George Porter Jr. | ICT magazine

Posts Tagged ‘George Porter Jr.’

The Last Waltz Ensemble: Holiday Show and CD Release

November 17th, 2010 | No Comments

SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR CELEBRATING THE BAND’S FINAL SHOW

The Last Waltz Ensemble

On Friday, November 19, 2010, Smiths Olde Bar in Atlanta will host The Last Waltz Ensemble‘s all star
celebration of The Band‘s final show at Winterland for a seventh consecutive year. The show has become a
tradition, an annual trek, a night for fans to dance, sing along, revel and remember. This year will feature opening
sets by Turtle Folk and O’Mello-Cello Tree, as well as guest performances by: Oliver
Wood, Jon Liebman, Jessica Sheridan, David Fisch, Preston Holcomb
from The Grapes, Tracey and Chad from Moontower, Coy Bowles from The Zach Brown
Band and many more.

“Maybe people come back year after year to memorialize The Band’s departed brethren, Rick Danko and
Richard Manuel, maybe to remember a young Bob Dylan. Or perhaps to remember Costello, we
will have a lot of the same guys on this show that were on Sean’s last show, or a Last Waltz Ensemble moment from
the last 6 years. One thing I know is that the material is the glue. It might be the glue that keeps them coming
back.”

The Last Waltz Ensemble has just completed another tribute to The Band’s tunes with New Orleans Jokerman, an
effort recorded in New Orleans and Atlanta with many of the finest musicians in each city. The LWE took a pull of
Dylan and Band tunes and seasoned a fine gumbo with the zest of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, George Porter
Jr, members of The Neville Brothers, The Radiators, Blackberry Smoke and even the great
Francine Reed from Lyle Lovett’s Large Band fame.

Track list:
Down South In New Orleans
Look Out Cleveland
Forever Young
Promised Land

Jemima Surrender
Shooting Star
Positively 4th Street

Caledonia Mission
Corinna
Rainy Day Women #12&36

Jokerman
Masterpiece
Stage Fright
The Rumor

Life Is A Carnival

The Last Waltz Ensemble
Tour Dates
::
The Last Waltz Ensemble
News
::
The Last Waltz Ensemble
Concert
Reviews

Warren Haynes Solo Album Out Spring 2011

October 12th, 2010 | No Comments

ALBUM FEATURES GEORGE PORTER JR, IVAN NEVILLE, IAN MCLAGAN,
RUTHIE FOSTER, & RON
HOLLOWAY

Warren Haynes

Warren Haynes has
revealed details of his upcoming solo album in an interview with Relix.com.

The album will feature Haynes, George Porter Jr on bass, Ivan Neville and Ian McClagan
(The Faces) on keys, vocalist Ruthie Foster, and Ron Holloway on saxophone. Haynes describes
the album as “all original material with one exception, but it sounds like the soul music of the late Â‘60s, early Â‘70s
blended with Albert King, B.B. King and Freddie King type blues from that same era”.

Says Haynes, “This is a record I’ve waited my whole life to make because soul music was my first love. Before I ever
heard rock
and roll music, I was listening to soul music. Before I picked up a guitar, I was singingÂ—and everything I was
singing was soul music. For me, I think it’s the right time to showcase this side of me. Obviously anybody who’s
followed my career has seen this side of me beforeÂ—but not to this extent.”

The album is due out Spring 2011.

Warren Haynes
Tour Dates
::
Warren Haynes News
::
Warren Haynes
Concert
Reviews

Yonder Mountain Joins Halloween at Las Tortugas V

August 19th, 2010 | No Comments

STRING FANS KNOW WHERE THEY’LL BE OCTOBER 31st!

YMSB by Bill Ball

Las Tortugas V has announced that Yonder Mountain String Band will join the festivities over Halloween weekend in Yosemite. YMSB will perform on Halloween itself and the intimate four-day festival takes place October 28-31 at Evergreen Lodge nestled on the lush edge of Yosemite National Park.

Early bird ticketing has been extended until to September 10 to give fans of all the recent additions to the lineup – Yonder, Nathan Moore, Blue Turtle Seduction – a chance to get discounted tickets. Onsite camping at Evergreen Lodge is still available as well. Info on tickets, lodging, etc. can be found here.

Full Lineup For Las Tortugas – Dance of the Dead V

Yonder Mountain String Band
ALO
7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann, Papa Mali & George Porter Jr.
The Mother Hips
Tea Leaf Green
New Monsoon
Cornmeal
Blue Turtle Seduction
Melvin Seals and JGB with Stu Allen
Pimps of Joytime
Lebo
Poor Man’s Whiskey, including a performance of Old and In the Way
BLVD
Big Light
Nathan Moore
Montana Slim String Band
New Fangled Wasteland
Jay Seals and the Hydrodynamics
Guitarmageddon featuring the music of Prince
Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers
Moonalice
Tracorum
Izabella
Trevor Garrod
Dead Winter Carpenters
Sean Leahy and Friends
Jack Grace Band
Antioquia
Kate Gaffney
The Hongs
Honeymoon

A little reading to get folks in the mood for Tortugas VÂ…

Jeff Austin JamBase Questionnaire
Las Tortugas IV review
Las Tortugas III review
Las Tortugas II review

7 Walkers To Play Post-Phish SF Shows

July 26th, 2010 | No Comments

7 WALKERS’ NEW STUDIO ALBUM TO BE RELEASED LATER THIS YEAR

7 Walkers

Famed drummer and Grateful Dead co-founder Bill Kreutzmann, voodoo guitar master Papa Mali, legendary New Orleans
bass man George Porter Jr.
(The Meters, Funky Meters), and multi-instrumentalist Matt Hubbard (Willie Nelson, Fastball) come together as 7 Walkers for two special shows at
San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall.

On Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, after Phish perform at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the party will continue in high fashion as fans
from across The Bay descend upon the historic Great American for two nights of psychedelic swamp grooves,
reworked Grateful Dead sing-alongs, and funked-up New Orleans standards.

August 6 is being billed as a Â“Masquerade Party in Celebration of Jerry Garcia.Â” As Deadheads prepare for the 15th
Anniversary of Garcia’s passing on August 9, commonly referred to as Â“Jerry Day,Â” fans are encouraged to come
dressed as their favorite Grateful Dead lyric. There will be a silent auction hosted by the Rex Musical Caravan and
Moonalice will open the show.

August 7 will be a Â“Tribal Communion for Gulf Coast AwarenessÂ” with partial proceeds being donated to relief
efforts in the Gulf Coast. Featuring an opening set by local act Tracorum as well as New Orleans hero
Big Chief Monk Boudreaux with Papa Mali, the night will also find the famed Indian Chief sitting in with 7 Walkers for
a show that’s sure to raise the spirits.

7 Walkers recently spent time in Austin, Texas recording their debut album due later this year. The highly-
anticipated effort will feature a batch of brand-new Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan lyricist) originals that were co-written with
the band, as well as a number of Grateful Dead favorites, Papa Mali nuggets, and New Orleans burners.

Live audio recordings of 7 Walkers can be heard at the newly re-launched www.billkreutzmann.com.

Friday, August 6

7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann, Papa Mali, George Porter Jr. & Matt Hubbard
Moonalice opens
Great American Music Hall

859 O’Farrell Street San Francisco, CA

For Tickets and more information, please contact 415-885-0750 or visit www.gamhtickets.com

Saturday, August 7

7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann, Papa Mali, George Porter Jr. & Matt Hubbard

Tracorum followed by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux with Papa Mali opens
Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell Street San Francisco, CA
For Tickets and more information, please contact 415-885-0750 or visit www.gamhtickets.com

7 Walkers
Tour Dates
::
7 Walkers News
::
7 Walkers Concert Reviews

Las Tortugas V: ALO, Hips Cornmeal, TLG, HBR, 7 Walkers

July 14th, 2010 | No Comments

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF WOODED JEWEL

Bill Kreutzmann at Tortugas IV by Chad Smith

The premiere intimate West Coast fall music festival, Las Tortugas – Dance of the Dead V, returns October 28-31. The fifth annual Halloween weekend gathering once again takes place at Evergreen Lodge in Groveland, CA (located at the Western Gate of Yosemite National Park), offering a musician-positive, fan-friendly experience in a bucolic forest setting. With cozy cabins, a general store, restaurant and bar, daytime hiking adventures and many more unique features, Las Tortugas offers a handpicked, standout assortment of diverse music with a strong emphasis on the cream of Northern California’s rock scene.

Super early bird ticket sales – $175 for a festival pass until August 15 – are available at www.lastortugasmusic.com on Wednesday July 21 at 10am PST, and on-site camping for this intimate festival begin Wednesday, July 21st at 10am PST. Please call the Lodge at 209-379-2606, for on-site camping at 10am PST on July 21.

To enter the random cabin drawing, you must email tortugascabin@gmail.com by Friday, July 16th. All information regarding the cabin random drawing can be found on the website.

More information on tickets, cabins and on-site camping visit www.lastortugasmusic.com.

This year’s lineup features:

ALO
7 Walkers feat. Bill Kreutzmann, Papa Mali and George Porter Jr.
The Mother Hips
Tea Leaf Green
Hot Buttered Rum
New Monsoon
Cornmeal
Melvin Seals and JGB with Stu Allen
Pimps of Joytime
Poor Man’s Whiskey, including a performance of Old and In the Way
Lebo
BLVD
Big Light
Guitarmageddon feat. the music of Prince
Montana Slim String Band
Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers
Dead Winter Carpenters
Tracorum
Trevor Garrod
Nat Keefe and Friends
Sean Leahy and Friends
Jack Grace Band
Moonalice
Antioquia
The Hongs
Kate Gaffney
Honeymoon

After playing Las Tortugas for the first time last year legendary Grateful Dead percussionist Bill Kreutzmann said, “I had a GREAT time. It feels like a party.” Tortugas inspires attendees and performers to dig into their full capacity for fun and joy, with an ever-changing array of costumes and joyful distractions floating past one at any given moment. This on top of a musical lineup that has solidified into a vibrant, collaborative extended family of players that fill the entire weekend full of surprises and once-in-a-lifetime moments. A strong sense of community infuses Las Tortugas, with daily themes, special one-off sets (TLG’s Trevor Garrod‘s annual Sunday morning solo performances, Guitarmageddon‘s themed throwdowns), quality, reasonably priced food and a wonderfully immersive feel that marks this as a truly unique experience every single year..

Check out JamBase’s rave for the Las Tortugas IV here.

Furthurmore Festival | 05.31 | California

June 9th, 2010 | No Comments

By: Sam Martin

Furthurmore Festival :: 05.31.10 :: River Ranch Campground :: Tuolumne,
CA

The Furthurmore Festival, held in the Stanislaus National Forest, down a long,
single lane winding road, deep in a valley covered with the green foliage of pine and
deciduous trees, there’s a campground where two rivers cross; a deep in there, very well
hidden backwoods campground nestled amongst the trees. Those two rivers, or streams as
they were this day, formed an island, and on it was the stage with a wood arched bridge
that allowed patrons to cross safely from the campground to island and back.

