I had heard good things about this New Orleans based rock/funk/jam band. I was also excited to have the opportunity to check out one of the bands competing for a spot on Jam Cruise through the Vote to the Boat Competition taking place on Facebook. Finally, I had been slated to review the show for Jam Base but there seems to be some new motivations behind the Show Review section and so, here we are!
Before the show started, I was hanging out with some cats in the band before I even realized. “Hey Karen!” shouted fellow New Yorker Spencer Raymond from across the street. Spencer would be filling in on drums for Bryan Besse who was other wise engaged back in New Orleans. He and I chatted for a while before I was introduced to Thomas McDonald, the bass-playing Native. We raged together outside for a bit. It came to my attention that this was the first time the drummer and the bass player had met, let alone played together. We laughed about that and I immediately thought, “This is going to be interesting. I hope it sounds tight.” At some point I had ran into Billy Iuso himself, hugged it out and he thanked me for coming. And then it was time for the boys to get to making some music.
Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives @ Sullivan Hall (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Billy Iuso @ Sullivan Hall
Hitting the stage around 10:15 pm, Billy Iuso and his Restless Natives dove right. Blending rock and funk with tons of energy and smiles. Within minutes, the rock/funk hybrid of sound came out and the first song had Billy ripping his guitar across the stand of his microphone for effect, jumping, bouncing…energy. New Orleans funky-rock. I am really starting to dig the rock-n-roll I am finding in New Orleans. I am only just now discovering it. Having just seen The Radiators for the first time a few weeks ago at Gathering of the Vibes, I have been researching more rock based bands out of NOLA.
The Natives brought some fun layers to their music by way of Thomas McDonald skating over his bass solo during The Meter’s Love Slip Up On Ya. Sporting a “WHO DAT” shirt, Tom thumped away on his bass proud and loud throughout the night. As he counted off into Two Deep In Shallows,the energy just got higher with all the members coming together to form a cohesive little stage rage for the rest of their short set.
Mike Burkart @ Sullivan Hall
Mike Burkart stood out on the key for Oh, I See. Funky! Funky! A strummy rocky number that also showcases Billy‘s skills. They covered The Talking Heads‘ Once in a Lifetime. It took me a minute to recognize the song. But then it took me even longer to warm up to their styling of it. Perhaps is was how they slowed it down, perhaps the fact that it was missing a little something to give it that kick jump into rage town. Oh well…
Trippin Over Dragonshad Billy inviting Jaik Mille to join the stage. A trippy space jam infused with rock and just good feelings. A great dancing song with funky keys and lyrics. Billy’s singing voice was on point and smooth. We got a fun keys solo from Mike Burkart towards the end of the song. But not before a jamming guitar solo from Billy. I truly love his energy. Not every guitar player can be the greatest player but every guitar player can be fun to watch if they feel their own music. Billy is a great guitar player but he would get lost in his instrument and I loved seeing that in him. I certainly am not the only one as they are currently third in line for Vote to the Boat.
Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives @ Sullivan Hall
I moved to the raised floor section, giving me more of a bird’s eye view of the stage. I cheered with the rest of the crowd and began dancing as I heard the opening of Don’t Let Go. Billy was paying homage to the death of Jerry Garcia and that alone garnered a star in my book. I enjoyed the cover as I danced next to a happy adorable white-haired man who leans over to me and says: THAT’S MY SON,” with a beaming proud face. He pointed out “This is my favorite song.” Billy’s father and I danced side by side for the remainder of the song. Such a proud father!
Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives @ Sullivan Hall (Photo by Allison Murphy)
Later I would find out that Spencer and Billy were members of Brides of Jesus, a band created back in 1992 that has listed Ian Neville, Russle Batiste and other funky musicians as members. Before this night, Spencer and Billy hadn’t played together in 15 years. You know, you never would have know it. For not having rehearsed before the gig, it went beyond well. All in all it was a great night of funky NOLA rock. Some good jams pulled out front and the spaces were filled with danceable notes from beginning to end.
I can’t tell you who I am going to vote for, but I can tell you with all certainty, that if Billy Iuso gets voted on the boat, he will deliver some good fun music. And that is what it’s all about. I looked forward to my second round of seeing them at Bear Creek Arts and Music Festival in the fall.
