Bowlive II: Night One – Soulive w/ Lettuce and Maceo Parker
Photo by Allison Murphy)
Bowlive 2, a two week Soulive residency at the Brooklyn Bowl, kicked off yesterday firing on all cylinders. For a Tuesday, the venue was packed! You could literally feel The Gods of Funk smiling down upon the Bowl’s stage the entire night as we were delivered one of the funkiest weeknights the Brooklyn Bowl has seen.
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
Right off the bat it was evident that this year would be different. There were more cameras propped up around the venue to tape the magic that would take place over the ten day run. There were three beautiful tapestries lining one of the walls with Eric Krasno‘s face shimmering in gold. There was a Soulive backdrop on the wall across from the merchandise table set up for fans to take pictures in front of. But the biggest difference this year…Bowlive 2 opening night sold more tickets than The Funky Meters did on their opening night. That is crazy!! Last year on opening night the venue was barely half full. It was quite literally myself, my boys Rob and Russ and maybe 50 other people. It was also the night that I met the wonderful musical blogger of ViewsSkewed.com, Meredith Berke. I can safely say, without her assistance and guidance, Tinyrager.com may never have existed 🙂
Last year’s Bowlive saw Nigel Hall singing alone at his Rhodes until the ends of his set when members of Soulive and Lettuce would join in to help him close it out with major energy. After a year of rotating back ground singers and putting together various combinations of musicians, The Nigel Hall Band has finally gotten it’s core group on lock down.
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
A little after 9pm, The Nigel Hall Band, consisting of Eric Krasno on bass, Adam Deitch on drums, Neal Evans on organ, Alan Evans on percussion, Mel Flannery and Tania Jones on backup vocals and Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar, hit the stage filling the excessively packed venue with soulful songs layered with get-down funk. It’s always awesome seeing Krasno on bass. He is so smooth with his guitar and to see him with a bass while others fill the guitar spot, well, it’s fun! The always soulful Hall, decked out in an orange and white argyle sweater and a baseball cap, geared us up in a way that only he could. While most songs were sung seated at his Rhodes, Hall sang his way through fan favorites such as “Never Know” and “Gimmie A Sign.”
Engaging the audience with his expressive nature, Hall danced around the stage for “Never Gonna Let You Go” and “Too Sweet” during which Ryan Zoidis came out for an impromptu saxophone solo. Nigel Hall’s undeniable energy is exactly why Soulive has slated him to open for the remainder of the Bowlive 2 run.
Set List: Baby We Could Have It All (end), Hang It Up, Back Home, Give Me A Sign, Too Sweet, Never Know, Never Wanna Let You Go
By the time the members of Soulive were set to hit the stage, the Brooklyn Bowl was a sardine can busting at the edges with excitement. However, before the anticipated set could begin, Brooklyn Bowl owner Peter Shapiro came on stage to express his gratitude for this musical event and for the audience participation by offering 600 shots of Tequila which were delivered by the tray full throughout the venue.
The lucky residents of New York City recognized that even though this was a school night, nothing would keep them from enjoying the first night of what is expected to be a giant success of a musical run. Pete knew this and the turn out was jaw-dropping. Perhaps everyone felt stupid for missing Lettuce and Maceo Parker playing Brooklyn Bowl together back in January. Perhaps they just heard how good it was and needed to check these guys out for themselves.
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
Nigel Hall comes to the front of the stage and screams into the microphone, “Are you ready to Rage?”…a pitiful response follows. He repeats himself and the venue caught on. We were ready to rage.
Finally, the hosts for the night, guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and organist Neal Evans, appropriately dressed in Royal Purple, entered on stage and the Brooklyn Bowl erupted. Over the course of the next hour, the funky trio blasted through “El Ron” and releasing a fantastic “One in Seven” on us before offering us a few Beatles covers from their latest album, Rubber Soulive.
Set List: El Ron, Aladdin, One in Seven, Come Together, Eleanor Rigby—>I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
Lettuce came on stage raging full force into the appropriately named “Blast Off” with “Last Suppit” following. A few songs in, Maceo Parker, the leader of James Brown’s infamous horn section, joined the stage. As he enters, he playfully goes for Nigel Hall‘s baseball cap and then drops his hand and they share a laugh. Now it was time to dance your ass off as they raged right into several covers beginning with Parliament Funkadelic’s “Up for the Down Stroke.”
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
It was pretty sick to see Cheme join the horns even though Sam wasn’t there and how it was nice they gave him real room to solo during the encores, the same way they gave James Casey a long solo during “Get Back” last year. ~ Russ Agdern
(Photo by Allison Murphy)
The tidal wave of funk through the combination of Lettuce and Maceo continued to bring the fire with “Uptown Up” were Maceo rapped the Corey Parker verse. “There Was a Time,” a James Brown favorite, saw Adam Deitch solo on the drums as Maceo Parker teased Brown’s “Cold Sweat” over top. At one point Parker focuses on It was then time to give Ray Charles a little love as Maceo and the gang brought it down nice and slow for “Night Time is the Right Time” where Alecia Chakour ripped a solo that had all eyes on her and people asking left and right, “Who was this phenomenal voice?”
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
The remainder of the set continued to up the heat with funky vibes and soulful solos. Alecia Chakour joined backup vocals as Maceo Parker exited the stage. She is absolutely amazing. Talk about attitude and vocal style. Straight soul sista right there. An audience member got on a friend’s shoulder and screamed for her during her solo before being asked to get down. The energy in this place was killer.
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
(Photo by Michael Jurick)
There was a time where there were at least 8 people on stage and they were all just playing, improving beats. Nigel and Chakour inserting their voices in various places. The focus was again on Nigel Hall as he busts out his vocals with “Making My Way Back Home.” Acclaimed Jazz pianist, James Hurt, popped in for a few minutes to tear up “Pass the Peas” and again for the encore of “By Any Schmeans Necessary.” Somewhere in the middle of all of it, Maceo Parker returns to the stage in his long winter jacket, looking all ready to walk out the door, but not without one more goodbye!
Set List: Blast Off, Last Suppit, P-Funk Medley including: Up for the Down Stroke/Mothership Connection/Let’s Take It To The Stage/take Your Dead Ass Home, Uptown Up, There Was a Time, Night Time is the Right Time, Shake Everything U Got, Pass the Peas, Soul Power tease, Makin My Way Back Home.
Encore: Sam’s Flying Huff Machine, By Any Schmeans Necessary
Tonight Soulive will take the stage with yet another serving of Lettuce along with a few sides of hip-hop MC Pharoahe Monch and WAX. Be prepared to be blown away by their spittin’ lyrics and fresh beats.
It was a night New Yorkers and beyond had been waiting for since it was first announced back in July. The Royal Family would be taking over Terminal 5 for a night of pure FUNKY RAGE hosting their 3rd Annual Royal Family Ball. Knowing that The Royal Family is a tight brotherhood that rolls deep with love, we die hard fans knew it would be a special night. A night to remember, a night of complete surprises, a night of of complete funk, of blues, of rock ‘n’ roll. A night requiring us to dance till we drop….simply a night we would NEVER forget.
Event Poster: The Royal Family Dream Team
For months, we have eagerly awaited this night. The Royal Family had enticing little offers before the show such as rewarding the first 100 people to purchase a ticket with an autographed poster of The Royal Family. Man, what a hilarious treat. I, of course, jumped on that offer, buying my ticket at 12:01 pm, right when they went on sale, closing the sale out at 12:03pm. Sadly, I didn’t get a poster but many of my friends did. I will some how rectify this 😉 You can be sure of that!
The importance of this night and the energy behind it hit me the second I woke up Saturday morning. I felt like it was Christmas. As much music as I see, this was a show that had me jumping on my toes. The anticipation was palpable. For weeks before the big night, I had numerous friends from outside NY toy with the idea of coming in for the show. However it was my dear friend Andy who was the only one to make the trip from Baltimore for the day/night.
“Street fair arepas… Gut bomb. Royal Family Revue… Funk bomb.” ~ Andy D.
They handed out party favors...
This was one of those events where traveling would be worth it. My phone had been blowing up all night prior to the show with friends wondering what was going down before the Rage. In the end, we summoned all our favorite Ragers to a “Ragehearsal,” as one of my dear friends has come to so aptly name our rendezvous before the shows. Everyone was eager to make a day of it. A 24-hour rage. The EPICNESS of what tonight might bring to our eyes and ears was lost on no one.
“Royals, you shook me, you shook me all night long. Powerful stuff.” ~ Robert M.