Opening the festivities, The Jug Dealers and The Grasshoppers put on mostly
past-by sets. People weren’t settled in yet, and were unaware that the music had started,
so the bulk of the campers had yet to come across the bridge. L’Fiasco also
played, but about an hour behind schedule and to a small crowd.

Zane Kesey and the pranksters brought the historic, beautiful Further Bus in for
the show and some pranks. Kesey is a man who really pays tribute to the past and adds to
the scene in a light and magical way. There were also a small number of vendors and good
beer on tap, or you could bring your own.

7 Walkers

About twenty minutes before darkness, Bill Kreutzmann‘s
super-group 7
Walkers – made up of Kreutzmann (drums), George Porter Jr. (bass,
vocals), Papa
Mali (guitar, vocals) and Matt Hubbard (keys) – came up on the small stage. The vibe was
exciting, but it didn’t feel like a festival; it felt like a family gathering, and in many
ways it was. Some people had the look of utter exhaustion on their face coming directly
from the Furthur Festival at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds (see JamBase review here), yet still they couldn’t help smiling when 7 Walkers opened with
“Deal” with Papa on lead vocals. They played to cheers and applause all the while
showcasing new songs from their upcoming debut album, co-written by Grateful Dead lyricist
Robert Hunter and
Papa Mali. George Porter Jr. took the microphone for the Grateful Dead’s blues tune
“Sugaree.” Mixing up the songs, with amazing solos by Mali, the tight drumming that
Kreutzmann is known for, Porter’s incredibly funky bass lines, and soulful keys from
Hubbard, it was am amazing show.

Kimock & Lebo

By the time they were finished the evening chill had settled into the small valley, and
the projector light show by liquid lights was accompanied by a green laser being shot at
the trees from behind the stage. To add to carnival-like atmosphere, fire dancers came
out and belly danced while Matt Butler and Everyone Orchestra
set up their numerous instruments. This night’s lineup included Dan Lebowitz
(guitar), Steve
Kimock (lead guitar and slide), Melvin Seals
(organ), George Porter Jr. (bass), Dave Brogan (drums), Nat Keefe
(mandolin, guitar), Aaron Redner (fiddle), and three amazing vocalist, one of which
was a flautist. The set that followed could only be described as mind-blowing,
complementing the venue’s outdoor feel, and the jams were intricate and lengthy. The
members of the Orchestra read each other with a keen sense of precision. Lebo really
shined on this evening, and Kimock gave his usual speechless performance, but in this
instance it was a lot of great music being made up there, without any ego – the best way.
Butler’s amazing ability to conduct and feel out what each musician is capable of allows
him to act as a musical conduit between the crowd and the stage. He doesn’t lead but
rather points the Orchestra in a certain direction and let’s them decide how to get there.

Holy Kimoto

With the show now piercing into morning, the crowd wearing sweatshirts, the last main act
came out. Holy
Kimoto, the live-tronica trio from The String Cheese
Incident with Steve Kimock rounding out the sound with his improvisational guitar
skills. They performed a number of tracks as the crowd danced under the trees with green
lasers shooting overhead. The show was amazing, with the drumming of Michael Travis
and bass playing of Jason Hann complemented by Kyle
Hollingsworth tearing it up on multiple keyboards and an organ. Hann also used a
synth and other electronic equipment.

There was a moment as the birds began to wake, sometime around 4 am, when Kimock, eyes
closed engaged in an intricate jam, broke out into a great smile that said it all. It
felt sacred. And in that moment it was.

The show came to a beautiful end sometime around 4:30 am, with people still dancing,
playing their guitars and drums at their tents. It was an all-nighter and one that was
worth every moment. As the corners of the horizon started to turn blue with laughter in
the air, one couldn’t help but hear “‘Til The Morning Comes” somewhere in the
distance.

JamBase | Deep Woods
Go See Live Music!

Crawfish Festival in New Jersey Galactic, Railroad, Taj Mahal

June 1st, 2010 | No Comments

GOOD EATS, GOOD FOOD
JUST THE TICKET TO MAKE YOU FORGET JERSEY SHORE

Railroad Earth by Dave Vann

The 21st Annual Arnone’s Crawfish Festival takes place June 4-6 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey. Besides fresh boiled crawfish, jambalaya, alligator sausage, and red beans and rice, the festival features three stages and a dance tent, as well as camping with special concerts for campers.

The music lineup includes:

Galactic
Railroad Earth
Taj Mahal
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners
Marcia Ball
Stanton Moore Trio w/ Anders Osborne
The Redstick Ramblers
Honey Island Swamp Band
Kenny Neal Band
The Iguanas
The Campbell Brothers
And many more!

For detailed schedules head over here.

Jazz Fest After Dark | 04.29-05.02 | New Orleans

May 12th, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: B. Getz | Images by: Casey Flanigan

Jazz Fest Night Shows :: 04.29.10-05.02.10 :: New Orleans, LA

The wise superhero SuperDee once told me, “Judge your Jazz Fest not by what you saw, but what you were forced to miss.”

Those who have been to Jazz Fest know that it’s extremely difficult to decide what shows to see. Head-to-head, there is simply so much incredible music, and rare treats, to indulge in over the course of ten days. Therefore, there will be plenty of fantastic music NOT covered in these dusk til’ dawn highlight. This is simply one boy’s second weekend journey to the musical Mecca that is Jazz Fest… After Dark.

Thursday, April 29

KDTU :: 04.29 :: Tipitina’s

No better way to start Fest then Dauphine and Lesseps in the Bywater, Thursday night at Vaughn’s. Though we arrived too late for his BBQ, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers welcomed us to town like only they can. A joyful mixture of brassy jazz, sultry R&B swagger and modern day braggadocio, Ruffins’ band mixed The Isley Brothers with Gnarls Barkley, with some Mystikal to boot.

Backbeat Foundation hosted another HBO star/brass band alum session at the Blue Nile, where Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave seized their star turn, tearing down the Quarter for nearly three hours of nonstop NOLA stomp. His crack band, expanded for the occasion, more than ably laid a local foundation for Troy Andrews to delve deep into the Treme, unleashing blistering cuts from new album Backatown. Shorty cooked up a jambalaya of choice local brass anthems with a crunk-rock edge; a mammoth Marvin Gaye cover brought the house down.

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe‘s Thursday late night show is always the place to be at Fest. The first in five years (and only KDTU Jazz Fest booking) was no different. Playing Tipitina’s Uptown until sunrise, Denson reminded us all of why he remains the King of Late Night Jazz Fest. The Tiny Universe dropped mammoth sets, balancing older favorites “Family Tree,” “Make it a Cosmopolitan” and “Because of Her Beauty” with blazing new joints like the blaxploitation banger “Brother’s Keeper Pt..II,” a lengthy dub-drenched take on “Mighty Rebel,” and an otherworldly keyboard battle between Robert Walter on Hammond B3 and Marco Benevento on Fender Rhodes.

Howlin Wolf held a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, a huge post-Panic party with keyboardist Jojo’s Mardi Gras Band as the hosts. “Down on the Bayou II” included WSP bandmates Sunny Ortiz and John Bell (highlighted by a brief Panic set). Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and NOLA monarchs George Porter Jr., Anders Osborne, John “Papa” Gros, Papa Mali, Jon Cleary, Big Chief Bo Dollis, and Alfred “Uganda” Roberts all lent their skills. Gov’t Mule‘s Warren Haynes, Jorgen Carlsson and Danny Louis joined hard hitting local skinman Russell Batiste Jr. for an exciting short set.

Friday, April 30

Pretty Lights :: 04.30 :: Republic

The new frontier of live electronic music was on display throughout Friday night, a tribute to both the evolution of the genre and the breadth of the Jazz Fest palette. With respect to the Rusko/Big Gigantic party that went late the night before, for this writer, Friday was about pulsating beats. With a new take on dubstep delivered Live PA style, Uprise Dub kicked things off with proper wobble at Dragon’s Den; dark drum & bass deep in the Quarter. A progressive minded dubstep swagger with Bukem-informed jazzy jungle, Paul Knight is a breakout waiting to happen. Big t’ings in store for this rumbling conglomerate.

Pretty Lights set it off substantially at Republic. With the sold out massive getting crazier by the song, kids were crowd surfing and bouncing off walls; absolute bedlam as dancing spilled into the street. Mixing bombastic originals with seriously dirty reinterpretations, Derek Vincent Smith knows how to rock a crowd. “More Important than Michael Jordan” ignited the fuse, but the set closing “Rumpshaker” remix was a five alarm fire.

Both Friday and Saturday nights, Bear Creek Presents hosted Break Science at One Eyed Jacks to teeming late revelers. Both shows kicked off at the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. Drummer wunderkind Adam Deitch knows no boundaries, and clearly the Rusko set had inspired him; Friday night’s set leaned heavily on dubstep wobble and thunderous bottom end. Saturday saw a more diverse assortment, with Borahm Lee unleashing a ridiculous array of skills amidst mountains of keyboards, samplers and laptops. Highlight: choice tribute to the late Guru, in the form of a punishing take on Gang Starr‘s “DWYCK,” demolishing of Public Enemy’s seminal “Bring the Noise” in a way that would make Hank Shocklee proud.

Saturday, May 1

Superfly Presents always provides a quintessential NOLA experience on the Creole Queen Boat Cruise; and this year’s Greyboy Allstars hoedown was the ideal soundtrack. While Kirk Joseph’s 504 Brass Band held down the deck with typical Crescent City flair, a newly recharged GBA came correct indoors. Incorporating new rare groove styles amidst a sea of classic West Coast boogaloo, the Allstars were back on their mojo. A spooky, enchanting version of “Nautilus” was the highlight for this writer.

Bear Creek Presents delivered another stellar gig at One Eyed Jacks with Dr. Klaw, a malicious conglomerate of NYC meets NOLA crunk. Nick Daniels led the boys into battle, welcoming local cats Andrew Block, Maurice ‘Mo Betta’ Brown and Clarence ‘Trixzey’ Slaughter to the fold. Eric Krasno (MVP?) wailed above the gumbo funk with reckless abandon, with Deitch and Nigel Hall grinning feverishly as they pushed the grooves along.

Backbeat Foundation hosted two killer Saturday shows at Tipitina’s French Quarter. Bonerama killed the raucous room with a smattering of funky brass and rock energy. Joined by Scott McCaughey (guitar), David Silverman (sousaphone), and R.E.M.‘s Mike Mills (bass) the troupe tore thru an Alex Chilton tribute, and spirited takes on “Cabbage Alley” and “Lovelight.” Later, the eclectic grouping Some Cat From Japan interpreted the works of Jimi Hendrix with a fresh take, and a lot of mojo. Led by Will Bernard and Nigel Hall, and ably assisted by Scott Metzger, Ron Johnson and Bonerama drummer Eric Bolivar, the spirit of Jimi was on full display with unique new vision.