Set list!: Love Slip Up On Ya, Oh I See, Two Deep In Shallows, Trippin Over Dragons, Once In a Lifetime, Don’t Let Go, Big Chief
I remember fighting and arguing and causing major melt downs in my house when my parents refused to let me go see The Grateful Dead shows when Jerry Garcia was alive. I never understood my obsessive draw to The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia, nor did I understand why my parents refused to let me see them Live. I specifically recall my father asking me one day, “Why do you like all these musicians who died of some kind of overdose?” I just stared at him blankly as framed pictures of Janis and Jerry and Bonham stared back at me from my bedroom walls.
I don’t have to describe the feelings we all get when we listen to Jerry…his music, his lyrics, his sound. The shine we feel when we see his smiling picture. Such a tragic loss who had a giant impact on human nature and music. A worldly symbol of peace and love. Strike me down with lightening and hellfire but personally, Jerry has been my religion since I was 12 years old and discovered American Beauty. To this day Ripple and Attics of My Life are in my top five favorite GD tunes. Music = God.
I Love you Jerry!
I remember exactly where I was when I found out he had passed away. I was 15, climbing Seneca Rocks in West Virginia and remember being devastated. This was the only guitar player I had ever wanted to see Live. Even now, I don’t itch for a musician the way I itched to see him before he died. He’s always held that place in my heart as my favorite guitar player and Derek Trucks follows right behind. To this day, I equate the fact that I am fully addicted to Live music and seeing my favorite musicians religiously because one day these talented guys will be gone. Some girls have Daddy issues, I have Jerry issues.
Nokia Times Square sign 🙂
So anyway, Futhur to me is not The Grateful Dead. Once Jerry died, I lost interest in really seeing The Dead. It’s not the same. It never will be. Fake Jerry is the most dedicated Jerry clone ever but still…he ain’t no Jerry. And so, I only saw my first Futhur show at Coney Island a few weeks ago and here I was at Nokia Theatre in Times Square to see them for the second time. It wasn’t a bad show but it wasn’t great either.
The chaotic scene before the show!
As we approached the blocks surrounding the theater, the sidewalks became thick with Deadheads and other hippe folk…and all hunting for tickets. Oddly, I never saw anyone selling a single ticket. Just lots of fingers up in the air. I didn’t have a ticket till earlier that day. Might I suggest ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS checking Craigslist for your ticket. They are almost always offered at face value or under face. Certainly not in this case, as people were willing to pay HUNDREDS for tonight’s tickets. I was miracled again so that was nice.
The scene out front of Nokia was rather gross. Wooks were everywhere, many with their dogs. To me this just seemed ridiculous. Dreaded wookies and their pit-bulls. WTF? This was Times Square and it was just awkward and menacing. I know they are nice dogs, but in masses smashed into Times Square, you never know if one of them is going to snap or feel uncomfortable. I was feeling uncomfortable under the cramped, stinky, wooked-out circumstances and I wanted to bite people….shoot.
Eagerly waiting to be played...
For the first set, I had spectacular views of Bobby and Phil. So yummy. I had maneuvered my way up to the railing on the raised platform directly to the right of the stage. Perfect view. The only negative being that I couldn’t see anyone to Bobby’s right. I couldn’t see Fake Jerry, the backup singers, and I could barely see Joe. I’d deal with this later, I just wanted to dance right now. I got terribly excited right before the show. I again questioned myself as to why I had waited this long to come hear my favorite music and songs played live. I should have been more loyal to Jerry’s legacy with the passion I had for his music. Alas….
They started the first set with Shakedown Street and Bown Eyed Woman. It sounded good overall but still kind of like they were warming up. I didn’t think anything of it. I was setteling into my show groove as well. John Kadlecik immediately brought it out on the guitar. Bobby was alert and throwing signals all over the stage. Singing was on point and the audience joined in on every word. Bob started forgetting the lyrics during Brown Eyed Woman.
Phil and Bobby @ Nokia
So, we are three songs in and I am dancing with my eyes closed to the beginning of El Paso. It’s clear something is going on on stage, as Bobby disappeared from my ears all together. As I look on stage, his strumming had softly slowed, his swaying slowly stopped and it was as if he was passing out while standing up for just a few seconds. Pure black out stance. And IMMEDIATELY he would come back to us and get back into the song. It was weird and I was standing in a position to take in every single moment. I turned to my friends screaming, “Do you see this?” But they had been talking.
