What to expect the first weekend of Jazz Fest 2018

23rd April 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

While it’s common to hear multiple versions of “When the Saints Go Marching In” and Louis Armstrong’s mega-hit, “What a Wonderful World,” at Jazz Fest, those classics might take a backseat to “Walking to New Orleans” and “Blueberry Hill” out at the Fair Grounds. The 2018 Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 27 through April 29 and May 3 through May 6, will be all about Fats Domino who the world lost on October 24, 2017 at the age of 89.

The thing about Fats, whose image is colorfully captured on the year’s Fest poster, is that the amiable New Orleans pianist and vocalist reached such a wide and diverse audience, an achievement that can hardly be imagined in today’s world let alone in the late 1940s and the 1950s when his music ruled the airwaves and topped the charts. New Orleans rhythm and blues artists, traditional jazz musicians, purveyors of Cajun and zydeco music and members of today’s hot young brass bands all know Fats’ tunes. It’s almost a requirement.

This Saturday will be particularly poignant as a procession in Domino’s honor will leave the “parade base” (near the Jazz & Heritage Stage) at 11:50 a.m. and second line to the Ancestors area where Domino’s likeness will be unveiled. At 1:45 p.m. an incredible array of musicians will perform a tribute to Fats Domino on the Acura Stage (see details below.)

All hail Antoine “Fats” Domino whose legend lives on and on through the love and music he left us.

Friday, April 27, 2018
National Fav: Sting, Acura Stage, 5:30 p.m. Multiple Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Sting garnered those accolades both as a member of the Police and as a solo artist. The British born vocalist, bassist and composer brought a certain individualistic and intelligent attitude to the world of rock. A jazz enthusiast, in 1985 the line-up in his new band, that performed at UNO’s Lakefront Arena, included New Orleans own saxophonist Branford Marsalis and the great pianist Kenny Kirkland who also were heard on Sting’s The Dream of Blue Turtles. The Jazz Fest crowd will probably yell out requests for Sting’s biggest hits, “Roxanne” and “Every Breath You Take.”

Local Fav: Davell Crawford, Acura Stage, 2:15 p.m.. New Orleans fans of the hugely talented pianist/vocalist/composer Davell Crawford have really missed his presence in the city since he spends most of his time these days in New York. The grandson of the late James “Sugar Boy” Crawford of “Jock-A-Mo” fame, can, and does, do it all – R&B, funk, gospel, jazz, blues.” He’s in that number with the Crescent City’s piano legends like James Booker, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Professor Longhair. The often flamboyant “Piano Prince of New Orleans” also knows that entertaining and having fun is part of the game.

Personal Fav: Ron Carter Trio, Jazz Tent, 4:15 p.m. Bassist Ron Carter’s big, warm tone and perceptive concepts earned him the distinction of being the most recorded bass players in history — he has credits on over 2,000 sessions. They include time spent in the 1960s with the illustrious Miles Davis Quintet that featured pianist Herbie Hancock, saxophonist Wayne Shorter and drummer Tony Williams. Carter, 80, who since the early 1970s has found success performing and recording as a leader, will head his trio in the Jazz Tent with guitarist Russell Malone and pianist Donald Vega. In this drum-less setting, the beauty of Carter’s bass resonates like a voice.

Saturday, April 28, 2018
National Fav: Khalid, Congo Square Stage, 5:45 p.m. The 20-year-old vocalist and songwriter is more than a rising star, his career could be more accurately described as a super nova that exploded on the 2016 release of his debut single, “Location.” It went quadruple platinum. Then came his Grammy-nominated album American Teen plus impressive collaborations with Alina Baraz, Alessia Cara and even non-credited vocals with Pulitzer Prize winning Kendrick Lamar. His and rapper Swae Lee’s song, “The Ways,” was also featured in the film “Black Panther.” Word is that all of the soulful, young vocalist’s concerts have been sold out so Congo Square will undoubtable be pack with fans.

