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Ryan Montbleau Band on NPR

November 30th, 2010 | No Comments

HEAVY ON THE VINE OUT NOW

The Ryan Montbleau Band
recently stopped by the NPR offices in Washington, D.C. for a segment on “All Things Considered.” The band chatted
with host Mary Louise Kelly and played “Stay,” “Songbird,” “Slippery Road,” “Love Songs,” “I Can’t Wait,” and
“Chariot (I Know).” Click here to listen to the segment and click here to read the article. Their new album, Heavy On The Vine,
produced by Martin Sexton, is available now.

Ryan Montbleau Band
Tour Dates
::
Ryan Montbleau Band News
::
Ryan Montbleau Band
Concert
Reviews


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JamBase Questionnaire: Ryan Montbleau Band

September 24th, 2010 | No Comments

Welcome back to JamBase’s baker’s dozen to the bright lights of the music world. Last time we heard from Spiritual Rez.

Being effortlessly charming and pumping out highly infectious music with a quickness seems to come easy to the Ryan Montbleau Band. For this bunch “pop” isn’t an ugly word. Montbleau’s tunes possess the sort of wide reach that lodges records in car stereos, video countdowns and beloved dorm room stashes. But for all the readily likeable traits, Montbleau’s music possesses an undisguised lustiness and clever streak that recall early Randy Newman, which hints that we’re only in the early stages of what he and his band will become.

Press play on Heavy On The Vine (released September 21) and the hooks just keep on coming, and in a wide variety of styles – pure radio fare, blue-eyed reggae, crooner territory and folksy shuffles – each delivered credibly. The whole band plays with lovely texture and the songs are ripe for live expansion, something the many miles already behind RMB have well prepared them to do. Martin Sexton‘s production accents a warm, group sound but still makes sure to let Montbleau’s crush-ready pipes stand out on every track. His voice marries Jack Johnson’s slacker drawl to Stevie Wonder’s brightness and dexterous way with a melody, and the whole album seems just one good soundtrack placement away from blowing up. Big.

In the meantime, Montbleau and his merry band will keep working clubs and theatres nationwide, as well as backing up Sexton from time to time. This weekend they’ll be in Albany, NY (9/24), Rochester, NY (9/25) and Ithaca, NY (9/26). For full tour schedule pop over here. (Dennis Cook)

Here’s what Ryan had to say to our inquiries.

Ryan Montbleau Band

1. Great music rarely happens withoutÂ…
Listening. Actually, it never happens without listening.

2. The first album I bought wasÂ…
Huey Lewis and the News’ Sports.

3. The last song or album to really flip my wig wasÂ…
“Sissyfuss” by Surprise Me Mr. Davis

4. When I was a kid I wanted to grow up to beÂ…
A pro baseball player

5. My favorite sort of gig isÂ…
A quiet, listening environment, although I enjoy the others, too.

6. One thing I wish people knew about me isÂ…
I just want to get better.

7. I love the sound ofÂ…
The word “book”

8. One day I hope to make an album as fantastic asÂ…
The Beatles’ White Album

9. The best meal I ever had on tour was atÂ…
Tim Hardiman’s catering for us in Utica, NY

10. I always find the coolest audiences inÂ…
The smallest towns, but any show can be great; you just never know.

11. The worst habit I’ve picked up being on the road all the time isÂ…
Drinking more and sleeping later

12. The Beatles or the Stones? Por que?
The Beatles. I just don’t think the Stones can even touch the amount of great songs that The Beatles wrote.

13. The craziest thing I ever saw wasÂ…
I don’t knowÂ…Davy Jones from The Monkees at one of our gigs in Knoxville, TN? That’s a tough one.

Ryan Montbleau Band Tour Dates :: Ryan Montbleau Band News :: Ryan Montbleau Band Concert Reviews

JamBase | Straw In The Wind
Go See Live Music!


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Ryan Montbleau Band: New Album In Sept, Martin Sexton Produces

July 29th, 2010 | No Comments

RISING STARS HAVE NEW RELEASE IN SEPTEMBER

Ryan Montbleau Band

Heavy on the Vine, the new album from the Ryan Montbleau Band, arrives September 21, 2010 on indie Blue’s Mountain Records.

After spending much of this year as the opening act and backing band for Martin Sexton, including a round of dates with the Dave Matthews Band. Sexton in turn produced Heavy on the Vine.

“I used to dream about getting to meet Martin Sexton, and now we’re getting hired as his backing band and he’s producing our record,” says Montbleau. “He may not be a household name but to me and so many others, he’s a legend. But one thing he made clear from the start was that he didn’t want his fingerprints on this record. He wanted us to just play and be us.”

As a songwriter, says Montbleau recently contributed the single “Something Beautiful” to Trombone Shorty‘s recent major-label debut album Backatown. Shorty turned to no less than Lenny Kravitz to contribute vocals and a guitar solo to the track. Montbleau also co-wrote the Backatown track “One Night Only,” the tune Shorty and his band performed on their Late Night with David Letterman debut in June.

“I’m not one of these people who’s like, ‘Oh, we can’t be pigeonholed.’ I honestly wish we could, just so I could describe it quickly to people,” Montbleau says. “This [new] record has folk songs, funk songs, country tunes, a reggae tune, and the end is almost like prog-rock. It’s all over the map, but it’s all us, and we always do it wholeheartedly. We’ve sort of come up in the jam scene, and that’s where our hearts have been in a lot of ways. But we don’t go off on 15-minute epics. We’re actually trying to make the songs shorter as we go. So, I would lean more toward the Americana thing than the jam thing. But more than anything, we’re definitely about the song.”

Ryan Montbleau Band Tour Dates :: Ryan Montbleau Band News :: Ryan Montbleau Band Concert Reviews


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Gathering of the Vibes Preview

July 27th, 2010 | No Comments

By: Dennis Cook
JamBase Associate Editor

Gathering of the Vibes :: 07.29.10-08.01.10 :: Seaside Park :: Bridgeport, CT

Once again the pilgrimage to the Vibes begins as folks gather along the Connecticut shoreline to enjoy headliners including Primus, Furthur, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley & Nas. With Wavy Gravy as colorful MC, this weekend is filled with two stages packed with some of the best the jam world has to offer. Here’s five recommendations beyond the big names to consider if you’ll be Vibin’ it in the days ahead.