Phil and Bobby @ Nokia Theater
Attempting to start El Paso again, it happens again. Bobby zones completely out. Fazing back in, Phil is looking at Bobby with a very confused look. That look in particular made me nervous and I turned around, shouting at my friends again, “DO YOU SEE THIS?” Still talking, they hadn’t. Later, it registered with them why I was in such a weird freak out mood with a worried look on my face. In the moment, they were so confused. A few minutes in & Bobby approaches the mic saying “I am going to try this again.” And he did try it again. They got through the song but without any lyrics. It didn’t suck, it wasn’t particularly great and almost completely instrumental. That is the thing about live music, you never know what your going to get 🙂
Crazy Hippies 🙂
Apparently, there was a ton of fighting was occurring outside. As I went to the ladies room there were numerous security guards discussing the occurrences that were taking place outside. I just heard them say there were tons of fights and kept walking. The scene inside was just as hectic but in a more fun way. There were colorful characters walking the hall ways and dancing in the isles. The over ragers had found spots along the walls to gather themselves. Security was everywhere. It was much more intense then I am used to for other shows.
Furthur @ Nokia Theater
By the time we were given Bertha, Bobby was back on his toes. How strange that he fazed out for such a short time. If he was dosed, as it was rumored, it would have lasted much longer then just those few minutes, right? The Ambian theory is good too but he would have passed completely out, right? Even though he didn’t appear drunk, that will be the theory I am sticking with. They ended the set with a HYPED UP Good Lovin’, bringing the heat and gaining a huge cheer from the audience at the end. Phil was clearly upset as he walked off stage. All I could think about was what was about to take place behind the scenes during set break! Oh, to be a fly on the wall back there.
Furthur @ Nokia Theater
Seeing Joe Russo up there behind the drums was unreal. How wonderful for him. How wonderful for us. I am a big Joe Russo fan. He is a New Yorker and one half of the Benevento-Russo Duo. He is obscure and off the handle when he plays and plays around here often. He is an innovator with energy and I thoroughly enjoyed his sound behind Bobby and Phil.
(Check out a Free rare performance of A BIG YES and a small no (A Joe Russo Project) @ Lakeside Lounge on August 19th.)
Furthur @ Nokia Theater
Because of my lacking view from my pretty great location, I chose to move for the second set. Some friends of ours had gotten some great seats in the middle behind the soundboard so for the second set, that is where I spent most of my time, taking off to the stairs from time to time to catch closer shoots of the stage.
View from the stairs - mid floor
The second set started off much better with Music Never Stopped. Bobby had apparently gotten over what was bothering him and he was extremely coherent. Phil was in good spirits and they got the dance party started immediately. Overall the second set was very good. Some great jams.
Furthur @ Nokia Theater
They covered Ryan Adam’s “Bartering Lines” half way through the set. Phil really let us have it with his bass on this one. Great song. The back up singers were soulful and when I finally recognized them in my head, I wondered why they didn’t pick up the slack on El Paso? Hmmmm? LOL……
Closing the second set with I Know You Rider, everyone sang along and danced. The lyrics: Gonna miss me when I’m gone resonated with me as I stared at the stage and missed Jerry. As I type this, I feel it must look and sound rather strange. There is such a deep emotional and nostalgic pull to that man, that even though I have never met him, never seen him live, it’s as if I have known him forever through his music. So, I miss this ghost of a man who left his soul on earth through his music.
Furthur @ Nokia Theater
I was actually pretty nervous that they might not come out for an encore considering what had transpired with Bobby earlier in the show. But, I was worried for nothing. They played Phil’s Donor Rap and capped off the night with Uncle John’s Band. Always a crowd pleaser.
Furthur @ Nokia Theatre
At the end of the show, Phil went up to Bobby and gave him a huge hug. The audience went crazy for a good long while. How wonderful. Love in Jerry’s spirit. There must have been some kind of explanation that had been realized behind the scene during set break.
As the venue empties....
They pulled off a good show. I remember being happy and confused at the same time as I left the venue, overhearing all the buzz about what had occurred in the first set. We hung outside for some time and meet up with tour buddies who spent the concert looking for tickets. Everyone wanted to know what we saw. The dogs and wooks were still behaving and I saw no evidence of fights. Again, I thought that I had worried for nothing. It was a splendid night but I still knew it was nothing without Jerry. I look forward to meeting him in the afterlife. We are going to RAGE HEAVEN and HELL into the ground!!!
Furthur
Wed. July 28, 2010
Nokia Theatre Times Square
New York, NY
Set 1: Shakedown Street >, Brown Eyed Women, El Paso (2x 1st verse, instrumental)>, Dire Wolf, Row Jimmy, I Need a Miracle >, Bertha >, Good Lovin’
Set II: Music Never Stopped, Colors of the Rain>, Cassidy, Cold Rain and Snow, Bartering Lines, Space, Born Cross-eyed, Stella Blue, I Know You Rider
Having been raised on Broadway, Jazz, and Classical music, I fall into these events easily and willingly. Tonight we were getting a wonderful treat in the history of music and the New York Philharmonic (NYP). Branford Marsalis, a Louisiana saxophonist, would be making his New York Philharmonic debut. Seriously, this was a ridiculous treat.