Local Fav: Tribute to Fats Domino, Acura Stage, 1:45 p.m. Smiles will probably mix with tears for this set that pays tribute to the much-beloved Antoine “Fats” Domino. The orchestra, some 15-plus members strong will be loaded with musicians who played with Fats including baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis (who joined Domino’s band in 1971), guitarist Teddy Royal, saxophonists Eliot “Stackman” Callier and Reggie Houston plus a whole lot of other great New Orleans musicians. There are also special guests with pianist and vocalist Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, who, let’s just say, has Domino down from his playing and singing to the big grins he gives to the audience. It’s done with love. Others featured performers include old friends and admirers including vocalist Irma Thomas, pianist/vocalist Davell Crawford, guitarist/vocalist Deacon John, guitarist/vocalist Bonnie Raitt and pianist Jon Batiste. .

Personal Fav: Charles Lloyd & the Marvels with special guest Lucinda Williams, Jazz Tent, 4:15 p.m. “I’m still drunk on the music, I was even before I was a teenager,” saxophone giant Charles Lloyd, 80, offered prior to his 2015 performance at Jazz Fest. Lloyd remains passionate about music’s inherent humanitarian nature to communicate and foster understanding that has long been core to his sound. He’s performed with a who’s who of modern jazz musicians and stepped out in 1965 under his own in a supreme way recording several of his most noted works, Dream Weaver and Forest Flower: Live at Monterey. At today’s Fest set, Lloyd will lead the group with guitarist Bill Frissell, bassist Reuben Rogers, drummer Eric Harland and pedal steel guitarist Greg Leisz. It’s the same wonderful band heard on Lloyd’s excellent 2016 release I Long to See You. On several cut on that CD he added guest vocalists Willie Nelson and Norah Jones. He’s invited Louisiana’s own Lucinda Williams to provide vocals in the Jazz Tent.

Sunday, April 29, 2018
National Fav: Charlie Wilson, Congo Square Stage, 5:20 p.m. “Uncle Charlie” knows how to wind up a crowd – it’s been something he’s been doing since the time he was the lead singer of The Gap Band and throughout his red hot solo career. He works his hits like “There Goes My Baby” and “You Are” for his loyal fans with much love and fun. It’s “Party Train” time whenever Wilson, the recipient of BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award, hits a stage. “Go Charlie…”

Local Fav: Jon Batiste with The Dap-Kings, Gentilly Stage, 3:30 p.m. It is good to see the Dap-Kings “keep on keepin’ on” following the death on November 18, 2016 of the band’s very vital lead singer, Sharon Jones. Pianist and vocalist Jon Batiste, certainly seems up to the task of fronting this funk and soul group, as he, being a member of the very musically funky Batiste family, grew up with the Dap-Kings’ musical style. It remains in his music today as heard when he leads his own Stay Human ensemble, as the house band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” This, it is assumed, is a one-off show so catch it.

Personal Fav: Electrifying Crown Seekers, Gospel Tent, 12:05 p.m. Nicholas Payton Too Black, Jazz Tent 3:55 p.m. It’s cheating a bit to have two picks for one day but since it’s easy to catch both of these very different shows it’s worth bending the rules. While the large gospel choirs at Jazz Fest make a joyful noise, many of the area’s smaller ensembles can really get things going and that includes the Electrifying Crown Seekers. Led by James Williams, who plays a wicked guitar, the group often brings a bit of country flavor to their sound. Everybody waits for one of the “crowning” moments of their sets when Gregory Sanders takes center stage to sing “Walk Around Heaven All Day.” He sings it using his falsetto and then goes up for the high notes.

Later in the day, trumpeter, pianist and composer Nicholas takes the music to a higher level in his own, and often surprisingly different, way. His impressive 2017 release, Afro-Caribbean Mix-Tape offers a centuries-long musical journey through the African diaspora and much of the full spectrum of Black music from the beginning to the continuity of forever. If he takes a similar or alternate route, it makes little difference as Payton’s brilliance always shines.

This article originally published in the April 23, 2018 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.