With the release of the Jam Cruise line up yesterday, I can’t stop thinking of the artist and how they impact our time on the boat. Running into them in the elevators, having them knock on your cabin door when they hear the pop of a champagne bottle or laying down their food tray to have a leisurely meal with a fan in the dining hall.
As I looked at the line up, I noticed the familiar names. There is always a George Porter project, an Eric Krasno project, a Karl Denson project. The latter is the artist I have been thinking the most about. I just missed two nights of a 3-set GreyBoy Allstars show at the Brooklyn Bowl due to being in the hospital taking care of my boy toy, Josh!
I met Josh at the Karl Denson Tiny Universe shows just about a year or so ago. During Bowlive 2010, Josh and I actually got a chance to speak to him and thank him for helping us meet. His response to us: “Just make sure you show me pictures of the children.” Classic Karl. Needless to say, he holds a special place in our hearts.
Karl’s name is yet again plastered as a Jam Cruise headliner, leading his project Karl Denson Tiny Universe. It was on my first Jam Cruise, Jam Cruise 8, that I truly got to experience Karl Denson in all his glory. But not as a member of The GreyBoy Allstars, not as a member of The Tiny Universe. No, this project was called Sexual Chocolate.
Karl Denson rockin his wig!
With outstanding talent, worth ethic and enthusiasm, Karl Denson is one of the most respected men in the Funk music community. Amazing us with his saxophone and flute skills, among other instruments, Karl Denson fronts bands such as Karl Denson Tiny Universe and GreyBoy Allstars! But have you ever heard of his involvement with Sexual Chocolate?
If you haven’t already watched it, go rent Coming to America! Eddie Murphy plays many rolls throughout the movie but the best role was as the band leader of Sexual Chocolate. And who’s playing saxophone for this gnarly band? None other than our beloved Karl Denson.
Jeff Coffin and others
For many years Sexual Chocolate was out of commission but lucky for us, Karl Denson decided to breathe life into this fictional band by performing a funky Sexual Chocolate set on Jam Cruise 8 in January of this year.
There are music festivals and then there is Jam Cruise!! A musical festival on a cruise ship that travels international seas for 5 to 6 days. I said it last year and I will say it again now. IT IS THE GREATEST MUSICAL ADVENTURE anyone can take.
Last year, I was at a complete loss for words. It was my Virgin Cruise and I was awestruck by the magnitude of what I had just experienced. Considering this was my second year, I thought the hype would be just a bit dimmer, I figured I would be a little less anxious and calm. Nope!
Even now, while I could burst at the seams ATTEMPTING to explain these EPIC musical journeys, I find it so hard figuring out where to start. It’s all so unbelievable. I could tackle these articles by day, or perhaps by subject regarding the atmosphere, the music or the people and so much more. I could write a five page article just on the relationship cultivations that took place this year. There is just so much!!! And the fact that I only slept about 10-12 hours over the span of 5 days gives me an arsenal of memories to pull from.
Jam Cruise 9 Website Banner
Last year Tinyrager.com didn’t exist as it’s own site. I wrote for other sites but mainly for my own personal cataloging of memories and would just save the documents on my computer. So, after last year’s Jam Cruise, I began writing out my adventure and I never made it past the Sail Away Party.
My life took off before I could finish my personal Jam Cruise manifesto. But I did make an attempt and the end result was all the glorious details about the embarkation line to the ship, the embarkation process, what happened when I explored the boat stumbling across the various venues and checking into my room with the gift bags and what not. I wrote about everything I could remember up until the Sail Away Party….and then I stopped.
This year, I am going to continue where I left off at the Sail Away Party with a few backtracking steps. There is no need for me to re-write the exact same information about the boat for this article. If you would like to know about all the things listed above then CLICK HERE! The article is totally relevant to this one and worth the read and would help cement your mind if you are still debating on getting on the boat. Jam Cruise staff actually found it last year and blasted it over their page a few times due to the comprehensive nature of the article. So, enjoy that! It’s got great pictures too!
Now, let’s get this party started!!!
Hello Pretty Ship (Photo by Murray)
~ Boarding & Pre-Sail Away ~
Within MINUTES, sooooo much can happen to you on Jam Cruise. This year, I boarded the boat in what felt like 15 minutes but was really a little over/under an hour. As we get our room keys and begin the walk into the ship, I gaze to my right and Bob Weir is standing next to me. He pulled himself from the line and leans against the wall looking dazed, confused and very skinny. Had he been standing by us the whole time and we been too excited to notice? He didn’t have an entourage and he looked so frail I guess it’s possible. As my friends and I realized the magnitude of this moment, we all said “Hello Bob!” and he flashed us a forced smile. I couldn’t tell if he was happy or sad but I knew how we felt! FREAKING STOKED!!!
A few more feet through the line and we were shuffled into the section where you get your boarding pictures taken. You could purchase the pictures for $30 if you wanted, but whoa that is a lot. However, in the group behind us, Steve Kimock jumped into the picture. Now THAT is a $30 moment worth purchasing!! And there you had another group of people whose minds were just blown and we hadn’t even made it on the boat yet. Sadly, my hunt for these pictures has come to a dead end. They are gone once you leave the ship.
The NYC Krewe + some before all hell broke loose 🙂 (Photo By Murray)
I was in line with two of my best friends from NYC and we were in different rooms. Once we boarded the boat we separated so I could take my luggage to my room and unpack as fast as possible as not to miss a moment. I was wearing my Big Sam’s Funky Nation tee-shirt, READY for the Sail Away Party. READY to see my main man Big Sam. As I step into the mirrored elevator with my luggage, I was covered by this giant shadow of a man who had followed behind me. And as I turn around, I am embraced by none other than Big Sam. Having reached out to me after he saw one of my reviews of his show, he flashed a smile that melted me as I got a huge hug! What a super duper dude! I will have TONS to say about him later in these articles.
(Photo by Jeffery Dupuis)
Last year I was in the Singles Program. The layout of my room this year was exactly like last year except that I was now with two friends I had met on my virgin cruise: Aaron and Victoria, a super cute Jam Cruise couple who completely enhanced my journey. Thank you both for being such wonderful roommates. I entered an empty room and unpacked as fast as I could. When I walked out of my room, I just didn’t know which way to turn. There were SO many people I wanted to see who I hadn’t seen since last year’s journey and whose relationship was cultivated through Facebook over the year as we waited patiently to all be together again. There was so much I wanted to do all in one moment but I knew where I needed to be. This year, I had a krewe from NYC on the boat and one of them was a virgin, my dear sweet friend Jessica. I wanted to see their room and be with her. I just wanted to watch her take it all in because that must have been what I was like last year with my jaw on the ground.
