Bowlive IV Night 4 Recap w/ Booker T, David Hidalgo & The Shady Horns | Tonight Hidalgo Returns, Marco & The Shady Horns
Dedicated music lovers brought themselves out to the Brooklyn Bowl for the start of Soulive’s second week of the Bowlive IV residency. Guitarist Eric Krasno, bass keyboardist Neal Evans and drummer Alan Evans are back with a new week and new musical adventures.
Last week’s roster was packed with sit-ins by southern blues rock guitarist Luther and percussionist Cody Dickinson (The North Mississippi Allstars), the fierce harmonica playing of John Popper (The Blues Travelers), the 70’s flare of vocalist Lee Fields and his Expression Horns, the pedal steel slide guitar styling of Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band), the soul-filled flavor of vocalist Nigel Hall and the spinning talents of DJ Logic. Surprise guests included the amazing Allman Brothers Band guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks and trombonist Sanders Sermon (Tedeschi/Trucks Band).
One of the highlights of Bowlive this year has been the killer opening bands kicking off every night. Kung Fu absolutely blew the roof off the first night, setting a pace of rage for the rest of the week. The second night followed with the powerful 8-piece Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds who kept the energy high and the Alecia Chakour Band delivered their sultry sounds on Saturday. You can read about those shows in earlier posts here on TinyRager.com.
Following one of the best first weeks in Bowlive history, the formula would to remain the same. The high powered, high energy, talented horn-crunching musicianship of saxophonist Cochemea Gastulem (Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings) and his band, The Electric Sounds of Johnny Arrow, showcased a different style of music to Soulive fans. The sounds of Africa’s Fela Kuti and 70’s baritone player Lekan Animashanu provided influence to the tunes. One’s hips couldn’t help but begin to grind to the pulsating percussion infused music. After the opening set, there were members of the audience who could be overheard discussing these new sounds that Soulive had introduced to their Bowlive roster.
Set List:
Dark City
Carlito
Impala 73
You’re So Good To Me
Heleyos
Lluva Con Nieve
Fathom 5
No Goodbyes
The theme for the rest of the night was simple. Play one strong, satisfying Tribute to Stax Records with one of the coolest, hippest, electric blues keyboardist of all time, Booker T. Jones (Booker T. and the MG’s.) However, the audience had to be patient. Soulive purists still needed to see their favorite trio stand alone. Alan, Neal and Eric performed “Outrage” and “Dig” before the Shady Horns joined the stage. Baritone saxophonist Ryan Zoidis and trumpeter Eric Bloom (Lettuce) and James Casey (Trey Anastasio Band) brought another layer of funk to the vibe with “Hatrick” and even more horns joined when Cochemea’s baritone saxophonist Freddy Deboe and Lee Fields band’s saxophonist Mike Buckley sat in on “For Granted.” Their powerful horn solos overwhelmed the speakers causing feedback that took a minute to control and it was back into full funky rage.
When Booker T. Jones came on stage, the crowd went wild. To experience an entire set with Booker T. and Soulive was liberating. However, to see how excited Soulive was, well, that was just icing on the cake of what was a delicious remaining night of music. Krasno put it best as he spoke to the audience, explaining that as much fun as it is for the fans, it’s equally as fun for Soulive, as they are fans themselves. Fans that have the distinct pleasure and honor of inviting their mentors and influences on stage to join them. The passion for Booker T. was also evident as you looked around the audience and saw other famous Jam-world faces such as Erik Kalb (Deep Banana Blackout), David Bailis (Pimps of Joytime), and Alecia Chakour (Alecia Chakour Band).
Booker T. and Soulive crushed out iconic Booker T. and the MGs hits “Hip Hug Her,” “Hang ‘Em High,” “Time is Tight,” and more. They then played “Born Under A Bad Sign,” which Albert King made famous but was written by Booker who along with the MG’s and The Memphis horns appear on that studio version. There was the catchy instrumental versions of Cee Lo Green’s “Crazy,” and Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything,” with each instrument on stage taking the lead on each song. It was sharp, stunning and solid. The Booker T’s Memphis Soul Sound was supported wonderfully by Soulive, all three of whom were grinning from ear to ear throughout the entire set. Finally, it wouldn’t be Bowlive without a surprise special guest. Guitarist David Hidalgo (Los Lobos), in town a night early for his Wednesday night Bowlive appearance, would pop out halfway in the middle of tunes then disappear again. This would continue through the set, teasing us with what would be seen on night five.
