Newport Jazz Festival 2025: Where Genres and Generations Intertwine
Few gatherings mix old-school legacy with fresh energy like the Newport Jazz Festival. Seventy-one years in, Newport Jazz is still more than just a festival, it’s a living exchange between artists, audiences, and the sounds that shaped them. Held over three days from August 1–3 at the picturesque Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, the 2025 edition had legendary jazz artists sharing the bill with relative newcomers. During the entire weekend classic jazz grooves collided with global rhythms, electronic textures, and hip-hop beats. Guided by the curatorship of bassist and bandleader Christian McBride, the festival embraced change while respecting its roots. The programming this year was bolder, more diverse, and more unpredictable than ever, signaling not just a healthy pulse for jazz, but a thrilling expansion of what the festival dares to be.
With over sixty acts gracing the stages across three jam-packed days, standout performances were in no short supply as the artists typically brought their ‘A game” to this historic venue. Ask any attendee or fellow writer, their favorite set and you’ll likely get a different list. The abundance of talent made it impossible to catch everything. These are the acts that left the deepest impression and earned a spot in our highlights reel.
The Ron Carter Quartet’s performance was a statement of legacy. Carter, now 88, played with finesse and subtle power, reminding everyone why he remains a pillar of the genre. The band delivered a masterclass in elegance, precision, and deep musical conversation. The group’s interplay was subtle, yet expressive, each member listening intently and playing off each other.
Kenny Garrett’s performance was nothing short of electrifying. Garrett played in two standout sets: one with his own quartet, and another as part of a tribute to legendary drummer Roy Haynes, led by Haynes’ grandson Marcus Gilmore. Garrett’s performance was a conversation with the crowd’s emotions. Each note played was bold and full of feeling. He glided across the stage with quiet confidence, his head bouncing rhythmically as he played. The sheer energy he brought was remarkable, even more electric than his performance four years ago.
Christian McBride introduced Dianne Reeves as a “living titan,” placing her in the rarefied company of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Betty Carter. Reeves took the stage, with four decades of mastery behind her, delivered a performance that reminded everyone why she’s in a league of her own. Her presence was magnetic, her connection with the audience electric. And her improvisational chops? Unmatched. Only Reeves could open with a hauntingly soulful take on Stevie Nicks’ “Dreams.” From first to the final note, Reeves held the audience in rapt attention and commanded the stage with a presence that affirmed her place among the greats.
The Roots closed out the festival on Friday. From the first downbeat, the legendary Philly collective unleashed a tidal wave of rhythm, funk, and lyrical fire. Questlove anchored the groove with his signature pocket, while Black Thought delivered razor sharp verses.His flow was relentless, each line landing like a punch. The horn section blazed with energy, weaving in and out of the rhythm.
The band’s chemistry was especially tight during “You Got Me” and “Men at Work.”
The Trio Parlor Greens opened up the festival on Sunday. The band trace their soulful roots from Daptone to Stax, while diving headfirst into psychedelic grooves and the swampy funk of The Meters. Their morning set was a groove-heavy, soul-drenched journey that felt like stepping into a vintage vinyl record come to life. The trio, Adam Scone on organ, Jimmy James on guitar, and Tim Carman on drums locked into tight, infectious rhythms that had the crowd swaying from the first note. At barely forty minutes, their set left the audience craving more. After experiencing their performance , I strongly suggest diving into their debut recording, In Green We Dream.
The duo, Rachael & Vilray, actually played as a sextet, featuring three horns, bass, drums, and vibraphone. The ensemble mirrored the lineup from their newly released pop-jazz album West of Broadway, which debuted on August 1, the very day of the performance. The set had an intimate, album-launch feel with the band delivering nearly every track from the new record. Rachael’s voice was smooth and effortless, the vibe, relaxed, playful, steeped in old-school jazz cool without ever feeling stuck in the past.
Another standout included the old-school soul group Thee Sacred Souls. The San Diego-based trio are recognized for their classic, soulful sound reminiscent of 1970s artists. The performance was like stepping into a time capsule of soul music’s golden era. The lush harmonies and tender grooves had the crowd wrapped tight, swaying, and hanging on every melody. Lead singer Josh Lane often stepped offstage to get personal and sing among the crowd eluding security as he ran the aisles.
Finally, I’m a sucker for jazz big bands. Christian McBride’s 20-piece Big Band was a force to behold on the Fort Stage, not just for its sheer size but for the precision and firepower McBride summoned from the ensemble. The band proved it could play any genre. Surprise guest Cécile McLorin Salvant, sang Cole Porter’s “All Through the Night” while Rhode Island native Jeffrey Osborne, brought a dose of polished R&B to the stage amping up the energy with “Back in Love Again,” a crowd-pleasing throwback from his ’70s group L.T.D.
While space doesn’t allow for every standout, a few highlights included a high-octane set from Hiromi’s Sonic Wonder, the fiery saxophone of Lakecia Benjamin, and a bossa nova–infused performance by Sofi Tukker. Equally memorable were the stunning vocal turns from RAYE, Samm Henshaw, and Jorja Smith.
At a time when many festivals are bloated or losing identity, Newport Jazz remains sharply focused yet refreshingly fluid. It honors its past but lets the future sit in. Mark your calendars: the Newport Jazz Festival returns for its 72nd year from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
https://newportjazz.org/
Enjoy our coverage from last year’s event here: Show Review: Newport Jazz Festival 2024