Sunday, May 2

A sisterhood of cities was on display at Howlin Wolf for The Royal Family Ball. George Porter and his Running Partners, Zigaboo’s Funk Revue and Break Science held things down early for the vicious combination of Soulive and Lettuce. Soulive delivered one of the final slamming Jazz Fest performance, ripping as a trio or when rolling augmented. But quite frankly, the finest hour belonged to a reinvigorated Lettuce, whose only performance of the weekend was a rage to remember. Welcoming back Boston OG’s Adam ‘Shmeans’ Smirnoff and E.D. ‘Jesus’ Coomes, the boys tore the roof off the Wolf. As if they didn’t already have enough ammo, Ian Neville, Maurice Brown and Khris Royal joined the fray, as did Skerik for the final banger. Lettuce had conquered Jazz Fest once again, sending off the masses with relentless, colossal funk jams.

Like a whirlwind, it was over just as suddenly as it started. Jazz Fest will do that to ya. Once again, it was an epic adventure of giant proportions. Special thanks to Paulina Trujillo and the Backbeat Foundation, Megan Sabella at Newsom Management, Paul Peck and Superfly Productions, Paul Levine and Bear Creek, as well as all the venues and promoters that join together to provide these rich experiences. Most of all, a heartfelt thank you to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the City of New Orleans, without whom none of this would be possible.

JamBase | Big Easy Sunrise
Go See Live Music!

Jazz Fest 4.30 Fri | Photos & Best Of

May 1st, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: Tom Speed | Images by: Dino Perrucci

Jazz Fest – Weekend 2 – Day 2 :: 04.30.10 :: Friday :: New Orleans, LA

Kermit Ruffins :: 04.30.10 :: Jazz Fest

The best laid plans aren’t worth a damn. Repeatedly, the ad hoc yields the sweetest fruit. Days like Friday, April 30 at the Jazz Festival reinforce this truth time and time again.

The giddiness rears its head when the cubes are published. Hours pored over scheduling increases excitement. When the day comes, it’s irrelevant. A well-planned and structured itinerary is no substitute for a day of happy accidents and splendid surprises. With the rain staying away despite the weatherman’s best attempts to doom and gloom the otherwise optimistic, a gentle fairgrounds-wide mist tent effect cast a pleasant ambiance over a day filled with brilliant unplanned pleasure. To wit:

Tom’s Top Three Aural

#1 Allen Toussaint (Acura Stage)

Allen Toussaint was a contributing factor in the best set of the day on Thursday and helmed the best set on Friday. He’s New Orleans royalty, and his mid-afternoon performance on the Acura Stage proved why. Exuding class and professionalism, Toussaint’s top-notch band (including the resplendent Theresa Andersson as one of the background vocalists) radiated confidence as they spun the sounds Toussaint helped birth many moons ago. Touching on standards and mainstays, they were at times funky, soulful, and moving. Giving “City of New Orleans” a twist that removed any sense of cliche was a mean feat that was handled adroitly, and the sprawling “Southern Nights” closer was awe-inspiring fun.

#2 Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Fais Do-Do Stage)

The infectious zydeco groove commands your dancing, your swaying, and your shuffling. The onstage capabilities grab your respect. When the band was joined by three trombonists from Bonerama, it underscored the wide swath that the music at Jazz Fest covers and cross-pollinates at the same time.

#3 Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra (Louisiana Heritage Stage)

A loose amalgamation of Mardi Gras Indian tribesmen and various interested instrumentalists, the Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra celebrates this musical tradition with the addition of a string section and a cavalcade of participants, including Reggie and Camille of The Radiators.

Tom’s Top Three Gustatory

#1 Fried Chicken

Like playing guitar, making fried chicken is easy to do competently but takes real talent to do exceptionally. The fine folks at Jazz Fest have talent.

#2 William’s Plum Street Snowballs

The nectar cream snowball could easily be classified a Schedule IV narcotic.

#3 Coors in a can

Here’s a fun game: try to drink the whole can before the “cold activated” thingy turns from blue to gray. It’s tough in the New Orleans heat, but practice makes perfect. Or something like that.

Tom’s Top Three Lagniappe

#1 Eric Lindell

The overflowing crowd at the Blues Tent before and during Lindell’s set rendered the situation unsympathetic to mellowing out to his groovy vibe. It’s great that he’s catching on with so many new fans, but it’s well past time to put him on a main stage. Ya heard?

#2 Pinwheels

They’re a highly underrated form of entertainment. Just sayin’.

#3 Celebrating your wife’s birthday with her at Jazz Fest

Every year. It’s one hell of a birthday party.

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”0″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=46″);}); New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Friday Weekend 2 | New Orleans Fairgrounds | New Orleans, LA Our Second Weekend Friday Photo Gallery features Kermit Ruffins, Allen Toussaint, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band, New Orleans Social Club featuring George Porter Jr., Henry Butler, Ivan Neville and Leo Nocentelli, Jonathan Batiste, Astral Project, Eric Lindell, Forgotten Souls Brass Band, John Boutte, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Nicholas Payton and more… View Photos

Check our Jazz Fest Survival Guide for Must See Bands, food suggestions and
more…

Check out Second Weekend Thursday coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check out First Weekend Friday coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check out First Weekend Saturday coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check out First Weekend Sunday coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check back tomorrow for more coverage of Jazz Fest…

JamBase | New Orleans

Go See Live Music!

Jazz Fest 4.24 Day 2 | Photo Gallery & Best Of

April 26th, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: Kayceman | Images by: Dino Perrucci

Jazz Fest Day 2 :: 04.24.10 :: Saturday :: New Orleans, LA

Despite weather reports of rain, hail, floods and maybe even a tornado, not once did water fall from the sky, helping make Saturday an amazing day at the Fairgrounds. And by the time the headliners took the stage (My Morning Jacket and Simon & Garfunkel), it was gorgeous outside with blue skies and glorious sun.

Kayceman’s Top 3

#1 – My Morning Jacket

I have seen Jim James bring rain to Bonnaroo when Tennessee needed it, and now I’ve seen him bring sun to Jazz Fest when New Orleans needed it. A powerful, moving performance by the Jacket, they touched on all facets of their catalog including Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” to close the set. But what made this show so special was the inclusion of New Orleans legends Al “Carnival Time” Johnson singing “Carnival Time” and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on a wicked version of “Highly Suspicious” that had this writer wondering if we might be witnessing the start of a horn relationship for MMJ similar to what Widespread Panic has developed with NOLA’s Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

#2 The Funky Meters

Rain seemed imminent. The sky was a mean color of gray and you could feel the thick water in the air. And then The Funky Meters played “The World Is a Little Bit Under the Weather” and the sun broke free for the first time all weekend and the crowd erupted. Jazz-funk can get predictable and even boring, but not with this crew. They keep it deep in the pocket, grinding out raunchy NOLA grooves that are impossible to deny. A truly wonderful set by local legends.

#3 Guitar Woodshed featuring Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke and Jack Eckert

A rotating cast of three guitarists shared the stage with a bangin’ B-3 player and stud drummer Johnny Vidacovich. The highlight was when Vidacovich’s Astral Project bandmate, seven-string guitar genius Steve Masakowski, took control, alternating between streams of flowing jazz-fusion and slinky funk grooves that felt sophisticated yet sexy. The set ended with all three guitarists taking on Wes Montgomery.

Bonus Coverage: Late Night My Morning Jacket with Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Preservation Hall

The late night ticket of the weekend, this show was the stuff of legend. Roughly 60 or so people were allowed into the famous, tiny Preservation Hall for over two hours of spirit-channeling music. Acoustic Jacket with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band both starting the show and sitting in, this was a special, special event that those lucky enough to witness will likely never forget.

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”1″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=36″);}); New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Day 2 | New Orleans Fairgrounds | New Orleans, LA Day 2 of our New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival photo galleries includes My Morning Jacket, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Treme Brass Band, Bonerama, The Funky Meters, Cowboy Mouth, Harry Shearer, Davell Crawford, Dr. John, Jon Cleary, George Porter Jr., Art Nevill, Midnite Disturbers, Skerik, Stanton Moore, The New Orleans Bingo Show and more… View Photos

Check our Jazz Fest Survival Guide for Must See Bands, food suggestions and more…

Check out Friday’s coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check back tomorrow for coverage of Sunday at Jazz Fest…

JamBase | New Orleans

Go See Live Music!

Jazz Fest 2010 Survival Guide

April 23rd, 2010 | No Comments

The 41st annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – set to run April 23 through May 2 – is about much more than just music. Notice that the official name of the event includes the word “Heritage,” this is a true celebration of culture, history, food, art and music that could only have sprouted from the fertile soil of New Orleans. And while the music programming shines a giant light on jazz, no genre is left untouched with headliners ranging from Widespread Panic to Aretha Franklin.

The JamBase editors have put together a Jazz Fest Survival Guide featuring 21 Must-See bands, a list of gastronomical delights found at the Fairgrounds, local restaurant suggestions, as well as a run down of late night shows (Weekend 1, Daze Between and Weekend 2), photo galleries and a few Fest Insider Tips.

21 MUST-SEE BANDS

Over the course of seven days on 11 stages, Jazz Fest will feature around 450 artists. This list is in no way meant to cover even a fraction of the amazing talent on display. The 21 bands highlighted here are designed to help you uncover a lesser-known great, local hero, or perhaps help you make a tough decision at a certain time slot. Instead of giving love to well known headliners we adore like The Allmans, Neville Brothers (who always close the final day in epic fashion), My Morning Jacket, Black Crowes, Anita Baker, The Dead Weather, Derek Trucks and Pearl Jam, we’re focusing on three bands each day you might not be planning to see that are worthy of your attention. You can check out the entire Jazz Fest schedule here.

Friday, April 23

Dr. John

1. Dr. John & the Lower 911 :: 3:30 PM :: Gentilly Stage

Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack, Jr., aka The Night Tripper, aka Dr. John, is considered by many to be the most significant living New Orleans musician today. A master of traditional New Orleans R&B, swamp funk and voodoo-psychedelia, this is a set you don’t want to miss on the first day of Fest.

2. Irma Thomas Tribute to Mahalia Jackson :: 4:40 PM :: Gospel Tent

Despite being gone nearly 40 years, Mahalia Jackson remains a pillar of the gospel world. The power, artistry and sheer personality of her work birthed the modern gospel movement that followed in her wake, and perhaps more importantly, continues to stir spirits and fuel faith on a daily basis. Not many 20th century musicians deserve a tribute more and there’s simply no better candidate to pull off a spectacular homage than Ms. Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” who’s mingling of blues grit, soulful fire and gospel inflection is exceedingly well suited to Jackson’s catalog. And don’t miss Irma Thomas set of her own material on Sunday, May 2, at 1:40 p.m. on the Acura Stage.

