For the last three weeks, Steve Kimock held residency at New York City’s Sullivan Hall on the Lower East Side. The beauty of a residency is the opportunity to experience your favorite musician/group in various musical positions. Each week, Kimock was supported by a different line-up of musicians bringing us a dense Dead/New Orleans vibe his first week, creating vibrant jams with a younger generation of musicians the second week and finally destroying the audience with a fusion laden performance the third week. The guests were as follows:
Wednesday night’s performance capped off what was truly a magnificent run of music. The heavy fusion style was deeply evident throughout the night’s performance as Steve Kimock delivered the audience what I am boldly going to have to put into my “Top 10 Favorite Steve Kimock Shows” list. I can hear the gasps now but to be fair, I have only seen him maybe 35 times!! BUT STILL…how many can say that they have seen Steve Kimock sing, let alone sing a Beatles song?
I’ve been seeing Kimock in various iterations (Zero/TheOtherOnes/KVHW/SKB) since 1997. I have NEVER witnessed him singing… Mind = blown.. ~ Evan S.
The rock solid rhythm duo in John Molo (Bruce Hornsby, Phil & Friends) and the phenomenal Andy Hess (Govt Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) with the gorgeous ivory talent of Pete Sears (Hot Tuna) provided a support for Kimock that allowed him to showcase his talents effortlessly, to an extent that a fire RARELY seen in our wonderful Mr. Steve Kimock burst through over the progression of the night. Steve Kimock truly shined about as bright as I have ever seen him shine!
Kimock Residency!
John Molo!
When I arrived at the intimate Sullivan Hall, Kimock and friends had just began a Kimock original, It’s Up To You. The placed was packed! I was drawn to the stage immediately as Andy Hess’s bass lines wrapped themselves around my heart, pulling me closer. Nang Chalk Pipe, an Ernest Ranglin cover followed. Jamaican guitarist and composer Ernest Ranglin is someone I had never heard of until Kimock began covering this song. There is a guitar style found in nearly all ska music called “scratching” that some people might suggest was created by Ranglin.
If Eric Clapton is God, then Steve Kimock is the holy ghost ~ Josh W.
Kimock’s slow, calculated intro into the Jimmy Cliff tune Many Rivers To Cross was an audience favorite. Sadly, there was a large group of people talking in this small space and for the first time at a show in a while, I heard a large portion of the audience “shhhhh” the other portion. I LOVED that! Personally, I want a shirt that reads “Shut The Fuck Up While The Band Is Playing” on the front and back. Kimock utilized his Hawaiian lap steel to create the draw that defines the song. It was sullen and romantic at the same time. Couples swayed and smiles abounded on the audiences faces.
The jam into Baby Baby, a cover of Ronnie Shannon’s Baby, I Love You which was a hit for Aretha Franklin in the late 60s (thank you for this clarification, Mike), was wicked with Steve lifting off his seat and on to his feet with a smile creeping out from the sides of his generally stagnant lips.
Andy Hess’s bass line locked it down. Andy Hess’s bass line ALWAYS locks it down. For those of you not familiar with Andy Hess, I suggest seeing him immediately. He is an artist in our community who is criminally slept on, providing a solid foundation in every project he plays participant and is rarely given credit when credit is due. The ability of an artist to hold back is just as important in certain musical scenarios as raging through with your instruments. Musicians need to remember that and sometimes they do not. When musicians play with artists like Steve Kimock or John Scofield, they must remember to allow these guitarist to shine and not overpower them for any reason. It’s a skill you learn over time playing with different artists. Andy Hess can back any musician, allowing them to shine and still be dripping with sweat holding down his spot on stage with a fury. SOLID!
First Set: You’re the One, Nang Chalk Pipe, Many Rivers To Cross, Baby Baby
Andy Hess & John Molo
John Molo!
