Jazz Is Back at the 70th Newport Jazz Festival !

August 28, 2024 by Kyra Kverno

Editor’s Note:

Contributing Photographer Kyra Kverno shares some of her images and observations from 2024’s Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island:

The Newport Jazz Festival was jumping with young and old soaking in the sounds of jazz legends and the new generation. Mixes of R&B, Hip Hop, Soul and spoken words were blended in with time honored approaches to America’s original artform.

Some of this year’s guests included.legendary bass player Stanley Clarke, New Orleans Funk favorites Galactic,the soulful voice of Alex Isley,festival delights Robert Glasper, Samara Joy. the Indomitable Brittany Howard, Icelandic Multi-instrumentalist and composer Laufey and Brooklyn’s own surrealist blues poet Aja Monet . Even Elvis Costello showed up with new arrangements to some of his classic tunes.

: Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly “Johnson

: Robert Glasper

: Alex Isley

: Aja Monet

: Elvis Costello

: Stanley Clarke

: Brittany Howard

: Laufey

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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