3. Rotary Downs :: 4:40 PM :: Lagniappe Stage

New Orleans has far more than one sound. Yes, funk, jazz and second line dominate, but there’s also a fine rock scene bubbling under, including the increasingly excellent Rotary Downs, who merge Pavement, Bowie and other threads into something extremely catchy and all their own. Their new release, Cracked Maps & Blue Reports (JamBase review), shows they’re armed with a pile of great new tunes, and their live show is an energetic, passionately played blast.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Soft Shell Crab Po-Boy

Saturday, April 24

Red Stick Ramblers

1. Red Stick Ramblers :: 4:25 PM :: Lagniappe Stage

A real Louisiana treasure, the Ramblers’ swirl of classic western swing, Cajun and hot jazz music goes down real easy, which slightly obscures just how ridiculously together every aspect of their sound is – sweet (but not too sweet) harmonies, moaning fiddle, dancing guitars and a joie de vivre demeanor. Red Stick makes traditional music seem, well, less traditional and more immediately alive. If Buck Owens and Bob Wills were still with us they’d be at this set.

2. Treme Brass Band :: 12:25 PM :: Peoples Health Economy Hall Tent

The Treme Brass Band is a traditional marching brass band from New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood. The group features a shifting lineup of local legends that has included such stalwarts as trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, sousaphonist Kirk Joseph and trombonist Corey Henry, and is anchored by bass drummer Lionel Batiste and bandleader Benny Jones. This is the sound of New Orleans and there’s a reason HBO has created the hit new show Treme about the ‘hood these cats call home.

3. Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes :: 11:20 AM :: Gentilly Stage

There’s not too many more joyful, good time rockin’ ways one could start their day on the Fairgrounds than with Johnny and his hard swinging bunch. With the feel of an old time rock ‘n’ soul revue (shrunk down to a few very talented cats), Sketch and the Dirty Notes play hard with a smiling dedication to YOUR enjoyment, whoever you might be.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Cochon de Lait Po-Boy (milk fed pig)

Sunday, April 25

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux

1. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians

4:35 PM :: Jazz & Heritage Stage

A living link to history, Monk Boudreaux is the Big Chief of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indian tribe, and when they roll onstage at Jazz Fest you can count on deep NOLA funk, hypnotic chants and ass-shaking R&B. You just can’t get this shit anywhere but New Orleans.

2. Imagination Movers :: 1:25 PM :: Gentilly Stage

JamBase has keyboardist extraordinaire and NOLA know-it-all Robert Walter to thank for hipping us to this “child-centered rock band.” Describing themselves as the “Beastie Boys meets Mr. Rogers,” the Movers, according to Walter, put on some of the loudest, rowdiest gigs in New Orleans. A bold claim but a reliable source, and their studio work shows they’ve got chops and tunes to spare. Whether you’re “with child” or not, this set could be a Sunday highlight.

3. Grayson Capps :: 3:00 PM :: Lagniappe Stage

Capps is a Southern singer-songwriter gem with the straight shootin’ eye of Johnny Cash melded to the hobo philosophizing of Townes Van Zandt, hard time veracity of John Prine and the wicked humor of Loudon Wainwright III. Backed by his top-flight band The Stumpknockers, Capps is truly lethal. A longtime New Orleans chronicler, he’ll be dishing up some of the finest, smartest roots rock going down at the Fairgrounds this year.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Crawfish Monica

Continue reading for JamBase’s 2nd Weekend Must-See Band…

Thursday, April 29

Eric Krasno

1. Dr. Klaw :: 3:00 PM :: Jazz & Heritage Stage

Just seeing the musicians that make up this once-in-a-blue-moon project is enough to get you drooling – Eric Krasno (guitar), Adam Deitch (drums), Nick Daniels (bass), Ian Neville (guitar), Nigel Hall (keys, vocals) and Calvin Turner (bass). Funk rock with sharp teeth is one likely assumption, though with players of this caliber we’d say all bets are off. Dr. Klaw will also perform a night show during Jazz Fest on Friday, April 23 at the Blue Nile.

2. Jazz Ladies Sing The Blues :: 1:45 PM :: WWOZ Jazz Tent

This celebration of the blues will feature a quartet of talented women drawn from the jazz and contemporary gospel spheres – Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, Tereasa B. and Heather Rothstein. These gals will celebrate the blues singing individually, as background for each other and as a group in a program likely to be full of cool surprises.

3. Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove :: 12:10 PM :: Acura Stage

One of the greatest sousaphone players of all time, Kirk Joseph helped redefine what the instrument is capable of. During his tenure with the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band Joseph developed a unique style and with Backyard Groove he continues to break new ground with a crew of New Orleans’ finest musicians.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Beignets with frozen Cafe Au Lai

Friday, April 30

Astral Project

1. Astral Project :: 1:30 PM :: WWOZ Jazz Tent

Founded by saxophonist Tony Dagradi in 1978, Astral Project is one of the most adventurous jazz ensembles to ever grace New Orleans. Joining Dagradi are drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist James Singleton and seven-string guitarist Steve Masakowski, making this one of the most talented quartets one is likely to find anywhere. This is jazz without a safety net, dangerous and fun the way it was meant to be. This band is never short of amazing.

2. Jose Feliciano :: 3:40 PM :: Gentilly Stage

The blind Puerto Rican guitar wizard has been an international chart-topper since the late 1960s, when his ear-catching originals and sophisticated, passionate covers of The Doors, The Beatles and others launched a career that’s still going strong today. His voice rings with emotion and his lightning fast fingers make guitar strings do things others can only dream about. It’s almost always worth sitting at the heel of a legend, so don’t miss your chance with this enduring great.

3. New Orleans Social Club :: 4:15 PM :: Blues Tent

For all the gifted groupings in NOLA, there’s few that could compete with the pedigree of the Social Club, which features two Meters alumni (Leo Nocentelli and George Porter Jr.), three Nevilles (Cyril, Ivan and Charles), keyboard marvel Henry Butler and Dumpstaphunk drummer Raymond Weber. This is going to be a smooth master class in all things New Orleans, musically speaking, with abundant charm and talent to spare.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Fried Eggplant w/ Crawfish Sauce

Saturday, May 1

Brian Blade

1. Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band :: 2:00 PM :: WWOZ Jazz Tent

Known to many as the superlative inducing drummer behind such luminaries as Joni Mitchell, Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan, Blade is also a gifted, subtle composer who has carved out his own sound when his relentless studio schedule and duties behind the kit for the Wayne Shorter Quartet allow. Often languid and consciously paced, Blade’s compositions and empathetic band offer intense texture with real intelligence, which might be the ideal respite from the stomp ‘n’ blast of New Orleans groove music happening elsewhere on the Fairgrounds.

2. Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project :: 3:40 PM :: WWOZ Jazz Tent

Like the Marsalis and Batiste families, the Nevilles, George Porter Jr. and Dr. John, Allen Toussaint is an ambassador for New Orleans. On Friday at the main Acura Stage Toussaint will pull from his catalog of hits for the masses, but on Saturday he’ll sneak into the Jazz Tent with his Jazzity Project where he’ll perform songs off his 2009 Grammy-nominated album Bright Mississippi. Either setting is sure to be a good time – Toussaint really doesn’t disappoint – but something tells us the more intimate show full of obscure selections might unearth some real genius from this living legend.

3. Chris Thomas King :: 2:35 PM :: Blues Tent

King’s reach stretches across the entirety of the blues – from gravely 78 rpm era recordings by blind men and fallen preachers through the ’60s electric revival and into today’s more streamlined variety (and everything that falls in between these broad marks). His voice can make you shiver and his guitar playing can leave you slack-jawed, and he’s the sort of artist that’ll always keep you guessing at what he has up his sleeve.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Fried Oyster Spinach Salad

Sunday, May 1

Trombone Shorty

1. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue :: 2:00 PM :: Gentilly Stage

It’s only a matter of time until Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a household name. Born and raised in New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood, Andrews played his first Jazz Fest in 1990 at the ripe old age of four. Since then he’s toured the world with Lenny Kravitz and made a believer out of everyone from Bo Diddley to Bono. We highly recommend you start your Sunday in the Gospel Tent (because that’s where all Sundays should start at Jazz Fest) and then promptly make your way over to Trombone Shorty’s performance.

2. Van Morrison :: 3:35 PM :: Acura Stage

At a time when most artists of his era are resting on their laurels (or worse, six feet under), Van the Man has been in the midst of a golden years revival for better than a decade, where he’s revisited his original inspirations, re-teamed with old mates and marvelously rendered his finest studio album, Astral Weeks, in concert (JamBase review). Those only familiar with hits like “Moondance” and “Brown Eyed Girl” may be surprised at how much real nitty-gritty blues and gospel figure in his work, as well as how bloody hard Van can swing if he puts his mind to it. Not one for stage chatter or audience baiting, his live shows nonetheless are pretty much a guarantee of high quality music.

3. Richie Havens :: 5:50 PM :: Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do Stage

Havens’ tireless creativity, sustained musical brilliance and enormous heart and soul arguably mark him as the Woodstock veteran whose gifts (and philosophical perspective) have changed the least over the ensuing decades. A brilliant, honest storyteller and dazzling musician, his performances continue to be life-affirming boons to anyone smart enough to be in his presence. Always a bit more clear-eyed than his hippie cohorts, Havens has somehow maintained the soul of the sixties, and his power and magnetism are almost enough to make today’s much more cynical audiences believe that we really shall one day overcome the injustices of this world.

Don’t Miss Culinary Delight: Boiled Crawfish

Continue reading for Late Night info, Restaurant Suggestions, Insider Tips, Photos and more…

Late Night

As always, there is no shortage of amazing late night entertainment during Jazz Fest. With so many options it’s near impossible to select one show over another, and that’s why you’ll want to look at our complete concert listings to find what tickles your fancy. As you’re perusing our virtual pages be sure to give some thought towards venues. If you’ve never been to the Rock ‘n’ Bowl or raged on the Riverboat Creole Queen you might want to make that happen. There’s also the newly reopened Mahalia Jackson Theatre, as well as always reliable haunts House of Blues, Howlin’ Wolf, DBA and Republic. And no trip to NOLA is complete without a stop at Tip’s. And if you can somehow sneak into the My Morning Jacket/Preservation Hall Jazz Band show at the tiny Preservation Hall on Saturday, April 24, more power to you!

The Jazzfest Grids are an incredibly useful tool to help you plan your nighttime parties. Use the links below for a complete breakdown of all the late night shows.

First Weekend :: Second Weekend :: Daze Between :: Extra Days

New Orleans Restaurant Suggestions

Higher End

1. Cochon :: 930 Tchoupitoulas St.
A local favorite and great value serving up the classics and more. They’re offering a private dining experience with a special Jazz Fest menu.

