Tag:

JAZZ FESTIVALS

5 BACK TO SEA JAZZ CRUISES 2021-2022!

by BELINDA July 17, 2021

written by BELINDA

Now that the Pandemic is more under control, we can breath again and start returning to the activities we were enjoying. A cruise ship is the perfect place to see your favorite bands in an intimate setting, whether you’re dancing to the oldies or partying all night at an EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festival at sea.

A music cruise offers an alternative to the concert or festival. It offers you the opportunity to meet your favorite singer-songwriter during breakfast, go behind-the-scenes of the show, or even play trivia questions with the cruise band.

Therefore, BackBeat R&B has comprised a list of “5 Back To Sea Cruises for 2021-2022.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise:

“The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘22 Back to Sea Sailing ” marks the return to the seas after nearly two years, with incredible guests, musicians, crew, staff and captains who look forward to sailing, and and are more than ready welcoming you back on board. So, reserve your spot and check them out at :

https://backtosea.thesmoothjazzcruise.com/

The Jazz Cruise

Even though festivals or concerts can attract large and diverse crowds, those settings cannot create the same sense of interaction and camaraderie among guests at “The Jazz Cruise”. “The Jazz Cruise” brings together aprox 2,000 Jazz lovers from around the world, while a festival or a concert might showcase a similarly large and diverse crowd, neither of those settings allow for the type of interaction and camaraderie experienced with guests on their cruises. Interested in the “Jazz Cruise 2022,” check them out at:

https://www.thejazzcruise.com/

Blue Note At Sea

“The Blue Note At Sea “ is back beginning January 2023. If you are a past guest or a regular, look for future announcements starting Summer 2021. As in past years, Blue Note at Sea ‘23 will feature performers who range in and out of many musical genres. For more information about “The BlueNote At Sea check them out their website:

https://www.bluenoteatsea.com/

Life Lux Sunset Cruise

As the sun sets, enjoy a Jazz cruise on the Mediano Bay in the beautiful Puertos Los Cabos. Guests will be treated to a special menu prepared just for the Life Luxe Jazz event, and you can relax in serenity while enjoying live jazz. To book a reservation or get more information checkout:

https://www.lifeluxejazz.com/

Jazz Fest At Sea

Whether you enjoy traditional Jazz, Classic Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Swing, or just about any other style that emerged in the first half of the 20th century, you are sure to enjoy “JazzFest at Sea”. This will be one of the premier jazz Cruises of the year. There is not just one thing that makes “JazzFest at Sea” so popular. It‘s bringing all of the musicians together in a relaxed, less-structured environment where totally unpredictable magic appears.” So, are you ready to reserve your “JazzFest At Sea Cruise”? Check out their website at :

https://www.jazzfestatsea.com/

July 17, 2021 0 comment

FESTIVALS Who's Touring

10 JAZZ AND R&B FESTIVALS AFTER COVID !

by BELINDA March 31, 2021

written by BELINDA

The Pandemic hurt the music festival industry in such a way that it could take years to recoup. Many employees had become disengaged from work during Covid. From stage crew, audio engineers, box office workers; of course musicians and singers were all affected by the virus that continues to plague the world today.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, public places, businesses, and tourist attractions are slowly opening up to “A New Normal.” The things we took for granted will now be under a new regime. There’s a price to be had and when music festivals eventually return. Social-distancing restrictions will continue to be a movement in our lives and be held for a smaller congregation of concert-goers with limited reach.

When all is said and done it may take some time to get the “new normal going” but the question is, what will be different when live concerts return? We just have to take a wait-and-see approach.

BackBeat R&B has put together a list of 10 concerts for 2021, that is gaining the momentum to reopen. Music lovers, please keep your eyes and ears open for continuous updates.