1. Hot Day At The Zoo :: Thursday :: 12:45-2:00 PM :: Green Vibes Stage

Put directly, Hot Day is one of the best string bands out there. Full of feisty energy, wicked chops, increasingly together songwriting and a good nose for covers, New England-based HDATZ offer a slightly sophisticated take on country comfort with no small measure of individual personality to boot. Well worth having your campsite set up early so you can attend and fully get into it with the Zoo.

2. Leroy Justice :: Thursday :: 4:15-5:30 PM :: Green Vibes Stage

One of NYC’s finest, classic-minded outfits should be the perfect score to get your first solid drunk on for the weekend. There’s something raw ‘n’ real about Leroy Justice that makes a person want to bend an elbow and get down into the muck with ‘em. Anyone with a sweet tooth for Black Crowes style meat ‘n’ taters rock – especially from guys who write way above par original material and deliver it with significant muscle and flair – are in for a treat this Thursday. Leroy Justice also put out one of the great sleepers of 2009 called The Loho Sessions, which was produced by mixing board maestro John Siket. Read the JamBase rave here.

3. Jackie Greene :: Friday :: 1:40-3:10 PM :: Main Stage

Bay Area boy Greene is on a pretty hot roll right now. His new album, Till The Light Comes (see review here), is an end-to-end corker, his band is tight, he’s grown into one of the strongest interpreters of the Dead catalog around, and his beard is coming in nicely. Greene is quality bang for your buck, and with Furthur on the festival grounds the same day chances of a Phil sit-in are pretty decent.

4. Assembly of Dust :: Saturday :: 2:40-4:10 PM :: Main Stage

AOD’s tunes have the quality of fantastic lost singles – easy to dig right away and better loved with repetition – and the band plays with a level of care and technical dexterity that’s rare today. Assembly’s whole aura draws one in and reminds one of an era when real musicians with genuine artistry made pop music. If radio weren’t the corporate wasteland it is then AOD’s music would already be bumping shoulders with Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow and the other mainstays on the FM dial. However, folks can enjoy their craftsmanship on a sunny Saturday at the Vibes and imagine how much better the airwaves would be with AOD on them.

5. Martin Sexton with the Ryan Montbleau Band :: Sunday :: 3:25-4:40 PM :: Main Stage

Sexton’s new album, Sugarcoating, is perhaps his most tuneful and readily appealing song cycle to date. So it makes a certain cosmic sense for him to hook up with Montbleau and his populist leaning crew. What’s in store is an hour and change filled with fleshed out, nicely rockin’ pop with tasty covers from the likes of Zeppelin and The Beatles. And by Sunday afternoon this might be just the ticket to get you to the finish line for Vibes 2010.

Gathering of the Vibes Music Schedule

Gathering of the Vibes Directions

Gathering of the Vibes Official Site

JamBase review of 2009 Gathering of the Vibes

JamBase | Seaside
Go See Live Music!


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Furthur to Headline GOTV

May 15th, 2010 | No Comments
Furthur

Gathering of the Vibes has announced that Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir will headline this year’s festival.

GOTV 2010 takes place July 29-August 1 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT. Furthur joins the already announced lineup that includes Primus, The Rhythm Devils, Jimmy Cliff, Umphrey’s McGee, Damian Marley & Nas, Galactic, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kins, Jackie Greene, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Dark Star Orchestra, Little Feat, The Radiators, Martin Sexton & Ryan Montbleau Band, Mix Master Mike, Deep Banana Blackout, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Assembly of Dust, Max Creek, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Zach Deputy, Harlem Gospel Choir, King For A Day, Donna Jean Godchaux and more. The daily band lineups have been announced and can be seen here.

Tickets are available here.

Check out JamBase’s 2009 GOTV coverage!


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Jazz Fest 4.29 Thurs | Photos & Best Of

April 30th, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: Tom Speed | Images by: Dino Perrucci & Chad Smith

Jazz Fest – Weekend 2 – Day 1 :: 04.29.10 :: Thursday :: New Orleans, LA

Dave Schools – WSP :: 04.29.10 :: Jazz Fest

The opening day of Jazz Fest‘s second weekend brought with it clear skies, temperatures in the mid 70s and a slight breeze – ideal weather for an outdoor music festival. After severe rain and mud stained the first weekend, the sunshine was a welcome respite for festival faithful.

The day’s aural, gustatory and otherwise indescribable cultural delights provided a banquet of sensory inputs for the incessantly insatiable. The following is a brief but faithful recounting of some of the highlights.


Tom’s Top Three Aural

#1 Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes (Gentilly Stage)
Every day of Jazz Fest is marked by that intangible Jazz Fest magic – a single set or experience that makes the spine tingle. Sometimes it comes as planned, but usually it comes unexpectedly. Thursday it came in the form of Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, his top-flight acoustic band that includes Jerry Douglas on dobro and Jim Lauderdale on guitar, along with mandolin, fiddle and bass instrumentation.


The group worked their way through a stellar set of roots rock renditions from Costello’s catalog and some choice cover selections. They nimbly navigated their way through the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of The Devil” and the Stones’ “Happy.” They breathed new life into Costello stalwarts like “Allison,” “Peace, Love and Understanding,” and a down-tempo reboot of “Every Day I Write The Book.” Costello brought out New Orleans legend and collaborator Allen Toussaint for a rousing “encore” that consisted of five songs and left the crowd in bliss. Magic.

#2 Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk (Acura Stage)

With a double bass assault, Dumpstaphunk harnesses the runaway power of decades of incessant, ferocious chugging. They serve as the torchbearers of that delightful slice of American music known as New Orleans funk. In a city and festival full of contenders to the throne, they are the kings of the hill. By the time they launched into the now-anthemic thrust of “Put It In The Dumpster” their harnessed momentum had exploded into a full-blown frenzy.