2. Dante’s Kitchen :: 736 Dante St.

The best ‘NOLA comfort food’ in the city. Get the shrimp n’ grits. Chef Emann is the boss!

3. Dick & Jenny’s :: 4501 Tchoupitoulas St.

Uptown near Tip’s, this casual fine dinning restaurant takes no reservations and is open on Mondays.

On A Budget

1. Domilise’s Po-Boys :: 5240 Annunciation St. (right off Tchoupitoulas)

The quintessential po-boy resource. It’s a local favorite for a reason.

2. Coop’s Place :: 1109 Decatur St.

If ya don’t know now ya know! This just might be the best fried chicken and seafood gumbo in town. Get the Taste Plate or the two piece dark with rabbit jambalaya.

3. Verti Marte :: 1201 Royal St.

A French Quarter staple, this joint is open 24/7 and serves real food at a reasonable price.

Insider Tips

When you’re leaving the Fairgrounds after a long day of dancing in the sun, don’t rush right into the cab line. Walk on over to Liuzza’s at 3636 Bienville Ave. Get yourself a bite to eat or a drink and dig the scene. There’s always bands playing in the area and there’s no better people watching than the sea of heads rolling out of the Fairgrounds.

Don’t deny the Lagniappe Stage. As well as Rotary Downs, Red Stick Ramblers, Grayson Capps, Klezmer Allstars and Bobby Long all playing there, it’s the ONLY place to get fresh Louisiana oysters! I know y’all come for the music, but you stay for the fresh, Louisiana caught seafood. Lache pas la patate!

If you’re looking for the sweetest local t-shirts, stay out of the tourist traps and be sure to check out Dirty Coast. Run by a bunch of great NOLA cats, the money goes right back to the people who make this city so amazing, and the shirt designs are just awesome. Get one for yourself and bring another home; they make great gifts!

Resources

Official New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival website: nojazzfest.com. This link includes “The Cubes” which break down every set of the weekend by artist, stage, day and time, the link also includes a list of all food at the festival, news, artist bios, ticket info and Jazz Fest history.

Jazzfest Grids website: jazzfestgrids.com. This link has a complete listing of all late night club shows for First Weekend, Second Weekend, Daze Between and Extra Daze.

JamBase Jazz Fest Show Listings: New Orleans 4/22-5/3. This link will show you all events scheduled in New Orleans from April 22 (the start of First Weekend) through May 3 (the end of Second Weekend).
JamBase 2009 Jazz Fest Coverage: Weekend 1, Weekend 2

JamBase 2008 Jazz Fest Coverage: Weekend 1, Weekend 2

JamBase 2007 Jazz Fest Coverage

JamBase 2006 Jazz Fest Coverage

Local site nola.com/jazzfest offers a plethora of news and Fest updates

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”0″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=27″);}); New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2009 Photo Gallery | New Orleans, LA The JamBase 2009 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Photo Gallery includes Kermit Ruffins, Dave Matthews, Dr. John, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, The Neville Brothers, Trombone Shorty, Erykah Badu, Spoon, Henry Butler, Drive-By Truckers, Dumpstaphunk, Emmylou Harris, Etta James, Donald Harrison Jr., Imagination Movers, Irma Thomas, Lil’ Brian /&/g The Travelers, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Astral Project, Solomon Burke, Joe Cocker, Kirk Joseph, Eric Lindell, Mavis Staples, The Funky Meters, Rebirth Brass Band, Nicholas Payton, Rotary Downs and more… View Photos

Be sure to keep an eye on JamBase during Jazz Fest as we’ll be reporting live from New Orleans with daily updates…

JamBase | New Orleans

Go See Live Music!

7 Walkers | 04.09.10 | GAMH | San Francisco

April 12th, 2010 | No Comments

Images by: Susan J. Weiand

7 Walkers

04.09.10 :: Great American Music Hall :: San Francisco CA

Legendary Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and guitarist/vocalist Papa Mali‘s new band 7 Walkers has embarked on its first tour ever. Though Reed Mathis appears on the album due later this year, due to touring commitments with his other band Tea Leaf Green, New Orleans’ George Porter Jr. joined the band on bass for this run of shows. 7 Walkers is rounded out by multi-instrumentalist Matt Hubbard (Willie Nelson and Friends).

In addition to a batch of brand new Robert Hunter songs (Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan lyricist) and originals the band penned together, the 7 Walkers’ set at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall featured some choice covers, deep NOLA grooves and several chestnuts from the Grateful Dead songbook.

Setlist

Set I: Jam > The Deal > Death Don’t Have No Mercy, Bottle Up and Go, Evangeline > The Seven Walkers, Turn On Your Lovelight > George and Billy > Turn On Your Lovelight > Hey Pocky Way > Iko – Iko > Shoe Fly

Set II: Bertha > Warf Rat, Junco Partner > New Orleans Crawl, I know you Rider, Sue from Bogalusa, The Other One Jam > George and Billy > Sugaree > Not Fade Away

Setlist courtesy of archive.org

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”0″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=17″);}); 7 Walkers | Great American Music Hall | San Francisco, CA 7 Walkers, the new band put together by drummer Bill Kreutzmann and guitarist/vocalist Papa Mali, perform their first set of shows ever and bring New Orleans bass legend George Porter Jr. along for the party… View Photos

7 Walkers Tour Dates :: 7 Walkers News :: 7 Walkers Concert Reviews

JamBase | San Francisco

Go See Live Music!

7 Walkers Tour: Papa Mali, Bill Kreutzmann, George Porter Jr.

March 17th, 2010 | No Comments

NEW PROJECT FEATURING FRESH ROBERT HUNTER LYRICS
HITS THE ROAD

Bill Kreutzmann by Chad Smith

Legendary drummer and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, Bill Kreutzmann, together with funky bluesman and voodoo electronic pioneer Papa Mali, officially unveil 7 Walkers‘ spring plans. 7 Walkers, which also features bass virtuoso Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green, JFJO) and multi-instrumentalist Matt Hubbard (Willie Nelson and Friends), will stop at select markets and festivals through out the country, all in anticipation of a new album release. The complete list of currently confirmed tour dates is included below.

7 Walkers recently spent time at an Austin, Texas studio, recording an album to be released later this year. In addition to a brand-new batch of Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan lyricist) originals that were co-written with the band, the new album offers up favorites from the Grateful Dead repertoire, Papa Mali originals, and some New Orleans and Southern songbook interpretations. Overall, the result is a fiery and funky collection of tunes that quite brilliantly capture the unique collaboration between these two very different musical shamans.

Bill Kreutzmann (who played every show in the Grateful Dead’s illustrious 30 year career as well as The Dead incarnations since) first met funky Papa Mali at a festival in 2008. Bill recalls in a recent interview, “We first met at the Oregon Country Fair last year. He was the headliner on the main stage, and I sat there and watched him and went, ‘This guy’s for real man, I like this guy.’ Then we met, after that he came over to my trailer that I was staying in and you couldn’t separate us, we talked for hours. It was just one of those natural things, you know? You can’t plan it; You can’t make it happen. And then we started playing together.”

Live audio recordings of the 7 Walkers can be heard at the newly re-launched www.billkreutzmann.com.

Meanwhile, at nugs.net, fans can now download live BK3 recordings from their 2009 Colorado shows. Another potent Kreutzmann musical project, BK3 first toured in 2008 and featured a rotating lineup including such players as guitarist Scott Murawski (Max Creek) and bassists James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt), Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers) and Mike Gordon (Phish).

Kreutzmann is also working to support the efforts of University of California at Santa Cruz, who has committed to helping to archive all things Grateful Dead. As Kreutzmann explains, “I am incredibly happy that the kind archivists at UC Santa Cruz understand the social value of [the Grateful Dead's] priceless archive, and its hallowed meaning to our most beloved ‘Dead Heads.’ Without the care it is now going to receive, these treasures would be lost.”

7 Walkers Spring/Summer Tour Dates

(Please note: Guest bass player George Porter Jr. will perform these dates with 7 Walkers)

Tuesday, April 6 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Big Room Chico CA
Wednesday, April 7 Red Fox Eureka CA
Thursday, April 8 Crystal Bay Club Crown Room Crystal Bay NV
Friday, April 9 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA
Saturday, April 10 Moe’s Alley Santa Cruz CA
Friday, April 16 Spirit of Suwanee Music Park Live Oak FL
Saturday, April 17 The Salt Lick Driftwood TX
Friday, April 30 Mahalia Jackson Theatre New Orleans, LA
Thursday, June 3 Wakarusa Festival Ozark AR
Friday, June 11 Sonoma County Fairgrounds Santa Rosa CA

7 Walkers Tour Dates :: 7 Walkers News :: 7 Walkers Concert Reviews

Mardi Gras | 2.12-2.16 | New Orleans

March 4th, 2010 | No Comments

By: B. Getz

Mardi Gras :: 02.12-02.16 | :: New Orleans, LA

Trombone Shorty :: Mardi Gras
By Dino Perrucci

Descending on New Orleans five days after the Saints’ enormous Super Bowl victory, we encountered a city boiling with elation. Despite the frigid temperatures, this city was as hot as ever, with deafening chants of “Who Dat?” reverberating night and day, bouncing off walls of venues, up and down parade routes, at dinner tables and tailgates. I have literally never seen a city so jacked up, and it was as infectious as ’twas intoxicating.

By day we walked various parade routes, first the Krewe of Morpheus and Krewe of Muses, enjoying the Cameltoe Steppers and Miss Karina’s Bearded Oysters, amongst others. For most parades we rolled uptown to watch on St. Charles and Napoleon Streets, though Saturday we started in Lakeview, rolling with Krewe of Endymion and feting Saints owner/Grand Marshall Tom Benson and Head Coach Sean Payton like Crescent monarchs, with Trombone Shorty the Grand Marshall’s personal guest.

Carnival is truly a cultural and family event. Generations of kin and friends of all races come together and celebrate in magnificent unity; the likes of which I have never seen before. The only moment I ever feared for my own safety was during the Krewe of Bacchus‘ parade when Drew Brees, Saints quarterback, Super Bowl MVP, and 2010′s King Bacchus, turned the corner of St. Charles on a parade float. It was as if Touchdown Jesus had arrived, setting off complete pandemonium.

“WHO DAT! New Orleans is rolling! The City is alive!” cried Brandon Tarricone of Brotherhood of Groove.

As we thawed from the Morpheus/Muses parades Friday night, we strolled to Tipitina’s Uptown for the first of four visits to the hallowed room. Thriving in this celebratory atmosphere, George Porter Jr., Leo Nocentelli, Ivan Neville and Raymond Weber (Dumpstaphunk) took the stage to cheers. Henry Butler was then led stage right to a thunderous ovation as the band took their spots, with Butler seated at a keyboard facing Ivan, who was buried beneath an array of keys. They immediately congratulated the Super Bowl Champions to more screaming decibels. Ivan and Leo repeated the salutations throughout the show, a harbinger of “Who Dats?” to come.