Jam Cruise is over but we know that time will last forever. From the minute I walked into 10242 there was nothing but LOVE. Jessica who I’vereally never met treated me (and everyone) like I was a saint or angel or something. We constructed the door decor (bonding) and the RAGE was on ! Off to Eric’s to gather the troops and start the search for the bottom of the tequilla bottle. A short time later we were off to the pool deck to find the angel Karen has been talking about: Hillary! ~ Murray Ballz
~ Door Décor Competition ~
Sharon & Said's Decor!! (Photo by Richmand Images)
As I entered their room, the faces looking at me were already more shiny and sparkly then when we had left in line. The Jam Cruise blood was flowing through their veins. Their room was bigger with a balcony. It’s always good for SOMEONE in your rage krewe to have a balcony! They had taken out all the makings for their door décor and were attempting to assemble it. Their concept was beautiful. Using pictures of multiple artists and groups that inspired them, along with artists that couldn’t make it on the boat as well as pictures of allllllll our friends and families who couldn’t make it on the boat, we were to create a collage covering the door and then we placed a mirror in the middle. On the mirror’s top it read: “We are all on board together.” On the mirror’s bottom: “And so are you!” So, that when you look into the mirror, everyone is together, connected somehow on board together. I loved it!
A typical hallway on Jam Cruise (Photo by Chad Smith)
(Photo by Murray)
We spent a few hours cutting pictures, tapping things. The rest of our NY posse rolling through the room to say Hi and get the best hugs in the world. This also began the utilization of the deck for party breaks which, as time passed, began making it hard for us to focus and use tape correctly HAHAHA!! The mirror began messing with my head; Rob couldn’t roll a piece of tape to save his life! It was awesome! Oh, you should have seen it.
During this time, the magic of the boat presented itself to us with the introduction of Rob and Jess’s neighbors. When we ran out of tape, they came right in for the rescue. When we needed writing done for the mirror, they were right there with a solution and Maker’s Mark on the rocks. No matter what you want, you get what you NEED on Jam Cruise! From masking tape to enlightenment.
Putting "our" door decor!! (Photo by Murray)
The final product was perfect. A door COVERED with people and musicians we love that couldn’t be on the boat with us, yet they were, even if it was only in this small way. Throughout the week, any number of our NYC posse could be found sitting on the floor starting at our door. Staring at our loved ones, staring at Jerry and Janis. Personally, I was found passed out with my hand on the picture of myself and my boyfriend on the first night and was guided back to bed for what would be the only night I would sleep in my cabin!!!
And in terms of what door enhanced my JC experience the most?? Door number #9211. This door was covered in 3D pictures from last year’s Jam Cruise. There were numerous 3D glasses attached to the wall by string so you could see the pictures. It just got cooler every time I saw it. And at one point, I didn’t even NEED the glasses to see it in 3D. So, anyway, TINYRAGER award to Room #9211 for making us go OUT of our way at least 2 times a day to check out your door!
Forum Party/ Sharon's Birthday Rage! (Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
Once we finished the door we realized that we missed the forum party on the pool deck. They had gathered to give Sharon R. a proper Happy Birthday. I am so sorry I missed this Sharon! Love you! And now…it was time for the Sail Away Party!!!
Jam Cruise Day One Schedule!!
~ Big Sam’s Funky Nation / Sail Away Party ~ Pool Deck ~
Photo By Rex-A-Vision
The wonderful Julie McCoy (Photo by Chad Smith)
The Sail Away Party is phenomenal and truly defines the rest of the voyage. Julie McCoy, the ship’s activities coordinator/manager/queen bee, comes on to the stage. Free champagne is distributed amongst the cruisers lining the pool deck and The Captain and Julie McCoy toast us off on our journey. Then the horns blow and you now know…the party has OFFICIALLY begun. As well, Sweet Water Brewery gives out free beer at during this set, wonderful news for the alcohol drinkers, if you like their flavors!
Photo by Rex-A-Vision
I walked to the front row with my friends, toasted, and then stepped away for a moment alone. I was alone on the top level of the Pool deck last year for the beginning of Trombone Shorty’s Sail Away Party and I wanted to be in the similar location and just be alone, connecting with the ship, for a few moments. If you read my post from last year, you know the turmoil I was in before I boarded this magical vessel that changed my world. So, I walked up to my sacred spot, snapped a picture of the amazing sight I was staring at and took one giant breath. Upon exhaling that breath came SO MANY tears, I almost collapsed. The flood gates opened upon the realization that I was back. I was back in this music world; this musical WONDERLAND that completely CHANGED MY LIFE! And this year was going to be SO different than last year.
~ Big Sam Sail Away Party~ Raging Audience Shot from Stage ~
Photo By Rex-A-Vision
After letting the tears flow for 2 songs, I gathered myself, with the help of a few people around me, and went back down to the front row, puffy faced and all smiles. For those of you who don’t know much about the boat or who are not large into the music scene, the front row is where it’s at. I was greeted into the front row where all the best people reside in most musical scenes, let alone Jam Cruise. But I suppose I need to talk about music here at some point right? Wasn’t this a music festival on a ship?
Not so great mobile pic of the View from my "alone" spot (Photo by TinyRager)
I have seen Big Sam numerous times throughout the year. I was worried that his Sail Away party would be the same formulaic shows that I had seen him perform over the year. But that wasn’t the case. Where there was a similar flow to it all, Big Sam covered some great songs, added some new dance moves…they just brought us a new show and the audience ate it right up.
Photo by Rex-A-Vision
During the fourth song, the ship’s debarking horn blew, the pool deck erupted with cheers and we started moving. Immediately, the heavy hitters started joining the party. If nothing else, Jam Cruise is about the various musical combination of artists you can find performing on the boat. You NEVER know who is going to sit in with whom. In this case, Leo Nocentelli (The Meters) joined Big Sam for “Gonna Get Funked Up Tonight” and Fred Wesley (JB Horns) followed for “See Me Dance”.
~ Big Sam Sail Away Party~ Top of Pool Deck Perspective ~
Now, The Funky Nation is know for their ability to rage cover songs as well as create new edgy music. Throughout the set he blew some heat into Gnarls Barkley‘s “Crazy”, The Black Crowes/Otis Redding‘s “Hard To Handle” and their final song of the set was a mash up of Cee Lo Green‘s “Fuck You” and Lady Gaga‘s “Bad Religion”. This moment was special for me because when the song first came out, Josh and I literally blasted that Cee Lo Green song for a month straight every morning while getting ready for work. The song is hilarious and the video is even more so. In this moment, I looked around the pool deck and saw people kinda staring blankly. Except for a few people, they didn’t recognize the song. The entire set lived up to it’s expectations. It was high energy, full of flare and raging rock funk.
Set List:
01. Intro
02. ?? (jam/instrumental)
03. Feelin’
04. King of the Party
05. ?? (instrumental)
06. Gonna Get Funked Up Tonight
07. See Me Dance
08. Big Ole Booty
09. Hard to Handle
10. Do Watcha Wanna > Everybody Needs Someone to Love > You Are My Sunshine tease > ??
11. Dance Floor
12. Up In Here >
13. jam >
14. ?? >
15. Crazy > Get Low >
16. band intros/banter >
17. Fuck You > Bad Romance tease
At this point we had half an hour until any music started. Being that this was the first night, I can’t believe they had lulls but this year’s scheduling seemed to be staggered differently so whatever. Gave us time to debate! The options were:
1) Bob Weir‘s Scaring The Children on the Pool Deck (9:30pm-11:30pm)
Already, my heart was racing with the fact that I knew I would be missing things I didn’t want to miss. This year, I knew I would be spending a significant amount of time the first few days cultivating relationships and so I made a point to schedule the music I loved but also plan to hang out where a large percentage of my Jamily might be.