The Booker T. encore was the most recognizable tune of all, the instrumental classic, “Green Onions,” with its ripping Hammond Organ line were both Neal and Booker T. enjoyed trading licks on their keys. That song threw everyone, of all ages, back into the soundtrack of 1993’s The Sandlot, back riding around in their 1962 Chevy Impala Convertible with the top down. It is a song that defined the ages and every one of all ages was invested.
Capping off the night, the trio stood alone on stage for “Tuesday Night Squad,” a nod to the night and perhaps Soulive’s way of naming the dedicated tribe who supported them on such an early weeknight. The Tuesday Night Squad we became and Bowlive fanatics should hold that badge with honor, the same way Soulive was visibly honored to perform for us last night with such an amazing icon of music.
Last night’s tribute to Stax Records was a pleasure. Tonight get there on time for another stunner of an opener with the ever-rocking London Souls and guests Marco Benevento (keys) and guitarist David Hidalgo (Los Lobos).
Set List:
Hip Hug Her
Hang ‘Em High
Born Under A Bad Sign
Crazy
Time is Tight
Something
Everything is A Everything
As my fifth New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets closer, the anticipation gets stronger. This year is a little different- I have two friends coming to Jazz Fest on my say so, so I’m a little stressed, wanting to make sure they tell me what they want to hear, making sure they love it as much as I do. So in prepping for my favorite week of the year, here are some things you don’t want to miss:
At the fairgrounds:
Thursday, May 3rd
High School Gospel Choirs: I like to open my fest with the McMain Singing Mustangs – every year, these kids bring some serious firepower to the Gospel Tent. McDonogh #35 High School also does some incredible stuff later in the afternoon.
New Orleans Music Legends: Bassist George Porter Jr. has probably played on your favorite album, whether with Tori Amos, David Byrne, being the bass line sampled for tons of hip hop classics, or with his own groundbreaking work with the legendary Meters. Do yourself a favor and see him. While you’re at it, check out piano virtuoso Henry Butler, and the boys and girl in Dumpstaphunk. All of em will make you wish you lived here and saw em more often.
Home Grown Up and Comers: I saw Mia Borders in a tiny club with a leaky roof on the lower east side last year and she was amazing. Probably got an awesome band with her, including NOLA saxman Khris Royal (who’s probably with George too), and her cover of Bill Wither‘s “Use Me” was just bananas last year.
2012 Fantasy Map
Friday, May 4th
The One Woman Army, now with backup: Theresa Andersson is a tremendous singer, fiddle player, and all around musician. This year, she’s got a great krewe of musicians with her, including Hannah Krieger-Benson, a fantastic trumpet player and singer who’s doing her own stuff (Hannah KB Band) and some ska too (The Local Skank)
Pick your own Jazz Adventure: Three amazing jazz sets happening right after Theresa, at the same time. I have no idea how I’ll do all three. Big Chief Donald Harrison will be mixing his bebop and modern jazz skills with R&B and NOLA classics, ala the amazing cover of “Indian Red” he did for the Treme Season One Soundtrack. Or, you can get your fill of low end saxophonics, with Roger Lewis (Dirty Dozen Brass Band) leading three Bari Saxes and a Bass Sax for Baritone Bliss (which was fantastic last year). Or, you can see Preservation Hall trumpet man Mark Braud do his own thing in the Economy Hall tent.
Holy People: Bet on Mavis Staples, who was already among the top reasons we went with this weekend, to put on a ridiculous set at the gospel tent in honor of her friend (and ours), the late great Levon Helm. I’m sure her set is going to be so great, I’ll probably miss Deacon John‘s killer cover of “Many Rivers to Cross” to get a spot. However, if I were you, I wouldn’t miss much else of his set. Local music legend, a fantastic performer, a great singer, a helluva guitar player, just amazing stuff, see Deacon John.
