After a pandemic gap year, the Newport Jazz Festival came roaring back over the weekend, with a reduced capacity but an overspill of excitement and goodwill.
The return of in-person festivals this summer is hardly a carefree concern, as Hilary Hughes reported for NPR Music from the Newport Folk Festival, one week earlier. But the general feeling at Fort Adams State Park was one of relief, and release. WBGO’s own Jonathan Chimene was on hand to chronicle the action; here are some highlights.
Jonathan Chimene
Saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd, performing at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah brought his Stretch Music back to the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Mavis Staples performing at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Newport Jazz founder George Wein, speaking by videophone with festival artistic director Christian McBride.
Jonathan Chimene
Melissa Aldana performing as part of the Jazz Gallery All-Stars at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Keyboardist Robert Glasper, who performed several times at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Catherine Russell performing at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival, with Matt Munisteri on guitar.
Jonathan Chimene
Kamasi Washington performing at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Chris Potter brought his Circuits Trio to the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival
Jonathan Chimene
James Francies peering over one of his synthesizers at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Eric Harland performing with Chris Potter Circuits Trio at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Trombone Shorty performing at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington, who brought Social Science to the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Kenny Garrett performing with his band at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
Andra Day closing out the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
Jonathan Chimene
The Bogie Band, led by drummer Joe Russo, at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival.
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