The second set was KILLER! A personal favorite, Tangled Hangers, had Steve dropping the fusion-y solos and John Molo’s rocking the audience out. However, it was when the first note of Tongue In Groove hit that made me so happy as it is my favorite Steve Kimock tune. As I inhaled the gorgeous beginning of this song, I looked around at the room which was filled almost solely with older men. The masculine beauty of this song was not lost on a single man 0r women in there. It’s the ultimate love song. Half way through, Pete Sears destroyed a solo that elevated the jam immensely. So tight! I am going to let the video speak for itself.
Steve Kimock
Golden Road‘s upbeat, dancing vibe brought out some hoots from the audience before people fell into their own dancing worlds. Peter Sears, yet again, showing his stellar ability on the keyboard without over shadowing Kimock. Another seasoned musician who knows how to withhold until given the window to let loose. John Molo holding down the rhythm with Andy Hess was such a pairing, the two melded seamlessly together. At times, I kept thinking they should be recording this for a live cd release.
I believe that many people’s disconnect with Steve Kimock possibly come from his lack of stage presence. I feel you on that. Tthere are times where he literally disappears off the stage for me but he never falters in his sound. The new generation of music lovers enjoy a hype show, that rager performance, the necessity of dancing and lights, the Chris Loftlin banging his head, Skerik raging in our faces. But with Kimock, well, he just sits on his stool with his glasses propped at the end of his nose dressed in all black, making it look effortless (almost boring as I know some feel). What you fail to see with this opinion is that he is pulling things off that other guitarists only dream of doing. So, when I watched as Steve Kimock walked to the microphone, busted out a killer smile and began singing Slow Down, which I believe is a Beatles tune, my jaw fell to the ground. YES, Steve Kimock sang. I couldn’t understand a word he said and that didn’t matter.
Last night’s show was the only time I’ve ever seen him say anything to the audience besides band introductions, and certainly the first time I’ve seen him sing (out of maybe…20 shows?). Even during interviews, he’s incredibly reticent, giving either two word answers, or near-nonsensical ramblings, punctuated by nervous laughter. ~ Josh W.
Second Set: Tangled Hangers, Tongue in Groove, Golden Road, Slow Down
This third and final performance of Steve Kimock’s residency had a distinct flow of comfortableness as a result of the musical experience that radiated off his musical support for the evening. Andy Hess, John Molo and Pete sears showed us how to do things right, putting Kimock on his well-deserved pedestal as they all shined along with him. And for someone who lacks stage presence during most of his performances, it was a wonderful treat to see Steve Kimock so spirited.
Steve Kimock Residency: Night I @ Sullivan Hall (03.23.11)
Steve Kimock (Photo by TinyRager)
Guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Kimock (Zero, Crazy Engine), kicked off a three night residency at Sullivan Hall last night in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The crowd was thin as not many New Yorkers braved the lightening hail and sleet storm that came through unexpectedly. Those who did were delivered an intimate, magical musical treat.
Joining Steve Kimock on Sullivan Hall’s stage last night was the acclaimed New Orleans pianist Henry Butler, bassist Andy Hess (Govt Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) and Steve’s son, John Morgan Kimock (Crazy Engine), on drums. There were a few surprise guests as well. After only one song into the first set, the foursome welcomed Donna Jean Godchaux (The Grateful Dead) and guitarist Marc Muller, from Dead On: Recreating The Grateful Dead Note For Note, graced the stage for the remainder of the set.
Kimock Residency (Photo by K. Dugan)
JMK (Photo by K. Dugan)
Now just for perspective on my love for Steve Kimock, I just need to throw a little info out there. When I am I am asked to think of a musician that closely resembles or embodies Jerry Garcia or his spirit, my mind almost always shoots to Steve Kimock. There really is no other name that ever seems to push Kimock’s out of my mind as a front runner. He is a musician I look to as a teacher. He is a musician who is constantly willing to connect with his fans, willing to nourish new talent when he discovers it and constantly pushing the envelope of where he can take you with his guitar.