The happenings behind NY Phil stage...
Loving my Parkie perks, we entered in through the back of the stage area. It’s fun to see the happenings behind the stage before the performances. Musicians are stuffing their faces with food, sipping on drinks and mingling while they mess with their instruments.
View of side stage...walking in
My tribe of 14 had dwindled to 7 as the rainy day progressed. Honestly, I had my own doubts on how the night would turn out but I was trying to stay positive. However, just like the previous night, the rain stopped around 3pm and the 55-acre center of Central Park, called The Great Lawn, was littered with people who knew a little water was worth what we might get to experience.
Our seats...with view of Great Lawn behind
Parkies get wonderful accommodations for Central Park performances. Where as all other patrons in the park must get there insanely early to beat the 30,000 other people expected to occupy the lawn that night, Parkies get special seating in chairs while the New York Phil guests get even closer seats. We also get the option of having plenty of space to lay out blankets and have a picnic style lounge for the evening. There were so many free seats that we took over an edge of seats and placed the blanket along side. A few laid down on the grass while the rest of us utilized the seats.
View from our seats of Stage
A long time New Yorker and my guest for that evening explained to me how in the past he would arrived early in the morning and leaves his blankets and bikes in the spot he wanted to reserve only to come back hours later to occupy his spot. Apparently, no one ever messed with his belongings. I am glad I didn’t have to take those kind of risks. My advice is to do just that if you do not have an “in” for these performances.
Where there is normally 30,000 there was only 11,000
Right before the show began, a NYP staff member came around to the Parks attendees and told us that the they would love for us to move forward to use their seating as so many people had not shown. We decided we were close enough and didn’t move.
Check out this video of the musicians preparing for a night of gorgeous music!
The concert was conducted by Andrey Boreyko, a Russian conductor, and featured the following pieces:
I am not going to break this night up by song. I totally just sat back and enjoyed myself choosing only to recall whatever ends up in this article. When it comes to Classical music, I just want to sink into it. I don’t want to think about writing or taking pictures. In fact, I don’t think I took a single picture with my camera, these are all from my Droid.
The first half of the program consisted of the first three pieces with Marsalis coming out on the second. Marsalis was spectacular, blowing his alto saxophone with technical perfection. These songs were rather obscure and I didn’t know them. It was nice to hear Russian interpretations though. The only piece that wasn’t Russian was Schuhoff‘s.
Walked into the Park for a nice set break 🙂
My good friend, and constant Philharmonic companion, James M., made a nice little video recap of the evening. The classical music starts somewhere in the middle and the fireworks display is great! (He had a rough time getting the music to play on other outlets so enjoy Alicia Keys dubbed over for a bit in the beginning!)
The ambiance alone is worth going. There was gorgeous music with a backdrop of a gorgeous skyline while sitting on a lush green carpet of grass. We had wines, cheeses, dips, conversation, fireworks, seats if our backs hurt or it got wet. The sound is incredible. If you are seated in the back of the Lawn then you had screens to see the performance. Just the entire event, from start to end, with all its little elements really makes it a stand out summer performance from a music festival or a show held indoors. I am constantly looking forward to it coming around every summer.
Brandford Marsali's NY Phil Debut 🙂
During this entire time, we had been experiencing a lovely vibe. There were couples around us laying on blankets, snuggling. In the middle of a particularly quiet moment in the music, we hear this ripping blast from the guy on the blanket to our right. I don’t think I can emphasize the power it took for all of us to not bust a gut laughing. He immediately sat up and tried to mask it with a cough while I almost choked. Angie, who was closest, didn’t know what to do with herself. I mean, just hilarious. The guys were not as good at hiding their giggles. A lovely classy moment brought back to our gross reality.
Brandford Marsali's NYPhil Debut 🙂
The encore was not mentioned in the pamphlet but I recognized the music almost immediately. They performed a medley of songs from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, which draws as much from Tchaikovsky’sballet. It was gorgeous and gave us another 20 minutes of classical music. I always love hearing nostalgic tunes covered in interesting ways. Classical Disney music? Totally my thing.
Fireworks over CP South
They ended the night with a lovely fireworks display over the south end of the Central Park. The display lasted over 10 minutes and solidified everyone’s smile for the evening. All we could think about is what the people in midtown were thinking about when these explosions went off near them.
