There could not have been a better day for eh 14th Annual Duck Jazz Festival. Right sunshine, no breeze and temperatures int he 60s. But as good as the weather was, the music was far superior. This was a fitting way to make up for the two lost years because of COVID.
From the moment Bassell and the Supernaturals came on stage at 11 this morning until he US Air Force Rhyme in Blue Jazz Ensemble closed the show at 6:30, the performances were absolutely outstanding.
Bassell kicked things off with a truly unique blend of jazz, hiphop and rap. The rap was especially impressive, performed by Lt. Head Trip with Bassell. What took it to the next level was the rapid fire words of rap surrounded by a musically arranged jazz accompaniment. It truly helped to elevate the rap to a new level.
The breakout performance though was from Manteo’s Eric Williams and his Eric Williams Quintet. Williams graduated from Manteo Hight School in 2018, went away to ECU to study music and what he brought back was some of the finest freeform jazz imaginable.
Williams is exceptional on trumpet, playing with a clean, clear tone and a truly remarkable range. The quintet took the music into unexpected places, seemingly at times disconnected, but then it all came back together, tight and just the way it is supposed to be. Holding all together was drummer Xavier Ware who as simply astonishing. His solo was as good as any drum solo that has been played.
The Eric Williams Quintet was performing at the Amphitheater—sort of the smaller, maybe B stage. Closing the show out was the US Air Force Rhyme in Blue Jazz Ensemble which in many ways is the polar opposite of the Eric Williams Quintet.
Tight arrangements of classic jazz compositions, true, but forget everything ever known about military bands. This band can play some jazz and play it very well. Staff Sgt. Rachel Coleman has a voice made for show tunes and jazz. Powerful, yet very well modulated, she put on a terrific performance.
There’s lots more happening on the Outer Banks. Stop by for a visit and be sure to stay in a Brindley Beach Vacations home. You won’t be disappointed.