Henry Butler :: Mardi Gras/Tip’s
By Dino Perrucci

Weber and Porter’s instant lockstep unveiled opener “Everything is Everything,” a crawfish jamboree of distinct NOLA styles, their collaborative spirit evidenced immediately. “Everything” had everything, passing around the jam, with driving Weber funk and George laying down his patented, joyful, nasty bass runs. This song encapsulated their entire performance – equal parts jubilant NOLA sing-along and vicious, loose, powerful funk – serving songs that resonated with joy, pain and the road to redemption. “Cabbage Alley” was a joyful romp through the Professor Longhair classic, with Fess grinning “Hey Now Baby” from the top of the house he built.

Henry Butler asked if he could take us to church, and that he did, with glorious bright piano and charming verve. Butler was distinguished royalty, and that’s amongst Porter, Leo, and Ivan, all stalwarts in their own right. The blind man stoked several raging Nocentelli screaming solos drenched in tubed-out distortion and Gibsonics. Porter and Weber responded with tight riddims and big wrap around fills swollen with laughter.

Ivan Neville’s charged “Fortunate Son” oozed Bayou and sparked some fantastic interplay between Ivan and Porter, plus more ragin’ Leo licks. This exhilaration was a theme for two full sets of huge smiles, jams and Crescent City spirit. “Talkin’ ‘Bout New Orleans” was just that – the pulse of a city ablaze. It’s Carnival Time!

For three consecutive nights we stumbled out of Tip’s and made our way down to the Blue Nile for the Backbeat Foundation’s 4th Annual Mardi Gras Funkstravaganza, a series of Royal Family hosted hoedowns lasting well into the wee hours, in true Quarter style. New York and NOLA are sister cities, and the likes of Adam Deitch, Eric Krasno and Nigel Hall would make their presence known at this Lombardi Gras, and of course, be joined by their NOLA forefathers all weekend long.

Khris Royal, Kraz, Deitch, Hall :: Royal Family
By Amanda Barry

Friday late night, Dr. Claw featured a malevolent conglomerate of Deitch, Kraz, Nigel, and locals Ian Neville on guitar and the inimitable Nick Daniels on bass and vocals. “God Made Me Funky” was an aggressive jolt of stutter-step bounce and friendly one-upmanship. A reading of R&B staple “Leave Me Alone” displayed soothing vocals from Hall and Daniels, while Kraz wailed away on a gold guitar emblazoned with the Saints’ fleur de lis. A Daniels propelled cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” was a bludgeoning stomp of lead-bass, wailing Kraz, and sordid drumming; this colossal rendition most displayed the group’s shared kinetic energy. Ivan Neville hustled down from Tip’s to join the aural fracas, with Raymond Weber and Papa Mali checking it out from the crowd.

On Saturday, the Nigel Hall Band (featuring George Porter Jr.) was geared to a more R&B feel. Krasno played bass before George’s arrival as Hall crooned with joie de vivre. A deep Rhodes take on James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend” punctuated the early part of the set until Deitch commandeered the ship, directing Porter into murderous funk grooves. This was “Meters take Manhattan” on some crunk shit. Sheer delight shone on the faces of the elder statesman and boy wonder, as they played puppet-master to one another’s nastiness amidst carnival sights and sounds.

Porter & Krasno by Dino Perrucci

In true “only in New Orleans” fashion, long after the band had left the stage there were still 25 or so fans hanging around the Nile. As Jill Scott’s “Is it the Way” pumped through the PA, one by one the musicians returned to the stage, first Hall on bass with Krasno soon taking it from him. Hall shifted to keys as Deitch got behind the kit, and they moved from playing along to the record to some live improv. An elongated vamp morphed to a full-band version of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” a boundless crunk-a-thon with seven different musicians rotating around the stage, including sax and keys maven Khris Royal, guitarist Andrew Block and local sax man Clarence “Trixzey” Slaughter. The half-hour workout was NOLA indulgence, almost a private show for the Royal Family Frenchman Street faithful.

Sunday evening at the Nile was billed as Eric Krasno & Chapter 2, the Soulive guitarist’s red-hot side project; which this time featured Porter in the mix. Several cuts from Kraz’s forthcoming solo album – “76,” “Be Alright” and “Too Sweet” – joined stormy covers including a rare-groove styled rendition of The Beatles’ “Get Back” and an aggressive take on Jimi’s “Manic Depression.”

Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers may have opened the 4th Annual Bacchus Blowout, but this was no warm-up act. Fellow Treme second-line prodigal son Ruffins absolutely owned this packed-to-the-gills room from jump. “How ’bout them New Or-lee-anz Saints!!” he greeted the roaring post-parade massive and led everyone into a jubilant “All Mardi Gras Day.” The audience upped the ante, as the obligatory “Saints Come Marching In” gave way to a bedlam-inducing take on the omnipresent Saints anthem by local rapper K. Gates, “Black N Gold New Orleans,” which was the theme song to the entire city – you couldn’t go three blocks without hearing a brass band, car stereo or house party system blaring it. When Kermit and Co. dropped it, the frontman’s lazy, gruff Treme drawl steeped in bliss, Tip’s fucking exploded.

Kermit Ruffins :: Bacchus Blowout
By Dino Perrucci

Ever the showman, after a few healthy pulls from a Bud Light and some humorous banter, Ruffins quickly reminded us that it was Valentine’s Day as he delivered maybe The evening’s finest performance, a surreal take on the Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets.” The swanky love-fest gave way to an appearance by Corey “Boe Money” Henry, a run through The Roots’ “U Got Me,” Frankie Beverly and MAZE’s “Joy and Pain” and more NOLA-fried second-line flavor.

After a lengthy changeover, the legendary Rebirth Brass Band delivered an enjoyable set of Crescent City ecstasy; cramped audience skanking and brass n’ drums thumping along. “Boe Money,” Derek Shezbie (trumpet) and Vincent Broussard (sax) led the troupe through an hour of bulbous brass anthems.

However, when headliner Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue took the stage just after 1 a.m., the energy levels in the room rose to even more raucous levels. Troy Andrews’ meteoric rise from child trombone prodigy and member of Rebirth to feted second-liner and member of Lenny Kravitz’s touring band to leading his own band is a true American dream. Hailing from the Treme, he has a long awaited album dropping soon and a reputation for superior showmanship. Leading a crack-band of childhood friends, including “Freaky” Pete Murano on guitar and Joey “In and Out” Peebles on drums, Shorty displayed a pomp ‘n’ verve that kept the room at full attention.

Andrews gave Kravitz a “le bon temps” lesson in crunkadelic rock with his reworking of The Guess Who’s “American Woman,” a pulsating banger with crunchy guitars and clobbering funk percussion. “Get Down” and “Orleans & Claiborne” were enigmatic doses of ridiculous second-line melodies and festive beats. “St. James Orleans Avenue” really took it to the Treme, and the new vibes took the crowd to “Backatown.” He led the boys through a medley that mixed hometown rapper Mystikal, the Black Eyed Peas, Sly Stone and the Violent Femmes. Crooning for the ladies, Shorty channeled Al Green and Marvin Gaye, and blew surreal trumpet runs between patented trombone romps that mesmerized the cuties.

Robert Mercurio – Galactic

Lundi Gras at Tip’s by Bob Compton/CapturedLight.com

Galactic hosted two shows at Tipitina’s Uptown, the first on Saturday and then Monday night’s traditional Lundi Gras sunrise throw-down, each with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe supporting.

The first show saw a short set of primarily new material from KDTU, highlighted by an incredible collaboration (“Baker’s Dozen”) between Denson, KDTU guitarist (and birthday boy) Brian Jordan and Galactic. The headliners threw down a show heavy on material from their newest record, Ya-Ka-May (JamBase review).

The annual Lundi Gras show was one to remember. Beginning with a fierce 90-minute set of firing KDTU, Diesel & Co. delivered the seminal “Ruff, Tuff and Tumble” and sultry “The Answer,” then closed with an ethereal version of “S&G,” a funk barnstormer that segued into evocative R&B. Galactic then hijacked their stage back and proceeded to uncork a colossal, three-set performance that went until 7 a.m. Culling from their now-vast catalogue of genre-bending compositions, the funk got deep and dark as the crowd bathed in their patented crunk gumbo, with “Boe Money” ably assisting throughout. Mixing in covers from Rakim to Zeppelin and featuring cameos from John Gros, Denson, Trixzey Slaughter, Cyril Neville and more, this was a gluttonously N’awlinz rager. Stanton Moore‘s punishing drums stoked the patented swamp-funk rumble, and bassist Robert Mercurio, guitarist Jeff Raines and sax/harp man Ben Ellman channeled the “Who dat?” mayhem into feverish pitches. Staggering out of Tip’s alongside the band, crew, staff and revelers bound for the 8 a.m. Zulu parade was a surreal experience, even for the Crescent City.

Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs by Jessica Dore

The musical portion of the Mardi Gras program is often overlooked by outsiders who see Carnival as a season of consumer excess with heaps of plastic beads, rivers of “Big Ass Beers” and boobs running the sleazy course of Bourbon Street. Beyond the celestial floats, bejeweled krewe members and mansion-lined avenues, a simpler Carnival culture flourishes in New Orleans’ neighborhoods. Seeking some truer roots and humbler hometown carnival essence, we looked for those marching betwixt the pricey floats and royalty costumes, i.e. the public school marching bands that rounded the corner of St. Charles and Josephine with the Zulu Parade on Tuesday morning. New Orleans’ uniformed youths marched beautifully through the route and it was clear this is ground zero, the place where the seeds of Jazz Fest, Jam Cruise and summer festivals are sewn. This is the path that the likes of Big Sam, Trombone Shorty and all the Rebirth Brass Band took during their school years in this city.

The spirit of New Orleans’ carnival music is caught not with a $30 ticket to Tip’s or Howlin’ Wolf, but for free out in front Handa Wanda’s bar room at 2nd and Dryades Streets on Mardi Gras Day. Tucked within Central City, this is the Mardi Gras of legends like Professor Longhair, James Booker and the Nevilles.

Post-Zulu, around 1 p.m., we went to check and pay respect to the Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs, strutting in their suits to drum circle beats with family, friends and plates of barbeque. This year, as they do each year, the Indians donned the fruits of each year’s labor: Hand sewn suits and headdresses, some weighing more than fifty pounds with feathers, fabrics and intricate beadwork illustrations. There, in a crowd of mostly city locals, we enjoyed the peak of the day – some no-frills booty shaking among neighborhood royalty.

Additional reporting by Jessica Dore

JamBase | Louisiana
Go See Live Music!