As always, my tribe was one of the last to leave the lawn, or rather, be asked to leave. We strolled out of the park in our various directions home feeling sorry for those who had chickened out of the concert. They missed a phenomenal night where some history was made 🙂
When I first found out that Stanley Clarke would be performing for FREE in Central Park’s Summer Stage, I immediately thought two things. One, I must get into that show. Two, I knew exactly who would be my plus one.
McCoy Tyner (Photo by: Dino Perrucci)
Working for the Parks Department, our partnership with the Central Park Conservancy allows for some really nice perks regarding Summer Stage performances. So long as they are not benefits, I am able to plop onto the guest list of any show and bring a friend. The cost of these perks are priceless to me. (After this article I am moving onto the New York Philharmonic in Central Park….god, I love my job!)
Once I got on the list, I immediately invited my good friend, Nigel Hall. Nigel’s first concert as a little boy was to see Stanley Clarke with his father. My past connections to Stanley was strictly through my love for Fusion, which Nigel also shares. Tonight was a lovely extension of memories for both of us. Those kind of moments are magical and it’s lovely to build on them.
The venue was set up with chairs in the front and blocked off sections for the “VIPs.” I was rather early and I still didn’t have the ability to snag two seats. I only got one for myself and I hoped I could grab one later for Nigel. The commotion over people Bogarting the seats and saving 10 seats at a time for people who hadn’t showed up was rather annoying. If I had needed a seat immediately for a friend, I would have been in that commotion. Luckily, I was alone and accommodated haha.
Return to Forever
I have never hidden the fact that I have a passionate connection to Fusion Jazz. I have mentioned it numerous times in past articles. Specifically, the group Return To Forever. A group that defined Fusion and showcased some of the genre’s greatest talent. Stanley Clarke is the bass player from that group. Having seen Chick Corea at the Blue Note a few weeks earlier and having Al di Meola in town a few days later, the players of Return To Forever were spread out all over Manhattan and I was soaking it all up little by little.
Seriously, the McCoy’s set could and SHOULD be an article all it’s own. However, I just wanted to sit back and relax for McCoy’s set. I knew I would be all over the place mentally when Stanley came on stage. So, I sat back, relaxed, didn’t take notes and just absorbed what was taking place on stage. I actually am seated directly behind the female taking the below video!
Esperanza Spalding (Photo by: Dino Perrucci)
The talent that was mind-blowing and the sounds were so eclectic and wonderfully brought together. You had Afro-Cuban jazz composer and drummer Francisco Mela who was superb, locking down his drum solos each and every time and providing a wonderful session of beats for this insane jazz performance to groove too. I can’t begin to describe his energy and talent.
I had never seen Esperanza Spalding before and I just wanted to BECOME her. Commanding the center of the stage with all these great male musicians surrounding her, with this giant upright bass between her legs, biting her lower lip as she flew over the strings…IT WAS HOT!! And it was almost impossible for me to not focus on her completely. At 26 years old, her fingers move with the grace of an old soul and her sound parallels that. I mean come on…
Then we had Ravi Coltrane, son of John Coltrane, ripping apart the saxophone when his time came. And this was just the opener…
Ravi Coltrane and Esperanza Spalding (Photo by: Dino Perrucci)
The opening band consisted of the second son of luminaries John and Alice Coltrane on saxophone, a bass player hand-picked by President Barack Obama to play in Oslo Hall at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, a drummer hailed as “one of the most important Cuban drummers in jazz” by Jazz Times, and the bluesy stylings of McCoy Tyner. UNREAL!!!! I am almost always a hater on opening bands. But this was a real treat. This was talent opening for talent and this is the kind of music and performance I prefer to see. HOT DAMN!!!
INTERMISSION
And then, after all that energy had been put into us, preparing us for the INSANITY that was about to take place…we were put on hold. There was now a change of plans. The show had attracted such enormous response that the outside of the venue had been swarmed with people. A gentleman got on stage and said:
“I have good news and better news. ” The good news is that there are hundreds of people at the bottom of the hill who want to be part of this lovely evening of music. The better news is that we are going to stop for about 20 minutes and ask that you utilize the space around you so that we can provide entrance to more viewers.”
Stanley Clarke (Photo by: Dino Perrucci)
The venue was not even closed to being packed and I was in a chair so I wasn’t to worried. At this point, Nigel was still in transit. He had spent the day performing on free pianos all over the city. Sadly, he missed one hell of a opener but his performances were well worth his delay getting to the show and you should check it out by clicking the link above.