Click HERE for video of their rehearsal of “Crazy Fingers”
Butler and Kimock (Photo by K. Dugan)
There was a stimulating sense of connection within the venue last night. The lack of audience members did not create an empty feel as the music filled the space magnificently. The first set was a straight up Grateful Dead infused vibe! “Nana’s Chalk Pipe” started it off with Henry Butler’s New Orleans infused key play over the trippy Kimock guitar. It was amazing, such a unique combination of sounds hitting such a small stage. “Watch The River Flow,” an improved song with Donna Jean joining the stage for lyrics, followed. “Crazy Fingers” brought the headiness up, up, up. The group would break into free for all jams that flowed for minutes at a time, “Scarlett Begonias” showcasing each artist’s talents. Kimock, seated on a stool, would close his eyes and melt into the jam from time to time. It was moments like these where you could feel the air of Garcia around you. Marc Muller couldn’t have been more on point and it took a while for her vocals to warm up but once they did, Donna Jean’s voice and pure connection to Jerry helped stimulate the energy surrounding us. They ended the set with a killer “Franklin’s Tower,” where Henry Butler made it clear to us that he felt the music, felt the spirit of Jerry within him. I have never heard Henry Butler sound quite like he did last night.
The second set was supremely funkier. Andy Hess’s bass lines found their way to the forefront of the songs and Chris Burger (Alphabet Soup) joined the stage for a free style rap session that lasted over 15 minutes with deep exquisite solos brought out by each musician. Ironically rapping of “rain” on such a gloomy night, he reminded us of the “yin and the yangs” of life which brought a completely different vibe from the first set. Afterward, we welcomed the weather that was in store for us when we exited the venue. The remainder of the set delivered us a stage full of talented musicians jamming away at their leisure with a melodic under tone that helped lead them through to the end of the set.
Chris Burger (Photo by K. Dugan)
Set I
Nana’s Chalk Pipe
Watchin’ the River Flow*
Crazy Fingers
Scarlet Begonias^
Eyes of the World
Franklins Tower
*Donna Jean Godchaux remains onstage for set 1
^Marc Muller from Dead On remains on stage for set I
Set II
Thing One
All Together Now *
Something You Got
It’s Up to You
*with vocals by CB (Chris Burger of Band of Brotherz/Alphabet Soup)
Next Wednesday, March 30, 2011, Steve Kimock will be back on stage welcoming Drummer Adam Deitch, Marco Benevento and Marc Friedman (The Slip).
($33-$95) Tibet House Benefit Concert @ Carnegie Hall
Feat: Philip Glass, Tenzin Choegyal, The Flaming Lips, Angelique Kidjo, Taj Mahal, James McCartney, The Roots, Patti Smith, Jesse Smith and Michael Campbell, Michael Stipe
($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
Friday, March 4th, 2011
($7-$10) Official Conspirator After-Show feat. The Manhattan Project @ The Delancey
($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) 5th Annual Nolafunk Mardi Gras Ball: featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911 , Soul Rebels Brass Band and Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds @ Le Poisson Rouge
($40-$80) Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ Avery Fisher Hall
($41-$331) Bon Jovi @ Madison Square Garden
Sunday, March 6tht, 2011
($30) Larry Coryell Power Trio with Victor Bailey & Lenny White @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30) Fred Hersch & Joshua Redman Duo @ Jazz Standard
Monday, March 7th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
(Free) NY Funk Exchange @ Club Groove
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Kush
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall
($15) Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves@ Knitting Factory Brooklyn
($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Band Show w/ Reckoning @ Sullivan Hall
($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series w/ The Yonrico Scott Band featuring Oteil and Kofi Burbridge @ Iridium Jazz Club
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
($7) Afro Funky Party w/ Zongo Junction, Top Shotta & DJ Offbeat @ Cameo Gallery