Mahalia Jackson – Historic Jazz Fest Picture
Saturday May 5th
Family Preservation: Loads of famous families in the New Orleans tradition – on Saturday, the Brunious family represents in Economy Hall. A few hours before Mark Braud (nephew to the late John Brunious) takes the stage (and hopefully passes out some ice cream) with the
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, his other uncle (and brother to John) Wendell Brunious will step up to the stage- Wendell was on fire at BAM a couple weeks back, sitting in with Dr. John, so look for some tasty trumpet goodness all around.
Raisin’ Hell: Another scion of a famous musical family takes the Fais Do Do stage, Rockin Dopsie and his Zydeco Hellraisers. I feel like a lot of my favorite Zydeco bands all seemed to be packed into first weekend, but Rockin Dopsie is a notable exception.
Local Greats to Look For: Anders Osborne is a beast on guitar, and his new album is a great mix of sweetness, of sadness, of blues and power. Not sure who’s playing with them, but see it. Paul Sanchez’s Rolling Road show is always packed with local stars, Joe Krown with Russell Batiste and Walter “Wolfman” Washington is a tight organ guitar drums trio that does it right. John Boutte‘s voice, which you may recognize from the theme song from Treme, is tremendous to hear in the Jazz Tent – he may spoil us with a great cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah”…if we’re lucky!
The Cafe du Monde stand between the Jazz and Blues tents, around 5:30pm. Good time to hydrate and get some iced coffee. Hard to see ending my Preservation Hall second line early, but gonna need to refuel. And what better place to do it? Herbie Hancock and his band in the Jazz Tent on your right, the Warren Haynes Band (with tinyrager.com faves Nigel Hall and Alecia Chakour, as well as Dr. John, playing out) on your left in the Blues Tent.
Jazz Fest 1975 Historic Poster
Sunday, May 6th
Sunday is always the most packed day, the closing day of the festival. Of course, I can tell you to park at Gentilly Stage all day, or don’t miss Galactic, but hopefully you already know. Here are a few things you might not know about:
The Family that Prays Together: Remember that John Boutte guy from Saturday? He’s bringin’ his whole family to the gospel tent. You should get there too.
Arieal
Glen David Andrews: Cousin to Trombone Shorty and James Andrews, the fire-breathing trombone player’s got an incredible performance you don’t want to miss. Why he’s not taking his rightful place closing down the Gospel tent is beyond me, but at least it makes the FOMS (Fear of Missing Something) to close the festival a bit easier.
Camping at the Jazz and Heritage Stage: I don’t know the higher heights, but every other group at the Jazz and Heritage stage is a smoker, starting with War Chief Juan, the TBC Brass Band, Los Hombres Calientes will be incredible (why not in the Jazz tent?), and
Big Chief Bo Dollis: It’s not clear if the Big Chief is going to make it, he’s fallen ill, so I expect the boys to rock it out hard for him even if he can’t make it. Look for Brooklynite turned Orleanian Billy Iuso wrecking shop on guitar (if not here, with Anders on Saturday), he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Close out with the Hall: Okay, so you’ve got 8, count em, 8 amazing sets lined up to end your fest. My pick is Preservation Hall – they’re going to have a lot of friends on stage with them and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Also, I have no idea why they put Sharon Jones in the Blues Tent when she’s going to want the crowd up and dancing.
The night shows are a whole other animal, coming for part 2…
Jesus, my spoiled ass forgot what a hot tent feels like in the morning when the sun finally seeks you out. MY GOODNESS!! But considering the stormy conditions we had to endure at last year’s Vibes, the sun was completely welcoming.
VIP Perk #1: You have sectioned camping in the section of the park that has the most tree canopy coverage. The general camping is located in mainly open fields and parking lots.
The Casbah...
Quote of the morning: *With a mischievous look** “Are you trying to tempting me with a good time??”
We woke up to a gorgeous day. We spent the morning relaxing, waking up slowly with our friends at the Cosmic Casbah. We were greeted with friends of ours who were only just now passing out, a table full of breakfast foods like bacon and eggs, muffins and fruit, and music. I crashed onto the mats with my plate of food, listening to the music, letting it breath life into me to start my day.