Nigel arrived in plenty of time for Stanley’s set. Perfect timing. Two lovely gentlemen were sitting behind us wearing their Return To Forever shirts. Nigel took their pictures on his phone! We spoke of the coming Al Di Meola show at Highline Ballroom the following night and they already had their tickets. Unfortunately, I was giving free tickets away through the Tiny Rager site but was unable to make it as I was heading to Phish that weekend.
After about half an hour delay, the stage started to buzz again and we were handed 2 1/2 hours of pure Jazz. HELLZ YEAH!!!
Stanley started the show off with Lopsy Lou. Hitting us right in the face with the slaps of his bass and the snare drum tapping off the beat. A great showcase of the bass and immediately I learned who the hell this Hiromi character was and what she was all about. Some could say rager and some ragers might say showboat. Personally, I just have my jaw on the ground.
The words I want to use to describe her actions are as plain as SHE FREAKS THE F#@K OUT!!! Her entire body was involved, her entire mind was probably in outer space or in the keys…inside the piano…it is clearly an out of body experience for her when she plays. There are no words strong enough to describe the insanity that is Hiromi when she plays for us. Just take a look…and this doesn’t even scratch the surface of her raging…
At only 23 year old, Ronald Bruner Jr. blows my mind. Beginning his professional career at the age of 15 at the Theolonius Monk Institute of Jazz, he has already played with huge Jazz legends. His diverse drumming styles could be heard throughout the performance.
And then you had Stanley Clarke. The man of the hour. If you closed your eyes, you felt as if you were listening to Stanley Clarke from 20 years ago. He still has it. Boy, does he still have it. With his electric bass in hand, the group performed Charles Mingus‘s jazz standard, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.Hiromi once again let loose and RIPPED OPEN her solo with the power and ferocity of an attack dog. Check it out…
Stanley moved to the stand up has for a Return To Forever song called No Mystery. I believe this song was originally written by Chick Corea so Hiromi started off the song with her plinking keys. Initially, there was no bass. During this song, Stanley had some technical difficulties. You heard people in the audience shouting that we couldn’t hear the bass. Nigel and I picked up on it immediately and just watched Stanley handle it in his smooth nature. He sat there looking a bit frustrated but sitting calmly, smoothly, smiling at us, letting Hiromi fill in his blanks.
Stanley Clarke - Bass!
After some commotion on stage, Stanley throws his hands up and then we heard it. The bass was fixed and Stanley was projected out to us once again. Ronald Jr. wiped his face as Stanley thanked the Tech and proceeds to take his solo. And man did he make up for those lost minutes.
While no one else was shouting or jumping out of their chair, Nigel and I proceeded to be moved by the music numerous times bringing us out of our seats and hollering like wild kids at the stage. Sure, this was a jazz show. We were surrounded by people who would have preferred silence and a nice seated audience but that is NOT what was going to be happening with us tonight. This was powerful shit. This is the stuff that made us move and you can forget the manners and civility that is supposed to come with these shows. After the third time jumping up out of our seats Nigel shouts: “Go head Stanley.” Man, this was such a change of pace from the FUNK.
Ronald Bruner Jr. - Drums
The drums held it down while mic was changed on Stanley’s bass. Hiromi continued to rage the keys. Nigel and I bickered over the antics Hiromi threw at us while playing. The way that girl raged, she would most certainly knock over that wine on the Temperpedic commercials. Nigel is from the old school of playing the keys and feel that those kind of shenanigans while playing are not necessary. On the other hand, I felt that her playing was modern, new, fresh and would entice and energize the younger parts of the crowd who might be sitting there bored because their parents drug them to this show.
Ruslan Sirota - Keyboards
The next song was fast jazz with a Broadway bounce. Our real first taste of Ruslan on his Yamaha Motif. He raged some insane fusion keyboards for a few min and Stanley cooly crushed it in the backdrop. Such an unusual sound.
Nigel loved Ruslan so much more thne Hiromi but Ruslan truly didn’t bring the heat that Hiromi did and we both verbally voiced that wish. We were both out of our seats for part of his solo while the whole placed sat quietly.
Hiromi's kicks...
Stanley felt it and we felt it in him. So many faces while Stanley raged slap acoustic bass and then Ruslan FINALLY brought the heat but not moving even half as much as Hiromi. There was absolutely no flair with this guy but he was clearly talented and GREAT!