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($30-$40) Al Dimeola World Sinofina @ The Blue Note (2 shows)
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
Monday, March 14th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Steve Martin performing with The Steep Canyon Rangers: An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo @ Highline Ballroom
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($5) That 1 Guy @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($59) FURTHUR: Phil Lesh and Bob Weir @ Best Buy Theater
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
($10) Gent Treadly @ The Sugar Bar
($30-$42) Intimate Solo Acoustic Citizen Cope @ City Winery (2 shows)
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden
Thursday, March 17th, 2011
(Free) The Farewell Drifters @ Rockwood Music Hall
($5) Dead Kenny G’s @ Brooklyn Bowl
($15) Chris Morrisey Quartet w/ Mark Guiliana @ The Jazz Gallery
($18-$22) JJ Grey(MOFRO) solo acoustic with Shannon McNally @ City Winery
($35) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Joe’s Pub
($40) New York Dolls @ Bowery Ballroom
($50-$93) Celtic Women @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Friday, March 18th, 2011
(Free) Nutritious @ The Cove
($5) The Heavy Pets (GOLDYS BIRTHDAY PARTY) @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($5) Buzz Universe & Afro Skull @ The Bowery Poetry Club
($30) Duduka Da Fonseca Quintet featuring Anat Cohen @ Jazz Standard
($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($12) A Post Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Scott Metzger / Will Bernard / Ron Johnson / Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
(Free) Mark Guiliana @ Rockwood Music Hall
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
($10) Anders Osborne w/ Leroy Justice @ Brooklyn Bowl
($30-$40) Pat Martino Organ Quartet @ Birdland
($35) FUNK SUMMIT: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Bernie Worrell (P-Funk), Fred Wesley (James Brown, P-Funk) @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
($20) Murder By Death @ Rocks Off Cruise
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($60-$200) Diana Ross – Greatest Hits Tour @ St. George Theater, S.I.
($75-$125) Benefit for Cornell Dupree w/ Cornell Dupree, Joe Cocker and Dr. John @ B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
($80-$180) Elton John @ Madison Square Garden
Monday, March 21st, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($10-$17) 101.9 Wrxp 3rd Anniversary Show Feat. Guster @ Irving Plaza
($25) Mingus Dynasty @ The Jazz Standard
($30) Rick Derringer @ Iridium Jazz Club
($50) Keyshia Cole @ B.B. Kings
($60-$275) Janet Jackson – Number Ones, Up Close and Personal World Tour @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($18-$22) Noah and The Whale @ Bowery Ballroom
($25-$40) Paula Cole – DIVINALE: A Month of Wine, Women and Song @ City Winery
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
($10/$12) Heyoka, The Malah, Octopus Nebulae, Tucci @ Public Assembly (Mis Ter Bugsley)
($15) Surprise Me Mr. Davis @ The Bell House
($15-$20) Mike Gordon @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($20-$25) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency w/ special guests Henry Butler , Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, Black Crowes, John Scofield) and John Morgan Kimock @ Sullivan Hall
($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
($10) The Macpodz and Sister Sparrow And The Dirty Birds @ Studio at Webster Hall
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($30) Jeff Lorber Fusion @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$52) Cold War Kids @ Radio City Music Hall
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Friday, March 25th, 2011
($??) Mahavishnu Project plays Jeff Beck (Wired, Blow By Blow, There & Back) @ Iridium Jazz Club
DVD Release Event for “Jeff Beck: Live at Iridium” [free DVD giveaways]
($12) A Post Furthur & Allman Brothers Band Show featuring Some Cat From Japan: The Music Of Jimi Hendrix featuring Nigel Hall , Scott Metzger , Will Bernard , Ron Johnson , Eric Bolivar @ Sullivan Hall
($18-$20) The Wood Brothers with Carsie Blanton @ City Winery (2 shows)
($20) Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($25) Post Allmans in New York Midnight Concert Series Col. Bruce Hampton and Pharoah Gummitt Featuring Duane Trucks @ Iridium Jazz Club
