Newport Jazz Festival: Day 3

Sunday, August 2, 2015 -- Newport, RI

All good things must come to an end. After a two days of hot jazz, I found myself at Fort Adams for the final day of the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival. It was a nice day spent enjoying music and festival "madness" with fellow photographers. This is what it looked like.

After back to back weekends of music festivals, I determined my brain might be broken. But, have camera, will shoot. My first stop of the day was the Quad Stage where I caught a bit of Jon Faddis: Triumph of Trumpets before heading over to the Fort Stage to Michel Camilo/Hiromi Piano Duets.

I then made my way over to the Harbor Stage catch some of the Bill Frisell Trio before taking a bit of a break.

Next up was Dr. John and The Nite Trippers and a bite to eat before heading over to the Quad for Jason Lindner Now vs. Now.

It was then back to the Fort Stage to see Arturo Sandoval where it was determined by some ladies standing at the barrier behind the photo pit, that he had some nice moves and a declaration of perceived sexiness from one. Those are the kind of things I normally hear at folk fest, not jazz fest!

My favorite set of the day was the Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band over on the Quad stage because well, Mike Stern is pretty bad ass.

Jamie Cullum closed out the festival on the Fort Stage who had the URI Big Band join him for his set.

See you next year Newport Jazz! Check out more photos in the slideshow below or see the photo album HERE.

Newport Jazz Festival Announces Lineup For 2015

Cassandra Wilson

Producer George Wein announced the line up for the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management today.  The festival will take place July 31 - August 2 with three full days of music at Fort Adams State Park, an evening show at the International Tennis hall of Fame at the Newport Casino plus a Gala at The Breakers.

The 2015 edition of America’s first annual jazz festival will feature Chris Botti, Cassandra Wilson, Dr. John, Jamie Cullum, Snarky Puppy, Kenny Garrett, Maria Schneider, Arturo Sandoval, Billy Childs, Arturo O’Farrill, Fred Hersch, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jon Batiste, Kneebody, Hiromi, Michel Camilo, Jon Faddis, James Carter, Christian McBride, Bill Frisell, Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band, Ambrose Akinmusire, Tom Harrell, Pat Martino, Matana Roberts, John Hollenbeck and others. Please visit www.newportjazzfest.org for the complete line-up. 

Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 15, at 10:00 am at www.newportjazzfest.org. 

See you there?

Jamie Cullum To Release New Album in May

Jamie Cullum has announced he will release his new album, Momentum on May 20 via Island Records.  The record is available for pre-order.  Check out the lyric video for the track "Everything You Didn't Do" below.

The album, titled 'Momentum' for good reason, is bursting with ideas and inspirations which almost have a life of their own. Indeed, Jamie approached this record in a completely different way to his previous LPs, for the first time using DIY home demos as a blueprint for the majority of its tracks... and for a while, using everything from iPhone apps, charity shop keyboards and cassette recorders as his 'go-to' instruments during the process.

About the CD

Deluxe version comes in a hardcover book and includes hand-written lyrics and pictures from Jamie's home studio as well as a DVD containing an EXCLUSIVE interview with Jamie and his track by track description of the album.

Track Listing

• The Same Things
• Edge Of Something
• Everything You Didn't Do
• When I Get Famous
• Love For $ale (Feat. Roots Manuva)
• Pure Imagination
• Anyway
• Sad, Sad World
• Take Me Out (Of Myself)
• Save Your Soul
• Get A Hold Of Yourself
• You're Not The Only One

Additionally the deluxe album includes three bonus tracks plus live recordings taken from Jamie's recent performance at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London. These include the remarkable collaboration between himself and BRITs Critics Choice Nominee Laura Mvula on 'Sad, Sad World'.

Additional Deluxe Tracks:

• Momentum
• Unison
• Comes Love
• Everything You Didn't Do (Live from Abbey Road)
• Sad, Sad World (feat. Laura Mvula) (Live from Abbey Road)
• Love For $ale (Live from Abbey Road)
• Pure Imagination (Live from Abbey Road)
• You're Not The Only One (Live from Abbey Road)
• Save Your Soul (Live from Abbey Road)

DVD

• Album Interview (Video)
• Album Track By Track (Video)

Jamie Cullum Charms At The Newport Jazz Festival

CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival: August 7 @ Fort Adams, Newport, RI

The headliner for both the Friday night show at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Saturday evening show at Fort Adams was the young, charismatic, British singer/pianist Jamie Cullum who took the Fort Stage and played to an enthusiastic audience.

Cullum, a tiny fella, jokingly compared himself to a hamster in size when telling the audience that the powers that be were concerned about him romping atop the piano. For those who haven't witnessed Cullum perform, he stands on the piano, he leaps from it and at times he rocks out on it from a standing position. The man is a bundle of energy whose approach to performing is more akin to rock 'n' roll than the pop laced jazz he plays.

Sporting a disarming smile throughout the set, Cullum interacted with not only the audience, but, the boats in the harbor as well. He often played and sang with his eyes closed. At times he looked to be in a peaceful place, smiling and swaying to his own music while at other times, his face twisted into an emotion filled grimace. In the end he leaped from the stage and made his way to the people much to the delight of many as it seems he's quite a heartthrob. Cullum injected a dose of playfulness with a wee bit of cheekiness into his energy filled, entertaining set. I think it's safe to say, he thrilled his fans and made some new ones that perfect, sunny, Saturday by the water.

(More photos HERE)

www.newportjazzfest.net