Most of the performers have two sets over the course of the week so I was ok with missing things here and there and catching them later. In general, the inner turmoil for me over what music to see is the most stress I feel on that ship.
Carlos Felice Theater! (Photo by TinyRager)
I took off for Robert Randolph and the Family Band, riding on a cloud. When I got there, the theater greeted me with all its purple and gold majesty. This is my favorite venue on the ship. Again, you can learn about the ship from last year’s posts. But I will tell ya that the purple and gold colors are beautiful and remind me of my college, there are two levels to rage on, the elevated steps in front of the stage are perfect for our drinks, extra costume accessories like boas, hats and what not. The stairs are also rounded and this allows for a much larger front row throwdown.
I got to the theater and no one was really even in there and the roadies were still setting up. Speaking of cultivating relationships, I met a lovely twin set named Cindy and Mindy, who inevitably raged the front row with the best of us the whole cruise. Rage on ragers. Big hugs to you both!
(Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
~ Robert Randolph and the Family Band ~ Theatro Carlo Felice ~
As I sat there, making new friends, old ones started arriving. Said and Sharon’s smiling face made their way to our side of the theater. (Thanks to Said for the RR&TFB set-list below). Then one by one the Jamily krewe gathered until we were 25+ deep on the left side of the stage. Oh, how I just want to talk about all these lovely people, not the music. It’s insane. But that is not the purpose of this so…
(Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
(Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
Having seen Robert Randolph and the Family Band a few times this year and being disappointed in the performances, I was PRAYING that he would kick it back to his roots and focus on older songs, perhaps melt our faces without playing Lady Gaga tunes to fill time. Perhaps give us some great covers; perhaps show us some great collaborations. And that is exactly what they did.
Blasting off his set with “Ted’s Jam,” he shot me right back to ten years ago when I first found Robert and Danyel at Star Hill in Charlottesville, Virginia. The newest addition to the clan, Lenesha Randolph, was on stage, backing up her brother. I am still weary on her talent. I won’t say anymore regarding that topic.
“The March” is one of my all time favorites Robert debuted years ago. I was right up front with my musical posse and when Robert got off his seat and started dancing for us, we all knew the dance and joined along. He asked us to teach those around us but he was doing a fine job wiggling his body for us….mmmmmm. And Danyel‘s bass thumped away. I am absolutely IN LOVE with Danyel and his voice. Always have been!
“Tears of Joy” brought the blues to an otherwise raging set and my faith in Robert Randolph and his family, however swaying it may have been hours earlier, was restored and his #1 fan was back on top, in the front row, loosing her mind!
Set List:
01. Ted’s Jam
02. ?
03. ?
04. The March
05. ?
06. If I Had My Way
07. Deliver Me
08. I Miss My Girlfriend (Her Name is Molly)
09. Thriller Jam
10. I Need More Love
11. Voodoo Chile
12. Tears of Joy
13. Traveling Shoes
As soon as set ended, I hightailed it to the Pool Deck to check out the remainder of Bob Weir‘s Scaring The Children. I ended up on the upper deck looking down at the sea of Dead heads who were staring doe-eyed at Bobby and Co. The wind was blowing warmly over my body as I realized we were so far from land now I couldn’t see lights.
I gave Bobby as much time as I could before wanting to leave. Personally, I thought it sounded pretty slow and that is not a bad thing, I just needed something more to move to. I wish I could recall the song that was playing. Even though it was tough for me to look at Bobby, as all I could imagine was the scene from Indiana Jones where the guy takes the sip from the wrong chalice and his skin melts off, it appeared that he was giving the people what they wanted. Smiles abounded on the faces below me and I just knew that Jerry was smiling down upon the ship.
(Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
So, after Robert Randolph‘s set, we were faced with more difficult choices.
Having just seen Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe numerous time over the past year and just a few days earlier as the Phish After Party on New Years Eve, I decided to skip KDTU on the Pool Deck and focus on the Anders Osborne set.
Performing on same stage as Robert Randolph, the Anders set was going to take a little time to prepare as they transferred over the equipment. I used this time to gather my thoughts, fill up my water bottle and grab a bite to eat. I don’t want to go into the food just yet…too stressful.
(Photo by Michael Weiss)
~ Anders Osborne with Stanton Moore and Carl Dufrene ~ Teatro Carlo Felice ~
(Photo by Dave Vann)
I had missed Anders Osbourne the few times he made his way through NYC the past year and having seen him in the past, I KNEW he would rip up whatever stage he was on with his rouge, wild, rockin’ New Orleans vibe. That is exactly what I was looking for at this time in the evening.
His back up band was a force to be reckoned with. Joining the stage this set was:
This set was complete fire!!! I mean absolutely out of control, rock-laced guitar shredding jams, backed by outrageous solos by Skerik and added guitar layers by way of Scott Metzger and Will Bernard. At the time, it was my favorite set of the night and in hindsight, it is in my top five sets of the week. The inclusion of Skerik‘s hyper-driven saxophone layered upon Anders songs was, well……take a look at this….seriously.
Set List:
1. Tuning
2. Love Is Taking Its Toll
3. Echoes Of My Sins
4. Darkness At The Bottom
5. Burning On The Inside
6. Got Your Heart
7. Me Donkey Want Water
4) AND THE LAST CHOICE!!!! The Jam Room: Hosted by Tony Hall (12:00am – 6:00am)
Now we come to the greatest and grandest part of the Jam Cruise experience. THE JAM ROOM!! Each night, a different musician (generally a guitar player, keys player or bass player) hosts The Jam Room. The Jam Room is a entertainment space located in the rear of the ship where these musicians play host to who ever wants to join them on stage. Sometimes, there are pre-arranged gatherings or sometimes a musician just jumps up for a song and adds to the insanity. Always, there are free jams, group rages and it’s all off the cuff improvisational jamming.
~ The Jam Room with Host Tony Hall ~
(Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
Tonight’s Jam Room host was Tony Hall, New Orlean’s Dumpstaphunk bass player. Tony is one of the most charismatic musicians around. He is always invested in engaging with his audiences, making faces, pulling girls on stage, dancing with the audience. He is one of my favorites in that aspect.
Sadly there is not a lot of footage from the Jam Room to show you. Many Cruisers had already gone to bed to save their strength while others were raging so hard they couldn’t manipulate a camera or video device to save their life. But I can tell you that it was a RIPPING good Jam Room.
It was an epic moment lost on the winds of the ocean and remembered only by those that were present… ~ Ananda Atmore
Tony Hall was backed by many of his bands mates from Dumpstaphunk to include:
There was so much happening on stage there is no way to recall it all. One of the last songs played in the jam room that night was Jimi Hendrix‘s “Hey Joe”. The Lee Boys‘ Roosevelt Collier jumped up on stage and confused the hell out of us as he was only a passenger on the ship thus year! SO FUN when things like that happen. You know it’s a good time when other musicians pay to get on board.
(Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
(Photo by Rex-A-Vision)
Tonight would be the only night that I came back to my room to sleep. The theme one must know and get to embrace on Jam Cruise is: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint!” It appeared that everyone had taken that creed to heart as I wondered around the pool deck wondering where everyone was. Where were the late night jam sessions and/or drum circles on the pool decks? Where was Brock Butler playing his acoustic guitar to the people watching the sunrise.I am sure that they were somewhere, I just never stumbled upon them. It was destiny, however, because after raging the Unofficial Pre-Jam Cruise party at the Days Inn Bahia Cabana Beach Resort the night prior, I was exhausted. I decided to watch the sunrise with my NYC crew and hear how our virgin cruiser Jessica B. had enjoyed her first night.
As I looked over the balcony, lost in the wake of the ship, my friends and I smiled at each other. We watched the wake of the ship hit the tip of the horizon and we knew there was no turning back. We were together on this epic musical journey and there were so many adventures to be had. I took myself to bed around 7am but not before touching the faces of all our family and friends that lined the door decor, wishing they were with us. Sleep was needed as we had a full day at sea tomorrow. I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for us when we final rose again.
Halloween is my favorite holiday! Hands down! The creativity, the energy, the raging, the musical performances, the underlying scary vibes. It’s an excellent excuse for a party and that is what most in the music industry believe as well.
Hallowrage Time!
Numerous bands and musicians rage their individual Halloween performances all over the nation and expectations are always high. For the past few years I have spent Halloween in the mecca of the holiday down in the East Village in New York City. However, this year I would be following only one band and it would take me out of one city and into another.
Phish. Halloween. Atlantic City. Four words that established one of the most amazing, unpredictable, energy-filled weekends in my musical history.
Atlantic City Skyline!
Let me just list a few things for ya here right quick!
I could barely sit still at work. I walked into the Arsenal by 7am just so I could put in a full day of work before leaving at 3pm for one of the greatest rages of the year. My crew (2 adults and the YOUTH POSSE = four raging HS juniors we were chaperoning for the weekend) gathered up our gear, headed out of our respective homes, jobs or schools and collected at 88th and Madison with fireworks coming out of our ears .
Yukon Denali
While most people were taking buses, trains or caravan-ing with their friends, we were riding in style in a big black Yukon Denali arranged through a car service. (THANKS MATTT!!) The ride to the show was a highlight of the weekend, I must say. Sitting in a car with our four raging high-school charges, listening to their hilarious conversations, participating in a few and being shocked by others.
It was (and always is) great spending time connecting with our favorite young ragers. It’s just so humbling to be around these wonderful young adults. They are smart, funny, well-mannered, sober, non-rebellious, beautifully spirited young adults. They are also members of THOR! Check it out! They truly give me hope for a future where so many kids their age are little bastards. I’m just saying, I live in NYC. Most of the kids I see/meet are seriously brats.
The Arrival
The Borgata in all it's purple glory!!
We debated constantly whether to go to The Borgata, our lovely accommodations for the weekend, first to drop off our belongings or head straight to Boardwalk Hall so we didn’t miss the opener. Luckily, we made it in plenty of time to check in, or so we thought. As we arrived at the giant purple glowing Borgata, the lines were horrendously long, there were Phish heads scattered around the lobby but not many. Our lodging would be a 5 minute taxi ride from the venue but almost everyone else we knew would be occupying casinos surrounding Boardwalk Hall.
So, we left all our things with the Concierge and would deal with it all after the show. This was a bit of a rush and, of course, we all left things behind. Most important thing I left: my camera. GRRRR!! Alas…so many of the pictures you see throughout this article will be from my friends, other websites, etc.
Will-Call/Entry
I lead the Youth Posse to Will Call to pick up our laminates and tickets for the weekend. Josh went to the flag poles, which would become the meeting point for everyone all weekend. While handling the ticket situations, which was quite unorganized, a security guard whispered in my ear about drugs.
“Hey! Ppsstt! You looking for some pot?”
“What? Huh? Nah, I’m sorry. I don’t have any.”
“Nah, Nah! I am looking to sell YOU some!”
“Seriously? You are a security guard and I am here with 3 kids. Back it up homie!”
And with that I turned my back and we were off to the flag poles. The entire exchange blew me away as I had just read the article about Atlantic City cops going undercover at Phish shows to see what they were up against earlier in the week. Here this guard was, trying to deal. Unreal!
Picture by David Vann (2010)
I am so thankful I never had to deal with the general population entrance to the show. The set-up was as disorganized like a five lane highway under construction merging into one, bottle-necking at the mouth of the gate where security guards yelled at everyone to hold up their tickets. To be clear on the disorganization, I had a friend, with a ticket, who made it in without his ticket being scanned or his person being searched. We miracle someone with it during intermission!! I later came to read about Phishheads crashing the show on Halloween dressing up as security guards and sneaking in as well.
Phish Atlantic City: Friday (10.29.10)
It was a sold-out show but people were pretty much giving their tickets away Friday night. The ticket situations are super intricate sometimes. People spending hundreds to get into certain shows, doing things I would never do to see a live performance of a band.
Boardwalk Hall Seating
Friday: SET I
Picture by David Vann (2010)
After helping/making sure every one of our friends were taken care of, we finally entered the building. We popped into our seats in Section 103 easily enough, the isles already getting packed. Within minutes of getting to our seats, the lights dimmed, the band walked out and the weekend had OFFICIALLY begun.
Without a beat, all four Phish members surround a microphone situated at the front of the stage and went into a barber shop quartet-style, acapella Star Spangled Banner. That is the first time that I had ever seen something of this sort at an event other than a sporting event. I looked to my right and a MASSIVE American flag was hanging at the end of the venue. I wondered if I would have ever noticed it if we hadn’t sung that song.
Having finally gotten to our seat, the show beginning and everyone situated, I collapsed into my seat. I was completely exhausted. The excitement of the week leading up to this adventure, the ride to Atlantic City and finally getting things into place for the weekend. Man oh man, the weight was lifted and I just collapsed. I took this time to reflect on the venue. It was gorgeous.
The inside of the gorgeous Boardwalk Hall
The bluesy My Soul started off the music, getting us into our dancing shoes. AC/DC Bag had me on my toes, thinking of my buddy who had been hoping for the song last weekend in Amherst, Mass. The playful, bouncy melody of Ocelot filled our ears as Trey gave us the usual guitar jam in the middle while Fishman slammed our ears with some high-style drumming. It all just brightened up the room a little bit more.
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
Sample in a Jar, a personal favorite from my teenage years, played but the whole set was still lying a little flat for me. I was assuming it was because it was Friday and they were saving their energy for the next tw0 nights. But then, they released themselves upon us. The highlight of the set, IMHO, Light Up or Leave Me Alone, (a Steve Winwood/Traffic cover), rocked everyone’s heads OFF. AWESOME cover. With Page on vocals and Trey’s jams, they overly entice us to boogie on down. Page…oh Page! I just love you. The lights, as always, amazing.
