Jazz Fest’s 50th Anniversary begins
23rd April 2019 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday, April 25 and, as always, presents an eclectic mix of genres from both nationally-renowned and this city’s own top-notch artists. Below is just a small taste of the offerings on the first weekend, however, some greats like blues legends guitarist/vocal-ist/composer Taj Mahal and Robert Cray aren’t listed in the “Favs” (though, as you see, they’ve been snuck in here).
Discovering new-to-you artists has always been an important aspect of the festival and stopping by the Cultural Exchange Pavilion can be a real ear-opener. This is where one can find musicians from around the world including Africa, Haiti and Guatemala. Nearby, Martinique’s fanciful band Chouval Bwa happily returns to the festival to perform within a beautiful hand-carved, wooden carousel that will be there every day from noon to 6 p.m. on both weekends.
Oh, and don’t forget the motto: “When in doubt, go to the Gospel Tent; it always swings.”
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Locals Day, $50 tickets for LA residents.
National Fav: Earth, Wind & Fire, Acura Stage, 5:25 p.m. Formed in 1969, this iconic group blended soul, funk, R&B, disco and pop music to create a new sound that earned it six Grammy awards and got it induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame plus many more accolades. With the passing of the great vocalist Maurice White, longtime member Phillip Bailey, known for his high-flying falsetto, took over the lead position and the noted Verdine White continues with EWF on bass. Expect a flashy stage show, horns wailing and the crowd singing along to “Shining Star.”
Local Fav: Michael Skinkus and Moyuba with guest Michael Ray, Lagniappe Stage 11:30 a.m. Percussionist Michael Skinkus marries the rhythms of the diaspora focusing on New Orleans, his home since 1987, and Cuba, and their musical roots in West Africa. His band name, Moyuba, means “to give thanks or praise,” a sentiment that seems apt for many things including 50 years of Jazz Fest. The arrival of trumpeter Michael Ray, who regularly performs with the Sun Ra Arkestra and Kool & the Gang, makes this set particularly special. Skinkus was a member of Ray’s Cosmic Krewe when the always-animated trumpeter once called New Orleans home.
Personal Fav: James Carter Trio, Jazz Tent, 5:55 p.m. Virtuosic and soulful, Detroit native and New York resident James Carter brings on both whether he’s blowing tenor, soprano, bass or baritone saxophone. He’s made a return to the trio format with longtime organist Gerard Gibbs on the big B3 and Alex White on drums. Working within this setting, the versatile saxophonist, who has teamed with notables like trumpeter Lester Bowie and the World Saxophone Quartet, will enjoy plenty of room to get down on a program that usually includes originals and jazz classics.
Friday, April 26, 2019
National Fav: Santana, Acura Stage, 5 p.m. Since 1966 Santana – la crema de la crema – led by the passionate, philosophical and rather mystical guitarist, vocalist and percussionist Carlos Santana has been offering new ways to look at and listen to music and rhythms. Traveling under the moniker “Supernatural Tour,” the group is celebrating the 20th anniversary of that triumphant album, Supernatural, the 50th anniversary of its world-shaking appearance at Woodstock, the release in January 2019 of its album, In Search of Mona Lisa, and the June release of its latest, Africa Speaks. This set is sure to be a Latin-blues, funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Latin fiesta.
Local Fav: Foundation of Funk featuring Zigaboo Modeliste and George Porter with Ivan Neville, Tony Hall and Ian Neville, Acura Stage, 3 p.m. The name of this assemblage says it all except maybe the “New Orleans” Foundation of Funk would be more exact. There’s drummer Zigaboo Modeliste and bassist George Porter who rhythmical drove the original Meters, keyboardist/organist/vocalist Ivan Neville, the son of vocalist Aaron and leader of Dumpstaphunk that includes bassist/vocalist Tony Hall and Ivan’s cousin, Art Neville’s son, guitarist Ian. Funk to the bones.
Personal Fav: Terence Blanchard featuring the E-Collective, Jazz Tent, 4:10 p.m. New Orleans native and trumpeter Terence Blanchard blows what he believes, as heard on his superb Grammy-nominated 2014 album, Breathless, and its follow-up, Live. His passion and resolve are echoed by his cohorts in E-Collective that include keyboardist Brandon Coleman, guitarist Charles Altura, drummer Oscar Sean and bassist David “DJ” Ginyard. Blanchard, director Spike Lee’s go-to composer for some three decades, always presents a stimulating performance.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
National Fav: Gregory Porter, Jazz Tent, 5:30 p.m. The two-time Grammy-winning vocalist achieved a too rare triumph when his 2013 Blue Note debut, Liquid Spirit, gained favor with folks beyond the jazz world. A versatile singer who delves into jazz, blues, southern soul and gospel, Porter boasts a unique approach to whatever the genre. Many will also recognize the vocalist for his work with vocalist and pianist Robert Glasper. Porter will front a quintet complete with both alto and tenor saxophones.
Local Fav: Rebirth Brass Band, Congo Square Stage, 4:20 p.m. The Grammy-winning (we love to say that!) Rebirth Brass Band wears the crown when it comes to pleasing a crowd – check out its Tuesday night standing gigs at the Maple Leaf – with its exuberance and musicianship. Formed in 1983, it was in the driver’s seat in the resurrection of the New Orleans brass band tradition and with its hot new sound it became an influence to every young band out on the streets today.
Personal Fav: The Legendary Rocks of Harmony, Gospel Tent, 11:15 a.m. Led by Andrew Jackson Sr., this group has been praising for over 60 years and boasts an impressive 10 original members. It carries its own band so everyone knows where and when to get going and when to let the front man, the preacher of sorts, take it on. On tunes like “Holy Ghost Power,” that means testifying at the front of the stage and, joined by other members of the group, dancing, jumping and spinning with joy.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
National Fav: O’Jays, Congo Square Stage, 3:45 p.m. The original lead singers Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, who founded this hit-making group in 1958, have, remarkably, known each other since they were kids, ages six and seven respectively. They continue providing those soulful notes and rhythm and blues grooves that led the O’Jays to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and earned the group a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. The legacy of the O’Jays continues as it just released a new album, Stand Up (Show Love).
Local Fav: Tribute to Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino with Bonnie Raitt, Irma Thomas, Davell Crawford, Jon Cleary and Al “Lil’ Fats” Jackson, Acura Stage, 12:15 p.m. Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino – what a team! Together they helped create rock ‘n roll and brought the world a ton of fun with their singular and collaborated hits like “Ain’t That a Shame.” As a composer and producer, Bartholomew, who celebrated his 100th birthday in December, knew just what the talented pianist, vocalist and songwriter Fats Domino, who passed last year, wanted and needed from him. Good choice of musicians for the tribute with Crawford’s appearance particularly timely as the pianist and vocalist just released Dear Fats, I Love You, a solo piano album of Domino classics.
Personal Fav: Ellis Marsalis Family Tribute with Ellis, Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, Jazz Tent, 5:40 p.m. It’s rare that the entire musical Marsalis family takes the stage making this a don’t miss show. Pianist Ellis and his sons – saxophonist Branford, trumpeter Wynton, trombonist Delfeayo and drummer/vibest Jason all are renowned leaders in their own right. This day the “family band,” which will include bassist Eric Revis, will focus on the patriarch by performing his original material. You know there’s going to be some blowing and a lot of love.
This article originally published in the April 22, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