#3 Sunpie Barnes & The Louisiana Sunspots (Congo Stage)
The warm weather was the perfect backdrop for Sunpie Barnes’ soulful set of swinging zydeco.

Tom’s Top Three Gustatory

#1 Crawfish Pie
From the people that bring you the Natchitoches meat pie, this particular crawfish pie was fluffy on the outside, creamy on the inside and possessed just the right amount of spice to become a new favorite.

#2 The Ruby Slipper
Though it’s often inadvisable to eat before entering the Fairgrounds racetrack, an early breakfast at this local mid-city joint provided a much needed and well-spiced Bloody Mary, not to mention a delicious take on Eggs Benedict that incorporated a grilled tomato. It was the perfect prelude to a great day at the fest.

#3 Coors
Because the banquet beer will do in a pinch.

Tom’s Top Three Lagniappe

#1 Field Trips
The sight of numerous middle school groups roaming the festival grounds on field trips gave reason to believe in an oft-maligned local school system that was imparting an undeniably unique life lesson on regional heritage and a serious steeping in the arts.

#2 Funny Hats
Big, small, wide, pointy, colorful, floppy, majestic, droopy. You gotta love a hat party, and Jazz Fest is among the biggest and best in the world.

#3 Chance Encounters
You know those people that you only kinda know, and if you’re bad with names (raise your hands!) you know them only by face and not necessarily by name, but it doesn’t matter. They’re at Jazz Fest, and it’s great to see them.

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”0″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=44″);}); New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Thursday Weekend 2 | New Orleans Fairgrounds | New Orleans, LA Second weekend of Jazz Fest kicks off with Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule, Elvis Costello, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Steve Martin, Blues Traveler, Kirk Joseph, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Sunpie Barnes and the Louisiana Sunspots, Dr. Klaw, Soul Rebels Brass Band, 101 Runners, Martin Sexton, Dee Dee Bridgewater and more… View Photos

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

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!


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Gathering of the Vibes 2010: Primus, Marley, Rhythm Devils

March 19th, 2010 | No Comments

15th INSTALLMENT OF BELOVED FEST INCLUDES
PRIMUS, UMPHREY’S McGEE, JACKIE GREENE, RHYTHM DEVILS AND MUCH MORE

Gathering of the Vibes XV will take place July 29-August 1 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT. The initial lineup is as follows:

Sunrise at GOTV 2009 by Dave Vann

Damian Marley & Nas
Primus
Jimmy Cliff
Rhythm Devils featuring Keller Williams
Umphrey’s McGee
Galactic
Jackie Greene
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Steve Kimock Crazy Engine
Dark Star Orchestra
Little Feat
The Radiators
Martin Sexton & Ryan Montbleau Band
Mix Master Mike
Deep Banana Blackout
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Assembly of Dust
Max Creek
New Riders of the Purple Sage
Zach Deputy
Harlem Gospel Choir
King For A Day
Donna Jean Godchaux

Sunday headliner and more acts to be announced!

“Way Advance” tickets are available here.

Check out JamBase’s 2009 GOTV coverage!


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Bonnaroo Adds: Ween Umphrey’s, Galactic, Butler

March 5th, 2010 | No Comments

BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL ARTISTS FOR 2010 LINEUP

WEEN, GALACTIC, UMPHREY’S McGEE, JOHN BUTLER TRIO, THE GOSSIP AND MORE CONFIRMED

Superfly and A.C. Entertainment have announced that the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has added several artists to the 2010 event. Updates include Bonnaroo veterans Ween, Galactic and Umphrey’s McGee as well as gifted singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile and the genre-bending, post-punk trio The Gossip.

For more on Bonnaroo, check our extensive coverage of the 2009 event here.

Bonnaroo 2009 by Snyder

BONNAROO 2010 ARTISTS:

Dave Matthews Band

Kings of Leon

Stevie Wonder

Jay-Z

Tenacious D

Weezer

The Dead Weather

Damian Marley & Nas

Phoenix

Norah Jones

Michael Franti & Spearhead

John Fogerty

The Flaming Lips performing Dark Side of the Moon featuring Stardeath and White Dwarfs

Regina Spektor

Jimmy Cliff

Ween

LCD Soundsystem

The Avett Brothers

Thievery Corporation

Galactic

Rise Against

Tori Amos

The National

Zac Brown Band

Les Claypool

John Prine

Umphrey’s McGee

The Black Keys

Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers

Jeff Beck

Dropkick Murphys

She & Him

Against Me!

Deadmau5

Daryl Hall & Chromeo

Jamey Johnson

Clutch

Bassnectar

Kid Cudi

The Disco Biscuits

Kris Kristofferson

Medeski Martin & Wood

Brandi Carlile

The xx

John Butler Trio

GWAR

Dan Deacon Ensemble

Tinariwen

Wale

Baaba Maal

The Melvins

The Gaslight Anthem

Miike Snow

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The Gossip

Dr. Dog

They Might Be Giants

Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile

Isis

Blitzen Trapper

Blues Traveler

Miranda Lambert

Calexico

OK Go

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Martin Sexton

Lotus

Baroness

Dave Rawlings Machine

Mayer Hawthorne and the County

Japandroids

Jay Electronica

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Ingrid Michaelson

The Dodos

Manchester Orchestra

The Temper Trap

Cross Canadian Ragweed

Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Needtobreathe

Tokyo Police Club

The Entrance Band

Local Natives

Mumford & Sons

Rebelution

Diane Birch

Monte Montgomery

Fanfarlo

Julia Nunes

The Postelles

Lucero

Here We Go Magic

Hot Rize

Neon Indian

B.O.B

Tickets and complete festival information for the 2010 event are available at Bonnaroo.com.