($30) Steve Smith, Jon Herington and Col. Bruce Hampton @ Iridium Jazz Club
($32.50) Victor Wooten and Stanley Clarke @ BB Kings
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$47) Queens of the Stone Age @ Terminal 5
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($50-$60) Don McLean with Special Guest Dar Williams @ Town Hall
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
(Free) West African Band @ St. Nicks, Harlem (late night)
($10) A Post Furthur and Allman Brothers Show with Reflections @ Sullivan Hall
($15-$20) Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears @ Bowery Ballroom
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40) Charlie Haden Quartet West Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Release of Sophisticated Ladies @ Birdland NYC
($40-$80) Hungarian Echoes IV: Bartók’s First Piano Concerto @ Avery Fisher Hall
($45-$65) Afro-Cuban All Stars @ The Concert Hall
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
($61-$172) Allman Brothers Band @ Beacon Theater
($100-$175) Rod Stewart / Stevie Nicks – Heart and Soul Tour @ Madison Square Garden
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
($8-$10) Dangermuffin @ The Rock Shop
($25) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($25) James Blood Ulmer with The Memphis Blood Blues Band featuring Vernon Reid @ Jazz Standard
($30) Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra @ Birdland NYC
($40) Harlem Gospel Choir @ BB Kings
($50-$84) Furthur @ Radio City Music Hall
Monday, March 28th, 2011
($5) London Souls Residency @ The Brooklyn Bowl
($8) Jim Campilongo @ The Living Room
($25) Mingus Orchestra @ The Jazz Standard
($25) New Sounds Live: So Percussion and Bobby Previte with John Medeski, Zeena Parkins, DJ Olive & Jen Shyu @ Merkin Concert Hall
($35) Hubert Sumlin Band @ Iridium Jazz Club
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($50-$117) Jeff Beck and Rock N Roll Party w/ Imelda May & Her Band @ Radio City Music Hall
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
(Free) Dred Scott Trio @ Rockwood Music Hall (late night)
($5) BoomBox @ Brooklyn Bowl
($12-$65) Medeski Martin & Dunn, John Zorn & MASADA Marathon @ David H. Koch Theater
Featuring: Marc Ribot, Uri Caine, Dave Douglas, John Medeski, Secret Chiefs 3, Greg Cohen, Joey Baron, Cyro Baptista, Kenny Wollesen, Jamie Saft, Erik Friedlander, Mark Feldman, Sylvie Courvoisier, Trevor Dunn, and many others
($20) Billy Martin w/ Dj Oliver and Ikue @ The Stone
($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
($20) Steve Kimock 2011 NYC Residency with special guests Marco Benevento , Marc Friedman (The Slip) , Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Breakscience) @ Sullivan Hall
($25) Reggie Watts @Music Hall of Williamsburg
($30-$40) Kevin Eubanks Trio @ Birdland NYC
($35-$60) Aaron Neville @ BB Kings Blues Club
($40-$47) LCD Soundsystem @ Terminal 5
($55-$65) Billy Bragg – At Home In The City W/ Special guest Ben Sollee @ City Winery
Jesus, my spoiled ass forgot what a hot tent feels like in the morning when the sun finally seeks you out. MY GOODNESS!! But considering the stormy conditions we had to endure at last year’s Vibes, the sun was completely welcoming.
VIP Perk #1: You have sectioned camping in the section of the park that has the most tree canopy coverage. The general camping is located in mainly open fields and parking lots.
The Casbah...
Quote of the morning: *With a mischievous look** “Are you trying to tempting me with a good time??”
We woke up to a gorgeous day. We spent the morning relaxing, waking up slowly with our friends at the Cosmic Casbah. We were greeted with friends of ours who were only just now passing out, a table full of breakfast foods like bacon and eggs, muffins and fruit, and music. I crashed onto the mats with my plate of food, listening to the music, letting it breath life into me to start my day.
We knew that for breakfast we were being dished some New Orleans ROCK by way of The Radiators so we hit the field pretty early, only missing Billy Simons Band on the Green Vibes stage. You know, it’s almost impossible to catch all the music at a festival if you are solo but with a running crew it takes that much more time to settle.
VIP TENT! (Night shot!)