Sugar Shack and Timber (Jerry) were just ok. I like Timber to a point, the chorus is fun to sing along with and roll your body along to the tune. It’s a decent song that my friend would call an Intermezzo Phish song, giving the audience time to run to the restroom or the beer tent.
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
Axilla into Rift highlighted Page on his piano and rocked out Fishman on the drums. This is such a rager of a duo. The beginning of Axilla simply throws your body into gyrations and it was around this time I found myself starting to head bang in my seat. I needed to get out of the confines of these bleachers. Not a big fan of them singing during this song but I LOVE the chorus including the guitar rift and the drumming rages.
That super sped-up Axilla (for which I was front row center). Damn, that was hot. Headbanging at Phish shows isn’t usually the protocol, but I can’t resist Axilla! ~ Karina R.
It’s all about the Rhythm section folks. DAYUM! A funky unfinished The Moma Dance into Cities (a Talking Heads cover) had everyone dancing and singing along. The second highlight of the first set for sure. Tight, funky and fierce.
Continuing the flow from Cities, they took it right into 46 Days as the set closer. Great high-energy jamming continued on by Trey, Fishman ripping the drums apart, Page slamming down on the keys and Chris Kuroda‘s lights were SUPERB! It’s absolutely amazing watching a light tech do his job, flowing with the music as if he is an extension of the music himself. 110% love me some Chris Kuroda. This was a great ending to the first set. Some argue, the best jam of the weekend. I’ll let you decide on that one.
FRIDAY: SET II
I was officially hungry for more. The first set of seven for the weekend had ignited my energy. Where there was once a tired version of me, there was now a bouncing, giggling girl realizing what the hell was standing in front of her. This is what was surrounding….I mean, come on!
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
The Magic Key to my Magic Weekend
I needed some air and to get away from all the smoke during intermission so Josh and I explored, using our laminates to find the best way outside as it was a non-reentry show. I was so thankful for these wonderful bits of magic around our necks for the weekend. I absolutely needed and was able to utilize the fresh air many times that weekend which enhanced my overall comfort throughout the shows. That was great.
As we returned from the cold night air, we walked around the venue to take in the sights. People were in costumes, running around like chickens with their heads cut off, standing in beer lines, bathrooms lines or just in piles leaning against the walls with friends escaping the hot, smoky inner belly of the venue.
Having missed most of the piano-heavy Punch You In The Eye, we heard the funk going down in Sand beginning to play, a gorgeous song about what it is like being a piece of sand in an hourglass. We ran into the closest tunnel that would take us to the song, ending up in the very back of the theater.
Slide and let the silicone Embrace you as you fall Then bounce and land you let Your brothers crush you to the wall
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
The light show was spectacular from back there. The balls flying throughout the floor were so tiny but the whole scene looked so magnified, I was completely overwhelmed. Sitting closer to the stage, you loose an ability to fully take in the light show. You loose the magnitude of the venue because you are not looking behind you. Sometimes, people don’t get to experience the magnitude of the space, the energy backing up on all sides.
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
Sand segued into an unfinished Carini, a little sloppily but the crowd was so pumped they didn’t seem to mind. It was a great light show but I felt like I have heard some cleaner, smoother versions of this song. The energy, however, was relentless. You’ll wanna check out the lights in the video! 🙂
I was walking down the steps towards the GA Friday night when Sand segued into Carini. It was MADNESS. Some guy through his Philly cheese steak up in the air, and I couldn’t move a foot, as everyone had stepped into the aisle to boogie down. I actually thought it was Zeppelin’s Kashmir for a second…interesting foreshadowing! ~ Karina R.
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
Mike’s bass dominated my ears during Prince Caspian. Another favorite of mine albeit a little dull at times. There so many places this song could go in a jam. Where as Trey didn’t really bring it home, it was a high energy moment in the venue and it was laid out nicely enough. The lights, the balloons and balls floating over the audience were stunning. The taper of the videos I am using was in a great centralized location for this show, right? Great view! Great videos!
Then a song began that I was unsure of until my friends blasted it out before my mind had time to register it. “Los Lobos?” cried one. “No, it’s not!” cried the other. Coincidentally, both were right. The Taj Mahal cover Corinna was next but Trey teased When the Circus Comes before the count off that threw my musically knowledgeable friends for a tiny little loop. There were a lot of teases throughout the night which I could have written down but I was having too much fun dancing with my friends!
Corrina is a rarity that they’ve been busting out once a tour since New Years 2009. First night was a great warm-up for what was to come. ~ Erika V.
Piper. I am pretty sure this was my first Piper live and I LOVED it. The intro was fun and it got fast…quick. They were on it here. Chris Kuroda‘s lights once again stealing my eyes away from the band. They blast into hyper drive and Trey’s solo begins. Page’s keys driving it at times. One of my favorite songs of this set for sure. And it went into my second favorite song of the set…..
Right into Theme From the Bottom. Perhaps not the most well-played song of the night, but Chris Kuroda‘s light work on this song was phenomenal. Making the sea of people on the floor look like an ocean of fun I just wanted to jump into. Blue lights radiating off the walls like waves, I swear my face melted a little bit. The glow stick war that exploded during the crescendo was a favorite moment to top it all off! Just a great song that threw me back into the seat of any number of my friend’s car driving around in the 90’s in high school.
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
The face melting continued during Golgi Apparatus. The energy was lifted up and glow sticks went everywhere during the “ticket stub” line. And then the slow jam that I was wishing would speed up to keep us raging hyper. Which eventually, it did. I loved this song mainly because of it’s lighting effects and the speed at which things can change up. And there is nothing better when the entire place erupts during a climatic point in the tune. I SAW YOU WITH A TICKET STUB IN YOUR HAND!!! Glow sticks everywhere. The lights catching them as they fly into the air. JOY KILL MOMENT: To the people who throw them UP into the stands…STOP! Unprofessional raging! Throwing them down is as dangerous as it needs to be. Projectiles coming AT our faces tend to cause more damage then a few sticks hitting you on the head coming from the stands. Saw a poor girl get one to the eye during this song. She was ok, albeit a few tears down, never fear 🙂 Tour kids are tough!
The first half of Slave to the Traffic Light was a bit slow for my taste but the second half…magic. Slow but lovely. I remember closing my eyes, taking in the energy around me, swaying in tune with my friends surrounding me, the lights slow and soft. I raised my hands in the air and it felt slightly like a spiritual moment. Uplifting music is all I ever ask for. Tinkling piano keys brightening up the bass sounds and Trey just raged the song…fully delivering it at the end.
Rocking Fluffhead, but when is it not rocking. I do feel like I have seen this song performed at every other show I have seen this year but I wasn’t going to complain because it’s fun. Lovin Cup (a Rolling Stones cover) was delivered as the encore. This high-impacting song blazed through the arena. Everyone singing along, jumping everywhere, the floor a massive earthquake.