Of all the years I have been an Eric Krasno junkie, I have never been part of such a complete day and night full of The Royal Family. And the best part about it…there were guests. Oh yes, there were guests. Tonight’s rage would include performances by:
Terminal 5 doors opened at 6:30pm and we were all in the building by 7:30pm, not wanting to miss a single minute of the show. The venue was far from packed but by the end of the night, the 3,000-person venue was packed in on all sides. It was a night filled to the brim with the EPITOME of Funk, Soul, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop and more. They play it all ladies and gentleman. And it all began, as it almost always does, with a set from The Nigel Hall Band. Let’s get this Royal Party started…..
MVP OF THE NIGHT – It just needs to be said, flat out, hands down!!! ROYAL FAMILY MVP! Nigel Hall started the show, performed throughout the show and closed the show with the highest elevation of energy and the full embodiment of what RAGE truly entails. He had been rehearsing for weeks with new back-up singers and the rest of the crew to deliver what was quite possibly the greatest performance I had ever seen him lay out on a stage. As soon as I started seeing Nigel Hall perform many moons ago, I started recognizing a pattern prior to his performances and the pattern goes a little something like this…..
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Arriving early, I walk around the venue, listening to the audience talking. Many are not sure of who this magnificent singing, keys player is who will be opening for whatever Royal Family Project is slated to open that night. You hear a few people explain “It’s Nigel Hall!” but they do not elaborate. “Who is this Nigel Hall” you hear them wondering out loud? I always want to stop and answer each one of them but I know that Nigel will be answering for himself as soon as the music starts. And then he starts performing…and if not by the end of the first song, by the end of the second song the audience is locked in, jaws on the ground asking everyone around them, WHO IS THIS GUY!!!!?? But this time, they are really looking for answers, they actually care and are invested…floored by this magical singing machine.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
And so it was this night. I walked around the venue listening to people talking about what might happen on stage this night. Noticing so many people asking about the opener, Nigel Hall. What those around me didn’t realize yet was that he would steal the show.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Tonight The Nigel Hall Band consisted of a thick wall of solid musicians that we all recognized and a few new faces to the mix. His back up band consisted of those listed above. Eric Krasno, the King of the Royal Family, supporting his fellow Family member on bass guitar. Alan Evans stepping out of his drummer seat to sing backup vocals while Adam Deitch destroyed the drum kit. Not wanting to be left out, from my second level perch I noticed Neal Evans hanging over by Deitch striking things with a single drum stick. You might not have noticed him if you were on the ground level in front of the stage.
This was also the first time I had seen backup singers. Lindsay Lucas and Mel Flannery‘s voices, supported by Alan Evans, melted seamlessly with Nigel‘s smooth vocals. This line-up of The Nigel Hall Band hit a home run. To begin, the stage was set with each member on stage, warming up the mics and the instruments for a funky introduction which Nigel steps out to in an orange Argyle sweater with a smile so wide I couldn’t help but mirror the image. And so it began…right into Hang It Up.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Wait Till I Get Home had the Shady Horns completely blowing up the stage. Ryan Zoidis completely standing out on the baritone sax. Everywhere I looked…smiles. Second song in and the place was on fire. This is EXACTLY what Nigel Hall is meant to do and by GOD he does a GREAT job. Never Know saw the Shady Horns exit and Krasno and Smirnoff backing Nigel on keys through the slow and smooth flow.
“I loved the show. I felt that Nigel stood out as there were many great musicians but only 1 best singer. I myself was born under a bad sign so I can relate.” ~ Josh R.
Set I: The Nigel Hall Band
Gimmie a Sign upped the funk meter ten-fold with Nigel funking up the keys. He then takes a moment to explain to the audience, “This is a song that has stuck with me over many years after I heard this song as a young boy. I hope you enjoy it.” And while Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff completely let loose on his guitar, Nigel sang a soulful Baby, I Do Love You.
“Give it up for the Horns,” screams Nigel. With Never Gonna Let You Go closing out his set, Nigel Hall sang smoothly as his backup singers filled in when he walked off the stage. And as Ryan Zoidis soloed on his axe of funk, Nigel came running back on stage, grabbing the mic, screaming “NEVER! NEVER! NEVEEEEER!” His passion and his lust for life provides a fuel to his energy that is unmatched. And this was only the first set 🙂
Nigel Hall Setlist: Intro, Hang It Up, Wait Till I Get Home, Too Sweet, Never Know, Gimme A Sign, Baby I Do Love You, Never Gonna Let You Go
NOTE TO TAPERS!! TAPE NIGEL’S SETS and post them. Where is the love??? He is just as much a part of this raging cycle of music as anyone of them. Just sayin….get with the program on that tip please.
After Nigel’s set, I decided to move from my second floorperch to ride the rail with my friends for a bit. Sadly, my crew was situated right in front of the DJ Booth. However, I could see neither drums nor the horns. Absolutely couldn’t stand that option for the rest of the night. Even though I wanted to chill with my friends, I thought, well, I do that every night and this was a show I really had to SEE and inhale completely. So, I reserved myself to chillin on the second perch alone while my crew raged the rail! As it should be 🙂 Watching them, waving to them, laughing with them, we were all still connected as I was completely visible to them. This was actually a part of the night that enhanced my happiness. Seeing them react to Warren coming on stage…their faces, their jumping, screaming, hugging. Perfection.
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib Kweli, Big Sam, John Scofield
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib Kweli, Big Sam, John Scofield
Soul singer Hall left the stage and was replaced by DA FUNKY FUNK!!!! One of my top ten favorite groups to have formed on this earth: LETTUCE. Going on a little before/after 9pm, the entire original crew graced the stage, to include the rare appearance by E.D. “Jesus” Combes on bass. Living on the West Coast, he is constantly working with big names such as Eminem, Dr. Dre and played bass and wrote/produced several tracks on Britney Spears new album Blackout. I love E.D. “Jesus” Combes because he puts a lot of thought into the notes he chooses to play, sometimes bursting to the front of the stage with a blast of funk through his body. He totally grinds into his playing which I LOVE!. He stands out with understated effort because his sound is unusual and not forced. You just got to hear him to understand.
“Excellent night all around. Nigel and Soulive were incredible, but Lettuce especially blew me away! Check out the rooftop area for a breather between sets. Nice joint!” ~ Markus S.
The stellar cast on stage played a handful of favorites to include Blast Off, Sam Huff’s Flying Ragin’ Machine and Last Suppitt before bringing out the guests. Let it be made very clear that Lettuce completely set the stage on fire even without the guests. They truly are so tight and on point every time and we were enjoying them so much. The guests were simply a blessed bonus. My hands were on the railing of my ledge and I was literally head banging with so much fury as their energy coursed through me. The horn section with it’s supplements was completely out of control. FIRE FUNK!
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib Kweli
“Talib was money” ~ Eric S.
“You have my quote on the evening… “Tits on bacon.” ~ Andy D.
The first guest and a personal favorite of the night was Talib Kweli. Rapper’s delight. He brought such an unusual layer to the revue. Bringing the urban into an already straight up funky urban rage, he rapped through Move Something.
The whole joint start shakin
This ain’t the time or place for you to prove something
Cut the stargazin’ yo, move somethin’! ~ Talib Kweli
Set II: Lettuce w/ Talib & Nigel
The Blast saw Nigel Hall back on stage as he joined in on vocals with Talib Kweli. Nigel, man, the guy can do it all. Albeit, he is not a rapper in my mind and probably never will be. He did, however, bring a soulful layer to his rapping that Talib couldn’t touch as he continued to rap over/under Nigel. “Jazzfest energy” was a term I heard among my friends to describe the energy of Talib‘s trio of songs ending with Get By.
Talib and Nigel leave the stage for the originals, led by the ever amazing Eric Krasno, rage through Break Out and Relax. Eric Krasno, relentless, captivating. His sound and style, one you could pick out of any crowd of guitar players. Powerful musician…wonderful band leader. With all his projects and large catalog of musicians under his Royal Family records, Eric Krasno ensures that our nights in NYC are constantly filled with talented musical projects and shows. I can’t imagine the city without Krasno, Deitch and the lot. And here he was showcased in front of all his projects together in one night. Then as if things could get any better…John Scofield joined the stage…enjoy his warm up…
John Scofield, a legend. A complete and utter master at his trade. Being billed right off the bat, this was one of the highlights of the show that everyone was anticipating that evening. The Flu… it was amazing. John took a little time to warm up in my opinion but then it got rowdy. The horns were grimy, popping in sounds that reminded me of Skerik. It got powerful. The guitar standing out on top of it all, the audience slightly more quiet now, just watching it unfold.
The Shady Horns with Big Sam on trombone was out of this world. Orchestral. Everything was so tight and then Scofield would go off into trippy spacey scratching of the guitar making faces to match. He is endless with the sounds he can produce with a guitar.