VIP Perk #2: During this time, we utilized the free food in the VIP tent where they had wonderful selection of snacks and beverages to sustain us ALL DAY. At $6-$10 for a single meal or $4 for a water in general vending, these 24-hour snacks of fruit, pretzels, chips and salsa, candies, sodas, water, juices, milk, coffees and teas were BEYOND welcoming, sustaining and economical. It’s possible to spend $60 on water before even considering food at a festival. And that is just the 24-hour spread. From 11am-3pm you are offered a buffet of hot meats, salads, pastas, and desserts to chose from. And generally, if you are starving and want another half of a turkey wrap, you could easily ask for one. We made our rounds of good mornings and set up shop by the Karma Wash. It was time to focus on the music.
Dave Malone – guitar, vocals
Ed Volker – keyboards, vocals
Camile Baudoin – guitar Reggie Scanlan – bass
Frank Bua Jr. – drums
I danced into the field listening to The Radiators. Their bluesy-rocky vibe catching my feet and ears completely off guard. Being a huge fan of New Orleans Funk, I knew anything coming from NOLA would be better then good. I was excited to hear some NOLA ROCK from the band considered the #1 Rock band on the NOLA scene!!! They didn’t disappoint.
They came out blasting with rock -n-roll. For all you Phish heads out there, Phish opened for this band back in the 90’s. So did Widespread Panic. Where as both of those bands have now reached high commercial success, The Radiators have always been a deeply respective, yet decisively underground group on the scene.
Ragers!
An unavoidable NOLA signature, their funk layer was evident in the music immediately, coming from Ed Volker on keys. There was also that grungy swamp rock layer by way of Camile Baudoin on guitar. It was rough and rugged. The keys sounded almost out of tune but on purpose reminiscent of Professor Longhair in sound, not style. They were a tight group, the guitar players really made some hot sounds with their axes, with twang here, rock there, and smooth swamp grunge in the middle. It was fun music to dance too, sway too, but really it was something to slither too.
Setlist: I Like It Like That, Lets Radiate, Hard Rock Kid >, Lost Highway, Sitting on Top of the World, Crazy Mona, River Run, Soul on Fire, The Death Of The Blues, Junco Partner, You Ain’t Going Nowhere, Rosie
We needed to charge our phones so headed over towards the Green Vibe stage and that is where I heard the funky, odd sounding keys reminiscent of Alan Evans. But maybe a bit too much guitar. It was not as solid as it could be. It sounded choppy at times. Definitely took some getting used too. So, since they confused me, yet, intrigued me…of course, I had to check them out.
Kung Fu's Kris Jensen @ GOTV 2010
When I approached the stage, I recognized Kris Jensen right away from Dickey Betts. His horn brought a delicious element to an otherwise decent band. I wasn’t a big fan of Todd Stoops singing, or any of the singing really, but he knew his way around that keyboard. Tim Palmieri looked familiar as well and I realized later he has played with numerous artists I knew. He was great. Ultimately, the band itself was comprised of some talented musicians who tore up their solos but sometimes they fell off the page when they were playing as a group. The following video will show you what I mean…not bad their at the end, huh?
I was soooo ready to get down to Jackie Greene‘s set that when I heard him start during the Kung Fu set, I took off running. Jackie Greene is a wonderful artist who has an old soul sound and a yung sexy body 😉 Young and talented, open and warm, HOT!!! A rocker, a funker, a jammer, a rager on top of being a keys player, songwriter and a guitarist., electric, acoustic, loungy, rock, whatever…he does it all.
I made it front row for Jackie Greene where I ran into a few of my favorite Jam Cruisers. He came out rocking right off the bat. The second song was a new rock tune, Medicine. And I love a good harmonica. He slowed it down with a beautiful Shaken. Jut an upbeat rock vibe from Jackie all the way through. Perfect set for that perfect sunny afternoon.
Another Tiny Rager!