1. Santana and EWF on Tour-https://tour.santana.com/

2. Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival- https://www.rehobothjazz.com/

3. Newport Jazz Festival-https://www.newportjazz.org/

4. Exit Zero Jazz Festival- https://www.exitzerojazzfestival.com/

5. Seabreeze Jazz Festival- https://www.seabreezejazzfestival.com/

6. Jazz In Miami Garden https://www.jazzinthegardens.com/

7. Mable House Amphitheatre-https://mablehouse.org/

8. Columbia R&B Festival- https://www.coloniallifearena.com/events/detail/rb-spring-fest

9. San Diego Jazz Festival- http://www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com/

10. Long Beach Jazz Festival-http://ongbeachjazzfestival.com

March 31, 2021 0 comment

FESTIVALS

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 64th 2018 ANNUAL NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL!

by BELINDA August 16, 2018

written by BELINDA

The overcast during Friday and Saturday’s stormy weather at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival didn’t prevent the thousands of Jazz followers from coming to see and hear their favorite artists perform at the 64th annual festival.

George Wein, the 92-year-old co-founder and former producer of the Newport Jazz Festival is seen driving back and forth throughout the festival grounds in a golf cart and as he whizzes by, you can hear a fan yell “Hey George Thank you” and Mr. Wein waves and smile!

Mr. Wein has received numerous honors and awards for his work with Jazz concerts and continues to be part of this musical journey for over 50 years!

NEWPORT HARBOR A GREAT VIEW FROM THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS!

The Newport Jazz Festival sponsored by “Natixis Investment Managers” is located on the grounds of Fort Adams State Park at the base of the Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage which features three fun full days of world-class Music, Food, Exhibits, and Crafts. Make your visit to the Newport Jazz Festival a Vacation! There is so much to see and do in Newport R.I. http://www.cityofnewport.com/visitors/tourism The NPJF is more than just a music festival, it’s a vacation. The amenities provided are endless for the music lover such as charging stations, water fountains, bike depot, food vendors, shade tent, first aid, sunblock stations, breastfeeding tent and plenty of bathrooms. Once you enter the festival grounds and park your car, shuttle buses bring you right to the gates, the security will check your bags and answer any questions you have about your visit.

The vibe at the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport R.I is always fantastic, whether you are a Jazz lover or not!

It’s so interesting to watch the excitement of fans checking their program schedules just to make sure they don’t miss their favorite artists at one of the four stages, Fort, Quad, Harbor, and Storyville. There’s a plethora of outdoor chairs, umbrella’s, tents and coolers that jazz spectators bring in each year to make their stay comfortable at Ft. Adams State Park. Charles Lloyd @ the Fort Stage –One of my favorite all-time Jazz performers is Charles Lloyd, he is considered to be the “Legend of the Sax and an international treasure.” His performance on the Fort Stage makes you wanna move with him as he plays his sax. Mr. Lloyd was given his first saxophone at age 9 and he perfected his skill through the many years with great musicians like George Coleman, Johnny Ace, Bobby Blue Bland, Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King.

He exhibited his great musical craft at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival with pianist Jason Moran, drummer Eric Harland, bassist Reuben Rogers guitarists Marvin Sewell and Stuart Mathis. Charles Lloyd is a must see at any Jazz Festival!

Jazzmeia Horn @ the Quad-A Grammy Nominated Jazz vocalist and a musical newbie, she has often been compared to the likes of Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughan. Ms.Horn has blossomed over the last 10 years and continues to grow with every performance she gives. Her rendition of “Willow Weep for Me” was the reprieve of the day and the standing ovation she received from her audience was deafening and well deserved!

She is not only a remarkable vocalist but, her stage presence is strong as she interacts with her audience letting them know she will be happy to give out autographs and take pictures after the show but no touching in a joking kind of way.

Micah Thomas @ Storyville- When you talk about making a mark in jazz history, Micah Thomas certainly made his at the 64th Annual Newport Jazz festival. Jazz lovers running into the Storyville stage building to see the young pianist and composer perform two great impressive tunes. One masterful piece by the late French pianist; Michel Petrucciani called “Lookin Up” and a tune called “Concentrating” by Willie -The Lion Smith.

