Since its establishment, the Saulkrasti Jazz Festival has served as a gathering place for fans of jazz music. The 2023 edition of the festival was no exception to its reputation for drawing some of the best jazz musicians from around the globe. James Carter, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, David Benoit, Nathan East, Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Eric Marienthal, Accent, Chris Potter, and Peter Erskine were a few of the featured artists.
James Carter, who is renowned for his virtuoso saxophone playing, gave a fascinating performance that captivated the audience. A swing revival band from California named Big Bad Voodoo Daddy took the stage and wowed the audience with their high-octane performance.
With his deep and lyrical jazz tunes, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer David Benoit displayed his talent. One of the most in-demand bass players in the business, Nathan East, dazzled the audience with his flawless bass guitar technique.
With his expressive and soulful playing, famous trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard gave an enthralling performance. Jazz vocalist and actress Dee Dee Bridgewater enchanted the crowd with her vibrant and adaptable voice. American saxophonist and composer Eric Marienthal captivated the audience with his lyrical saxophone playing.
Accent, a jazz-fusion band from Latvia, got the crowd moving to their beats with their special fusion of jazz, rock, and folk music. American jazz saxophonist and composer Chris Potter displayed his musical diversity and mastery of the instrument. Grammy-winning drummer Peter Erskine had a fantastic performance that astounded the audience with his talent and dexterity.
All music aficionados agreed that the Saulkrasti Jazz Festival's 2023 edition was a special occasion. The performances during the festival, which featured some of the best players in the business, were proof of jazz music's ongoing appeal.