A Centennial Salute to Coltrane and Davis Caps a Full Day at the Newport Jazz Festival
Two jazz legends born 100 years ago were honored at Newport, while today's top musicians showed how jazz keeps growing and changing.
Saturday at the Newport Jazz Festival ended with a special tribute to two of jazz's greatest musicians — Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Both legends were born 100 years ago, making 2026 their centennial year. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington and trumpeter Chief Adjuah led the tribute, blending songs from both artists into powerful performances. The concert took place at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island.
Washington and Adjuah played mashups of famous songs by Davis and Coltrane. These included Davis's 'Milestones' and 'All Blues' and Coltrane's 'Impressions' and 'A Love Supreme.' They also honored saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who passed away in May, by playing two of his songs. Another piece paid tribute to trombonist Ryan Porter, a close collaborator of Washington who also recently died.
Several musicians who once played alongside Miles Davis also took the stage. Bassist Dave Holland and guitarist John Scofield played a beautiful, bluesy duo set together. Drummer Billy Hart walked out to a standing ovation and then performed with his quartet. Hart and his group showed how swing jazz can be approached from many different angles.
The day had something for every music fan. The group Snarky Puppy played to a huge crowd, mixing African rhythms with heavy guitar riffs. Virginia band Butcher Brown brought smooth funk to the Fort Stage. Guitarist Cory Wong kept the energy high, and saxophonist Joshua Redman joined him as a special guest, even giving the classic song 'Mr. Sandman' a funky new feel.
Festival artistic director Nate Smith assembled his own all-star band, following a tradition started by his predecessor. He was joined by saxophonist Josh Johnson, bassist Michael League of Snarky Puppy, and pianist James Francies. Together, they explored how electro-jazz — a blend of electronics and jazz — can take many different forms. Their set showed the wide range of sounds that modern jazz can produce.
One of the day's biggest surprises came from Jonathan Batiste, who performed what was called 'Jonathan Batiste Trios.' He first played with two percussionists, filling the stage with energy and joy. Then, for his second trio, he brought out bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The unexpected pairing surprised and delighted the crowd.
Two of the best sets came from musicians based in Boston. Bassist Linda May Han Oh led her own group for the first time at Newport, joined by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and Pulitzer Prize-winning drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Their bold sound experiment pushed the limits of what jazz can be. It was the kind of daring music that deserves to be heard on big stages more often.
Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington brought the day to a meaningful close. She is the founder of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and is known as jazz's social conscience. Her band, Social Science, performed songs from her new album 'Trip the Night Fantastic,' mixing R&B, jazz, hip-hop, Afro-Caribbean music, and spoken word. One song echoed the message that jazz has always been a voice for change — just as Coltrane showed six decades ago.
It was a reminder that, six decades after Coltrane wrote "Alabama," jazz can still be a vehicle for change.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. Who led the centennial tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane at the Newport Jazz Festival?
2. Which two songs by Miles Davis were included in the tribute mashup?
3. What is the name of Terri Lyne Carrington's band that performed at the festival?