He blew me away. Tight, on point, smooth and simple. Jackie Greene isn’t someone who needs lights and fluff. He is just talent. He had the whole field dancing and I noticed that the ladies were ogling over him as much as I was. I try not to but sometimes, just DAYUM! Animal was just sexy and finally I was enjoying a singer for the first time that day. And finally, inviting drummer John Molo (Phil & Friends) to the stage, showing love to Jerry, he raged the hell out of his encore covering Scarlet Begonias, one of my favorite Jerry songs that houses one of my favorite Grateful Dead lyrics:
Once in a while you get shown the light/In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
Setlist: I’m So Gone, Medicine, Farewell, So Long, Goodbye, A Moment of Temporary Color, Gone Wanderin’, Shakey Ground, Animal, Spooky Tina, Shaken, Tell Me Mama, Tell Me Right, Hollywood ->, Tomorrow Never Knows >, Taxman ->, Tomorrow Never Knows, Scarlet Begonias *, Like A Ball And Chain
Nick Ayers – Percussion, Flute and Vox
Brennan Andes – Bass and Vox
Jesse Clayton – Keys
Griffin Bastian – Drums
Ross Huff – Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Vox
The Macpodz @ GOTV 2010
Surrounded by creativity!
Another cell phone charger exchange. We wanted to make sure that we could always get in touch with Issac so Jay and I would alternate charging our phones making sure one of us had a functioning one at all times. Where I generally might have left my phone to die in my tent since I was actually camping and not in a house, this couldn’t be the case this festival. I, of course, ended up using it much more by having it on my person. Alas, I am addicted to technology 🙂 Because of this, I also was able to check out the side stage performances and here we were with The Macpodz.
Just like Kung Fu, I was drawn towards the stage because of what I heard coming from the keyboardist, Jesse Clayton. Sounded GOOD! Their image immediately stood out to me, not that it matters but it was like a warped frat house up there. I enjoyed the trumpet as well. Other then that, meh! Nothing would hae sounded good to me at time, knowing who was coming on the Main stage next.
One of my favorite sets of the day. When is Steve Kimock not good? When does he never just sound so perfect and beautiful and full of rage at the same time making you dance to PRETTY music. And here we had the debut of a NEW CRAZY ENGINE!
Such a signature sound with Kimock, that guitar. So light, airy, happy, funky and jammy. He always has such lovely melodies throughout his music. His songs engage different emotions with every measure. I love him. The addition of keyboard legend, Bernie Worrell was a treat for all of us. He threw in Row Row RowYour Boat, The Star- Spangled Banner and all kinds of silly licks from nostalgic tunes throughout his solos.
Steve Kimock and son, John Morgan @ GOTV 2010
Wavy Gravy - blowing bubbles during Kimock set
Bobby Vega bassed us out on Funky B4 Five, a lovely melodic jam where a fun response comes from the crowd at the end of the chorus. Everything is Everything brought out a rapping Chris Burger (Alphabet Soup, Band of Brotherz) who began with the band introductions. Bernie funked out the keys and it was just a funk fest in the field. Closing with Parliament Funkadelic‘s Red Hot Mama, the guitar just sounded so hot and Bernie Worrell was in his element. John Kimock never stood out to me during this set but I do know he is a wonderful fresh drummer who I hope hits our scene with a tornado like force one of these days.
Setlist: A New Africa, Five B4 Funk, Crazy Engine, Everything is Everything, Red Hot Mama
We again made our way to the Silver Lining booth where we were charging our phones with our friend, Thud. Once again, a decent sounding song caught my ear. Quinn Sullivan was playing but I didn’t have time to stop and pay attention. I had a 15 year old to check in with and feed and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings were up next on stage.
There are certain bands where words never do it justice, and sometimes, they don’t even do themselves justice, because they are just THAT good. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings have consistently performed, blowing the ears and minds of millions of people with every performance. This performance was no exception. Just stop the program. Just end it all right here. No one can touch this woman. She is FIRE.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings @ GOTV 2010
Sharon Jones (Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
Sharon Jones didn’t join the stage immediately. First, the stage just filled with DAPPER looking men and their instruments. The first song consisted of the horns blasting, the funk machine igniting and it was POPPIN’. After the first few songs, Sharon Jones joined the stage and well…I just really don’t know how to describe her. She is like a bolt of lightning. Her pores OOZE soul. Her dance moves are spirited and it was as if the music inside her was controlling her like a puppet with strings. Her eyes closing and opening as the passion in the music gained momentum. She kicked her shoes off at one point and just brought down the house with every single word and note. Just watch this woman perform.