His music is so amazing and his work is full of originality, style, and grace. He has played with many prominent musicians including, JD Allen, Billy Contreras, Eddie Bayard, George Delancey, Cedric Easton, and Bobby Floyd. Micah Thomas is definitely on his way to becoming one of the great musicians of the 21st century!

Gregory Porter@ the Fort Stage A phenomenal vocalist, this two time Grammy award winner brings great energy and music to the stage! His range can change from a silky smooth to a soulful sound that can be compared to the late Jon Lucien, Marvin Gay and throw in a little Billy Eckstine.

On the last day of the Newport Jazz Festival, attendees broke out into a roar when he performed his rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and then changed up the vocals to sing Gregory Porter hits like “Holding On” and “Insanity”. The applause and the standing ovation was well deserved!

Artemis@The Fort Stage Those powerful and extraordinary musicians played the finest in jazz and their performance on Sunday was outstanding at the Newport Jazz Festival! Vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, clarinetist Anat Cohen, bassist Noriko Ueda, tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and Allison Miller on drums have musical training that spans from different parts of the world which makes their performances energetic, impressive and classical.

George Clinton and The Parliament Funkadelic @ The Fort Stage! The grand finale at the Newport Jazz Festival was Mr. George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic band. He bought the audience to their feet with hits like “Bring The Funk”, “Atomic Dog”, “Flashlight”, “One Nation Under Groove” and many others.

They are truly great entertainers, great musicians (you just can’t fake the funk) great artists, great at what they do, great trendsetters, and one of the greatest bands of the 20th century, and of course, created and organized by the great George Clinton. Thank Mr. Clinton for bringing down the house at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival and for all the memories…

August 16, 2018 0 comment

FESTIVALS

THE MUSIC OUT SHINES THE RAIN @ THIS YEAR’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL!

by BELINDA July 12, 2018

written by BELINDA

The rain and cool temperatures did not stop the music enthusiast from coming to this years 41st Jazz Festival in Saratoga, New York on June 23rd and 24th. The Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival takes place yearly at the Saratoga Spa State Park. The park, which is a Historical Landmark is known for its beauty and distinct cultural resources.

Saratoga Spa State Park’s Natural Beauty- Photography by Michael Rheubottom

Although we didn’t have time to see the entire park, the beautiful trees literally welcome you in, and without a doubt are spectacular. People were walking with much enthusiasm and excitement pulling carts with food, coolers, pop up tents, blankets, tables, and chairs so they could get a great spot on the lawn to hear and see some of the best world class jazz greats like Gregory Porter, Herbie Hancock, Jose James, Chris Botti, Christian Sands Trio, Jon Batiste, Mavis Staples, Terri Lyne, Esperanza Spaulding, and a host of many others.

Photography by L Bonz

The sound of great music coming from two stage areas within this magnificent pleasure garden can easily catch your attention within the SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center). Depending on which entrance you come in from, driving or walking you can access both stage areas. The first stage area we had come across was the Lawn and Amphitheatre. This part of the venue is snuggled between pine trees and set at the base of a hill. There is plenty of seating and the Lawn can hold up to 20,000+ individuals, the covered Amphitheatre seats 5000+people. Don’t forget to stop by the half circle of food vendors, where the hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, Salted Pretzels are to die for.