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Bonnaroo Lineup: DMB Jay-Z, KOL, Biscuits, Wonder

February 11th, 2010 | No Comments

BONNAROO ANNOUNCES 2010 LINEUP

FEATURING: DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, KINGS OF LEON, STEVIE WONDER, JAY-Z, WEEZER, THE DEAD WEATHER

FLAMING LIPS PERFORMING DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, PHOENIX, AVETT BROTHERS, THE BLACK KEYS

MICHAEL FRANTI, LES CLAYPOOL, THE DISCO BISCUITS, TORI AMOS, JEFF BECK, THIEVERY CORP AND MORE

The 2010 Bonnaroo lineup saw a rather interesting release on Tuesday (February 9). Pouring slowly out of the festival’s MySpace page and appearing in videos like the one The Avett Brothers debuted on JamBase, fans learned one-by-one which of their favorite artists will appear at the event. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will go down June 10-13 in a huge field near Manchester, TN. Tickets are on sale now at bonnarootickets.com.

For more on Bonnaroo, check our extensive coverage of the 2009 event here.

Artists Confirmed for Bonnaroo 2010:

Bonnaroo 2009 by Snyder

Dave Matthews Band

Kings of Leon

Stevie Wonder

Jay-Z

Tenacious D

Weezer

The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs perform Dark Side of the Moon

The Dead Weather

Damian Marley & Nas

Phoenix

Norah Jones

Michael Franti & Spearhead

John Fogerty

Regina Spektor

Jimmy Cliff

LCD Soundsystem

The Avett Brothers

Thievery Corporation

Rise Against

Tori Amos

The National

Zac Brown Band

Les Claypool

John Prine

The Black Keys

Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers

Jeff Beck

Dropkick Murphys

She & Him

Against Me!

The Disco Biscuits

Daryl Hall & Chromeo

Jamey Johnson

Clutch

Bassnectar

Kid Cudi

Baaba Maal

Kris Kristofferson

Medeski Martin & Wood

The xx

GWAR

Dan Deacon Ensemble

Tinariwen

Wale

Deadmau5

The Melvins

Gaslight Anthem

Miike Snow

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Dr. Dog

They Might Be Giants

Punch Brothers

Isis

Blitzen Trapper

Blues Traveler

Miranda Lambert

Calexico

OK Go

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Martin Sexton

Lotus

Baroness

Dave Rawlings Machine

Mayer Hawthorne and the County

Japandroids

Jay Electronica

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Ingrid Michaelson

The Dodos

Manchester Orchestra

The Temper Trap

Cross Canadian Ragweed

Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Tokyo Police Club

The Entrance Band

Local Natives

Brandi Carlile

Mumford & Sons

Rebelution

Diane Birch

Monte Montgomery

Julia Nunes

The Postelles

Lucero

Here We Go Magic

Hot Rize

Neon Indian

B.O.B

Needtobreathe


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Sarah Lee Guthrie, Johnny Irion: Vetiver, Sexton, Haiti Benefit 2/14

February 9th, 2010 | No Comments

SARAH LEE GUTHRIE, JOHNNY IRION HEADLINE MA HAITI BENEFIT FEB. 14

Johnny Irion

On February 14, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion will perform at the benefit event A Concert for Loved Ones in Haiti, taking place at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA.

This special event features a stellar lineup of artists from the Berkshires and beyond, including Martin Sexton, Vetiver, Tift Merritt, The Mammals, Bobby Sweet, Meg Hutchinson, Kris Delmhorst, and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason to help raise funds for Haiti earthquake relief.

Tickets range from $15 to $25 and are available here.

A Concert for Loved Ones in Haiti
Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, Martin Sexton, The Mammals,
Bobby Sweet, Vetiver, Tift Merritt, Meg Hutchinson, Kris Delmhorst
Sunday, February 14
The Colonial Theatre (111 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201)
7:00 p.m. / All Ages / $15-$25
413-997-4444


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Martin Sexton: Sugarcoating

January 28th, 2010 | No Comments

MARTIN SEXTON TO RELEASE SUGARCOATING APRIL 6

Martin Sexton

Sugarcoating, Martin Sexton‘s new album due out April 6 finds the one-of-a-kind artist doing what he does best: locating larger truths within specific details of the life he’s living. “I write from personal experience — my own hang-ups and quirks, good times and bad times. That keeps it real.”

The Syracuse-born artist tracked Sugarcoating live off the floor in seven days with a remarkably cohesive studio band composed of what Sexton describes as “amazing players, the best you could find.”

“Each song is so stylistically different from the next,” adds Sexton. “I’ve always preferred records that range, sort of like the White Album, from ‘Black Bird’ to ‘Helter Skelter.’ At one time, industry types tried to convince me to stick with one genre, but it was like wearing a suit that didn’t fit.”

He goes on to say, “I recorded this album with no rehearsals, no pre-production, using all vintage gear from what went into the mics to what came out on the analog tape… I like making records like the old jazz guys did — they just showed up and worked it out.”

Sugarcoating Track Listing
1. Found
2. Boom Sh-Boom
3. Always Got Away
4. Livin the Life
5. Sugarcoating
6. Stick Around
7. Long Haul
8. Shane
9. Wants Out
10. Friends Again
11. Easy on the Eyes
12. Alone
13. Just To Be Alive

Martin Sexton tour dates available here.


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Jazz Fest: 2010 Lineup/Dates

December 15th, 2009 | No Comments

PEARL JAM, MMJ, CROWES, WSP, ARETHA AND MORE!

Jazz Fest ’09 by Adam McCullough

The usual dizzying assortment of musical talent will descend on New Orleans for the 41st New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The first weekend takes place April 23-25, 2010, and the second week is April 29-May 2, 2010. The lineups thus far are clustered below.

