Throughout Jazz Appreciation Month, I’ve been reminded of why I love this music so deeply. Maybe you, too, can recall when you first fell in love with jazz.
On April 15, the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island announced its 2025 lineup, with more artists expected to be revealed soon. This year, the festival takes place August 1-3. I haven’t been back to the festival in years, but my 2005 visit stands out vividly.
I was fairly new to jazz then and was amazed by the artists who came together that year. The music, the people, and the atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience. Two performances I’ll never forget: Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis performing “Embraceable You,” and Bill Frisell with Kurt Rosenwinkel playing “Just Like a Woman.”
Everyone should experience the Newport Jazz Festival at least once in their lifetime. This year’s lineup features some of today’s most dynamic jazz artists:
- Cécile McLorin Salvant
- Dianne Reeves
- Christian McBride Big Band
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Terence Blanchard: Flow
- Kenny Garrett
- Ron Carter Quartet
- Emmet Cohen Trio
- Etienne Charles & Creole Soul
- Marcus Gilmore: A Centennial Tribute to Roy Haynes
- Aaron Parks Little Big
- Tyshawn Sorey Trio
- Bobby Sanabria & Sexteto Ibiano
For more information and tickets, visit the Newport Jazz Festival website, at www.newportjazz.org.
International Jazz Day heads to Abu Dhabi
April 30 marks International Jazz Day 2025. This year, the global celebration will be held in Abu Dhabi and observed in more than 190 countries. Organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the celebration will feature concerts, educational events, and cultural programming.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this international day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “This edition will highlight the city’s rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents.”
The concert will be led by Grammy-winning pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons. The artist lineup includes:
- John Beasley
- Dee Dee Bridgewater
- Terri Lyne Carrington
- Kurt Elling
- José James
- John McLaughlin
- Marcus Miller
- Dianne Reeves
- Naseer Shamma
- Danilo Pérez
“Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures,” said Hancock. “International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and spark joy and hope.”
The concert will be broadcast globally through television and digital platforms.
Jazz charts updates
The Jazz Radio Chart, published April 7 by “JazzWeek,” reported the following:
- No. 1, Most Reported: Jeremy Pelt
- Most Added and Biggest Mover: Branford Marsalis Quartet
- Highest Debut: Chicago Jazz Orchestra featuring Bobby Broom
More information can be found at jazzweek.com.
Jeremy Pelt’s “Woven” blends acoustic and electronic jazz
Dynamic trumpeter Jeremy Pelt continues to impress with his latest album “Woven,” released by HighNote Records. According to Pelt’s website, the album “fuses traditional aspects of 21st-century jazz with the myriad possibilities of electronic synthesized sound.” The project features original compositions that stretch the boundaries of jazz. Track list:
- Prologue: Invention #1
- Rhapsody
- Afrofuturism
- Dreamcatcher
- Michelle
- Fair Weather
- Invention #2
- Black Conscience
- Labyrinth
Charles McPherson to perform at the Dakota
Jazz legend Charles McPherson will perform at the Dakota in Minneapolis on May 22 at 7 pm. Still vibrant in his eighties, McPherson recently released “Reverence,” his 2024 debut with Smoke Sessions Records. The album pays tribute to his mentor, pianist Barry Harris.
The late saxophonist Frank Morgan once said McPherson was the one living saxophonist who sounded most like Charlie Parker. This show is a must-see for jazz enthusiasts.
For ticket information, visit the Dakota box office or www.dakotacooks.com.
Robin James welcomes reader responses at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.