Check out this video of The Vibes performance:
Check out the video for the title track from the 2007 album “100 Days, 100 Nights.” in it’s entirety.
THANK GOD!!!! I was not sure what to expect from this set. I had seen Robert Randolph a few weeks earlier in New York City and had witnessed one of the worst Randolph performances I had ever seen. I almost cried because my heart hurt from thinking such bad thoughts of the show. It wasn’t because he didn’t play his songs well but because his new songs are just not of the caliber of AWESOMENESS that they were in his early years.
My Tribe had to be up front for this performance and so we were, dead center. As I approached the front row, it looked as if Robert had found his roots again. Where a tie had been worn at the previous show, Robert was now wearing a liberating bandanna with a long tail. Where the white guy behind the mic were doing most of the singing at the previous show, Robert was now throwing us the licks and doin’ the spittin’ on the mic. Where as Robert was on his guitar most of the time at the previous show, today, he gave an amazing chance to a few lucky guys in the audience and stuck mainly to his pedal steel where his fingers knew no boundaries. His energy was contagious…
Robert Randolph & The Family Band @ GOTV 2010
He brought the stage to fire with an old song right out of the hatch: Ted’s Jam, one of my top three favorite Randolph’s tunes. With this song, it just escalated into one of my favorite, hottest Robert Randolph performances. I could write pages about it but I will write about my favorite memory of the set.
Towards the end of the set, Robert Randolph said he needed some help from and audience member to rage a song. The first guy got on stage and immediately proved he had no chops. This happened with 2 other men before Frederick Aidan Pagnani from Freddy and the Yeti’s jumped on stage to Robert’s delight. Once he started playing, this 19 year old (we found that out talking to him in the VIP then) held his own against Robert Randolph and The Family Band. Check it out:
Setlist: Ted’s Jam, Back to Wall, Travel Shoes, Them Bones, Untitled, I’m Not Listening, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Deliver Me, If I Had My Way, E, It Don’t Matter
Phil Lesh – Bass
Bob Weir – Guitar
Jeff Chimenti – Keyboards
John Kadlecik – Guitar
Joe Russo – Drums
Jeff Pearson – Vocals
Sunshine Becker – Vocals
The headliner for the evening was Furthur. Just like the Randolph set, here was another group that I was hoping was going do a better then job then I had seen them last. If you might recall, there was giant whirlwind chatter about the Furthur show, specifically Bob Weir’s performance, at Nokia Theatre in Times Square last Wednesday. What a difference.
“Seal your face right off your head“
Between Dark Star Orchestra and Furthur, it was arguable who had performed a better set. Both nights were magical recreations of some tightly played nostalgic tunes. Where as Dark Star seemed to be more of stand out performance by Jeff Mattson, Furthur’s performance felt like more of a cohesive group effort and Bobby was on point. The set list contained a plethora of sing along tunes and provided platforms for intense jams during the 4 hours slot.
There was a gorgeous glow worm that was walked through the 15,000 person audience which I was able to catch on film!
Now, here is the song in it’s entirety with the appearance of the glow worm 🙂
Furthur @ GOTV 2010 (Photo by Jeff Dupuis)
Set I: The Golden Road, Jack Straw, Ramble On Rose, Dupree’s Diamond Blues, Friend of The Devil, Estimated Prophet> , Eyes of The World>, Not Fade Away,
Set II: Playing In The Band, Althea, Wharf Rat>, He’s Gone>, Scarlet Begonias>, The Wheel, Standing On The Moon, Help On The Way>, Slipknot!>, Franklin’s Tower, crowd/donor rap/tuning,
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 