I just remember hearing ‘loving cup’ for the first time on Friday. This has been one of my favorite Stones songs forever and hearing the guys play it couldn’t help but put a smile on my face. That encore reminded me that Phish is about more than an exploratory jam; a sense of love and happiness was in the air that night. What a beautiful buzz. ~ Matt L.
Photo by Dave Vann (2010)
Friday definitely got us warmed up for what was in store that weekend. That’s not to say that Axilla and Corinni wasn’t hot, hot, hot. I love a full sound with heavy beats and high energy! ~ J. Bach
Friday’s performance is being greatly over looked by many people I believe. Overall a slow start to a raging weekend, the show blasted us with one hell of set list that brought the energy up just enough to tease us and keep us on our toes for the following night. Of course we would want more energy tomorrow. Of course they would need to bring it tomorrow. Phish knew this and it was nice to see them withhold a few things because what we were about to be delivered the following two nights were beyond anyone’s imagination, predictions and dreams.
Friday started slow but eventually got quite jamming. At the end of the show I leaned over to Isaac and said, that was a tasty appetizer. ~ J. Raskin
Friday Setlist
Set 1: The Star Spangled Banner, My Soul, AC/DC Bag, Ocelot, Sample in a Jar, Light Up Or Leave Me Alone, Sugar Shack, Timber (Jerry) > Bouncing Around the Room, Axilla > Rift, The Moma Dance > Cities > 46 Days
Set 2: Punch You In the Eye > Sand -> Carini > Prince Caspian, Corinna, Piper > Theme From the Bottom > Golgi Apparatus > Slave to the Traffic Light > Fluffhead
E: Loving Cup
DOWNLAODING INFORMATION AS PER PHISH’S FACEBOOK PAGE
Included in the ticket price for each date on Phish’s Fall Tour, is a free MP3 download of the entire show (a fully mixed soundboard recording), redeemable at LivePhish.com. This includes all tickets purchased through Phish Tickets, Ticketmaster, Ticket Horse, and at the venue’s box office.
If you’ve got your tickets in hand, you may redeem your code now at http://www.livephish.com/redeem. Your “code” is the barcode that appears on the tickets. You may upgrade to CD or CD-Quality FLAC or 24 Bit FLAC-HD after you redeem.
Phish’s entire 2010 Fall Tour is available now for download, including their recent Halloween show – with the complete Waiting For Columbus second set – now at LivePhish.com. Included with all downloads is the original Phishbill that was handed out to fans at the begninning of the show.
After we were finally ejected from the venue we collected at the Flag poles and delivered the news of the Karl Denson show to anyone who would listen. No one was going to bed any time soon. The power of the show, even though this was no show stopper, the energy surrounding it, the people, knowing what was in store….We were kids in a candy store. High on life!
We still had not dealt with our luggage and checking into the hotel so we scooped up our Youth Posse and made way for The Borgata in two cabs. As my crew waited in The Borgata lobby for the second cab to arrive, tour buses began pulling up. The cute teen couple in my charge stood guessing who’s bus was who. “It can’t be Trey’s. Trey’s is (insert color here).” or “I think that is Mike’s?”
We ran up to the rooms. They were gorgeous. Totally jumped on the beds in each room! They were lovely rooms with beautiful views of the city. LOVED the shower! We all got ready for round two and met in the lobby.
Here comes a super highlight of my night. We reach the lobby and see a friend. Hugs ensue between everyone and is chatting. At some point Chris Kuroda has joined the group and we are introduced, again. Before I register who it is, I go in for the hug I normally give everyone I met and almost get stuck in place. I worship Chris Kuroda. I really do. He is my favorite member of the band. Pulling away was tough cause I knew I would have to make small talk which is hard for me when I’m standing in front of one of my musical idols. Pulling away was hard enough. I hardly gathered myself but we shared a few words about the light show that evening. My night was officially made.
We jumped back in the taxis and were off to….
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe@ Trump Plaza
We walked all over Trump Plaza for some tasty Karl Denson, running through casinos, through bars with people in costumes dancing to various styles of music…
OK! This is where I make my first Jam Cruise reference. I always make one right? Floating around Atlantic City was as close to Jam Cruise as I have found this year aside from Wook the…I mean Rock The Resort. Running through casinos, restaurants, going from one show to another, stopping in friend’s suites along the way in the various hotels that were pretty much connected, costumes everywhere…the list goes one.
The AC setting is as close to a festival as you can get without actually having a festival. Anything and everything was available to us 24 hours a day. Everywhere I walked, I saw show goers and smiling faces. I can’t stress enough how special it is when so many wonderful, same goal-minded people get together. ~ J. Bach
KDTU! (Picture by I. Sloane)
Karl D! (Photo by J. Raskin)
We got to the show around 1:15 I would say. It was more empty then I thought it would be. But, the show had clearly started. I saw a few tapers in the room and knew I didn’t have to worry anything. I could just enjoy the company of my friends who were, just a few hours earlier, spread out amongst 14,000 people and who were now all roaming a MUCH smaller space. It was one reunion after the other.
At this point I had been up since 5am Friday morning and was exhausted. I just let the night flow, not worrying about notes or set lists. Sadly, the tapers have not loaded their recordings to the web. BOO!! It was a great show though 🙂
Mellow after such a high energy performance but towards the end Karl had us back on our toes by the time Mighty Rebel was played. Here are a few videos! Thank you to the person taking the time to record!!!
Karl Denson’s AfterParty Setlist
Set 1: Turnips, Front Money, Bag O Funk, Look Out, The Answer, Because Of Her Beauty, Soul Driftin’ > Manic Depression, Brother’s Keeper pt.1 > Brother’s Keeper pt.2
Set 2: The Mighty Rebel > reggae jam > Walking On The Moon (one verse), Grenadiers , Chance With You > Hey Jude jam > Chance With You, How Fine Is That, Funky Song, Satisfied, The Bunny Playa
Before I knew it, my head had hit the pillow in my bed the night before and just like that, my feet were back to hitting the pavement to the Brooklyn Bowl. The NY Funk Live group was gathering tonight to make sure the dance floor was packed and the energy was high. Such a genuinely good group of people. I encourage all funk friendly followers to look into the group and see if it’s for you. A fellow funksters shirt caught my eye and made me giggle. I hope you get a kick out of it also.
Back of a great shirt!
It was the second night of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at the Brooklyn Bowl. I was arriving a bit early to meet my buddy who was going to introduce me to just the best damn falafel I have ever eaten. The place is called Oasis and it is right at the L train Bedford stop, first stop into Brooklyn from Manhattan. Oh my goodness, it was just so good! Not oily, the extras: the red cabbage, the pickles, the hot sauce, were all so different yet all worked so well together. SICK! And it was $3.50. No lie, it is now what I plan on eating every time I head to the Brooklyn Bowl now. Yup! Yup! Light yet filling and $3.50…Word!