The Lawn outside Amphitheatre-Photography by L Bonz

THE ARTIST

“THE JAZZ PASSENGERS ” @ THE “CHARLES R. WOOD STAGE” – PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

OMG, I have been in love with “The Jazz Passengers” ever since they performed on the David Letterman Show featuring “Blondie” in the late 90’s! Of course, on The Charles R. Wood Jazz Discovery Stage, they outperformed themselves with one of my favorite musical pieces, “Tikkun” which had a mixture of bold beats and a little flavor of New Orleans sound. I just loved it when Roy Nathanson and Founding member Curtis Fowlkes did a rendition of Peaches and Herbs “Reunited”. What an encore they were given! Jazz Passengers Tour Dates https://jazzpassengers.com/events/category/shows/

MAVIS STAPLES PERFORMING @ THE AMPHITHEATRE-PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

Mavis Staples definitely taking the audience back with ” I’ll Take You There”, “Respect YourSelf” and “Let’s Do It Again”. The 78 years young R&B & Gospel Singer Activist displayed the same energy at this year’s Festival as she did when she was singing with the “Staple Singers. She sang, she preached and she danced. Her spirit got the audience up and singing and by the time she finished she was given a standing ovation. Through her music, she sent high powered messages about politics, religion, and love. It was great! Mavis Staples Tour Dates https://www.mavisstaples.com/

HERBIE HANCOCK @ THE AMPHITHEATRE- PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

I couldn’t wait to see the Legendary Herbie Hancock perform his upbeat and uplifting medley of Jazz favorites. Too many to name, but Hancock who was a child prodigy played a number of musical instruments at this year’s Festival. He is a man who wears many hats and as a pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, composer, and actor. When Mr. Hancock performs, he will take you on a musical journey that mesmerizes you by his effortless flow of musical talent. Hancock received two standing ovations from his audience for his finale song “Chameleon” which had the audience and I dancing in our seats. As usual, another Awesome performance by the incredible Herbie Hancock! Herbie Hancock Tour dates: http://www.herbiehancock.com/tour/

JON BATISTE WITH THE DAP-KINGS@ THE AMPHITHEATRE -PHOTOGRAPHY BY L BONZ

“Jon Batiste” closed the Festival out at “The Amphitheatre” Sunday evening giving an outstanding performance with the Dap-Kings bringing the audience to their feet with his Jazzy style, New Orleans sound and Soulful vocals. I didn’t want the night to end. He opened up with “CornBread” and followed it up with a cheery, inspirational collection of Allen Toussaint’s music.

THE DAP-KINGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY L BONZ

Jon and “The Dap-Kings sent the audience a word of encouragement singing, “The Light Shines Brightest In The Dark” and mentioning about,”The Times we are Living In”. They brought such joy and emotion to the crowd that I could feel myself becoming teary-eyed. Jon Batiste Tour Dates: https://www.jonbatiste.com/live

JOSE JAMES CELEBRATES BILL WITHERS @THE AMPHITHEATRE-PHOTOGRAPHY L BONZ

OMG “Just The Two of Us and Lovely Day”, were some of the Bill Withers songs Jose James sang! He really took the audience by surprise when he did a tribute to Bill Withers. This young musical talent has a way of mixing jazz and hip-hop to create his own unique blend and style. I loved it, even though, a female audience member behind me debated with her husband about preferring his Tribute to Billie Holiday better. Unfortunately, I have nothing to compare it to, I have been a fan of Mr. James since I saw him at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2016 and found him to be a very talented singer and performer. But unfortunately, I didn’t get to see his Tribute to Billie Holliday. But I will, thank goodness for YouTube. So, Kudos to you Mr. Jose James. Jose James Tour Dates: https://www.facebook.com/josejamesmusic/app/123966167614127/

CHRISTIAN SANDS TRIO @ “THE CHARLES R. WOOD STAGE”-PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

All I can say about Christian Sands is, he is a musically gifted spirit and a five-time Grammy nominee who was mentored by pianist Billy Taylor. No wonder he is so darn good, his range of style is very diverse from Hip-Hop to Latin and Blues. He joined forces with his Trio and they were unstoppable, drummer Jonathan Barber and Bassist Eric Wheeler made their debut at this year’s festival. They both were a knockout! Christian Sands tour http://www.christiansandsjazz.com/live/

ANAT COHEN TENTET @ THE AMPHITHEATRE – PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