Papa Mali’s Supernatural Ball | 02.10 | NOLA

March 2nd, 2010 | No Comments

Words & Images by: Jeffrey P. Dupuis

Papa Mali’s Supernatural Ball :: 02.10.10 :: Tipitina’s :: New Orleans, LA

Papa Mali :: 02.10 :: New Orleans

Living in a place like New Orleans, the past is not really the past. The musical influence of people like Louis Armstrong and Professor Longhair is as palpable as the humidity. People talk about ‘Fess as if he just played last week; The Meters aren’t seen as an historical reference in NOLA funk, but as one of the building blocks of the NOLA vibe. For better or worse, the present is just an extension of our past that happens to be going on today. I get very excited when something reaches out from someone else’s past to resonate strongly in the now. This was one of those nights when musical history reached out and smacked me on the back of the head, as if to say, “You need to know about this, sucka.”

For his annual “Supernatural Ball” Papa Mali (guitar, vocals) tapped George Porter Jr. (bass, vocals), Nigel Hall (keys, vocals) and Adam Deitch (drums) to be the house band (Eric Krasno was snowed-in). I cannot say enough about the energy and excitement that Deitch and Hall have been bringing into their collaborations with NOLA musicians. The night was billed as a musical exploration of Donny Hathaway‘s Live and Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys.

Walking into Tipitina’s is like walking into a small neighborhood bar where you know everyone, only it’s not that small and happens to be one of the most revered music clubs in the world – with good reason. I like to tell people that I got my education in college but my real schooling occurred at Tip’s.

On this night I was greeted by the sounds of solo piano pouring off the stage. With no billing, I inquired as to who was playing and found out that it was Josh Charles, a New York pianist, who held his own through original material as well as great covers of Professor Longhair, whose visage hangs in tribute over the stage. DJ and sax mash up Jermaine Quiz Entourage kept the party rolling through set change. The Soul Rebels Brass Band followed and were able to work the light crowd into a heated dance party, though more and more people joined as the night progressed. The band is in rare form these days, following the recording of a new album that seems to have energized them.

Papa Mali’s Supernatural Ball :: 02.10 :: New Orleans

Moving on to the main event, I will publicly admit my ignorance of Hathaway’s influence, so when I started digging I was amazed at the connections. Like being brought to bluegrass many years ago through Garcia’s Old & In The Way, the band’s musical journey pushed me to dig deeper into Hathaway after the show. And isn’t that the point in some ways? Throughout the first set, Nigel Hall’s soulful voice led the exploration though selections from Hathaway’s Live album. Joined at times by the Dirty Dozen‘s Efrem Towns on trumpet, highlights included a wonderful version of “The Ghetto,” a crowd-riling “You’ve Got a Friend” and a beautiful duet with George Porter Jr. on “Jealous Guy.” A funkified “Everything Is Everything” closed the set.

Drinking my way through college as a guitarist, I was well aware of Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys and was curious how the band would handle the material. Papa Mali’s soulful guitar playing would be more-than-able to carry the lead lines, but that would have been too easy. Rather than make the second set a single-guitar fest, the band rotated in guest guitarists from NOLA, with Billy Iuso, Andrew Block and Matt Grondin each providing a different voice to the mix. In addition, a powerful horn section drove the tunes into new directions. The horn filled interpretations pushed boundaries and visited new spaces I never imagined with Hendrix.

Following the Hendrix selections, the band slipped into a few NOLA standards, including “Welcome to New Orleans,” to round out the evening. Filled with both local and traveling music fanatics from all corners in for Mardi Gras, the Supernatural Ball will most likely be judged as one of the best sleeper shows of this Mardi Gras season.

Continue reading for more pics of Papa Mali’s Supernatural Ball…

Deitch, Hall, Porter Jr., Mali
Adam Deitch
Adam Deitch
Nigel Hall
Nigel Hall
Nigel Hall & George Porter Jr.
Ed Lee – Soul Rebels Brass Band
Maurice Brown
Marcus Hubbard – Soul Rebels Brass Band
George Porter Jr.
George Porter Jr.
Soul Rebels Brass Band
Mario Abney & Maurice Brown
Papa Mali

JamBase | New Orleans
Go See Live Music!

John Bell & Sunny Join JoJo For NOLA Jazz Fest Show

February 23rd, 2010 | No Comments

John Bell & Domingo ‘Sunny’ Ortiz Join JoJo’s Mardi Gras Band For NOLA Jazz Fest Show

JoJo Hermann

Half of Widespread Panic will come together for a Jazz Fest night show on Thursday, April 29 at The Howlin’ Wolf. Billed as DOWN ON THE BAYOU II, the night will include JoJo’s Mardi Gras Band featuring John Hermann, John Bell, Sunny Ortiz, George Porter Jr., Anders Osborne, Papa Mali and more artists to be announced.

Tickets and further details available at www.ticketweb.com.

Widespread Panic will perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival earlier that day. Complete Jazz Fest details available at www.nojazzfest.com.

Only in New Orleans | 01.28 – 02.02

February 9th, 2010 | No Comments

Words & Images by: Robert Pollock

Only in New Orleans.

George Porter Jr. :: 01.28 :: New Orleans, LA

You’ve probably heard that expression before. Think back. Was it during Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, maybe French Quarter Fest? I’m going to change that to, “All the time in New Orleans.” In these economically challenging days, you can pick a long weekend, pay a lot less, and still have many “only in New Orleans” moments. That’s what I did January 28 through February 2, 2010. Taking advantage of lower hotel rates and airfares during this “off” season before Mardi Gras, I arrived at the Dauphine Orleans in the French Quarter, hit the Redfish Grill for some great gumbo (no reservation needed), then headed to the world famous Maple Leaf to see the George Porter Jr. Trio. This weekly show stars the former Meter man with a revolving cast of guests. This night it was sax player Khris Royal and young gun guitar player Dan Abel, both from the New Orleans funk band Groovesect, and drummer Terrence Houston. To see Porter in this intimate environment allowed lucky patrons to get right up close to absorb the funky bass lines of this American treasure. No line at the bar, room to move on the floor, and New Orleans funk served by one of the players that helped write the recipe.

Friday

Rolled out around 1 p.m. to my favorite bar in the French Quarter, Yo Mamma’s on St. Peter near Bourbon. Boiled crawfish for breakfast? I had two orders. Again, there were no lines to get in and a seat at the bar. On the walk back to the hotel in the rain I heard a voice and accordion that stopped me in my tracks. Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers were kicking out their brand of high energy zydeco, so I just hung out at the Krazy Korner ’til the rain stopped. I got a spot in front of washboard player Alex MacDonald and I didn’t mind taking up a barstool for my camera bag. The place was reasonably crowded but not packed.

Anders Osborne :: 01.29 :: New Orleans, LA

The rain finally stopped and I headed out to the new Rock ‘n’ Bowl (no steps!) to catch Anders Osborne. The Rock ‘n’ Bowl has a real local feel to it, with families bowling and a hula hoop contest before the show that brought a smile to my face. Owner John Blancher led the crowd in Super Bowl chants that belong to the people of New Orleans and not the National Football League. I could feel the excitement these fans feel for their team. Osborne played a killer set with a trio featuring drums and a sousaphone.

I could easily have stayed for the entire show and would have if this had been in any other town, but this is New Orleans. Off I went to Tipitina’s to see The Radiators‘ 32nd anniversary show. For 32 years these New Orleans legends have been offering up a gumbo of rock, blues, funk, and folk music. They have played with the early New Orleans legends Professor Longhair and James Booker, and have held the closing spot at Jazz Fest for many years. I have seen the Rads many times at big festivals, but here they were playing for a mostly hometown crowd with room to dance.

Saturday

Woke up late and got ready for the Krewe De Vieux Mardi Gras Parade. Mardi Gras is a long celebration and Fat Tuesday was still two weeks away. The parade was led by Dr. John. My plan afterwards was to go check out Kermit Ruffins at the Rock N’ Bowl, but the realities of time and space compounded by the party at the Mardi Gras parade, well, it was just out of my hands. As Anders says, sometimes you just have to let the old man steer.

I’m a fishhead, so it was back to Tip’s for more Radiation, where I was rewarded with a kick ass second set. These guys can bring it, plain and simple. Congratulations to Frank, Reggie, Dave, Camille and Ed for 32 years of fishhead music.

Sunday

Preservation Hall :: 02.02 :: New Orleans, LA

I was going to take Sunday off and just chill in the Quarter, but I saw Dan Abel and he told me Groovesect was playing a small place on Jefferson Davis Highway called the Bayou Beer Garden. As it turns out it was a birthday party for drummer Colin Davis‘ girlfriend and I got to go all because we had talked music at the Maple Leaf on Thursday. Now, I’m not saying you’re always going to get invited to parties, but most New Orleans musicians are accessible and like to meet the people who support live music.

Monday

Got up early and went to Cafe Du Monde for a cafe latte and beignets. Bloody Mary at the Gazebo, and what do you know? A good band was playing for tips. Stayed for one more drink, just taking in the French Quarter. By 5 p.m. I was wondering what to do till Papa Grows Funk at the Leaf that night. Lovely Renee, my bartender at Yo Mamma’s, suggested I go across the street to Preservation Hall. What I found there was straight up Dixieland jazz played by musicians carrying on a way of life that is found only in New Orleans.

Back to the Maple Leaf for Papa Grows Funk, or should I say Momma Grows Funk. Sitting in for the newly married John Gros was Keiko Matsui. A very good piano/B3 player, she wailed. Of course, she had help from June, Jason, Jelly Bean, and Marc. Gros finally showed up as the band teased “The Wedding March.” The band and the audience had a good laugh, then got down to business. The funk was flying, and it seems married life is treating Gros well.

So, there you have it, folks. Five nights, eight shows, and a Mardi Gras parade, without one complaint about crowds, overpriced rooms, not being able to get a cab, not being able to get a beer and then get your spot back – none of it. Only in New Orleans.

Continue reading for more pics…

George Porter Jr. Trio
Anders Osborne
Papa Grows Funk with Keiko Matsui
June Yamagishi – Papa Grows Funk
Groovesect
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Ed Volker – The Radiators
The French Quarter

JamBase | Super Bowl Champs

Go See Live Music!

Alec Ounsworth Headline Tour

January 15th, 2010 | No Comments

ALEC OUNSWORTH ANNOUNCES FIRST HEADLINING TOUR

Alec Ounsworth

Anti-Records is proud to announce Alec Ounsworth‘s first headlining tour ever. The dates will be in support of his critically acclaimed new albums: Mo Beauty and Flashy Python’s Skin and Bones. The tour begins with five shows opening for Cold War Kids and then Ounsworth and his band will do 18 headlining dates across the country.

About the band’s debut performance at 2009′s CMJ, Jon Pareles of the New York Times wrote that they “set aside the brittle Talking Heads tinges of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah for slightly more old-school approaches – meaty electric-piano funk with a New Orleans mambo flavor, bounding Rolling Stone guitar rock, and, from his band, guitar solos straddling blues jabs and post-punk dissonance.”