John Staten @ The Brooklyn Bowl
We arrived again before 9pm and there is only a slight line at the ID check this time. Once inside, it’s right to the front, makin’ my way to my regular spot to lay down my things. A few buddies are already marking their territories at the front of the stage. After chatting with them, I turn around to get my little notebook out and there is a NYC condom laying on my purse. I look to the guys elevated above me in the bowling section and they just smile with their smirky grins and raise their glasses. Seriously? Looks like someone else was marking his territory. I place the love token in my purse and turned around to the men in the joint that had some class…my friends 🙂
Karl Denson @ The Brooklyn Bowl
I was not on point for this show. Because I was so focused during the first show, I felt like I wanted to just melt my face off and dance tonight. This review won’t be nearly as long as Night I. I seemed to focus more on taking pictures then notes. Karl and his Universe took the stage around 9:45pm this time. Hell of a lot earlier then the previous night of an hour later. Right into a full out saxophone rage from Karl Denson. I am not sure if they really played The Bridge or not. I don’t recall that song being played but the set list says otherwise… Either way, the first song was a HUGE rage fest and a great way to open. EVERYONE was focused, attentive and dancing. The stage was set up as follows, from left to right:
Chris Littlefield & David Veith @ The Brooklyn Bowl
The first song I recall is Kool Is Back. I love this song. The horn bring you right in with a catchy tune. Karl picked up the tambourine and everything got really funky. Brian gave us a guitar solo created off of his rift that is the background of the song. The banging of the cowbell, John Staten just ripping apart the drums. He was always inserting extra smack downs in the lulls of the other instruments which I appreciate. This song reminded me of a 60’s game show for some reason. Again, I think that if each of these artists had a band of their own, I would go see them all. This song is so full of yummy jazz flute I can’t stand it. FAST jazz flute. Karl’s fingers were moving so fast and he was bouncing to the rhythm of his fingers. My friend SCREAMS his monstrous scream in recognition of the slaughter that is taking place with the flute. And Karl KILLS it. Both horns are picked back up and they blast out the ending with Brian leading the way with the funky rift.
Brian Jordan @ The Brooklyn Bowl
At this point, Karl’s horn insanity is taking down to a medium slow growl, a really jazzy sound emits and the song changes. Galaxy!! “On a rocket ship /No time to wait /I just want to gravitate!” sings Karl. They hit the lyrics pretty hard in this song, little play from the instruments. At least for a little bit! We got some interpretive jazz sax from Karl and people screamed. The drums got louder and Karl got faster. My friend tapped me on the shoulder to hand me some love. We danced around. I heard the tambourine. As I look at my notes, I see where my friend wrote PEACE + LOVE = FUNK!! I think he might be on to something. 🙂 So, there is a part in this song where they kind of let the slow, low, minimalist movement take over and not much happens. He lost me. I started thinking of a friends who weren’t there and and texted them pictures. It was just a really jammy sloooow background for some chatting to commence for a few good measures. But the nice part about these lulls, they pick up fast and just intensify and makes your head EXPLODE. Yeah, Karl knew what he was doing. And no pun intended but SPAAAACE!!! I couldn’t figure out where some of the sounds were coming from, finally figuring out the horn sounds were coming from the keys? Shoot, I still may be wrong. I was loosing my mind waiting for the song to explode in my face. My notes mention something about there being wasted time pickin’ and that is because I just wanted Brian to rip my face off with his fingers on the guitar. He stands there with such a darling smile on his face and its like he is busting to blow out the guitar but he doesn’t. Honestly, I can’t tell who I want to hear more. Who did I come to see? They were all so great. “Outta Sight, Outta Sight” sings Karl twice. Honestly, this Tiny Rager was in the middle of a Tiny Universe but I was entirely in my own world.
David Veith @ The Brooklyn Bowl
YES!! YES!!! YES!! I heard the Reggae beat, the dance in my legs shifted immediately. It moved up to my hips and the salsa vibe was pumping. Might Rebel was serve up so nicely. I longed for Debrissa McKinney’s voice immediately as she sings with them on their latest album, Brother’s Keeper. This is easily one of my top five KDTU songs. JUST LOVE THIS SONG! Gypsy rage! Russ ask to borrow a lighter, confusing me because he doesn’t smoke, and holds it in the air swaying it back and forth. We giggle. It was definitely a moment for that. Karl looked directly at him, because you just cant miss this guy standing out with his red hair and giant stature holding a lit lighter, and with a beaming smile, nods in recognition of the act. Russ adds some reggae beats with his mouth in the crowd and its hilarious. It fits. This is such a different song from the others being played that night. It was so very Reggae and it was a nice change. All the musicians soloed and just killed it. Coming together at the end, it was just a pure hippie rage in depth. Very heady and it was over just like that.
Karl Denson @ The Brooklyn Bowl
Shake It Out was next and it was the same as the night previously. I just set everything out and shook it out. No notes, no recollection of anything fantastic happening. Just dancing machine! Hands in the air, spinning, knocking into my pal who was trying to contain himself but I could see in his eyes that he wanted to freaking flip out 🙂 Ah, reservation, I know you not.
And honestly, the set list said “Elephant” was next but it wasn’t. It made it’s way into the second set. New York City was to rage the closer. And I mean RAGE! It was a slow start at first and then it was a shit show of EXPLOSIVE funk all over that stage. The ending of that set was one of the most intense endings of a set I have seen since Bowlive. It was off the charts funky fantastic. The energy was palpable, the place was packed. And with that, they walked off the stage. It was time to rage the bench and discuss…I was so high from all the goodness of that night that my vision was literally like a rippling pond at one point. Out of control. Damn, what a closer.
Set I: The Bridge, Kool Is Back, Galaxy, Mighty Rebel, Shake It Out, New York City
Karl Denson @ The Brooklyn Bowl
For the first time,we were not allowed outside of the front to walk around, smoke, get some fresh air . We were confined to an area outside the front door, slightly herded. I am still wondering what that was all about. After the insanity of amazingness that was Bowlive, these Karl Denson shows were definitely some of the the most amazing/fun shows I have seen at the Brooklyn Bowl to date. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe has a ridiculously ginormous amounts of soul. It’s endless, full of funk, jazz, blues, and rage. A GREAT team.
RAGE!
At this point, I just have my dancing shoes on and am not thinking of much else. Steamed Water was awesome and I danced so very hard during that song. David Veith really stood out on the keys during this set. I had been hearing what I thought was a flute all weekend and it was his sound. I don’t know if it was where I was standing. But he always sounded like a flute. I remember thinking that at that point I would just be happy to have the horns surrounding me on all side just blowing my head off. I was so needy for them it was ridiculous. I remember distinctly wanting crawl inside one of the horns and live in it. Definitely out of control.
