Festival Review: Day 3 of the 70th Newport Jazz Festival

The day began with a bang as legendary bassist Buster Williams, who has performed with greats like Chet Baker, Chick Corea, and Ron Carter, opened the festivities. His set delivered exactly what longtime fans craved, while also educating newer attendees about the traditional jazz stylings of the bass.

Drummer Kassa Overall and his band took the stage next, urging the audience to keep an open mind as they explored jazz through a kaleidoscopic, subversive, avant-garde lens. His innovative drumming and experimental sound pushed the boundaries of the genre, captivating the audience with every beat.

Throughout the day, the festival’s four stages were alive with the sounds of jazz. Fans and musicians alike hung on every note, relishing the spontaneity and transcendence that each performance brought. Cimafunk’s set was a highlight, blending Cuban rhythms and traditions with influences from Africa and the US, creating an infectious groove that had the crowd dancing.

The future of jazz was showcased in the "Newport at 70" set, featuring young, upcoming artists like Braxton Cook, Giveton Gelin, Savannah Harris, Aneesa Strings, Caelan Cardello, Nicole Glover, and Elena Pinderhughes. Their performances demonstrated that jazz is in incredible hands, each musician bringing their unique voice and vision to the festival.

Returning artist Laufey graced the main stage, "The Fort," treating her fans to a stunning set that underscored why she won the 2024 Grammy for "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album." Her performance was both intimate and grand, captivating the audience with her remarkable voice and storytelling.

Festival curator Christian McBride was a constant presence throughout the day, introducing sets, sharing stories about each artist, and beaming with pride. His passion for jazz was evident as he finally joined the Jam Jawn on bass, performing alongside legends like Fred Wesley, Steve Jordan, Russell Gunn, and Christian Sands. McBride’s joy and humility in playing with such esteemed musicians were palpable, adding to the magic of the day.

The festival closed with a rousing performance by Nile Rodgers & Chic, disco's greatest band. Their set had the audience dancing to urban funk and disco beats that echoed across the water surrounding The Fort. The infectious energy and timeless hits provided a fitting and jubilant end to the festival.

As the 70th Newport Jazz Festival came to a close, it was clear that this historic event continues to thrive, celebrating its rich legacy while embracing the future of jazz. Fans left eagerly anticipating what the next year will bring, confident that Newport will once again deliver unforgettable moments and musical magic.