Set II: Lettuce
And with a gracious introduction from Alan Evans, with the horns blasting out his name and with John Scofield still in the mix, Nigel Hall was brought back on stage to perform their Curtis Mayfield staple, Move On Up. As many times as I have heard Nigel sing this song and heard he say he was sick of singing it, this version was STELLAR!!! My video is not so great so just turn it down a little lower to hear it and watch it…
The one below is only 1 minute but much better sound. Thought I’d give ya everything 😉
One of the deepest, funkiest, raging songs of the night: Making My Way Back Home, a song about Nigel’s hometown of Washington, DC. Raised three hours away in Williamsburg, Virgina, I relate to this song well. The bass line is killer in this song. Nigel, so interactive with the audience, breaks it down and just continually bringing the energy UP, UP, UP Chuck Brown-style!!! SARDINES & KRAZ AND SCHMEENS!!
Lettuce Setlist: Intro, Blast Off Sam Huff’s Flying Ragin’ Machine, Last Suppitt, King of the Bergs, Move Something, The Blast, Get By, Break Out, Relax, The Flu, Move On Up, Makin My Way Back Home
Breaksciene’s Afterparty at The Loving Cup’s Cameo was announced and the merchandise was plugged….and the headlining group was finally announced. Soulive. Live it, learn it, love them!
You know about Soulive right? One of the greatest trios ever IMHO!! I sure hope you know who they are and if not, check them out. It’s a trio comprised of the virtuoso guitar player, Eric Krasno, drums played by Alan Evans and then there is Neal Evans who plays keys. The standout detail about this group is that Neal also plays the bass through the second layer of his keys. Seriously. Now…what kind of brain can do that? That takes a complicated mind right there. Such a cool combination of sounds/notes/vibes.
Set III: Soulive + Shady Horns
Soulive came out dressed in stylish suits and slammed into Beatles tunes. Their latest CD release, Rubber Soulive, has been something of a hot topic among talented music circles. It’s luscious, loud and worth every single penny. Bringing their own touch to classic Beatles tune such as Come Together, Something in the Way, and Eleanor Rigby, it’s just superb. Sing alongs ensued. Come Together found it’s way into everyone’s throats and the audience sang for their tickets as Soulive played for their lives. Jazz-filled funky rock. The following video is a wonderful collection of all the Beatles tunes. Sit back, turn it up and watch the magic. Best video of the article 🙂 Everyone say “Thank you Mike!”
Krasno completely ripped open the songs, jamming us all into the floor. Backed by the brothers of rage, the Beatles medley was one of the highlights of the show. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) was on a different level all together. Everyone thank my boy Scott for the excellent video below!!
“Was really great to see Soulive hit a comfort level with the Beatles material that they really ripped into it- I want you (She’s so heavy) seemed to really hit another gear of nastiness as they did with that song what most instrumentalists I know have always wanted to do with it.” ~ Russ A.
Set III: Shady Horns + some!!
And once the covers of the Rubber Soulive were done they blasted into their oldies but raging goodies with The Shady Horns (Sam Kinninger & Ryan Zoidis) joining the stage for El Ron. The place was utterly packed and from my second floor perch, I could see everyone moving, groovin’ and clapping. Christian Scott had joined the rage and John Scofield joins the stage again for What You See Is What You Get. Granted, Scofield is a god, but this song was stolen by Christian Scott‘s trumpet solo and Neal Evans‘s keys.
At this point, the show starts elevating into a high point that seems unreachable. Time for a horn rage. By this time Maurice Brown and Rashawn Ross have joined Christian Scott and the Shady Horns. A horn rage ensues but where is Big Sam Williams on the trombone?? Oh man….well, he tried to join the horn ledge, however, Christian Scott had taken his microphone so NOLA represented. Walking behind the drum kit to the front of the stage, Big Sam took over Eric Krasno‘s vocal mic for an intense in-your-face solo. Enjoy! (Turn down volume a bit – it’s one of mine)
Set III: Soulive!
It was time for Scofield to lead the show with one from his own catalog, the funk rock original Hottentot!! The whisper through the audience after this song was loud. This song choice made a lot of people happy, as it should. The song allowed for he & Krasno to trade licks and let loose for a great jam, which I thought might lead to the beginning of the end of Scofield’s addition to the stage, until possibly the encore. Boy….I had no idea what I was thinking. The best was totally yet to come…..
Since the album version was my ringtone for years, the surprise bust-out of Sco’s “Hottentot” was probably one of my favorite highlights. It had a slightly slower, nastier vibe to it that I really enjoyed. ~ Andy D.
WARREN joins the stage...
And if you just watched the video above, then the end just gave it away but THE BEST WAS TOTALLY YET TO COME!!! Warren Haynes……….WARREN HAYNES joined the stage. I literally grabbed the bars in front of me and screamed at the top of my lungs while flailing around. I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t believe it. What is more unbelievable is I had to tell all the people around me who that even was. I believe they were there for Talib Kweli but they had NO clue who Warren was. Unreal. And so it was that the venue erupted into a ball of energy that the night had yet to see.
Set III: Soulive + Warren + Sco
Born Under A Bad Sign, a song made popular by Cream and originally written by the legendary blues guitarist, Albert King. Yes SIR!! HOLY YES!!!!!! What can I say about this? It was phenomenal. Warren Haynes, John Scofield and Eric Krasno on the stage at one time…kidding me? Nigel Hall came out and sang alternating verses with Warren Haynes and there were mixed reviews over this move but I thought it was superb. Nigel, once again adding a layer to the mix that just felt right.
“Nigel’s voice is always a special treat. Being a longtime Soulive fan, I really appreciated their take on the Beatles. Oh Eleanor Rigby! Thank you Soulive, Nigel Hall and the whole crew for getting so many wonderful musicians together all on one stage for this major collaboration!” ~ Jessica B.
I’m actually a little torn on Nigel. I think Warren could have held the vocals down on “Born Under a Bad Sign” on his own, though Nigel did rip Too Much and the JB mini set. ~ Russ A.
I always did say Warren sings like an angel. ~ Jessica B.
This was just such a treat. You had Big Sam on his trombone as well. I mean, the $25 ticket was paid for so long ago but if anyone had any qualms, they were silenced by this mega, face-melting guitar threesome horn flip-out. Nigel‘s voice was killer. Warren was killer. The horns were unmatched. Scofield was melting into the floor with his guitar. Unreal. For a minute, I forgot who I was there to watch. Wondering who the true star of the show truly was. Scofield left the stage and the rest of the set was Nigel Hall tearing up the vocals and Soulive blasting the stage apart with funky goodness. It was so great!
(Doin the 2 Video is uploading. I’ll insert it tomorrow)
The encore was a James Brown Medley of all kinds of songs. John Scofield came back out. During the 3rd song, Nigel miscounted the beats and had a little rage to a stop and rewind the moment. TWENTY!!! And the second time around it went down right and they dropped the funk into our faces and dripped funk until they exited the stage. JAMES BROWN MEDLEY!! Think about that energy if you can! Those of you there, remember that? Nigel screaming, horns blasting…
There was some kind of swagger in the Soulive set that night. maybe it was that this was the biggest paying crowd for them headlining a show in nyc, maybe it was just feeling good on the material, maybe it was the hard work, but they played the hell out of those tunes. they owned those tunes. ~ Russ A.
Soulive Setlist: Come Together, Something In The Way, Eleanor Rigby, I Want You (She’s So Heavy),
El Ron, What You See Is What You Get, Hottentot, Born Under a Bad Sign, Do The 2, Too Much, JB Medley w/ John Scofield
It was a phenomenal night of music at Terminal this night. for $25 you just couldn’t beat what we had just witnessed. There was a fire on stage and an energy pumping thorugh the venue that I hadn’t felt before. The crowd being so diverse, some coming for Talib Kweli and not knowing Warren Haynes. Others knowing Warren Haynes but not Nigel Hall. Others boasting about Lettuce but knowing nothing of John Scofield. I think the greatest part of the night was knowing that a lot of people were introduced to a lot of new music and musicians this night. I hope they went home and looked up Warren Haynes and Talib Kweli and Nigel Hall.
The Royal Family ensures that New York City will remain at the forefront of musical collaborations and musical history. I feel as though whenever The Royal Family has a big to-do, they out do themselves every single time. Thank you Royal Family. Thank you for feeding us, supplying us with the music we need to survive.
I woke up around 11am, not necessarily wanting to get out of bed but knowing I had a day of music to fully ingest. Right off the bat, I wake up, shower, and try to gather the troops. The worst possible gathering movement ever. Recovery was still in progress. So, I sat on the porch, letting the sun hit my face. I could hear Zach Deputy on the stage and I knew that it was time to start the day. Eventually, the two and four legged animals from the house were moving towards Zach‘s cheery voice.
