage, "The Fort." Her Billie Holiday-esque set was met with resounding cheers and applause, propelling her through a mesmerizing performance that confirmed her status as one of jazz's rising stars.

The Quad Stage transformed into a dance floor as chairs were cleared to make way for the infectious beats of Acid is Dead, followed by the indescribable Thievery Corporation. These sets added a modern, danceable twist to the festival, bringing a different energy to the day’s proceedings.

Elvis Costello made a triumphant return to the main stage, having last performed at the Newport Folk Festival. His set was a delightful blend of jazz and rock, bridging genres in a way that only he can.

The evening closed with a spectacular dinner party performance by a supergroup featuring Robert Glasper on keyboard, Kamasi Washington on sax, and Terrance Martin on sax and keys. This unique collaboration was a perfect encapsulation of the festival's spirit, showcasing history, tradition, transformation, and the future of jazz.

As day 2 came to an end, the Newport Jazz Festival once again proved its ability to celebrate the rich heritage of jazz while embracing its ever-evolving nature. The lineup highlighted the genre's past, present, and future, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the final day will bring.