APRIL 23 – 25 (1st WEEKEND)

Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Anita Baker, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Jonny Lang, Band of Horses, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers, Ledisi, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Better Than Ezra, Blind Boys of Alabama, Elvin Bishop, funky Meters, Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Pastor Smokie Norful, Terence Blanchard, Cowboy Mouth, The Campbell Brothers, Chocolate Milk, Sam Bush, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Joe Lovano Us Five, Donald Harrison, Lena Prima, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, The Bounce Extravaganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katie Redd, Magnolia Shorty, and DJ Poppa, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Jon Cleary: Piano, Bass & Drums, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Papa Grows Funk, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Theresa Andersson, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter Washington & Russell Batiste, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, The Radiators–Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Grayson Capps, Kenny Neal, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Jeremy Davenport, Maurice Brown Effect, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Honey Island Swamp Band, OTRA, Leah Chase, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Rotary Downs, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Rumba Buena, Spencer Bohren, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Louisiana LeRoux with Tab Benoit, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Red Stick Ramblers, Guitar Slim, Jr., Kipori Woods, Kim Carson Band, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, The Revealers, Shades of Praise, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, The Electrifying Crownseekers, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Betty Shirley, Germaine Bazzle, and Leah Chase, The James Rivers Movement, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, Susan Cowsill, David Egan, Panorama Jazz Band, George French & the Storyville Jazz Band, New Orleans Night Crawlers, Midnite Disturbers, Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Frankie Ford, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Mas Mamones, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Septet, Michael Ward, Bleu Orleans, Mahogany Brass Band, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Creole Wild West and Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Gospel Soul Children, Blessed, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Judy Spellman, Leroy Jones, Olympia Aid, New Look, and The First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche, Golden Blade, and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Free Agents Brass Band, The Wiseguys, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, The Revivalists, Rockie Charles, Robert “1 String” Gibson, Beth Patterson, Patrice Fisher & the Honduran Connection, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Tommy Sancton Quintet, UNO Jazz Allstars, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Comanche Hunters, Semolian Warriors, and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Marc Stone Band, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Alexis Marceaux, Julio y Cesar, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Chris Clifton, Miss Sophie Lee, June Gardner, The Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Mount Hermon BC Mass Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir of Schertz, TX, Brass Bass Ensemble, Jai Reed, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Divine Ladies, Dumaine Gang, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnette Downing, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Guardians of the Flame, Single Ladies, Keep N it Real, and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Voices of Distinction, Nineveh BC Mass Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Red Hot Brass Band, Lindsay Mendez, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, The Gospel Stars, Da Souljas Brass Band, Single Men, Family Ties, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Natasha Richard of Canada, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Jacquelyn Mayfield, Golden Voices Community Choir, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Mass Choir, Black Mohawks, Seminoles, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, The Bester Singers and the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras IndiansÂ…

APRIL 29 – May 2 (2nd WEEKEND)

Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Jose Feliciano, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Kirk Franklin, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Gil Scott Heron, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Clarence Carter, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, Tye Tribbett, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Take Six, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Galactic, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Richie Havens, Marcus Miller, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Pete Fountain, The Radiators, Blues Traveler, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Martin Sexton, Bernard Allison, Ruthie Foster, Jimmy Johnson Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Dee Dee Bridgewater – A Celebration of Lady Day, Ellis Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Louis Prima, Jr., Henry Butler, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, Selvy Singers of Arkansas, Aaron Neville, Chris Thomas King, Dala, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, The Davell Crawford Singers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Mooney & Bluesiana, subdudes, Iguanas, DJ Captain Charles, The Dixie Cups, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Jon Batiste Band, Nicholas Payton, The Four Freshman, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Pine Leaf Boys, Eric Lindell, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, John Boutte, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Luther Kent, Astral Project, Germaine Bazzle, Soul Rebels, New Birth Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Johnson Extension, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Charmaine Neville, MyNamesIsJohnMichael, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Bobby Lounge, Big Al Carson, Lynn Drury, Vivaz!, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Loose Marbles, Heavenly Melodies, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Kent Jordan, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. David Torkanowsky and Charlie Gabriel, Forgotten Souls, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, TBC Brass Band, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Town Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Apache Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan and Billy Iuso, Elysian Fieldz, Feufollet, Creole Zydeco Farmers, The Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Band, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, Tin Men, R. Scully Rough 7, Creole String Beans, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Margie Perez, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Kristin Diable, Jimmy Robinson, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Bamboula 2000, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Onward Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Jo “Cool” Davis, Zulu Male Ensemble, Phillip Manuel, Roderick Paulin, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Pinstripe Brass Band, Original Prince of Wales and Original Lady Buckjumpers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 101 Runners, Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Pfister Sisters, Walter Payton with Snapbeans and File Gumbo, Brother Tyrone, Driskill Mountain Boys, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Mark Adam Miller, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Mia Borders, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, John Rankin, Jonny Frishberg & Bayou DeVille, DJ Soul Sister, Zion Trinity, AsheSon, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Ebenezer Mass Choir, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Voices of Peter Claver, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lady Rollers, Original C.T.C. Steppers, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Geronimo Hunters, 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Hot Club of New Orleans, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, and Tereasa B., Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, McDonogh #35 High School Gospel Choir, O. Perry Walker Charter High School Gospel Choir, Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Xavier University Jazz Band, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Pinettes Brass Band, Scene Boosters, Ole & Nu Style Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Wave Brass Band, Red Hawk, Black Seminoles, and Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Dwight & Connie Fitch with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, Grupo Sensacion, Dee-1, Lucky 7, Franklin IV, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir, Catin, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Jamil Sharif & the Jazz Professors, Rocks of Harmony, Some Like it Hot, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, The Wright Brothers, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Heritage School of Music Band, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, and VIP Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Highsteppers Brass Band, Trouble Nation and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, David & Roselyn, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Morning Star BC Mass Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, White Cloud Hunters and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, Tornado Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Ayla Miller, Original Four, Original Big 7, and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Sioux and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Nashville Children’s Choir, Claudia Baumgartner, Saltimbanqui Puppet Theater of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance presented by Young Audiences, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase feat. Seva Venet and KIDSmARTÂ…


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Jam Cruise Portrait Series

November 26th, 2009 | No Comments

All Photos and Intro by: Michael Weintrob

Three years ago I wanted to do a portrait project on Jam Cruise. I came on board with my camera gear, a backdrop, and a lighting rig. By the end of the cruise I had taken studio portraits of most of the artists that performed. The images came out really well, but they could have been taken anywhere. For the following couple years on the boat I wanted to tell the story of Jam Cruise in some way, and I realized that I needed to find a creative way to capture this unique event.