THE ONE MAN BAND OF AWESOME!!! What can I say about him that I haven’t already said 100 times over in previous reviews. Sadly I had arrived towards the end of his set but not before seeing Zach bring us the sun. Plain and simple. Utilizing his feet, hands, breath, hair, whatever…he manipulates all the gadgets on stage, all the instruments, the whole time piecing together a musical puzzle with the end result in making us smile so wide…literally calling out the sun. And it worked as he played Sunshine. Zach‘s beaming smile beamed down on us as bright as the sun did at that moment.
Banana Mafia @ Mountain Jam
What a wonderful way to start the day. This was good wake up music. Not a lot of fan fare, not too loud. Just one guy, his voice, and his imagination. Slightly soothing for those recovering and just upbeat enough for those wanting to get the dance party started. It was real cool to watch/listen Zach from far away. It totally didn’t sound like one person was making all that fun time sound. I laid on the blanket, gathering my mind.
Set : Butter You Up, Most People Never Heard Real Music, Lincoln Continental, Coconut, Chicken Pot Pie, Tubesteak, Little Bit of You, Freedom Out There, Make It Right, Jump Into The Water, Into the Morning Into The Night, Sunshine, Real
I stepped closer for a few pictures and as I turned around to head back up the mountain to relax with the Karma Wash, I spot my Banana Mafia friend. He just totally cracks me up and makes me smile. I love his energy and his ability to rage full face at any minute. We share similar taste in socks too. 🙂
During Zach Deputy, friends from all over had gathered at the Karma Wash for our good mornings, daily karma scrubbing, hugs and getting our daily plans straight. Seeing how well rested and clean we were, a few friends took off to our house to utilize the showers. And then it was time for the London Souls, a New York City based band, to rock our socks off.
It was SO HOT! I was in a bikini and running shorts and I was still super hot. I started The London Souls set dancing alone. It didn’t take long for my buddies to hear the music and start appearing from various sides of the mountain. I love my festival friends because the hugs and dancing once again commenced.
Rocking their shades and their poofy, out of control hair, the London Souls changed my opinion of them right on the spot. I have always had my reservations about them since being introduced to them during Soulive‘s Bowlive run at Brooklyn Bowl. They wail but I always felt like they were screaming at me with their instruments when they played and for me that isn’t how I like to enjoy my music. But now, I have figured out why it was overwhelming me. By pulling away from the front of the stage and being able to watch them from a distance, the sound was raging but still softer and magnificent. I was able to distinguish the sounds from all three players. They really killed it. They truly are rock-and-roll ragers.
They also caught my ear with a song that rang: “Are you going to let your man push you around. You better stand up.” Uplifting lyrics. I love lyrics that empower women.
“Our songs are usually inspired by any kind of conflict,” says Kiyoshi. “While they all mean something different, lots of our songs are about girls!”
The London Souls View from Karma Wash
The London Souls screamed like Van Halen and WAILED! I got locked into to Tash’s insane vocals and shredding of his guitar. The stand out of the band, in my opinion. Clearly, I do enjoy being FAR away from this band and listening rather then up front being raged at. Probably one of the first times ever that this scenario has arisen.
The last song revolved around there being a “text-in” vote for a cover song that they were to perform at Mountain Jam. The choice was AC/DC’s It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock and Roll)! Seriously, every time I walk away from their sets, I am more and more impressed with their Jimi Hendrix style antics and full bodied rage. Kickass LS!
Patterson Hood ~ Lyrics, vocals, guitar Mike Cooley ~ Guitar, vocals, bass Shonna Tucker ~Bass, vocals, guitar Brad Morgan ~ drums John Neff ~ Pedal steel guitar Jay Gonzalez ~Keys
Patterson Hood @ Mountain Jam
Even though the Drive By Truckers are considered ragers by many people, in my opinion, they were a much more mellow change in music after The London Souls. They started off with a song all about a good night of drinking called The Fourth Night Of My Drinking. I figured they would just rage my face off with a song like that but the Drive By Truckers are hit or miss with me. They border on a rocky country vibe and that is hard for me to love. But the main reason is that the lead singer, Patterson Hood, has wretched voice. I mean, I know his father is famous and all but that doesn’t mean it runs in the family all the time. Sometimes Hood truly CAN NOT sing.
The Drive By Truckers @ Mountain Jam
John Neff @ Mountain Jam
I have sobered up considerably in the past few years and I am finding that bands I used to think sounded great really don’t sound all that hot. I was listening to the recording from Levon Helm’s Birthday set and it sounds horrible when Hood sings his part. Now, from a rager’s stand point he is awesome I suppose. He can down a 5th of whiskey and still rage it on stage, though, not always in key, pitch or tone. I rage, but no longer like him so alas, I guess that just standing and remembering the lyrics used to count for something to me. Absolutely not good enough anymore.
FestivalFamily.com interviews The Karma Wash
The 5th song, Santa Fe, totally caught my ear. It was here that Patterson Hood wished for Simone Felice to get better as he had recently fallen ill. It was a pretty rad song but the vocals are still a little shot. The band is ok if Hood just doesn’t sing. It was also here that I took shots of a darling little family enjoying the Karma Wash. As well, I noticed photographer Michael Patrick shooting & interviewing the Karma Wash. It turned out he was covering Mountain Jam for FestivalFamily.com. The Karma Wash is LEGIT!!!
Festivals = Fun for all ages
David Hood, Patterson Hood’s bass-playing father, came out and joined the Truckers for Respect Yourself and I enjoyed David immensely. However, during Mercy’s Bucket and I decided I had had enough. There was no comparison to the raging between Patterson Hood and Tash from the London Souls. The London Souls brought us a face melting rage and Drive By Truckers brought the vibe down for me rather unexpectedly. But, in less then 30 minutes, we would be dropped a funk bomb by Lettuce who was about to rage on the West Stage at 3:30pm! OMG it was about to be SO ON!!
Set List: The Fourth Night Of My Drinking, Three Dimes Down, The Living Bubba, Carl Perkins Cadillac, Santa Fe, Birthday Boy, Sink Hole, Uncle Frank, Respect Yourself *, Mercy Buckets, Get Downtown, (It’s Gonna Be) I Told You So, Lookout Mountain, Zip City,Let There Be Rock
I was right up front on the gate ready to dance my tiny ragin’ ass off to Lettuce!! They are a die-hard favorite group of mine and it was time to FEEL the FUNK. Lettuce flew right into Blast Off, with Krasnoteasing his guitar before Deitch counted off into the FUNKY FUNK!!!
Jesus Coomes @ Mountain Jam
This was the first time I had ever seen Jesus Coomes (bass). I had heard so much about him and was thrilled to finally be able to hear him wail live. On his Yamaha 6-String (I think), Jesus truly does just bring it home. He feels the music and , man, you can see it. Having researched him heavily before seeing him, Coomes has dipped his talented fingers into all genres of music and has an ear for the bass and production that has allowed him to thrive in the music industry.
Adam Deitch @ Mountain Jam
The second song was a personal favorite and the crowd went wild as Sam Huff’s Flying Ragin’ Machine raged the horns up to the highest points of the mountain where people could be seen dancing their asses off. I encourage you all to just go buy Lettuce‘s Rage cd right now. And I will let Jesus tell you why:
We named the CD Rage! because it’s a state of mind. I don’t mean getting messed up, I mean opening up your whole soul to God and feeling the spirit move. ~ Jesus Coomes. (Amen Jesus, Amen!)
Lettuce @ Mountain Jam
Neal Evans @ Mountain Jam
Kofi Burbridge joined in on The Last Suppit. Adam Deitch stood out on drums as he smashed the rage out of his kit. Krasno then introduced the group on stage. Neal Evans raged the MOOG synth bass and tappin his feet to bring in the familiar tune, Kings of the Burgs. A few minutes in and the horns join! Sam Kiningerand Ryan Zoidisblasted their way in and out of the song as Kofi fluttered his flute into the mix.
Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi & Nigel Hall join Lettuce @ Mountain Jam
Half way through the song the crowd screams as I see Derek Trucks plugging in. Krasno shouted, “We got a couple more people we got to bring up here, man. There’s just some heavy shit going on around here.” Oteil Burbridge and Nigel Hall joined the stage to complete a full round power house of talent and rage. “Mountain Jam, Where ya at?” scream Nigel and they fly into Move On Up…(like Susan Tedeschi told you to). Now, it goes from good to GREAT!
Oteil Burbridge, Derek Trucks and Eric Krasno @ Mountain Jam
With Nigel Hall on vocals and Susan Tedeschi backing him on the chorus, Move On Up closed the funkified set. Oteil Burbridge took a solo and scatted on the bass. Deitch backing on the drums was perfection. Kofi fluttered behind his brother, Oteil. Finally, Derek raged a solo before Nigel sang the last verse adding his signature scream. FULL FREAKING FUNKING RAGE! I had been fully melted into a puddle of happy.