Ounsworth’s band is Matt Sutton, Peter Modavis, Brian Ashby and Jonas Oesterle. They will be playing songs from Mo Beauty, Skin and Bones, as well as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s catalog. Mo Beauty was recorded deep in the heart of musical New Orleans with an ensemble of local heavyweights including George Porter Jr. of The Meters and drummer Stanton Moore of Galactic, and was guided by veteran producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Replacements). The album is a stunning union of powerful rhythms and imaginative arrangements in the service of evocative literary songwriting.

Alec Ounsworth Tour Dates

01/22/10 Fri The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA*

01/23/10 Sat The Fillmore San Francisco, CA*

01/29/10 Fri Terminal 5 New York, NY*

01/30/10 Sat The Vic Theatre Chicago, IL*

02/02/10 Tue BottleTree Birmingham, AL

02/03/10 Wed One Eyed Jacks New Orleans, LA

02/05/10 Fri Emo’s Alternative Lounge Austin, TX

02/06/10 Sat Hailey’s Denton, TX

02/09/10 Tue Solar Culture Tucson, AZ

02/10/10 Wed Casbah San Diego, CA

02/11/10 Thu Bootleg Theater Los Angeles, CA

02/12/10 Fri Cafe du Nord San Francisco, CA

02/13/10 Sat The Brookdale Lodge Brookdale, CA

02/15/10 Mon Doug Fir Portland, OR

02/16/10 Tue Neumos Seattle, WA

02/18/10 Thu Neurolux Boise, ID

02/19/10 Fri Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT

02/20/10 Sat The Larimer Lounge Denver, CO

02/22/10 Mon The Waiting Room Omaha, NE

02/23/10 Tue 400 Bar Minneapolis, MN

02/24/10 Wed High Noon Saloon Madison, WI

02/25/10 Thu Schubas Chicago, IL

*Supporting Cold War Kids

Gov’t Mule: More 2010 DatesXmas Jam Tix Still On Sale

November 21st, 2009 | No Comments

GOV’T MULE ANNOUNCE MORE DATES FOR WINTER TOUR 2010, XMAS JAM TICKETS STILL ON SALE

Gov’t Mule has announced the second leg of the Winter By A Thread Tour, beginning in February, 2010 at the House of Blues in Cleveland, OH and wrapping up at another HOB location in Houston, TX. Complete tour dates below.

Gov’t Mule Tour Dates

Gov’t Mule

11/21/09 Sat The Forum London, GB

12/09/09 Wed Horizon Records Greenville, SC

12/12/09 Sat Asheville Civic Center Asheville, NC

12/30/09 Wed Beacon Theatre New York, NY

12/31/09 Thu Beacon Theatre New York, NY

01/15/10 Fri Grand Lido Negril Negril, JM

01/16/10 Sat Grand Lido Negril Negril, JM

01/17/10 Sun Grand Lido Negril Negril, JM

01/18/10 Mon Grand Lido Negril Negril, JM

01/19/10 Tue Grand Lido Negril Negril, JM

01/20/10 Wed Revolution Live Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/21/10 Thu The Ritz Tampa, FL

01/22/10 Fri House of Blues Orlando, FL

01/23/10 Sat Saenger Theatre Mobile, AL

01/26/10 Tue The Music Farm Charleston, SC

01/27/10 Wed Lyric Theatre Oxford, MS

01/29/10 Fri Taft Theatre Cincinnati, OH

01/30/10 Sat Orbit Room Grand Rapids, MI

02/02/10 Tue House Of Blues Cleveland, OH

02/03/10 Wed The Rave/Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI

02/04/10 Thu Canopy Club Urbana, IL

02/05/10 Fri House of Blues Chicago, IL

02/06/10 Sat The Pageant St. Louis, MO

02/09/10 Tue Capitol Theatre Davenport, IA

02/10/10 Wed Liberty Hall Lawrence, KS

02/12/10 Fri Gothic Theatre Englewood, CO

02/13/10 Sat The Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO

02/14/10 Sun Belly Up Aspen, CO

02/17/10 Wed Flytrap Event Center Tulsa, OK

02/18/10 Thu House Of Blues Dallas, TX

02/19/10 Fri Stubb’s BBQ Austin, TX

02/20/10 Sat House of Blues Houston, TX

Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster and The Civic Center Box Office for the Christmas Jam taking place on Saturday December 12.

This year’s lineup features Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, Gov’t Mule, moe. & Stax Legend William Bell, w/ Special Guests Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Adam Deitch, DJ Logic, Audley Freed, Jackie Greene, Col. Bruce Hampton, Robert Kearns, Kevn Kinney, Eric Krasno & George Porter Jr.

Many more performers will be added, keep an eye on the happenings here.

Krasno/Benevento/Russo | Costa Rica

October 16th, 2009 | No Comments

By: Dave Wood & Chad Smith

Benevento/Russo Duo & Eric Krasno :: Summer 2009 :: Villa Caletas :: Costa Rica

Benevento/Russo/Krasno :: Costa Wedding

The adventure began last winter when Chris Gleason proposed to Robin Taxman on Jam Cruise 7. With all of the excitement and boogie going down on the high seas, Chris could easily be forgiven for promising a jam-oriented destination wedding and not delivering. But when he called from NOLA during Jazz Fest a few months later and said that Robert Walter was busy, but could help him with booking, I started to think he was actually serious. His daily updates from the Crescent City were intriguing, to say the least. We heard rumblings of conversations from Lotus, George Porter Jr., Marco Benevento, Galactic, Lettuce, Karl Denson, and the list went on. When he asked if I thought we could all make it down to Costa Rica at the end of July, the gig was on. Chris remained a bit secretive about the artists he was talking to but did reveal that he was trying to score the only Hammond B3 organ for hire in the entire country.

Two months later, I found myself in the San Jose airport renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle with surfboard rack to take us over the mountains to a resort outside of Playa Jaco. 57 people, including many festival veterans and jam band enthusiasts (not to mention guests aged 4 to 74), were making their way to the Pacific Coast for the event. Villa Caletas (the warm smell of?) sits on a mountaintop overlooking the ocean and a dense tropical rainforest. This was to be our venue for the Gleason-Taxman wedding. After the rehearsal dinner, some of the groomsman helped lug the rented B3 to the dining room, up the side of a mountain and 157 shallow steps, and then the band was announced. Chris had lined up the venerable Duo of Marco Benevento and Joe Russo and somehow hooked Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) to play for us. Actually, the secret had been revealed a few days before when Marco, his lovely wife Katy and their two-year-old daughter Ruby were splashing in the resort’s pool with us. The morning of the rehearsal, Krasno and the inimitable Brandi Mitchell arrived straight from the Gathering of the Vibes Fest in Connecticut, where Lettuce had played the night before. Russo and his girlfriend had also flown in that same morning.

Benevento & Krasno at Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner show turned out to be exactly that; a rehearsal for three musicians at the top of their respective games who had not had much opportunity – a single practice session in Brooklyn – to play together prior to this gathering. With clouds streaming over the surrounding tropical jungle and the humidity adding an extra depth to every note, the three began things with a jammed out version of The Beatles’ “Taxman.” This turned out to be a theme that would be revisited throughout this night and the next. With no setlist, the musicians took turns leading and teaching each other as they explored songs by Stevie Wonder, Santana, and the Allman Brothers, to name just a few. The set was about two and a half hours long when it adjourned and we were left wondering what would be in store for us at tomorrow’s main event.

The music kicked off in the afternoon heat as the traditional Jewish wedding took place shortly after 4:00 p.m. in an amphitheatre overlooking the Pacific. Her proud father escorted the bride down the steps as Krasno and Benevento played a couple more Beatles tunes (“Something” and “All You Need Is Love”). Later, after we had stuffed ourselves on seafood and wedding cake, The Duo plus Krasno took up positions at the end of the Zephyr Palace under the light towers and smoke machines that Gleason had arranged for and kicked things off with a twist on The Meters’ “Cissy Strut.” After a few quick toasts, a long, jazzy “Come Together” signaled that we were in store for a jam heavy and deeply improvisational evening.

Hava Nagila! Hava Nagila!

Chris and Robin were hoisted overhead on chairs as the dancing grew frenetic and Benevento took us on the band’s first go at “Hava Nagila.” This “Have Nagila” was like no other. The momentum and energy just kept building and it almost felt as if we were at a rave (in a good way). Fortunately, Chris had a good grip on his chair or else he would have been launched into the soundboard.

Soul was heavily featured next with funky translations of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” and Sly & The Family Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay.” A nimble turn took us Deadheads into familiar territory with a fine, long suite of “Lovelight” > “Shakedown” > “Iko Iko.” The dancing was growing faster and some twirlers were spotted along the sides of the hall. Despite the heat and humidity which had permeated the room – the AC was definitely overmatched by this dance party – most of the revelers were still on their feet, including many of the couple’s family and friends, who had only the faintest idea of what was going on or being played. The two hour first set wound down with a concise reading of “Boogie On Reggae Woman” led by Krasno into “Get Back,” and finally a melding of the Greyboy Allstars’ and STS9′s workhorse “Nautilus.” The degree to which these three musicians were able to combine styles, communicate on the fly, and explore different themes within each song certainly gave no indication that this was one of their first gigs together. In fact, it seemed as though they had been playing together as a trio for years.

This cohesion was never more apparent than during the second set take on the Allman Brothers’ “Jessica.” This was a song they had tackled at the previous night’s aptly named rehearsal party, and while it was solidly done, there were a few rough transitions and clunky pauses. Not so at the reception get-down. Krasno channeled the lead work with a lyrical sense reminiscent of Warren Haynes’ interpretations while Russo anchored the rhythm section and Benevento filled in every other space. Was this truly only three people?

The Happy Couple’s First Swim

The second set featured some of the best elements of the Duo (with themes off of ’04s Best Reason to Buy the Sun) interwoven with Krasno’s tight riffs and rapid scales – a true amalgamation of styles. By this time, anything they chose to play was perfect with the wedding partiers, none of whom had left even this late in the game. As the night pushed on we drooped into a spacier zone with deep psychedelic takes on songs by the JBs, Paul Simon, and The Doors. Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” pounded us as fists pumped and Russo channeled Bonham’s heavy rock theme.

Another two songs (including the Duo’s own “Becky”) left us exhausted and eyeing the infinity pool just outside the doors. But first, a few last nuggets to send us off into the tropical night, including a mellow “Stir it Up” followed by a bride’s jam. Robin had hopped onto the organ bench next to Marco and randomly played the nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” And why not, it was her wedding! On a night when anything was possible and everything game, our three magicians took off with it and morphed the riff into a 15-minute improv that defied description. Hot revelers with sore feet took to the pool in full clothing, just as Benevento had done after the Duo’s set on Jam Cruise 3 – a fitting ending to a perfect night of intimacy, music, and celebration. Pura Vida indeed!

Soundboard Audio available here.

Continue reading for more pics of this raging wedding…