Be cool: 5 acts not to miss at the 2022 Newport Jazz Festival

There’s quite a dynamic between the Newport folk and jazz festivals when they happen a week apart from each other. The former is often packed to the gills because it sells out months in advance, and there’s a constant hustle and bustle from stage to stage, with people dancing and jumping around a lot. The latter is chill and laid back, with about half to three-quarters of the audience from the previous weekend, and the music is absolutely world-class while sounding pristine.

With no disrespect to the Folk Festival, that's why the Newport Jazz Festival is my favorite of all the ones I’ve been to. The lineup for this year’s edition, which takes place from July 29-31, is loaded with talent, so here are five performances you should check out while you’re at Fort Adams.

Going to the 2022 Newport Folk Festival? Here are 5 acts you won't want to miss

Pino Palladino, Blake Mills, Sam Gendel and Abe Rounds

Friday, July 29, 2:50 p.m., Quad Stage

Pino Palladino is my all-time favorite bassist due to his spin on classic tunes from The Who and his handling of the funky low end on R&B artist D’Angelo’s 2014 magnum opus "Black Messiah." I also love what he did with Blake Mills on the album "Notes With Attachments," which is my favorite jazz record from last year. I’m looking forward to hearing music from that album live, which should be an excellent experience.

Norah Jones

Friday, July 29, 6:15 p.m., Fort Stage

Norah Jones has played Newport a bunch of times, and whenever she performs it’s memorable. It was awesome seeing her perform with the magnificent Brian Blade on drums a few years ago right after Blade did a set with the legendary Chick Correa on the same stage. It’ll be intriguing to see if any special guests jump in with her this time, but it’s going to be great regardless.

Sons Of Kemet

Saturday, July 30, 1:45 p.m., Fort Stage

My introduction to this terrific band from London was on the Quad Stage at last year’s festival. I was astounded by the rhythmic syncopation between Shabaka Hutchings’ skills on the saxophone and clarinet, Theon Cross’ deep tones on the tuba and the double drumming from Tom Skinner and Eddie Hick. I’m looking forward to seeing them again, and I’m also looking forward to Hutchings on the Harbor Stage at 5:05 p.m. on Friday.

The Fearless Flyers

Saturday, July 30, 6:15 p.m., Fort Stage

Featuring members of the Ann Arbor, Michigan, funk dynamos Vulfpeck, The Fearless Flyers could be the tightest-sounding band of the entire festival. They’re going to bring a groove that will get people to move, and the second day of Newport Jazz will conclude with a party-like atmosphere. I’m always down for some guitar-driven funky sounds, and these guys will most certainly deliver.

PJ Morton

Sunday, July 31, 5:30 p.m., Quad Stage

PJ Morton is a multi-Grammy Award-winning R&B artist from New Orleans who has recently performed on "Good Morning America" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" along with being interviewed on NPR’s "All Things Considered" in support of his new album "Watch The Sun," which came out on April 29. The album is both self-produced and self-released by Morton, and the music has cool samples and instrumentation while being accented by his stellar singing. It’s going to be compelling to see him bring this new music to the stage and be part of closing out the festival.

For the full lineup, ticket information and more festival details, go to newportjazz.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Who's playing at the 2022 Newport Jazz Festival? 5 great acts to see