“Every festival always needs a banjo!” shouts Jeff Austin (I think) and again, the sound over the mountain shifted into an entirely different vibe, an entirely different musical world. It is always nice to hear Jeff Austin play his banjo. He is just amazing even though he sometimes overpowers and over solos. But still, one of the best in my opinion.
Warren Haynes and Jeff Austin @ MJ ~ Photo by Doug Potoksky
The rain came during YMSB but we didn’t move. They continued to play and we continued to dance. It was almost fitting, to be dancing in the rain, with our shoes off, dancing like hillbillies on a mountain. I love that I could rage with a funk band less than one hour earlier and now was LOVING the Bluegrass vibe. There are so many people who just can’t understand it. Like Fusion, they just don’t get it, they can’t wrap their heads around the sound, around the simple yet complicated way the notes are put together. During the last song, Death Trip, Warren Haynes came out and assisted YMSB in playing one hell of a closing for their set.
Set List: If You’re Ever In Oklahoma, Don’t You Lean On Me, Rain Still Falls, How Bout You?, Steep Grade Sharp Curves, Casualty, Fingerprint>, Boatman, Idaho, Irondale, Blue Collar Blues, Snow On The Pines>, Death Trip
During Dave Mason‘s set, my buddy and I decided to check out the lovely art installations at the top of the mountain. Mountain Jam invited John (?) and Cappy Franti (Michael Franti’s son) from San Fransisco, as well as other artists, to create interactive works of art.
Art Installation @ Mountain Jam
The installations began at the start of the festival and the creativity flowed throughout the three days. The end result being three pieces of interactive art work that created seating, beauty and imagination. The collective artists inserted their visions through a spray paint medium (I think) onto the structures. They were really gorgeous to look at.
Passed out Wook!! @ Mountain Jam
Wookies were sprawled out all over the wooden structures. Passed out or just relaxing watching the intense scene of people down the mountain. Parents and their children were utilizing the space to save their children’s eardrums as the parents sat there without their own ear-protectors on. I always wear earplugs, especially while up front at festivals. But just look at the scene from where Murray and I sat and listened to Dave Mason and make new friends. GORGEOUS!
The only thing I knew about Dave Mason was that he is an old member of Traffic. As soon as I was told that, the song Feelin’ Alright popped in my head. It was the only one I could recall and at some point in the set, he played it. Woot! I didn’t really pay attention to Dave because I was raging all over the art installations with Murray, making new friends (Hi Carsten!) and getting lost inside the art maze. We had WAAAAY to much fun in there posing for pictures, enjoying the colors and shapes. Simple pleasures, but our minds sets were prepared for exactly what we were doing. From time to time, I would hear some intense raging coming from the stage. As we left the Maze, I entered an entire dancing mountain.
Everyone had recovered and the evening’s party had commenced. We hung out with our new friends for the rest of the set and knew that next time, I would sit and really pay attention to Dave Mason. He was amazing from what I heard and I wish I had heard more. And then front the top of the mountain, I heard Susan’s voice and flew past Murry to the front of the stage so fast that she hadn’t even hit the chorus of the song by the time I got to the center front. My second favorite group of the day was about to bring it.
The Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band @ Mountain Jam
I had been waiting for this moment ALL YEAR!!! I wasn’t able to go to Wanne Music Festival and they had yet to come to New York City. This was a BIG deal to me. Susan Tedeschi is my #1 favorite southern soul singer. A singer who has touched my life in ways that no one would ever understand. Then you have Derek Trucks, just the greatest guitarist on the planet. He too lifts my soul up when it’s on the ground. In my Top 3 List for favorite living guitarists hands down. Tyler Greenwell and Duane Trucks are out of this world. The Burbridge Brothers, well, they just wail. And, well, download the set or go see them! If I was loaded like Donald Trump, I would pay to have this band play for me once a day. Probably every morning, to wake me up with a soulful smile!
The Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band @ Mountain Jam
Derek Trucks @ Mountain Jam
Love Has Something To Say started their set with Susan bringing me her soulful voice immediately. That voice. It hits your guts. I feel a change in my mind and body WHENEVER her voice hits me. I am not a fan, I am a freak. LOL!! It’s so weird how she does that to me. Then Mike Mattison sang out a chorus as well and I was thrown back to college when I first heard that scratchy voice. Finally, Nigel Hall rang out a bit and the group gathered back into a collective after a Derek solo.
Susan Tedeschi @ Mountain Jam
I thought that song would be the song that started off the energy curve that would continue to rise with each song but Midnight in Harlem slowed the vibe down considerably. Nothing wrong with that. They had the mountain swaying in unison. Even with it being a calm song, Derek made his guitar softly rage into his solo…making my face tighten, my eyes close and my head thrown back feeling like my body would melt into the earth as I swayed.
Oteil, Susan & Derek @ Mountain Jam
Otiel Burbridge @ Mountain Jam
Susan’s voice was yet again showcased through Love Was All In My Mind but it was her guitar playing that made me scream here.Not as good as her husband but one HELL OF A RAGER!! It made me wonder if they sit together and just jam out in their living room while their kids run around playing. How wonderful. There was deliciously cute banter between Susan and Oteil. There is friendship and love within those glances. Such energy. I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching Oteil Burbridge play his bass. The smile on that man is intoxicating. It’s honest and pure, just like his playing. I’ve Got A Feeling was the same thing with excellent Susan vocals and I let me feelings take me over, dancing around in front with my fellow strangers, singing with their “Oh Yeahs!”
Husband and Wife (Hottest couple ever) @ Mountain Jam
Derek Trucks @ Mountain Jam
Derek played through Nobody’s Free, with not one, but two broken stings, waving away the stage tech to complete the song. The mountain erupted in an applause after this song that kind of shook my core. I was so happy I was not alone in ADORING this group. Susan introduced the band after a few more songs, describing everyone with a little snippet of love before they went into Don’t Drift Away. Derek pulled out a solo here that ripped out my heart. And for the first time that weekend I was brought to tears. Uncontrollable streams of happiness down my cheeks. I held it in as best as I could but I sit here looking at my notes with dots of smeared ink and I smile. I was surrounded by strangers who were all there for the same reason as I was. And here was this magnificent guitarist doing something he does every single day, bringing people to the edge of emotion. That thought alone made me shine.
Kofi Burbridge @ Mountain Jam
It was a slow, soulful start with Standing on the Edge of Love with the end of the song consisting of Derek’s raging guitar bringing the mountain UP! UP! UP. Oteil RIPPED the bass up during Serve It Up and then Susan’s adorable speaking voice asked us how we were and thanked Warren Haynes for having them at the Festival. Next up, Blind Crippled and Crazy was a familiar tune that got people singing around me. Mike giving us his sexy, smooth falsetto and Kofi Burbridge soloing on the organ with a vibe that made you want to get DOWN.
Warren Haynes with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band @ Mountain Jam
Few more songs and then WE GOT A VISITOR!!! Warren Haynes joined the stage during Comin’ Home. Check out this GREAT video of the rage that occurred in front of my face. MY GOD!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!!!
Set List –> Intro, Love Has Something Else To Say, Midnight In Harlem, Love Was All In My Mind, I’ve Got a Feeling, Nobody’s Free, Band Intros, Don’t Drift Away, Standing On The Edge Of Love, Look Around, Serve It Up, I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy, All My Love, Comin’ Home, Space Captain
The Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band @ Mountain Jam
After the The Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band set, I received a call from Nigel Hall, a dear friend of mine since Jam Cruise, who I hadn’t seen in a minute. We caught up about his tour with Derek and Susan while we walked around, finally unloading his bags from their tour bus. After a minute, Nigel boarded the bus and popped his head out telling me to come on in. That glorious man brought me on the tour bus and sitting there were Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.
I was momentarily speechless as Nigel introduced me. Completely frozen as I bypassed Derek completely to shake Susan’s hand. All I could utter was “Your music saved me last year. You are a hero of mine.” But before I could get it all out, my voice cracked at “hero” and my eyes watered up as I was completely overwhelmed in the moment. It took all my might just to hold it together. She noticed my emotion, smiled and gave me a hug, calling me a “sweet dear.” I didn’t take pictures, I didn’t do anything. I just silently lost my mind trying not to let me emotions over take me. You have to remember that we are in Day II now of the festie which means little sleep and lots of raging has already takin place. I was in little control of my emotions but held it together.
So we sat, Derek, Susan, Nigel and I, chilling for about 20 minutes talking about the set, their tour, my NY stomping grounds, and much more. At one point Derek turns to Susan and says, “You and Karen should exchange numbers. We are always on the Upper East Side.” Honestly, I don’t think I can describe in words my reaction to this statement. First, I thought, what the HELL would she want with my number! Then I thought, who cares, I love her and she can have anything of mine she wants.