Stanley switched to using a bow on the bass for Paradigm Shift. A nice slow, slow start to the song. A shifty song that bounced back and forth between chaos and sanity. Pleasent vs wild. Nigel points out: “He’s had that same part in his hair for 30 yrs.” Ruslan’s legs shook so hard and Stanley plucked the bass so deep. I loved this song. Ronald was fast and chaotic.
This song made me think of lights. I imagined the lift show if there was one. Oh Stanley. As we watched him pluck those strings soooo very fast, we joked about how we bet his wife loves the way he plucks those strings. The slow inclinations were impeccable.
Set list…Lopsy Lou, Goodbye Park, No Mystery, Black Narcisuss, Good Bye Pork Pie, Paradigm Shift
Our View of Stage!
The Stanley Clarke Trio performance featuring Hiromi might just have to be one of my top 5 performances of 2010. It is a style of music that resonates with me harder then Funk, harder then anything. I was watching the show with someone who I knew was appreciating every single drop of sound that was coming from the stage and I loved that. The weather had turned cool and lovely. It was just lovely. At the end of the performance Nigel and I just stared at each other and smiled. What a perfect night of music.
How excited was I?? I had just spent a day at the New Jersey Shore and had come right from the Transit train directly to a boat on the East River to see Cornmeal, a jam-rock-bluegrass band, for the first time.
I had been hearing of this band for MONTHS!!! Nothing but great things. Once it was announced that they would be performing on Jam Cruise 9 I knew I had to check them out. Even better, I had never been on Rocks Off Concert Cruise Lines so this was going to be a night of many firsts.
The Marco Polo Cruise Line
Not 24 hours earlier, Cornmeal had played for 15,000+ people at the All Good Music Festival in Masontown, West Virginia. And now here they were playing for us…maybe 75 people? Quite a drastic change.
Foooooood.....
Rocks Off Concert Cruise Lines Series is a groups of various sized ships that leave from either the East or West sides of Manhattan and travel up and down the East River or Hudson River while a band performs in the belly of the boat.
More food...
Upon entering the ships, you are immediately in the “Hospitality” area which held the bar and food. It is cash only so be prepared…I was not. There were empanada, turkey wraps, rice, pasta and salad. The women working behind the counter were cheerful and bright. When I went to take their picture one of them ran away. I didn’t have anything to eat but my friends did munch on some empanadas. They were not that impressed but it served it’s purpose.
Hanging with Chris prior to show...
One of the positives that was made clear right off the bat is the fact that the space is so intimate that the band members were mingling all around us. This allowed for numerous conversations, introductions and commotion between all of us. One of the other positives is that I felt like I was on a mini Jam Cruise for a night. It was lovely.
Allie Kral and Tiny Rager 🙂
The staff was more pleasant and accommodating. First of all, the drinks are $8 and I only had $7. The bartender was like, “Oh, that is fine. I will make you a drink anyway.” That drink was soooooooo strong, my girlfriend kept telling me to go get more Cranberry in my Vodka Cranberry.
Another great staff moment, the intern who was running the merchandise table agreed to let me put my traveling bags behind her table so long as she wasn’t responsible for them. This was perfect since I had just come off the train from the beach and wasn’t able to drop my things off at home first. Finally, there is parking all around the docks but you can also reach the boats by all forms of public transportation.
Stage prior to show...
Luckily for those of us in attendance, the weather was cooperating with a light breeze and low humidity. Unfortunately, I didn’t really feel much circulation within the belly of the boat where the band performs and found myself constantly having to leave the stage area to get some air outside on the bow of the boat.
Cornmeal
Introducing Cornmeal...
“Wavy” Dave Burlingame – Banjo,Vocals
Kris Nowak – Guitar,Vocals
Chris Gangi – String Bass, Vocals
JP Nowak – Drums, Vocals Allie Kral – Fiddle, Vocals
Noted as a Bluegrass Jam band out of Chicago, Illinois, I knew that I was going to like their sound. I was just hoping they were as tight and off the hook as I had been told. They blew me away immediately, effortlessly sliding between the two styles and by the end of their first song, Heaven on Time, I was singing their praises.
Took off down the East River
The first set was 45 minutes. During that time, the boat left port and traveled down the East River towards the Statue of Liberty. Aside from the heat, it was difficult to focus on the band as we traveled due to the lovely scenery catching my eye out all the windows. Just a beautiful backdrop for a lovely night of music. How had I never been on these boats before? What the hell had kept me away so long?
Cornmeal aboard Rocks Off Cruise
With the banjo and the stand up bass driving the bluegrass vibe, Johnny Put Down Your Gun was next. A wonderful jammy tune about a renegade. We all got a little bit of Johnny in us I think.