Ms. Anat Cohen won my heart and soul with her music. Seeing her perform for the first time made me an instant fan and you will become one too! She has been voted the best Clarinetist 9 years in a row and has toured the world with her quartet at the Newport, Umbria, SF Jazz and the North Sea jazz festivals as well as performing at clubs like New York’s Village Vanguard and at Columbia University’s prestigious Miller Theatre. Anat Cohen is as Good as it Gets at the Saratoga Jazz Festival and I cannot wait to see her perform at this years Newport Jazz Festival in August! Anat Cohen’s Tour Dates: https://www.anatcohen.com/schedule/

GREGORY PORTER@ THE AMPHITHEATRE- PHOTOGRAPHY BY L BONZ

Loved Loved Loved Gregory Porter, I became an instant fan of his over a year ago. I loved his rendition and range of “Nat King Cole songs from his new album called “Nat King Cole and Me” and bringing to life “Mona Lisa”. The Audience screamed when he did a singalong in “Keep Your Head To The Sky” to a “Majestic” “Nature Boy” and then gliding into “When Love Was King”. He too received two standing ovations. Gregory Porter Tour Dates: https://www.gregoryporter.com/?splash=2

GREGORY PORTER@ THE AMPHITHEATRE-PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

TEN: TERRI LYNE, ESPERANZA, AND NICHOLAS -PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

Bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and trumpeter-Keyboardist Nicholas Payton (Known as “Ten”) are three very talented musicians who put the Saratoga Jazz lovers in a state of euphoria along with a little bit of improvisation at this years’ Jazz Festival. They took the audience through a musical journey on the last day of the festival, what an encore they received after such a stunning tribute to the late great Geri Allen’s “Unconditional Love”.

ESPERANZA SPALDING PERFORMING@AMPHITHEATER-PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

Esperanza Spaulding is and continues to be the fresh face of Jazz. She has such a Jazzy, songbird voice, the audience had become mesmerized by many of the wordless songs. She even led the crowd in her “Life Force sweatshirt” chanting “Geri in Heaven” in honor of the late Geri Allen. Esperanza’s Tour Dates @ http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/shows

Terri Lyn Carrington performing @ Amphitheater-Photography by Michael Rheubottom

Terri Lyn is a natural on drums, she is also a composer, producer, and educator. She has been doing it all for the past 40 years as well as at this year’s Jazz Festival. She is also a three-time Grammy winner who made history as the first woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album in 2013. Her live tour dates are: @ http://www.terrilynecarrington.com/live

NICHOLAS PAYTON ON CLAVINET @ AMPHITHEATER –PHOTO BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM

Nicholas Payton is a great musician. He too turned it up at this year’s jazz festival in Saratoga Springs. Payton is a phenomenal Trumpet player as well as a multi-instrumentalist. His blend of instrumental pieces coupled with Esperanza’s Bass and Terri Lyn’s drums brought together a sound the audience will never forget at the Jazz festival. Check out his world tour @ http://www.nicholaspayton.com/tour/

I want to thank the Saratoga Jazz Festival for such a great line up of spectacular musical Artist. It was especially an honor to be there to celebrate their 41st Festival and to be able to listen to all forms of musical expression and jazz. This is an event that has nurtured the careers of many musical artists and done more to delight jazz fans from all over the world. Until next year and as the great President Clinton once said, Jazz is a music born of struggle but played in celebration”.

July 12, 2018 0 comment

FESTIVALS

“NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL” 63 YEARS YOUNG AND STILL CAPTIVATING JAZZ LOVERS

by BELINDA September 16, 2017

written by BELINDA

The Newport Jazz Festival 2017 in its 63rd year, packed crowds from all over the country who had come to see the best of the best in Jazz. On Saturday, August 5, founder George Wein introduced Christian Mcbride and his Big Band. When McBride’s Band finished their performance of “The Shade Of The Cedar Tree”, the Artistic Director (as of 2016) felt obliged to speak about how impartial he is to Jazz. “Sometimes we get a little too into this gluten-free lifestyle”, which meant he was talking about the Blues. He also gave a touching tribute to the late great Geri Allen. The Jazz pianist and composer passed away on June 27, 2017.