It was at that moment that I realized that as much as I ADORE/LOVE/WORSHIP Derek Trucks and consider him one of the greatest guitar players in the world, it was Susan who truly was my passion on that bus. It was her cover of Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right that truly grounded me and kept me sane in one of the worst times of my life. It’s why I broke down meeting her, all those feelings flooding back…knowing if all that evil hadn’t happened to me, I never would have made it on that bus to meet her. And I healed, just a little bit more… my heart opened up a little bit wider. And then finally we said our goodbyes. *** NIGEL! THANK YOU SO MUCH for knowing how important that was to me and for making it happen. THANK YOU!!! ***
The Villa Vosilla
The Lettuce crew was staying off site and so we took a little ride through the mountain and raged at the Villa Vosilla for a bit. Ate some dinner and relaxed in these ridiculous rooms that had me thinking I was in Alice in Wonderland. Yeah! Fully raged. We didn’t get back to the Festival until 11pm, just in time for the beginning of the second Gov’t Mule set. But missing the first Mule set was 110% worth it. The laughter on the ride back from the hotel alone made up for missing the music.
Rage room! @ Villa Vosilla
When we stopped at a check point, the police officers heckled us a bit. Our driver explained we needed to get to the festival and that this was a band. Finally, the officer asked the name of the band. Oh man. This was so good. Neal Evans leans over and says, “Lettuce.” The officer stared blankly for a minute and repeats “Lettuce” as if he must have misunderstood. “Lettuce. Did you say Lettuce?” “Yes,” says practically the whole van. Inside my head, I was laughing my ever loving mind off. The officer clearly thought we were herbs and finally let us pass. If he only knew the talent that was in that van…
I got back to the festival in time to rage the second set with my friends. However, I spent most of the first bit looking for them. Everyone’s phones were dying and my friends were up front amongst the masses. It didn’t take long before they found ME wondering around. I was pretty much in full face melting stance at this point and not taking notes. Just thrashing around the mountain dancing with my friends. All my favorite all stars joined the stage for this set and I was finally able to see Warren play with some favorites: The Shady Horns (Sam Kininger on Alto, Ryan Zoidis on Tenor Sax), Eric Krasno, and Jackie Green. I am not going to break it all down, you can download the set. But I will tell you that the encore of their set was a cover of Pearl Jam’sBLACK and it was awesome!!!
Set I: Railroad Boy >, Temporary Saint >, Gameface, Woodstock, Broke Down on the Brazos, Gordon James, Sad & Deep As You *, Kind Of Bird #, Blind Man in the Dark
Set II: The Joker ^, Frozen Fear >, D’yer Mak’er > Frozen Fear >, Rockin’ In The Free World >, Machine Gun > Rockin’ In The Free World >
Drums, Forevermore, The Spider & The Fly %$, Ventilator Blues !$, Monkey Man !, crowd, encore intro, Black, Train Kept A Rollin’
Lettuce brought the funk for the last time at 1m inside at the Colonel’s Stage while Dark Star Orchestra raged the Mainstage outside on the Mountain. I never once left the front of the Colonel’s stage. I couldn’t as I was glued to their sound. I was glued to their energy. I had absolutely no desire to see Dark Star even though I dig ’em.
The Shady Horns (Sam Kininger & Ryan Zoidis) @ Mountain Jam
Tonight we danced. We danced so hard. I was barely wearing anything, just a bikini and shorts, and I was dripping in FUNK! The good kind even though it was pretty hot! 🙂 Somewhere in the middle of the music, my buddy threw a head of Lettuce up on stage screaming, “We love You!” And it was true. My friends and I, a group of people who’s musical opinions I greatly value, are smitten with the Royal Family. Didn’t you know? 😉
Warren Haynes and Eric Krasno @ Mountain Jam
I could give you another run down on the Late night Lettuce rage but it would just be more of the same up from there. Gushing over how much we danced, raged, melted, and smiled. How amazing each player is and how TIGHT they all sound together. The group is just TIGHT. The Shady Horns play so impeccably in sync. But I won’t. I will stop right there and only say that Warren Haynes joined in towards the end of the set. Song #15 as the recording places it but as I do not listen to the recordings or read the reviews for shows until I write my own articles, I don’t know if it’s correct. And since I didn’t take note…
After the set, we walked up the mountain to the VIP tents and hung out for a few more hours with friends. Winding down, playing guitars and with lights. The sun started to come up and we knew it was time for bed. It’s the WORST trying to fall sleep as the sun is coming up. If you can get to bed before you see it, you are golden. Otherwise, it throws things completely off. My girl and I walked home in the misty rain and I hoped it would stop by afternoon when I awoke. I wanted more then anything to make The Bridge the next morning at 12pm but it was never going to happen. I finally fell asleep at 6am. When my body hit the bed, it was probably the most comfortable bed in the world at that moment. I know yall feel me. This festival was rockin’ our worlds. However, I had to keep it together because I had one more day of insanity…are you having fun with me so far??
Stay Tuned for Day III Review: Mountain Jam VI @ Hunter Mountain, NY (06.06.10)
Moving slow this morning. Quick check of the weather forecast reveals no change. Total cloud cover, breezy, chance of rain. This is great. No need to continuously apply SPF 30! Time to get on the school bus! Unfortunately, we missed the first period of classes. However, we arrive in time to catch the end of the Henry Butler & the Game Bandsetat the Gentilly stage. This band had much more of a gospel feel than New Orleans Social Club showcasing Henry Butler’s great voice as well as his piano playing prowess.
Henry Butler @ Jazz Fest 2010
We were focused. It was time to hoof it over quickly to the Acura stage for Anders Osborne. During the trek,we loved listening to snippets of Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band at the Fais Do Do stage and Rebirth Brass Band at Congo Square.
Rebirth Brass Band @ Jazz Fest 2010
Saturday at Jazz Fest gets extremely crowded. It’s good to have a strategy so that you can enjoy viewing the performers without having to battle the crowds. This is especially true as one gets older and perhaps less slim (like me). Over the last couple of years, our Krewe has adopted the following strategy for the Acura stage once the crowds build: position ourselves in front of the big screen to the left of the stage near the Grand Marshall entrance. This is where we went next.
It has been a year since I have seen Anders Osborne live, but I have been following his career closely and could not help but notice that his appearance has taken a turn to say the least. When viewed on the big screen, Anders’ appearance is, how can I say this tactfully, even more disconcerting.
Anders Osbourne @ Jazz Fet 2010
However, there was nothing disconcerting about the performance or the great songs from Anders’ brand new album American Patchwork. Most notable was the killer tune ‘On the Road to Charlie Parker’ as well as another gem ‘Acapulco’. During the set, Anders thanked the Stanton Moore Trio for helping to ‘get my shit together.’ It’s easy to see why with such great collaborators providing the right mood for Anders’ introspective lyrics.
Anders Osbourne @ Jazz Fet 2010
Later in the set, Anders brought another collaborator, guitarist Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity, Down) for a couple of tunes, including the haunting dual lead guitar laced ‘Darkness at the Bottom’.
Pepper Keenan w/ Anders Osborne & the Stanton Moore Trio @ Jazz Fest 2010
Afterwards, Anders quipped about starting a ZZ Top cover band with Pepper. I found Anders set to be quite powerful and emotional, certainly destined to be one of my highlights of Jazzfest 2010. Anders is currently touring with the Trio on the west coast promoting the new album. Go see them if you can!
After that set, I was spent. Seems like just the right time to head to the Blues tent and grab a seat for Chris Thomas King. You may remember Chris from his co-starring role in the Coen Brothers film O Brother Where Art Thou. I learned several years ago that Chris is a great singer and delta blues guitarist when I caught him at a blues festival in Wheeling, WV. His Jazz Fest set featured Chris playing mostly acoustic instruments with a couple of tunes on electric. My guitar playing buddy was impressed.
Chris Thomas King @ Jazz Fest 2010
Crawfish Strudel
Time for some food! I was ‘beered out’ by Saturday, decided I should look for a different beverage. I selected the Rosemint Iced Tea (unsweetened). Delicious. At this point I was looking for something I had not tried for and saw a sign for something called a Crawfish Strudel. Hmmm. Better check that out. What I saw was a small rectangular flaky bread loaf with a slit through the top stuffed with a soupy concoction with chunks of crawfish. Kinda like a small bread bowl, if you will, but very delicate. A very nice surprise! While I was working through the food lines, I could see the big Acura screen between the booths. I noticed that Irma Thomas was sitting in with Galactic! I guess I picked the wrong time to get hungry!