Johnny was born in old Kentuck
High in the hills of Northern Boone
Folks been sayin’ since he’s a baby
Johnny was born to break the rules
Traveling down the East River
Kris Nowak (Photo credit: Courtney Astrid Mendenhall)
There was numerous times that I felt I heard horns. Perhaps it was my state of mind and my constant want to hear horns in any group. Instead, Cornmeal uses numerous pedals and contraptions to create distinct sounds that otherwise their instruments wouldn’t make without help. Kris Nowak in particular made his guitar sound lovely morphing between jamming out and the bluegrass measures. Chris Gang proceeded to tell us how this is their 10th year playing together and how proud they are of this accomplishment. We all cheered and I wondered how I had never heard of them until this year.
Cornmeal aboard Rocks Off Cruise
JP Nowak (Photo credit: Courtney Astrid Mendenhall)
During Long Hard Road, we came around Battery Park and idled at the tip of Manhattan. I couldn’t help but be a little overwhelmed. There we were, floating in a boat only a few hundred yards away from the Statue of Liberty. These moments are never wasted on me and at that moment, everyone was on the bow of the ship taking in the scenic views. From the stage I heard: “We are going to take a short break now and come enjoy the view with yall.” And then Cornmeal was by my side, taking pictures with my friends, holding conversations with everyone. What a great thing.
More views of the East River...
The boat itself is very liberal with what they allow to go on. Watching the band try to keep their balance was quite entertaining. Attempting to stand myself was difficult and I wasn’t drinking. You can imagine how tipsy the other patrons on the boat were who were imbibing heavily. On the other hand, tonight, there were numerous Wharf Rats on the ship. Wharf Rats is a twelve-step program which met at shows and helps people stay sober. On such a small boat, I felt a little bad partaking in my festivities around them.
And she sings too...
Kris Nowak-Guitar,Vocals
Over the years, I have enjoyed the friendships of numerous Wharf Rats (or other various sober organizational members) who understand we are not all sober and that some of us still party…I like to call it “Raging Responsibly”. Tonight, there were a few people who seemed to be all out MEAN to those of us enjoying ourselves. I was shocked. One girl was complete pissing and moaning about not being able to drink while another one verbally voiced her disgust when people lit up. I find that completely uncalled for, personally. No one was blowing cigarette smoke in anyone’s face or anything. Peopel were being
I found out later that Cornmeal took home a Jammy Award in 2008 for Best New Groove. This makes complete sense. The artists that comprise this band are technically charged and brilliant. Let’s talk about these amazing musicians.
Allie Kral (Photo credit: Courtney Astrid Mendenhall)
First I have to go with the female of the band. The fiddle player, Allie Kral. ALLIE KRAL!! WHAT??? WHAT??? Are you kidding me? I have never seen a female violinist’s arm move so fast. I have never been so captivated by a female violinist so fast. It can genuinely be feared that her arm might fly right out of the socket and knock my ass out. She is phenomenal. Her speed is riveting, her precision of sound is right on point.
The view from the boat...I need a better camera
Then you have “Wavy” Dave Burlingame, the banjo player. Oh man, where do I being? He was incredible as well. Flashes of Bela and others came to mind with this guy’s work. I wish I could describe the sounds. With his laid-back vibe radiating off his posture, his fingers flew over the strings to create a integral sound for the group.
Kris Nowak & “Wavy” Dave Burlingame
During intermission, I was introduced to the Railroad Earth sound guy. I completely forgot his name but his face is so unique I will most certainly be able to pick him out of a crowd if we ever cross paths again. There was lots of talk of Jam Cruise being that Cornmeal was on the boat this year and even more talk about how people get on the boat working under a band.
Cornmeal on Rocks Off Cruise
Cornmeal on Rocks Off Cruise
Set List!!
For the encore, Cornmeal RAGED the Allman Brother‘s Whipping Post at some point. That might have been my favorite song of the night. I mean, they really really crushed this cover jamming at times and raging their bluegrass vibe as Allie Kral’s arm moved over the strings so fast I could not even consider getting a clear shot of her.
The entire vibe of the night was perfection. The weather was flawless, the scenery was gorgeous, the music was the best of both worlds…WE WERE ON A BOAT!! A GREAT date night adventure if you ask my opinion. Get on it guys…
Set I: Heaven on Time, Johnny, Pennies in the River, Dig A Hole, On My Own, Long Hard Road
Set II: River Gap, Calling Me Back Home, Not At Home Anymore, Walk (Don’t Look Back),
It was pouring rain all day. Working for the 
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 