This was my first New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival so I bought a WWOZ Brass Pass to attend every day. I was not disappointed as there were some amazing performances. What follows are my favorite performances. The common thread in these was high energy and an intense connection with the audience. I saw many other musicians that I really like but these Jazz Fest sessions moved me the most. I could not pick a best so the following are listed in alphabetical order.
The first six are in this post and the next five follow in two days.
James Andrews packed high energy with a group of strong New Orleans musicians.
Roy Ayers did his smooth jazz magic and signed my CD at the end.
The Bolton Brothers were a strong Gospel group that got the audience engaged in their efforts.
The Campbell Brothers provided Gospel themed blues and provided a lot of power in their message.
Jimmy Cliff generated a lot of energy at the Congo Square stage in front of a muddy field.
George Duke and Stanley Clarke played some wonderful jazz together. I was sad to learn that George passed in August and feel fortunate to have seen him.
