Rain can’t stop Newport jazz lovers

Posted 8/6/14

I remember standing in a downpour at the Newport Jazz Festival in the late ’70s, listening to Maynard Ferguson blow his brains out in a trumpet solo like I’ve never heard before or …

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Rain can’t stop Newport jazz lovers

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I remember standing in a downpour at the Newport Jazz Festival in the late ’70s, listening to Maynard Ferguson blow his brains out in a trumpet solo like I’ve never heard before or since.

I’m a little older and wiser now, so I listened to the weather reports and headed for Fort Adams Saturday, complete with proper rain gear, umbrella, a change of clothing and a media pass that got me under a tent out of a similar downpour.

Jazz fans are hearty fans, most well equipped to survive in the rain and mud. Festival organizers were also prepared with boardwalks and hay and squeegees to mop up the exposed part of the stage.

The rain let up a bit Saturday for Wynton Marsalis and his jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, followed by the incredible New Orleans musician, Trombone Shorty. During the early afternoon, I enjoyed the musicians under the Quad tent, watching the rain drip off the canvas awnings.

Sunday weather was a bit better, with only a drizzle dampness to deal with. The festival opened on the Fort Stage with the Brubeck Brothers, joined by two other musicians who played slightly different arrangements of some of their father’s songs, including a super rendition of “Take Five.”

George Wein paid special tribute to Dave Brubeck, who had played the festival more than anybody else. Another tribute followed with the Mingus Big Band playing the music of the jazz legend. With news of Dr. John’s illness, all the artists on the Fort Stage extended their sets, and we were treated to great performances by David Sanborn, Joey Defrancesco and Bobby McFerrin.

Two standout sets occurred under the Quad tent. George Wein and the Newport All-Stars, a combination of the best in jazz, wowed the huge crowd. They were followed by Gar Burton, perhaps the best vibraphonist in the world, and has talented group, Burton started playing the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960, although he doesn’t look that old. I remember seeing him at a free concert in Roger Williams Park back on the late ’60s.

Congrats to the festival staff and many volunteers for adjusting to the weather, making things as comfortable as possible and assuring, that rain or shine, the great Newport Jazz tradition goes on.

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