The Newport Jazz Festival 2022-Through The Lens

August 23, 2022 by Kyra Kverno

: McBride’s Newport Jawn

: Norah Jones / photo by Kyra Kverno

: Lady Blackbird

: The Fearless Flyers

: Ron Cartet

: Mononeon

: Angelique Kidjo’

: Trombone Shorty

: The Wein Machine

: Nubya Garcia

: Thana Alexa: Ona

: The Baylor Project

Publisher’ s Note: Brooklyn’s own Kyra Kverno is an extraordinary music photographer, who has traveled the globe to capture artists at festivals and venues. She took a journey to the 2022 Newport Jazz Festival and shares some of her images here and describes some of her observations at the Festival with Brookyln Roads , including the Wein Machine Tribute to the Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein and the Festival’s Artistic Director, Christian McBride:

Christian Mcbride continues to knock it out of the park since taking the helm at Newport Jazz Festival as artistic director in 2017. Blending old school artists and new young up and comers breathing new life into the jazz scene. Saturday was sold out completely and Friday and Sunday came pretty close.

Highlights of the festival were McBrides Newport Jawn, the Ron Carter Quartet, Nubya Garcia,Thana Alexia’s Ona, Lady Blackbird, Trombone Shorty, Mononeon, Angelique Kidjo‘s Remain in the Light ,The Baylor Project and The Fearless Flyers, to name a few. Quite frankly every act was spectacular.

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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