First of all, I am an old timer who still loves jazz the way we used to hear it. I commend NFF for showcasing new, young musicians but I did not enjoy the first 3 acts on Saturday. Things changed when Dianne Reaves came out. I remember her first time at Newport years ago and my running out to find her Cd soon after. Loved her and still do. Pat Methany was, as usual amazing (to us your word.). He has a great group and the best, the tightess drummer at the festival.
I mentioned to my friends that the trombone player showed courage in playing at Newport. The sounds and energy from last year's performance by Trombone Shorty was still resonating in the atmosphere. Now that was an AMAZING SET. There was no Trombone Shorty or anyone near this year.
I shuold have mentioned that because my partner has difficulty walking, we stayed at t he main stage all day.
Sunday was better. The Berklet International Group was outstanding. I believe they shoul be placed near the middle of the program because they have progressed away from being an opening act. I enjoyed them more than the later sets.
I thought that the Truesdall group was excellent also. Overall Sunday was the better day,
The shuttles buses and the greeters were very good and much appreciated although it took awhile to get out of the #4 lot on Sat.
One thing disturbs me though and that is tha absence of Black bands and musicians this year. The numbers may have been drifting downward for some time but I still want to bring it to producers' attention. We did notice it. At first, I wondered if there are still any godd black bands around nowadays. Then I looked in the courtesy copy of Downbeat that was given out at the Info desk. There are still quite a few of them around. NFF is in competion with alot of festivals and ii may be a problem getting two or three but I hope there is an effort to due so. After all, who wouldn't want to play Newport?
Looking forward to next year
Thanks, George Wein for all you have done, are doing and will do for Jazz.