We knew that for breakfast we were being dished some New Orleans ROCK by way of The Radiators so we hit the field pretty early, only missing Billy Simons Band on the Green Vibes stage. You know, it’s almost impossible to catch all the music at a festival if you are solo but with a running crew it takes that much more time to settle.
VIP TENT! (Night shot!)
VIP Perk #2: During this time, we utilized the free food in the VIP tent where they had wonderful selection of snacks and beverages to sustain us ALL DAY. At $6-$10 for a single meal or $4 for a water in general vending, these 24-hour snacks of fruit, pretzels, chips and salsa, candies, sodas, water, juices, milk, coffees and teas were BEYOND welcoming, sustaining and economical. It’s possible to spend $60 on water before even considering food at a festival. And that is just the 24-hour spread. From 11am-3pm you are offered a buffet of hot meats, salads, pastas, and desserts to chose from. And generally, if you are starving and want another half of a turkey wrap, you could easily ask for one. We made our rounds of good mornings and set up shop by the Karma Wash. It was time to focus on the music.
Dave Malone – guitar, vocals
Ed Volker – keyboards, vocals
Camile Baudoin – guitar Reggie Scanlan – bass
Frank Bua Jr. – drums
I danced into the field listening to The Radiators. Their bluesy-rocky vibe catching my feet and ears completely off guard. Being a huge fan of New Orleans Funk, I knew anything coming from NOLA would be better then good. I was excited to hear some NOLA ROCK from the band considered the #1 Rock band on the NOLA scene!!! They didn’t disappoint.
They came out blasting with rock -n-roll. For all you Phish heads out there, Phish opened for this band back in the 90’s. So did Widespread Panic. Where as both of those bands have now reached high commercial success, The Radiators have always been a deeply respective, yet decisively underground group on the scene.
Ragers!
An unavoidable NOLA signature, their funk layer was evident in the music immediately, coming from Ed Volker on keys. There was also that grungy swamp rock layer by way of Camile Baudoin on guitar. It was rough and rugged. The keys sounded almost out of tune but on purpose reminiscent of Professor Longhair in sound, not style. They were a tight group, the guitar players really made some hot sounds with their axes, with twang here, rock there, and smooth swamp grunge in the middle. It was fun music to dance too, sway too, but really it was something to slither too.
Setlist: I Like It Like That, Lets Radiate, Hard Rock Kid >, Lost Highway, Sitting on Top of the World, Crazy Mona, River Run, Soul on Fire, The Death Of The Blues, Junco Partner, You Ain’t Going Nowhere, Rosie
We needed to charge our phones so headed over towards the Green Vibe stage and that is where I heard the funky, odd sounding keys reminiscent of Alan Evans. But maybe a bit too much guitar. It was not as solid as it could be. It sounded choppy at times. Definitely took some getting used too. So, since they confused me, yet, intrigued me…of course, I had to check them out.
Kung Fu's Kris Jensen @ GOTV 2010
When I approached the stage, I recognized Kris Jensen right away from Dickey Betts. His horn brought a delicious element to an otherwise decent band. I wasn’t a big fan of Todd Stoops singing, or any of the singing really, but he knew his way around that keyboard. Tim Palmieri looked familiar as well and I realized later he has played with numerous artists I knew. He was great. Ultimately, the band itself was comprised of some talented musicians who tore up their solos but sometimes they fell off the page when they were playing as a group. The following video will show you what I mean…not bad their at the end, huh?
I was soooo ready to get down to Jackie Greene‘s set that when I heard him start during the Kung Fu set, I took off running. Jackie Greene is a wonderful artist who has an old soul sound and a yung sexy body 😉 Young and talented, open and warm, HOT!!! A rocker, a funker, a jammer, a rager on top of being a keys player, songwriter and a guitarist., electric, acoustic, loungy, rock, whatever…he does it all.
I made it front row for Jackie Greene where I ran into a few of my favorite Jam Cruisers. He came out rocking right off the bat. The second song was a new rock tune, Medicine. And I love a good harmonica. He slowed it down with a beautiful Shaken. Jut an upbeat rock vibe from Jackie all the way through. Perfect set for that perfect sunny afternoon.
