Tag Archive for jvc jazz

Anthony Hamilton took it to the limit on the main stage at the JVC Jazz fest in Newport this weekend. This soul man rocked out in a southern style and even brought his wife out for a song to showcase her amazing vocal skills. The positive energy he brought to the stage flooded the audience and by the end of the first song, all the dancers in the crowd were shakin their booties!

Anthony Hamilton performs with Soulive & Frank Wesley

Anthony’s performance added a soul flavor to the jivin, jazzy vibe at the festival. Imagine my surprise when, less than an hour later, I’m standing backstage for the Soulive performance and Mr. Hamilton walks right in front of us and boogies onto the stage to perform alongside the band and their renowned guest Frank Wesley!

Anthony Hamilton performs with Soulive @ JVC Jazz

JVC Jazz managed to bring together musicians of all shapes, sizes, tones and textures in celebration of this legendary event. Here’s a moment where we can see music’s ability to blur the lines of separation and unite artist, fans and everyone in between. That, my friends, it true power.

COMING SOON:
After his show we caught up with Anthony backstage for an interview. He was cool, laid back and super funny – probably one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done. See what happens when we ‘brush each others shoulders off’ and find out what it’s like for this soul man to jump into the jazz and funk community. Stay tuned for the interview coming soon!

Shep, Xar, Alyssa (OurStage) & Ryan

Ameranouche has been a longtime favorite in the OurStage.com family. Their unique Gypsy Jazz sound, undeniable talent and cool, mellow stage presence makes them a crowd favorite at any live show. This north east base trio came onto the grounds of Newport Jazz both excited and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to showcase their talents at this legendary festival. Their set included a myriad of tunes that, for me at least, made me feel like riding a moped down the cobblestone streets of some romantic town in northern Italy. It was fresh, interesting and light in a way that blended perfectly with the vibe on that warm summer morning.

Ameranouche: Shep, Xar & Ryan

Xar’s eyes closed as her fingers danced almost effortlessly across the strings of her upright bass while Ryan executed his energetic and complex accompaniment with technical perfection and Shep’s incredible finger work showcased an undeniable command over his instrument. These three musicians came together and performed with such a unique harmony that what they created on stage seemed better defined as art than mere music. Which could be why they were met with incredible love from the crowd and a standing ovation as they walked off the stage.

Ameranouche performs @ Newport Jazz 2008

Visit Ameranouche’s Fanclub

Christian Scott and his crew were dressed to impress and played in the shade of the Waterside Tent on Saturday afternoon at Newport Jazz. This New Orleans native graduated from Berkley in 2004 and has, since then, immersed himself in the New York City Jazz scene. His style was emotional and strong and so many times throughout his set he managed to make his trumpet sound like a human voice – a scream, a laugh, a sigh or a song … it was really quite amazing. I wasn’t surprised that many of his songs are personal in nature, from “Suicide” a song to bring awarness to his mother’s diagnosis of a rare and painful disease to “Say It” that reveals his feelings towards a racist encounter he had. Overall great performance, solid energy and great response from the crowd. Nice job to Christian and his crew for a fantastic performance.

With over 30 albums under her belt, 20 Grammy wins and countless hit singles, it is no doubt that Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. In a flowing white gown Aretha took the stage and the audience was ready to dance! From Respect to Chain of Fools, ‘Sister Ree’ hit a grandslam and even got the SECURITY GUARDS dancing the electric slide!