Trampled Underfoot, a Led Zepplin Cover, was “all about the love.” Brian worked his magic on the guitar once again. I just love his smile. Chris Littlefield in tempo with the shaker as Karls on the mic, for like 7 measures, a lot of time on the cowbell. I remember specifically texting that to a friend haha. But again Karl ransacked the stage with his horn and the biggest cheer of the night came blasting out of the crowd. I mean how do you not scream when guitars are jamming, horns are IN YOUR FACE NASTY, the drummer is basically on his feet, breaking his bloody sticks in half with each beat. The crowd goes ape shit and Karl extends his arm in recognition of the cheer – the place erupts once again. Back on the cowbell, Karl mentions his anniversary again. So special, it made my heart yearn. “I cant stop talking about love,” says Karl. How very special. Another dance in unison between Chris Littlefield and Karl.
John Staten @ The Brooklyn Bowl
And the shit just kept hitting the fan. Karl blew me away in The Grunt. I know I am talking about him a lot but he was the main reason I went to the show. How many time can I say he blew that horn, raged that horn, he was was awesome. He brought a little jazz back into the otherwise funky song. A few blats of improve was nice, a 3 minute jazz solo, real nice. I remember there was chanting at one point, “NYC, NYC NYC!!!” I completely spaced out for a while dancing around my little area, it had gotten a bit tight up front at this point, some odd photographers were bouncing around. I don’t know if they changed songs or were in the same one but we got a taste of Brian’s funky guitar and that cute smile. Wearing a vest over a white shirt with jeans, he was lookin’ adorable that night. Everyone looked sharp! God, I love good music. “Make some noise in here,” shout’s Karl. The venue screams in unison. There were sooooo many people there compared to the night before. It was shocking. Where had they all been Friday night? I was very glad they were there. I wanted Karl and his Tiny Universe to know how much NYC loves them:)
Karl Denson and Chris Littlefield @ The Brooklyn Bowl
An introduction to the next song, still unsure of the name. Karl says, “Everything we do is for the ladies! Am I right?” Everyone screamed. “You know it, they know it…..but just this once, we got a little something for the fellas. This song is for the fellas.” There is a little instrument banter and he continues, “Why are you scared? You know there is always someone out there uglier then you so don’t be afraid, do it – go after it – you have nothing to fear but fear itself” The song was beautiful. For some reason, I have “Animal Kingdom” in my notes?? And that I wanted more flute. I was becoming oblivious. Perhaps the song was Groove On, I think it was, the set list says so but I still can’t recall. See, this is why I have to write the set list down as the show progresses or I just forget everything.
Karl Denson & Jessica Lurie @ The Brooklyn Bowl
Elephant was DEFINITELY next with Karl on the shaker and Chris Littlefield on the cowbell. See, lots of time spent on these funny side instruments, but it was all part of the sound 🙂 What a great song. So heavy, so funky. The title evokes visions of elephants walking in a pack as soon as the tune begins. Brian lays down the melody of the tune with his strings and Karl laces it out on the flute. Yes, a heady, herdy elephant song with flute! There was major mouth action this time as he purposefully added in the sounds from his mouth as he blow the flute. The sound emitted takes on an entirely different texture when the artists allow their mouth sounds to dominate the sounds of the instruments they are playing. Some folks don’t care for it, but I do!!
Jessica Lurie @ The Brooklyn Bowl
Here we got our first and only guest treat for the evening. Out walks this lovely female, in a black vest, black tee, black jeans, and boots that looks liked they were broken in years ago, the “oh so comfortable” kind. Jessica Lurie, a female saxophone player currently transplanted from Seattle to Brooklyn was the special guest for the evening. I bet she played with Skerik all the time while in Seattle. I would love to see that duo. SHE RAGED IT!! I actually would have liked to have seen her perform more but he song didn’t allow for it as Karl was on his sax having to lead the herd through the song. At one point both saxophone payers were not playing, but instead using the shakers and graters to back up Brian on the guitar. I wanted more from Lurie. I was intrigued. She is definitely on my radar and I hope to see her again soon! Karl belts a solo on the flute and Jessica is on various percussion instruments. She definitely didn’t just stand there, which was great. At the end, they were all on the horns, everyone was jamming but not melting our faces. I was longing for that energy from the last song of the first set. And then Brian’s guitar was crying as Karl interjected with hoots and yelps reminiscent of tribal banter, spiritual chanting if you will. HE SCREAMS! And the energy rose, oh so high. Russ screamed back, completely overcome with emotion from the song, he just couldn’t help it. Karl stomped this herd into the ground with Lurie at the end. Brian brought the funk and it was just killer. And then everyone exits the stage except for John Staten who has picked up the song, and taken it as his own…it was his time to shine! Enjoy the video! I personally like Karl’s little jig at the end of the clip! RAGE JOHN RAGE!
Might Mouse was slated on the set list but they choose to rage another. At this point a fan had come up to Karl and shouted something, He said, “OK! SO then we will play that song next for you, Happy Birthday!” So kind, so genuine Such a good man, on top of being a good musician. Soul Drifting would be the song of choice and it was full of just more funk and fun. David Veith mouthing the “sounds” he was making on the keys. I was so focused on the horns and the guitars that I lost track of the keys and for that I apologize. The keys were light, shifty, breezy. Everyone was smiling. Karl places the mouth piece on his sax again and it creates the low growl. “I feel like talking tonight.” says Karl. He doesn’t talk so much as he gives us such a pretty jazzy flute, like a humming birds wings, his fingers were flying. I closed my eyes as the song willed me to. It was such a slow jam at first and then he screamed so soulfully, so fast. Brian picked up his pace and just let loose on the strings, Karl picks up percussion instruments, I danced so hard I fell over. Yup! Just fell over…I was out of my mind, as were the people surrounding me; the people up front, paying attention to the slaughter that was taking place. “Thank you New York! Thank You New York,” screams Karl to the beat of the song. And that feeling of dread that floods over you when you know a show is ending immediately flooded in. Had two nights of Karl Denson really just come and gone just like that? Perhaps for many, if not most people, they can just go home having enjoyed the night, being able to move forward and immediately think of things on their to do lists the following day….moving forward. Not me, I get stuck in the moments and I truly dislike being pulled out of them. I truly is an addiction. It makes me tankful for these opportunities to write for yall, and for myself, to relive the memories and have a record of them. It allows me to release and move forward like the “regular” folks 🙂
Karl Denson and Jessica Lurie @ The Broooklyn Bowl
The stage was empty, no one moved, and everyone was screaming at the top of their lungs. Of course, we all wanted more. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe to the the stage of the Brooklyn Bowl one more time that weekend and gave us a hell of an encore: Bougainvillea! Of and older CD, The D Stands for Diesel, Karl says, I got an old skool song for ya.” The flute goes right into it, light, jammy guitar, interesting sounds with the keys. I was really too busy dancing to worry about much else. Then the flute is put down and replaced by the saxophone. Jessica Lurie came out and joined the session. “I’ll sing you a song all night long,” shout’s Karl. And the horns ended the evening blasting into the night and off the stage. You know how I said this wouldn’t be a long review? I lied 🙂 It was too good to summarize. And when this review completed….it’s off to the next adventure 🙂 because I have just released!!! 🙂
Set II: Steamed Water, Trampled Under Foot (Led Zeppelin Cover), The Grunt, Groove On, Elephants, Soul Drifting, Bougainvillea
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 