Band of Horses @ Jazz Fest 2010
By this time, our dogs were barking (it’s hell growing old), so we worked our way over to the Fais Do Do stage. Got there in time to see BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet finish their set. Excellent. Most of my Krewe ended up randomly gathering as the Honey Island Swamp Band set up for their set. One brought a chair and set it up toward the back of the crowd. Some friends and I parked on the bleachers to the left of the stage. Some were in the standing area in front of the stage. It’s great to have a group split during a day at the fest then randomly meet near the end of the day. Some of my group reported that the Band of Horses set at Gentilly was killer. Others reported that Galactic had many special guests throughout their set, not just Irma.
I have been following Chris Mulé and Aaron Wilkinson for years, since their days as part of Eric Lindell’s band. Both are great players and singers. In addition to the band, the stage was filled with a keyboard player, backing vocalists, and a horn section, quite a departure from the spare traveling band I saw just a few weeks ago at a small club in my hometown. But what a dancin’ party it was at Fais Do Do!
I knew that the crowds for Pearl Jam at Acura would be impossible. I made the decision long before coming to New Orleans that I would end Saturday at the Gentilly stage for guitar god Jeff Beck. It has been about a decade since I last saw Mr. Beck. I am happy to report that he is getting better with age if that is possible. His very tight band consisted of a phenomenal female bass player and singer, drummer, and a keyboardist. Most tunes were instrumentals, but hey, that’s OK, Jeff makes the guitar sing like no one can. Also, gotta love a guy that is comfortable in his wardrobe. Great ending to yet another great day. Heavy clouds, no rain! I like this trend!
Jeff Beck @ Jazz Fest 2010
Saturday Night, 5/1
Some of our Krewe were talking about going to see Anders Osborne and the Stanton Moore Trio again at The Rock ‘N’ Bowl on Saturday night. I wasn’t wild about going to the same venue two nights in a row and I wasn’t wild about seeing Anders again on the same day after that draining (in a good way) set at the fairgrounds. Last year, I did not make it to the Frenchman Street area in Marigny, an area just east of the French Quarter. Frenchman Street is a street lined with music clubs and restaurants that is more of a scene, hip, vibrant, bohemian, you name it area than the much more touristy Bourbon Street.
Soulive @ Jazz Fest 2010
We decided to go see Soulive at The Blue Nile. Upon arriving on the scene, the streets and sidewalks are literally jammed with people. Most I have ever seen on Frenchman Street. When we approach The Blue Nile, we land in a block long admission line. We finally make it in to the club just before the show starts. There was a large deep crowd of people in front of the stage. We positioned ourselves just to the right of the stage. While not the best vantage point, at least we can clearly see the keys.
Soulive @ Jazz Fest 2010
Soulive is Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums) and his brother Neal Evans (keyboards). What a pleasure to see this band in such a small venue! I have always loved Kras’ guitar playing, but from our vantage point, we had a bird’s eye view of Neal’s thumping left hand bass line playing coupled with his right hand organ playing. How does he do that?
Soulive @ Jazzfest 2010
As the set progressed, the crowd got much larger and our bird’s eye view became less ideal. There was nowhere to move or breathe for that matter, so we moved a little further back. By this time, Nigel Hall joined the band to sing a few tunes, some of which were James Brown-like. At least we had a little more space to shake our bones! Several minutes later, the long set ended. Terrific performance! We decided to get some air and check out the street scene.
Across the street in front of the now closed Café Brasil, there was a blues band (electric) playing. What fun! Not 30 feet from the blues band, a brass band was holding court in the middle of the intersection. All the while, people were stopping to listen, dancing, and strolling by. We continued walking up the street taking in all of the sights and sounds. Most of us decided that we weren’t going to fight the crowds and return to the Blue Nile for the 2nd set. The one guy that did stay behind later reported that the second set was all Beatles tunes. RUBBER SOULIVE! Darn!
There were no cabs to be had on Frenchman Street, so we decided a stroll through the neighborhoods was in order. It was a very pleasant evening and the walk did us good. Once we were back in the French Quarter, we happened to stroll by the Co Co Club on Bourbon Street and saw the most excellent blind blues guitarist, Bryan Lee, playing. What a bonus! Even though there was no cover and we could have gone inside, we had a great view of Bryan and the sound was great out on the street. We paused for about 10 minutes enjoying the band.
What a great night! And back to the hotel just before 2:00? I love it!
(or as I like to call it: On Your Marks, Get Set, RAAAAAAAGE!!!)
Hudson Valley Resort and Spa
Rock The Resort II. What a mess of a success! Where does one begin? I was slated to leave my apartment at 10:30am to meet my buddies at the end of the 4 train in Woodlawn. I was up at 7am wide awake after falling asleep only 5 hours earlier. It was like Christmas, too excited to sleep. At the same time around the East Coast in Upstate NY, Vermont and Philadelphia, I knew my kindred spirits in music were waking up and beginning their own trips toward their Rock the Resort II adventures. This made me smile.
"Listen, we are listening to nothing but New Riders on the way up."
When Eric picked me up from the train station, his first words when I got in the car were “You’re excited aren’t you? I could see your smile from a couple blocks away.” Indeed, I was geeking out at this point!!! After a much needed chill session in Woodlawn, Eric, T, and I piled our gear into the car and set off for the 2 hours trip to Kerhonkson, New York. Half an hour into the ride, I felt I wasn’t in the city anymore and I loved it. The trees were turning green and signs of Spring were everywhere. The rolling hills threw me back to The Valley in Virginia and I fiercely missed home at that moment. With the roof top open, the smells of Spring were welcoming unlike in parts of Manhattan where I believe we should all wear gas masks.
Fatty McRage ~ He was my fav 🙂
Arriving at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, it was immediately clear that the place had seen some better days. Run down and tired, there were stains all over the carpet, holes in our closet door, bottle openers attached to the back of our bathroom doors…the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, the Resort totally served it’s purpose that weekend but the place was by no means classy! And it is just as well because the majority of wookies attending this festival were not the kind to take their time and put their trash in the trashcan or their cigarette out in the ashtrays. I mean, as soon as we entered the lobby, we saw a dog take a leak right on the carpet. Dayum! Apparently, the resort was animal friendly so dogs were allowed in the venue and even in the stage areas. At times, it was very captivating to turn and see a dog resting his head on his paws, watching the show with you. I just wish they they not be allowed on the dance floor. That made for a lot of jerked leashes and frightened dogs. And above you, Fatty McRage. I deemed him so as the poor thing was, as the talented Jeffery Lockhart would later say, “To fat to even bark!”
View from 1707 ~ I can dig it!
Everyone arrived just about the same time. Parting ways from Eric and T in the check-in line, I joined up with Aaron, my roommate for the weekend and a fabulous cat I met on Jamcruise 8!! The sign-in process was a mess. There was no organization and the staff had little to no knowledge on what was going on. After trying to gather information from the website in the weeks prior and recognizing it’s lack of organization, I knew we were in for a little mess. We managed to get through the line a lot faster then most and went to check out our room. All the way at the end of the hall, with a king bed and a large windowed view of the lake and Willow trees, it was a nice place to face plant when the time would come. I immediately jumped all over the bed when I entered the room. I suggest you always jump on the bed in the hotels! I do it every single time!
Murray, Trance & J-Man wookin out the lobby
When we got settled in I set off to meet up with some friends, old and new. My boys who drove me were right across the hall, Woot! Justin, a fellow blogger and friend who maintains the Music Marauders website, was apparently kickin’ it in the Jacuzzi suite that weekend. Seriously, he and Murray were raging in what turned out to be the nicest suite at the resort. Apparently, the room had been booked months prior through Murray but it had been high-jacked for an “After Party” room of sorts so it was stocked with tons of mini fridges and what not. Aside from the jacuzzi, there were plush leather couches and pretty bar near the front door and tons of space for wookies to pass out, which is just what happened. We After-partied and Pre-partied the SHIT out of that room and ironically, numerous artists raged in the room as well, so really, all was as it was meant to be in reality.
Jaden @ Rock The Resort II
There was music at this thing right? Got to be honest, it was nice not having a jam packed lineup of amazing music. This festival is perfect for hanging out with friends, chillin with the artists, networking, and just going full face melt. I had a friggen blast. I never felt I was truly missing anything if I was not in front of the stage. There were, of course, those few bands I HAD to see this weekend, but if I were at Wanee or Jam Cruise, I wouldn’t have moved from the stage and ended up speaking to no one. So, bare with me because by the time I checked out my first show, my handwritten notes had already become illegible. At 7pm the music was set to begin; Jaden on the Empire Stage and Roots of Creation on the Manhattan Stage. Both acts I had never seen. Both venues were located side by side so you could just walk 55 feet and be in front of the other stage. The wall dividing them was a wall of windows sometimes covered by curtains…or not.