He talked about how she will always live on through her music. He continued to pay tribute to Ms. Allen with Christian Sands, Vijay Iyer, and Jason Moran. He also introduced a George Duke tune called “The Black Messiah”; that musical piece really set the tone on Saturday for the Festival’s audience.

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE & THE BIG BAND

The Quad Stage

As I walk over to the Quad Stage, I could hear musician, composer and pianist Vijay Iyer, performing with whom I call his “trendy Jazz group”. The group consisted of Saxophonist Steve Lehman and drummer, Tyshawn Sorey. They were lighting up the Quad Stage with a little mix of Funk, Jazz and flowing with the groove chords of their instruments, this made the audience get up and start shaking their tail feathers. I’ve been attending this dynamic festival for five years and never seen anything like it. What a great festival!

As we walked around the Quad, the music of Dizzy, Mongo, and Monk caught my attention! More interestingly enough was knowing there was some history behind musician and pianist Danilo Perez who had been a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s band until 1992. He led the all-star band in a tribute to all three legendary musicians. The climax of this performance was when saxophonist Chris Potter and Danilo Perez performed a duo rendition of ” Off Minor” by Monk. It was timeless.

JAZZ VIBRAPHONIST WARREN WOLF

RHIANNON GIDDENS VIOLINIST AND BANJO

Back to the Fort Stage, where the beautiful talented Rhiannon Giddens, as the New York Times, once called her “The Concert’s Real Head Turner” was performing. Her music is mesmerizing, dynamic, spellbinding, and hypnotic. Strong words for a young woman who studied Opera at the Oberlin Conservatory. Ms. Giddens is a multi-talented musician. She plays the violin, banjo, and fiddle, but her vocals are simply amazing. It draws you like a magnet and as I heard one lady say, “I’m an instant Fan”

She rocked a rendition of Aretha Franklin’s song “Do Right Woman Do Right” to lighting up the audience with her awesome version of “WaterBoy”. Rhiannon busted out tunes such as “Sugar”, “Love” and “North Star”. ( I must mention, those three are my favorite Rhiannon Giddens songs) Once the Festival ended, I think most people would agree, her music is here to stay and she will be around for a long time entertaining her fans.

THE MANY FACES OF RHIANNON GIDDENS

RHIANNON GIDDENS & DIRK POWELL DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST!

“The Roots” gave an undeniable earth-shaking performance at the Newport Jazz Festival as presented by Natixis Global Asset Management. They closed out the Festival on Sunday, August 6th, with Herbie Hancock’s rendition of “Actual Proof” to Kool and The Gang’s “Jungle Boogie”.

Even though “The Roots” are not what most people would consider a “Jazz Band,” they certainly brought down the house on Sunday. People were singing, dancing and very energetic. The audience was so captivated by their music which consists of a small mixture of Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B. As an avid Jazz fan, I ‘ve never seen this type of response which brought so many good people together.

“THE ROOTS” JAMMING IT UP! “QUESTLOVE” ON DRUMS AND “BLACK THOUGHT” PERFORMING AND DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST.

THE FORT ADAMS STATE PARK IN NEWPORT RI

FT ADAMS STATE PARK, HOME OF THE NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL!

A GREAT DAY TO CHILL OUT AND LISTEN TO FABULOUS MUSIC.

The line-up of outstanding performers at this year’s Jazz Festival will be totally unforgettable. Other great artist included “Snarky Puppy”, Branford Marsalis, Jason Palmer,and with first class musical entertainment on four live stages, dozens of vendors and exhibitors, it’s well worth it to make a terrific weekend out of The Newport Jazz Festival .

September 16, 2017 0 comment