While attending the Caribbean Holidaze festival I was speaking with my friend Seth Weiner, who also works on Jam Cruise. We came up with the crazy idea of dressing up the musicians like crewmembers. Over the next month we brainstormed how we were going to make it happen. Seth was the point man who connected me with Eugenio Manfredi from MSC Cruise Lines. Eugenio helped us set up the locations and arrange the costumes for the artists.

With more help from Eugenio, I compiled a list of all the different jobs and workers that make the ship run. I then went around to all the different musicians and asked them what role they wanted to be. With the help of Brad Hodge, who handled the lighting, we wound up shooting over 20 individual portraits on the ship. The result is what can be seen in the 2009 Jam Cruise Calendar that was used as a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.

Based on the wonderful response and overall success of our portrait project, the next year we came on the boat and continued to shoot unique portraits of artists dressed like cruise workers. The end result is a complete body of work called the Jam Cruise Portrait Series. All of the photos from both years are now available for the fist time right here on JamBase.

-Michael Weintrob

Al Schnier – moe.

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise sets itself apart in many ways, the obvious one being a festival at sea on a ship. The key factor that I didn’t get until I went was just how pro the whole thing was – from all sides. Even the fans on Jam Cruise are at the top of their game. The atmosphere is pretty amazing.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

It was actually Michael’s idea. We had been trying to get together all weekend and kept putting it off because we were both busy. The original plan was for me to do a photo shoot in the pool, amongst all of the chaos, in my scuba gear, as I’d been diving every day on the trip. It just never worked out. The uniform was borrowed from the ship’s crew. They were very gracious. The funny thing is that I worked in a commercial dish room like this when I was in high school (in a local nursing home). It was a great time, but there was some pretty gross stuff that came through there. It didn’t take too long for me to get “in character.” It started off fairly tame, but by the end I was soaked and covered in food (and quite ashamed). It reminded me a lot of my teen years.


What do you think of the final product/photo?

I think I look just slightly sexier than Grace.

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“There’s nothing like floating around with a bunch of musical hooligans.” -Grace Potter

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“Jam Cruise has a lot of great artists assembled in one place.” -Warren Haynes

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Jeff Raines – Galactic

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

What I have come to enjoy about Jam Cruise is the opportunity to see some of the up and coming bands that have been making waves on the scene. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with friends from other bands that I don’t get to see as often as I would like.

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

I think everyone on Jam Cruise finds themselves in the casino at one time or another. Michael Weintrob, in particular, seems to spend most of his nights on the cruise playing blackjack.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

I remember that when we walked in Michael was on a first name basis with all the casino employees who were milling about preparing to open for the night. Conceptually this photo was Mike’s baby. Possibly he was just waiting for the casino to open and thought he could save some time by shooting us there.

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“The bottom line for taking the cruise is the highest quality of music on board.” -Col. Bruce Hampton

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Medeski Martin & Wood

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“Jam Cruise is the highest class party of the year.” -Karl Denson

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Ivan Neville – Dumpstaphunk

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

It’s a festival in the middle of the ocean where everybody is super close. You’ve got musicians hanging out with fans. You never know what’s gonna happen.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

The photo was pretty much Michael Weintrob’s idea. He just came to me and said, “I got this idea; I want you in a janitor’s uniform. Let’s throw away that keyboard. Put it in the dumpsta!”

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Les Claypool

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Zach Gill – ALO

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise holds a special place in my heart. I guess what sets it apart is that by its nature everyone is sort of forced to participate. Once it sets sail everyone is on the adventure together. Most gigs you are barely there – you arrive in the town or festival and you are gone the next day. With Jam Cruise everyone is more or less there for the entire thing and that’s what makes it fun. I love the hang. As a musician and a fan I get to see and talk with some of my favorite musicians in the world. I love it.

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

The fact that there are multiple uniform collections on board helps a lot. The vibe on Jam Cruise is so playful that when someone hands you a waiter’s outfit and asks you to put it on, you don’t question it.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

I believe the costumes were Michael’s idea, but it’s hard to say. What I do know is that Steve and I used to work as bus boys at a restaurant when we were in high school. Steve was always better than me at folding silverware, and it’s clear from this photo that he has retained his skills. Actually, Steve was much better at the restaurant business than I was. Eventually he was promoted to waiter/bar tender while I remained a busboy for my entire food industry career. It was easy to conjure the mood once we donned the outfits. And yes it was as much fun as it looks!

What do you think of the final product/photo?

I like it. I only wish they let us keep the jackets for future shows.

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Keller Williams & Martin Sexton

Keller Williams

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

I’m a fan before I’m a performer. So, the obvious is the most special for me: The music. The bands; The energy; The big beautiful theater rocking back and forth (literally); funky music in the middle of the night in a low ceiling club. Also special: Being high as a banshee on the top deck, cruising fast in the middle of the ocean, the moon casting shadows, a band like Jazz Mandolin Project with Jon Fishman and Oteil Burbridge playing sheer perfection on the outdoor stage below. Mmmmmmmm good. That’s special.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

The theme behind this Jam Cruise photo – which was Michael Weintrob’s idea – was me and Marty in a Chinese restaurant as waiters. The mood was easy to set for this picture since it was real – we were really fighting. You see, not only are Martin and I 9th degree black belts in Kung Su (a cross between Kung Fu and Jujitsu) but the Sexton and Williams family have been feuding for many generations, something about a great great great great great grandfather hitting on a great great great great great grandmother. I can’t remember whose. But the possibility of us being related exists, and each time we meet we battle. Just as our fathers before us did and theirs did before them, and so on. Just like the way our sons shall battle each other to defend family honor. The shot was taken when I was delivering the ancient Williams signature throat-poke, which shifted his trachea and ended the battle. I had to perform an immediate tracheotomy (with a scalpel that I carry for such an occasion) to bring Martin back to life so he could fight again one day.

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Mike Dillon & Skerik

“Where else can you jog around a ship deck with Motorhead on your iPod, see Cuba, and discover The Lee Boys?” -Skerik

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Ian Neville – The Funky Meters

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

The fact that all the musicians hang for basically the whole cruise. Usually we are all scattered out (sleeping arrangements and what not), or just leave after the gig. The boat is a perfect communal musician hang. You get to jam with different guys than normal or just catch other bands you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to see.