Another Tiny Rager!
He blew me away. Tight, on point, smooth and simple. Jackie Greene isn’t someone who needs lights and fluff. He is just talent. He had the whole field dancing and I noticed that the ladies were ogling over him as much as I was. I try not to but sometimes, just DAYUM! Animal was just sexy and finally I was enjoying a singer for the first time that day. And finally, inviting drummer John Molo (Phil & Friends) to the stage, showing love to Jerry, he raged the hell out of his encore covering Scarlet Begonias, one of my favorite Jerry songs that houses one of my favorite Grateful Dead lyrics:
Once in a while you get shown the light/In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
Setlist: I’m So Gone, Medicine, Farewell, So Long, Goodbye, A Moment of Temporary Color, Gone Wanderin’, Shakey Ground, Animal, Spooky Tina, Shaken, Tell Me Mama, Tell Me Right, Hollywood ->, Tomorrow Never Knows >, Taxman ->, Tomorrow Never Knows, Scarlet Begonias *, Like A Ball And Chain
Nick Ayers – Percussion, Flute and Vox
Brennan Andes – Bass and Vox
Jesse Clayton – Keys
Griffin Bastian – Drums
Ross Huff – Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Vox
The Macpodz @ GOTV 2010
Surrounded by creativity!
Another cell phone charger exchange. We wanted to make sure that we could always get in touch with Issac so Jay and I would alternate charging our phones making sure one of us had a functioning one at all times. Where I generally might have left my phone to die in my tent since I was actually camping and not in a house, this couldn’t be the case this festival. I, of course, ended up using it much more by having it on my person. Alas, I am addicted to technology 🙂 Because of this, I also was able to check out the side stage performances and here we were with The Macpodz.
Just like Kung Fu, I was drawn towards the stage because of what I heard coming from the keyboardist, Jesse Clayton. Sounded GOOD! Their image immediately stood out to me, not that it matters but it was like a warped frat house up there. I enjoyed the trumpet as well. Other then that, meh! Nothing would hae sounded good to me at time, knowing who was coming on the Main stage next.
One of my favorite sets of the day. When is Steve Kimock not good? When does he never just sound so perfect and beautiful and full of rage at the same time making you dance to PRETTY music. And here we had the debut of a NEW CRAZY ENGINE!
Such a signature sound with Kimock, that guitar. So light, airy, happy, funky and jammy. He always has such lovely melodies throughout his music. His songs engage different emotions with every measure. I love him. The addition of keyboard legend, Bernie Worrell was a treat for all of us. He threw in Row Row RowYour Boat, The Star- Spangled Banner and all kinds of silly licks from nostalgic tunes throughout his solos.
Steve Kimock and son, John Morgan @ GOTV 2010
Wavy Gravy - blowing bubbles during Kimock set
Bobby Vega bassed us out on Funky B4 Five, a lovely melodic jam where a fun response comes from the crowd at the end of the chorus. Everything is Everything brought out a rapping Chris Burger (Alphabet Soup, Band of Brotherz) who began with the band introductions. Bernie funked out the keys and it was just a funk fest in the field. Closing with Parliament Funkadelic‘s Red Hot Mama, the guitar just sounded so hot and Bernie Worrell was in his element. John Kimock never stood out to me during this set but I do know he is a wonderful fresh drummer who I hope hits our scene with a tornado like force one of these days.
Setlist: A New Africa, Five B4 Funk, Crazy Engine, Everything is Everything, Red Hot Mama
We again made our way to the Silver Lining booth where we were charging our phones with our friend, Thud. Once again, a decent sounding song caught my ear. Quinn Sullivan was playing but I didn’t have time to stop and pay attention. I had a 15 year old to check in with and feed and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings were up next on stage.
