Second weekend picks of 2016 Jazz Fest, the 47th installment
25th April 2016 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
Here we go again – it’s the second Jazz Fest weekend – Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1, 2016. Below are just a very few of the musical choices though there are so many others like Sunday’s tributes to legends Allen Toussaint and B.B. King both of whom passed in 2015. They’re gone but their music will live eternally.
The small, lovely country of Belize is the featured nation at this year’s festival and it boasts its own pavilion/tent that will host performances, display artwork and present folk art demonstrations. Some of the visiting musicians, like guitarist/vocalist bredda “DAVID” Obi, will also perform at the Jazz & Heritage Stage, the home of Mardi Gras Indians and brass bands. New Orleans and Belize have so much in common – the African-Belizeans are called Creoles, one of their staples is red beans and rice and they love music, dancing and having fun.
As always, remember the motto: When in doubt, go to the Gospel Tent, it always swings.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
National Fav: Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Gentilly Stage, 5:30 p.m. Guitarist/vocalist/composer Elvis Costello, an internationally renowned artist, really endeared himself to New Orleans when he and pianist/composer, the late great Allen Toussaint, collaborated on 2006’s brilliant CD, The River in Reverse. He, like many others during the Fest, is sure to pay tribute to Toussaint through song.
Local Fav: McDonogh 35 High School Gospel Choir, Gospel Tent, 2:45 p.m. Though the membership of this high school choir, led by the illustrious Veronica Downs-Dorsey, changes every year, the spirit and power of its youthful participants remains constant. What also makes it a “fav” is that so many fellow students, parents, siblings and friends support the ensemble. Knowing all the words, these folks often sing along from the audience.
Personal Fav: Chris Severin, Jazz Tent, 12:30 p.m. On his six-string electric and upright basses, Severin is dedicating his set to New Orleans artists and their music including the late greats like drummer Smokey Johnson, clarinetist/educator Alvin Batiste, vocalist/pianist/composer Allen Toussaint and keyboardist Wilson “Willie-Tee” Turbinton. Interestingly he and the band – drummer Herman Jackson, saxophonist Clarence Johnson, keyboardists Kyle Roussel and Darrell Lavigne and vocalist Antoine Diel – will also perform several selections by trumpeter Nichols Payton.
Friday, April 29, 2016
National Fav: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Congo Square Stage, 5:45 p.m. She’s a rapper in heels, she’s a soul and neo-soul singer with attitude backed by a band with punch. Ms. Lauryn Hill, who first gained recognition with the innovative group the Fugees, took off as a solo artist on her 1994 release The Miseducation of Life. Two things are for sure, her performances are energized and individualized.
Local Fav: Nicholas Payton & Afro-Caribbean Mixtape, Jazz Tent, 1:45 p.m. Trumpeter/composer Nicholas Payton – always great and always unpredictable – teams again with keyboardist Kevin Hays, bassist Vicente Archer and percussionist Daniel Sadownick. His plan is to explore the material found on his earlier, excellent CDs, Sonic Trance and Into the Blue with a perspective of unifying the evolution of rhythms in the African diaspora as it relates to the Caribbean nations and New Orleans. Drummer Joe Dyson will also be onboard as well as DJ Lady Fingaz. Payton, who also plays keyboards, says he’ll be focusing on trumpet and be blowing at the front of the stage “like in the old days.”
Personal Fav: Joe Lovano Us Five featuring James Weideman, Peter Slavov, Otis Brown III and Fancisco Mela, Jazz Tent, 4:20 p.m. Veteran saxophonist Lovano has worked with jazz greats both as a leader and as a sideman. Known for swinging hard, his stylistic range is demonstrated by those he’s stood next to including organist Jack McDuff, guitarist John Scofield and drummer Paul Motian. In 2009, the saxophonist and Us Five, a group composed of younger musicians, released an album, Folk Art. So they’ve been working together for a long time – a real asset for any band. Bassist Peter Slavov has since replaced Esperanza Spalding in this two drum group with Weideman on piano.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
National Fav: Stevie Wonder, Acura Stage, 5 p.m. Stevie Wonder has simply been one of the most important musicians and composers of the last five decades. The pianist/singer/composer of such classics as “Superstition” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” has won an incredible 25 Grammys as well as being honored by the organization with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Don’t miss the legends.
Local Fav: Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Acura Stage, 1:40 p.m. There is sure to be a big welcome home greeting for Jon Batiste & Stay Human as the keyboardist performs in New Orleans for the first time since becoming the bandleader on the nationally broadcast CBS program, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Now that’s a big deal.
Personal Fav: Kermit Ruffins’ Tribute to Louis Armstrong, Economy Hall Tent, 4:00 p.m. Magic moments often happen at the Economy Hall Tent, the home of traditional New Orleans jazz. Here, the leaders have the freedom of putting their own bands together. Trumpeter/vocalist Ruffins assembled a super one with pianist David Torkanowsky, trombonist Corey Henry, drummer Shannon Powell and longtime Barbecue Swinger Kevin Morris who will man the upright bass.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
National Fav: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Congo Square, 5:30 p.m. It’s important to leave the Fair Grounds after the final notes have been played with a feeling of being uplifted. Vocalist Frankie Beverly, who always look sharp in his trademark white outfits and cap, and Maze can provide that mood as they close out with their huge crowd-pleasing, “Joy & Pain.” This area will become electric slide city.
Local Fav: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, 5:45 p.m. Old and young alike love our own Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. He’s just so musical whether blowin’ the ‘bone or trumpet, singing, leading his fine and energetic band or dancing across the stage. He also knows the importance of giving back and does so through his youth-oriented Trombone Shorty Foundation. He’s in the right spot – a historic spot – closing on the Acura Stage on Jazz Fest’s final day.
Personal Fav: Heads of State featuring Gary Bartz, Larry Willis, Al Foster and George Mraz, Jazz Tent, 4:05 p.m. Wow… This really is an all-star jazz group filled with legends. It was first formed to pay tribute to pianist McCoy Tyner and released a superb album in 2014, Search for Peace, with stunning work by alto and soprano saxophonist Gary Bartz. Bartz is a unique, forward-thinking player whose creds include time with drummer Art Blakey, trumpeter Miles Davis and bassist Charles Mingus. He also won a Grammy in 2005 for his work on Tyner’s wonderful album, Illusions. All these master – pianist Willis, drummer Foster and bassist Mraz – have previously worked together in various combinations. Here the post-bop leaders hit all together.
This article originally published in the April 25, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