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

I guess we didn’t look like deck hands or chefs that day. Always funny sitting around anywhere with the four of us. There is really no telling who will drag the conversation into the realm of insanity.

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Mark Mullins – Bonerama

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise is an amazingly unique and special experience unlike anything I ever get to do. Many people say it’s like Jazz Fest on a boat but I didn’t see any Shrimp Creole or Crawfish Bread in the buffet line. And if I did, well, I’d probably run away! It’s basically the coolest cruise I can imagine being on with all these great musicians everywhere and non-stop, solid, non-cruise ship music everywhere you turn. Perhaps the best thing is sharing it with people that truly respect the music we do. [It's] just the greatest vibe mingling with everyone in the stairwells to the elevators to the side stage areas. Awesome!

What about the event lent itself to a photo shoot of this nature?

We cornered off an area of the buffet seating area at like 6 p.m., (perhaps not the best time of day to try this) and were borrowing clothes off the restaurant crew while they were working. It all began to attract attention as we got into it. People are trying to eat at these tables right next to us and we’re pulling out our horns, spit dripping off of them fresh from the morning’s jam room festivities. It was ugly.

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Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington & Charles Walker

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Porter Batiste Stoltz

“I love Jam Cruise because it is a great time for Ara, my wife, and I to energize our love for each other and the music I love and live for. Is it too early to book for 2010? SMILE!” -George Porter Jr.

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Sharon Jones

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

It was my first time on Jam Cruise, and I thought it was a one of a kind concert experience. There’s more bonding with fans, festival staff, and other performers then there is at a regular show or even a festival. Because your spending a much longer amount of time with everyone. I really liked that aspect of it. And the Jam Cruise audience was one of my favorites that I have performed for. Everyone was really enthusiastic and enjoyed themselves. It made performing a lot of fun for me and for the Dap-Kings.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

I was a stewardess. I’m pretty sure that was suggested to me. Next time I want to be the captain!

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Ryan Stasik – Yacht Rock

As a performer, what makes Jam Cruise special for you?

Jam Cruise is special to me because it is a very intimate voyage, where all the musicians and fans hang out and rage as hard as possible together as one. No one wants to retreat to their tiny cabin. They want to be part of the magic that surrounds them. No one knows what is lurking around each corner, whether it’s two of your favorite artists jamming together or a new lifelong friend to be made.

What specifically can you tell us about the photo shoot?

Our band Yacht Rock did not have a photo so this made perfect sense since it was our first gig!

What else can you share about Jam Cruise?

I will never forget the sun setting as we jammed [George Benson's] “Breezin’” on the pool deck while people sipped piña coladas, dancing to the smooth sounds in their captain hats and linens. Ahhh, yacht rock, so smooth, so good!

Continue reading for some more thoughts from photographer Michael Weintrob…

I wanted to personally thank everyone who was involved in the Jam Cruise 6 and 7 portrait projects. Annabel Lukins, Jon Heinrich, Brad Hodge, Mark Brown, Kelly Viau, and Seth Weiner all played a key role in helping me bring my concept to life. Most of all, thanks to all the great musicians who participated in the project. I had such an amazing time working with all of you.

-Michael Weintrob

There are still a very limited amount of cabins available for Jam Cruise 8. Set to sail January 3-8, 2010 with stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and George Town, Cayman Islands. This is a once in lifetime trip designed for live music and travel fanatics.

For more on Jam Cruise, see our coverage of JC7 here.


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Assembly Of Dust: Fall Tour Dates w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band

September 9th, 2009 | No Comments

Assembly Of Dust Fall Tour


Assembly of Dust

Assembly of Dust will bring their “voltaic, raw live performances” (Paste) to the masses when they head out on a fall tour in support of their critically lauded new album Some Assembly Required, kicking off on September 10. Some Assembly Required is being hailed as a triumph. USA Today says the band “dazzle” and the album’s tracks “stand tall.”

Some Assembly Required contains the strongest collection of songs the group has created to date, each expertly crafted tune illuminated by a stellar lineup of guests. Every musician recruited (including Bela Fleck, David Grisman, Grace Potter, John Scofield, Mike Gordon, Richie Havens, and Martin Sexton) lends their considerable talents in service of Genauer’s skillful compositions, an inspired, inventive and spirited version of American rock and roots music.

Assembly of Dust Fall Tour Dates

09/10/09 Thu Port City Music Hall Portland, ME (Reid Genauer Solo w/ Mike Gordon)

09/11/09 Fri Bearsville Theater Woodstock, NY (Reid Genauer Solo w/ Mike Gordon)

09/12/09 Sat The State Theatre Falls Church, VA (Reid Genauer Solo w/ Mike Gordon)

09/18/09 Fri Revolution Hall Troy, NY (w/ Nautilus)

09/19/09 Sat Higher Ground Burlington, VT (w/ The Brew)

09/24/09 Thu Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band & Nathan Moore)

09/25/09 Fri Port City Music Hall Portland, ME (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

09/26/09 Sat Calling Planet Earth Festival Charleston, RI (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

09/30/09 Wed Bowery Ballroom New York, NY (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/01/09 Thu River Street Jazz Cafe Wilkes Barre, PA

10/02/09 Fri The Note West Chester, PA (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band & Nathan Moore)

10/03/09 Sat Recher Theatre Towson, MD (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/16/09 Fri Bluebird Theater Denver, CO (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/17/09 Sat Boulder Theater Boulder, CO (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/18/09 Sun Fort Lewis College Durango, CO (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/21/09 Wed The Mint Los Angeles, CA (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/22/09 Thu The Independent San Francisco, CA (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/23/09 Fri The Red Fox Tavern Eureka, CA (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/24/09 Sat Mississippi Studios Portland, OR (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

10/25/09 Sun Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA (w/ Emmitt-Nershi Band)

For more on Assembly Of Dust and their new album, check our exclusive feature/interview here.


