Jazz Fest ‘16, the 47th installment

18th April 2016   ·   0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

There’s something about entering the Fair Grounds’ gates, stepping out onto the grassy infield and realizing that yes, it’s all happening again. Though the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – April 22 through April 24 and April 28 through May 1, 2016 – has dramatically changed through the decades, there remains a familiarity as a place of memories that welcomes one home. There is also the anticipation of experiencing new music and singing and dancing along with old favorites. As Girl Scout troops used to sing, and maybe still do: “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” Slightly corny perhaps, but certainly true when it comes to music.

The big news is Stevie Wonder, Stevie Wonder, Stevie Wonder. The legendary pianist/vocalist/composer’s performance last year at the Smoothie King Center was like a dream come true for those who considered his 1972 album, Songs in the Key of Life his greatest achievement. He’ll undoubtedly stretch the repertoire out more for his Saturday, April 30 closing set on the Acura Stage. Wonder has the ability to choose from his incredible list of award-winning, fan-loving hits like the swaying “Isn’t She Lovely” and the funky “Superstition.” Hope he goes way back to the Little Stevie Wonder years for “ Fingertips Part II.”

Following last years mind-boggling, festival-jamming crowds for pianist/singer/composer Elton John’s show that made the situation near the Acura Stage not only uncomfortable but perhaps dangerous some changes had to be made. Bleachers will be erected just inside the dirt track at both the Acura and Congo Square stages. No chairs or blankets will be allowed on the track, keeping it free for pedestrians. Also, the “no chair” zones in front of both the fore-mentioned stages will be expanded. The “standing room” or better yet “dancing room” only areas have been a great improvement since they were initiated several years ago and, in this case, bigger the better.

Below are some of the picks just for this weekend – more to come next week. Remember the motto: When in doubt go to the Gospel Tent, it always swings.

Friday, April 22, 2016

National Fav: Janelle Monae, Congo Square, 5:35 p.m. – When the multiple Grammy nominated and winner of an array of awards – BET, Essence, Soul Train – vocalist was asked who her greatest influence was, she immediately answered, “James Brown!” And it shows. The pompadour hair style was the first give-away on that. Dressed in her signature black and white, usually tuxedo-styled outfits she gets down on the funk, soul and dance moves. Monae is drama queen to be sure in the best sense of the description as has been demonstrated by her exciting Essence Festival performances.

Local Fav: Shannon Powell Presents Tribute to Smokey Johnson, Blues Tent, 11:15 a.m. – Drummer Shannon Powell and the late great Smokey Johnson to whom he pays tribute to for this set, have a lot in common. Powell, like Johnson, who passed away on October 6, 2015, grew up in the Tremé neighborhood – a land of music. These drummers have played it all with great technique and exuberance. They’ll be a lot of love on this set that’s sure to include Johnson’s and composer/arranger Wardell Quezergue’s masterpiece, “It Ain’t My Fault.”

Personal Fav: Geri Allen: The Errol Garner Project, Jazz Tent, 4:10 p.m. – The brilliant pianist/composer/educator Geri Allen celebrates the 60th anniversary of piano legend Errol Garner’s treasured album Concert by the Sea. Allen has been quoted calling the live performance “a classic moment” in jazz. She’ll be joined in the performance by bassist Christian Sands, drummer Victor Lewis and guitarist Russell Malone for a don’t miss show for modern jazz fans.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

National Fav: Maxwell, Congo Square Stage, 5:40 p.m. – It’s time to swoon with one of the early creators of neo-soul movement. A native of New York’s Brooklyn neighborhood, the two-time Grammy winner boasts a sweet voice and sophisticated style.

Local Fav: Nigel Hall, Acura Stage, 11:25 a.m. – Here’s a great and oh so soulful way to start the day. Keyboardist and vocalist and now New Orleans resident, Nigel Hall digs in to some real deal, old school soul though many of the tunes are fresh from his pen. He’ll be performing with musicians of equal talent including drummer/vocalist Jamison Ross and guitarist Derwin “Big D” Perkins primarily on material from Hall’s kicking album, Ladies & Gentlemen… Nigel Hall. Says Hall: “They can expect soul music that resonates from now until the end of time.”

Personal Fav: DeJohnette, Coltrane, Garrison, Jazz Tent, 4:05 p.m. – The great drummer Jack DeJohnette performed with both members of this trio’s – saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and bassist Matthew Garrison – illustrious fathers. They are, of course, the late saxophonist John Coltrane and bassist Jimmy Garrison. The audience will get a sneak peek at some of the group’s work from its upcoming album, In Movement. DeJohnette has called the music “wide open.”

Sunday, April 24, 2016

National Fav: Taj Mahal Trio, Fais Do Do Stage, 4:15 p.m. – The Fais Do Do Stage, a somewhat unlikely proscenium for the legendary blues and world music master Taj Mahal, should provide for a very intimate setting for his trio performance. The guitarist/vocalist/composer and stylistic chameleon of sorts, once said that he preferred playing outdoors as music was meant for dancing. The audiences at the primarily Cajun/zydeco stage love to do just that.

Local Fav: Herlin Riley Quintet, Jazz Tent, 2:45 p.m. – New Orleans native, drummer Herlin Riley, who spent 17 years with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis’ ensembles, is, simply, something special. With great spirit and animation he travels the African diaspora from Congo Square to his Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood, to New York and beyond. Riley celebrates his strikingly good album New Direction with the guys who joined him in its making – pianist Emmet Cohen, bassist Russell Hall, trumpeter Bruce Harris and saxophonist Godwin Louis. You want the best, you got the best.

Personal Fav: Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter, Jazz Tent, 4:10 p.m. – Two of the most pivotal modern jazz musicians of our time, pianist Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter meet in a duo format once again. It’s been almost 20 years since these giants recorded 1 + 1, that featured just the pair in a meeting of minds, beauty and humanity. On the 1997 Verve album, Shorter exclusively plays the soprano sax, his horn of choice for decades. Now that he’s picked up the tenor again it will be interesting to see which instrument (or both) he’ll play. Either way, it’s magic.

This article originally published in the April 18, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.