“Jazz Is Dead, making their Newport debut, delivered one of the top three performances of the fest, building their set with captivating, smooth grooves to a mind-blowing crescendo. Backed by the L.A. band Katalyst, who performed for the full set, co-leaders Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, switching off on keys/synths and bass, brought out their guests. Legendary bassist Henry Franklin was first, staying for a couple of tunes followed by iconic B3 organist Doug Carn who fit in beautifully with the sound. When 82-year-old altoist Gary Bartz hit the stage, the audience was in an uproar and for this writer, it was one of the most magical moments of the three days. Bartz sang his classic, inspired by Langston Hughes “I’ve Known Rivers” from 1974, one that did not even appear on his collaboration with Younge and Muhammad Jazz Is Dead 006. Following an instrumental Carn and Franklin reappeared with the full ensemble doing a hybrid rap number, leaving us wanting so much more.”