Jaden @ Rock The Resort II
The first act I caught was Jaden. I had heard so much about this little lady that I had to check her out. Wow. The talent that child has playing the guitar is going to grow and I can’t WAIT to see her in like 10 years. Hell, I can’t wait to see her in five. I only checked out a song or two, both of which were covers; Bob Marley’s Mellow Moon and Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. Both of which she played consistently on point. When she starts taking liberties with her solos I have a feeling she is going to spit fire. She has quite a way to go with her voice but she has talent in those fingers at the age of 8 that some won’t have when they are 80. And how sweet was it to see that Jaden had a posse of about 8 tweens who were there fanning it up!
Roots Of Creation @ Rock The Resort II
After a few songs I walked over to watch Roots of Creation’s set. I had heard good things. There were maybe 15 people in the theater. I sat in one of the rolling chairs on the first tier of the theater and propped my feet up for the rest of their set. My understanding was that they were reggae but the first few songs I heard were groovy and full of trippy jam. I remember feeling that it was too slow for the moment but I didn’t move. I was locked in my chair and my arms were to heavy to write. I turned in my chair and saw a golden retriever, head resting on it’s paws, laying serenely on the table, straight up smiling. Yeah, I guess they did kinda rock!
Soulive @ Rock The Resort II
At this point I peeled myself out of the chair and made my way up to the Jacuzzi suite and a few other friends rooms, missing Sellassie & Alchemy Unit. My hall had become Shakedown Street within the first hour so I stayed away from that floor most of the night. I was able to kick it with Nigel Hall while he got ready for his set. We talked music and wardrobe. He was lookin’ forward to the show and going to see his son the following day! We headed to the lobby by way of the elevator where we ran into Justin, Trance and the rest of the guys making their way down for the Soulive set. See, the very FEW of us who were there to see live music knew when to get their our asses out of our rooms. Soulive was one of the shows NOT to miss this weekend.
Skerik and Nigel Hall @ Rock The Resort II
They completely kicked it off hard. This was the first time all day that the theater had more then 30 people in it!! It was the first time all day I actually heard a CHEER from a CROWD. But that is exactly what I expected. When Soulive plays, people go see them. And they planted it hard. The trio kicked it off with a few throw backs from their older discs and a few from their new Rubber Soulive album. Eleanor Rigby made it’s way in as it always does. Nigel Hall was brought on stage as he always is. The moment I was really waiting for was coming. Skerik..Skerik…Skerik with Soulive. Two of my favorites…together. This is why I had bought my ticket.
Al Evans @ Rock The Resort II
When Skerik came out, the stage decided to fight back. The microphone that had been set up for Skerik was not working. This was incredibly frustrating but the only thing you can do is hope the artist bend and that is what they did. Nigel went from singing into the mic to planting it in Skerik’s horn so we could hear him solo. The exchange went on for a few songs and the mic never never did get fixed even after an extensive attempt. But that was the charm of it all, no? Skerik left Nigel with the microphone and exited the stage. Soulive, with Nigel raging his vocals, belted out a few more songs before ending the set. It was time to go play with friends again. At this point the elevator rides were getting longer and more animated as they both decided to just pick and choose which floor they would stop on only after going between the basement and lobby three times. Reminding me of Jam Cruise, they had a formula; the formula was fun. The elevators are crucial to the experience!
Particle @ Rock The Resort II
After running around the resort again, it was time for more music. Particle was playing next and I had not seen them in YEARS!! I made my way down to the theater and set myself up. The people packed the theater for this group as well. I am not sure if they played numerous songs or if it was one long song but I felt like they didn’t stop for a very long time once they started. I liked what I heard. It was consistent and rockin’ pretty hard when I decided to use the restroom. THANK GOD for a tiny bladder because in the Lobby was Nigel Hall, Soulive and a grand piano that was about to Rock the Resort hard! I am not even sure if this was on the schedule to be honest. Everything was so disorganized and there were none available to us. But scheduled or not, this was magic in the making.
Soulive watching Nigel Hall and Skerik @ Rock The Resort II
As I walk over, Eric tells me to put my boa on Nigel. Apparently he needs a little pick me up! Ha! It wasn’t long before the boa was off and the music was on!!! At first it was Neal and Nigel on the Grand, Eric on the congas and Alan smiling widely behind them; just playing around and feelin’ things out. Then Eric and Alan stepped away as the microphone was handed to Nigel. He sang a lovely rendition of Donnie Hathaway’s “Singing this Song to You,” while Neal played the keys. Skerik shows up at this point and his horn case was laid down besides him. The word was out! It was funny because you could see Skerik itching to jump in. He bites his lower lip. MMMM!!! It was Nigel’s turn to take the lobby over for himself. Just him, his voice, and his keys. It was beautiful, as it always is. Skerik can’t handle it anymore and he pulls up a chair beside Nigel as they play a beautiful, slow melodic tune with a soft horn and simple keys.
Soulive, Nigel Hall & Skerik @ Rock The Resort II
The lobby was slowly filling up with people as they had heard a completely different sound then what was coming from the theater. At one point someone ran out of the theater and screamed, “Particle is playing live right over here!!” The lobby responded by not moving and sticking around to see what was definitely the most special of moments for those who knew what they were witnessing. Improvisation and musical freedom at its best. Talent mixing at its best. The artists themselves were having a BLAST at that moment. Kraz’s smile never faded. After the slow tune it was on. Nigel and Skerik are both out of their seats and Neal is back down on the keys, Alan is on the congas and into “I’ll Never Know” with Kraz helpin’ out on the chorus! Such a family affair!!
There is a mix of players all over the instruments. At one point we had Nigel Hall and Neal Evans on the Grand. Alan Evans on the congas and Skerik on the horn. Then Eric had his guitar. The wookies were picking up the percussion instruments and the lobby was on fire!!! Particle apparently played a great set and it was a shame that I was unable to truly give them a listen before running into the magic land. But I truly enjoyed the hell out of the lobby performance. Those are the moments that make it all worth it.
Break Science @ Rock The Resort II
After that awesome musical adventure, we had tons tons of time to kill before Break Science would make their way to the stage. I was able to kick it with the boys from Soulive for a while before I started wanting familiar faces. During that time, Kraz is on the phone asking Adam Deitch when he plans on getting here as his set was meant to happen 20 minutes ago and he was still 2 hours away in Brooklyn. That is how things went at this festival. And it was ok, because like I said, it was so much fun getting to hang with your friends without feeling like you were missing great music. And half the people never left their rooms anyway. The lulls and downtime allowed for some rather rad adventures that otherwise wouldn’t have happened if things had happened on schedule. I headed up to the 8th floor where the Jacuzzi suite entertained me until Break Science finally arrived!!
Borahm Lee @ Rock The Resort II
Meant to go on Saturday night, Break Science was moved to replace Segway that night as Deicth had an engagement in Australia that he need to attend. I arrived at the theater a little early so I wandered into the Empire stage. The window wall had the curtains opened so as I listened to a rather funky band, who I have no idea of their name, as I watched Break Science set up. What an interesting perspective. I could hear Break Science’s sound in my head as they set up but my actual music backdrop was the jam happening on the stage behind me. Finally, I saw Deitch sit down at the drums. It was time to walk through the window…
Adam Deitch @ Rock The Resort II
I swear Adam Detich’s bones are made of drum sticks. Seriously, he is amazing. And Borham Lee, I would like to get inside his brain. With grimy dubstep and hiphop beats flaring, we danced our asses off until 6am I believe. I had completely and utterly lost track of time at that place hours ago. The highlight of the show was the Drums vs. Beat battle between Adam Deitch and Radioactive. Scheduled to battler earlier that day, they ended the day with an assault on the senses. Radio would beat box a gnarly beat and Deitch would rock it back through his drums and visa versa. It takes a talented ear to do what they did and it really was awesome. After a heavy session of dance beats and a battle like that, the night of music was finally over.
At the end of the Break Science set, everyone headed off to their various rooms for a raging night of various mixed adventures with their friends; the cracked out elevator stopping to open on every thrashed floor. Heading to the eight floor, everyone exited the packed elevator aside from myself, Skerik and RadioActive. I mention that Radio’s shirt is off the hook as it looks like a ribcage made of microphones. Radio jokes that he is thinking of having it tattooed on his chest as Skerik sees it and gets wide eyed. “Yeah man, that’s really cool,” says Skerik as he opens Radio’s hoodie to get a better look. No, chillin’ in the elevator with Skerik and Radio was cool 🙂 The shirt pattern was a bonus! We all exited the elevator and headed to the room of our fancy. I spent the rest of the night/morning, chillin’ with my favorite wookies in the Jacuzzi suite. Ben from Particle, among others, raged with us and we all talked music, listetend to music and made music. Eventually, the sun came up which meant it was time for us to lay down. We had another day of fun coming up in a few hours.
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 