There are certain bands where words never do it justice, and sometimes, they don’t even do themselves justice, because they are just THAT good. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings have consistently performed, blowing the ears and minds of millions of people with every performance. This performance was no exception. Just stop the program. Just end it all right here. No one can touch this woman. She is FIRE.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings @ GOTV 2010
Sharon Jones (Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis)
Sharon Jones didn’t join the stage immediately. First, the stage just filled with DAPPER looking men and their instruments. The first song consisted of the horns blasting, the funk machine igniting and it was POPPIN’. After the first few songs, Sharon Jones joined the stage and well…I just really don’t know how to describe her. She is like a bolt of lightning. Her pores OOZE soul. Her dance moves are spirited and it was as if the music inside her was controlling her like a puppet with strings. Her eyes closing and opening as the passion in the music gained momentum. She kicked her shoes off at one point and just brought down the house with every single word and note. Just watch this woman perform.
Check out this video of The Vibes performance:
Check out the video for the title track from the 2007 album “100 Days, 100 Nights.” in it’s entirety.
THANK GOD!!!! I was not sure what to expect from this set. I had seen Robert Randolph a few weeks earlier in New York City and had witnessed one of the worst Randolph performances I had ever seen. I almost cried because my heart hurt from thinking such bad thoughts of the show. It wasn’t because he didn’t play his songs well but because his new songs are just not of the caliber of AWESOMENESS that they were in his early years.
My Tribe had to be up front for this performance and so we were, dead center. As I approached the front row, it looked as if Robert had found his roots again. Where a tie had been worn at the previous show, Robert was now wearing a liberating bandanna with a long tail. Where the white guy behind the mic were doing most of the singing at the previous show, Robert was now throwing us the licks and doin’ the spittin’ on the mic. Where as Robert was on his guitar most of the time at the previous show, today, he gave an amazing chance to a few lucky guys in the audience and stuck mainly to his pedal steel where his fingers knew no boundaries. His energy was contagious…
Robert Randolph & The Family Band @ GOTV 2010
He brought the stage to fire with an old song right out of the hatch: Ted’s Jam, one of my top three favorite Randolph’s tunes. With this song, it just escalated into one of my favorite, hottest Robert Randolph performances. I could write pages about it but I will write about my favorite memory of the set.
Towards the end of the set, Robert Randolph said he needed some help from and audience member to rage a song. The first guy got on stage and immediately proved he had no chops. This happened with 2 other men before Frederick Aidan Pagnani from Freddy and the Yeti’s jumped on stage to Robert’s delight. Once he started playing, this 19 year old (we found that out talking to him in the VIP then) held his own against Robert Randolph and The Family Band. Check it out:
Setlist: Ted’s Jam, Back to Wall, Travel Shoes, Them Bones, Untitled, I’m Not Listening, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Deliver Me, If I Had My Way, E, It Don’t Matter
Phil Lesh – Bass
Bob Weir – Guitar
Jeff Chimenti – Keyboards
John Kadlecik – Guitar
Joe Russo – Drums
Jeff Pearson – Vocals
Sunshine Becker – Vocals
The headliner for the evening was Furthur. Just like the Randolph set, here was another group that I was hoping was going do a better then job then I had seen them last. If you might recall, there was giant whirlwind chatter about the Furthur show, specifically Bob Weir’s performance, at Nokia Theatre in Times Square last Wednesday. What a difference.
“Seal your face right off your head“
Between Dark Star Orchestra and Furthur, it was arguable who had performed a better set. Both nights were magical recreations of some tightly played nostalgic tunes. Where as Dark Star seemed to be more of stand out performance by Jeff Mattson, Furthur’s performance felt like more of a cohesive group effort and Bobby was on point. The set list contained a plethora of sing along tunes and provided platforms for intense jams during the 4 hours slot.
There was a gorgeous glow worm that was walked through the 15,000 person audience which I was able to catch on film!
Now, here is the song in it’s entirety with the appearance of the glow worm 🙂
Furthur @ GOTV 2010 (Photo by Jeff Dupuis)
Set I: The Golden Road, Jack Straw, Ramble On Rose, Dupree’s Diamond Blues, Friend of The Devil, Estimated Prophet> , Eyes of The World>, Not Fade Away,
Set II: Playing In The Band, Althea, Wharf Rat>, He’s Gone>, Scarlet Begonias>, The Wheel, Standing On The Moon, Help On The Way>, Slipknot!>, Franklin’s Tower, crowd/donor rap/tuning,