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Assembly of Dust: Required Listening

July 30th, 2009 | No Comments

By: Court Scott

Assembly of Dust by C. Taylor Crothers

Though certainly excited at the prospect of a new disc from Assembly of Dust (AoD), I was both dubious and curious upon learning the recording, Some Assembly Required (released July 21 on Rock Ridge Music) (JamBase review here), has at least one guest musician on each of the album’s 13 tracks. Other bands, including Galactic and Keller Williams have done similar projects with From the Corner to the Block and Dream, respectively, and were met with mild skepticism by critics and fans alike.

A flurry of thoughts: This is only AoD’s second studio album; is it too soon to take on a project like this? The band’s last release was 2007′s Recollection (JamBase review here), and prior to that, a live recording called The Honest Hour in 2004. Would the new album be focused enough to sound like the band, or will each guest’s bold signature sound overwhelm the quartet? Also, if a band’s sound and songs are their brand, does hosting a guest per track detract from their image, their message? And if I’m honest, in my cold, dark heart I wondered, “Is this a marketing ploy to sell more units?” To gain insight into the band’s writing, recording and thinking processes, AoD’s main songwriter and vocalist Reid Genauer and drummer Andy Herrick were each good enough to drop me a line and share their impressions with me.

Initially formed as a quintet in 2002, but now short one keyboardist and down to four members, AoD got together after Genauer departed from Strangefolk. Fans and critics alike have heralded AoD, who are respected for their consonant, tuneful songwriting bolstered by meaningful, smart lyricism. AoD, I agree, are poised to crossover to the mainstream and recorded over two years, the songs on Some Assembly Required stoke and utterly reaffirm that opinion. Seven of the 13 tracks have been made available on the band’s website since early June. Released each Tuesday leading up to the release date, the band used this approach to reward fans and give an audio teaser to casual or unfamiliar listeners.

Musically, AoD has drawn comparisons to The Beatles and The Band, which no doubt is due in great part to the songwriting duo of Genauer and former keyboardist and current co-producer Nate Wilson‘s shared understanding of songcraft and appreciation for the history of American roots music. Many of the songs had been marinating for years, explains Genauer, most having been written by himself, some with the help of Wilson. The bulk of the material was about three years old, but a 16-year-old Genauer wrote the oldest 20 years ago. “It was written when I still dreamed of being in a band. It was THE first song I wrote that moved out of the first position on a guitar neck.” As far as the song selections on Some Assembly Required go, each track is a perfect snapshot from lives intertwined, varying from the frustratingly mundane to unabashedly proud to achingly devastating, all clever ruminations paired with well arranged, sparsely orchestrated, home-baked, hooky tunes.

Genauer by Susan J. Weiand

The collection of songs on Some Assembly Required were primarily unreleased, and were more therapeutically written than purposefully so. “It wasn’t about writing songs for a specific album,” says Genauer. “We just had some songs recorded, some we played in a live setting, and some were just sitting in a bucket in a dark corner. Generally, those songs are the ones we worked with.” Herrick tells me the album was recorded over four days in late summer of 2008. Genauer notes with a hint of pride that as he wrote the songs he became more comfortable “trying on” different characters, writing from different point of view. “[The songs] are time capsules that reflect a specific process and times in my life, some are autobiographical some are from other perspectives. There are different characters I interact with.”

Having an abundance of material allowed for a new freedom in the studio, according to Genauer, because in addition to the songs themselves, they had greater time to create and tinker with arrangements and production. “This time we had time to write as we [went]. Sometimes we would create while the mics [were] running,” explains Herrick about his time in the studio with Genauer, guitarist Adam Terrell and bassist John Leccese. Where the material on previous AoD albums had been “road tested,” played and recorded in live rotation and allowed to shape-shift over time, this album came into its own in the studio.

Gordon & Leccese (AoD) by Britt Nemeth

Genauer likened the alternate, unhurried approach to grocery shopping. “Sometimes you just buy the same things day in and day out. But some days you crave different flavors, textures, or tastes,” he says. “We went into the studio with that in mind.” Further, because each song and its parts was able to distill better and in using songs that hadn’t been played live, AoD didn’t have to “untangle or un-bake” songs that fans had already become familiar with. Instead, the band was able to infuse the tracks they decided would be on the album with other creative input and different genetics in the form of multiple guests.

The entire list of guests is comprised of musicians Genauer has long respected and with whom he’s hoped to work in some capacity. Even the album’s title is a play not only on the band’s name but a nod that each track is an assembly of musicians. The resulting roster boasts some of the finest players in their generation. Richie Havens, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Mike Gordon, John Scofield, Martin Sexton and more each add their signature sound in a supporting capacity.

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I tried to select instrumentalists who were complimentary to each song, someone who could change the texture. I had to think about who would make sense, who I aspired to play with and who had similar musical aesthetics. It was possible to imagine but impossible to know what they’d add.

-Reid Genauer
 

Photo by: C. Taylor Crothers

“It was awesome,” says Herrick of recording with the various guests. “[Each musician made their respective piece] stronger, added more of a flavor than affected the overall taste of the track,” he continued, unaware that Genauer, too, fancied discussing the project in culinary terms.

Assembly of Dust

Most of the songs were written and their structure didn’t deviate radically from the original by the time they were recorded, Genauer says. “The songs are skeletons [when we go into the studio], and the band delivered the flesh and muscle to the songs.” Herrick continues, “Reid and Nate would make rough tapes which demonstrated the direction and feel they wanted songs to take, because they know what they want. I think one that ended up different was ‘Leadbelly’ [with Jerry Douglas and Alison Krauss]. Some songs had several slightly different versions at the end of the day, but we always record [different] versions to support the story Reid tells. We [the rest of the band] use texture and feel to best support his words.”

Both Herrick and Genauer used the word “satisfying” often, almost as much as they used the word “pride,” and this being at peace with the songs and the recording comes across on the album. The resulting disc opens strong with “All That I Am Now,” a wide-open, anthemic stomp with Genauer sharing vocal and guitar duties with ’60s icon and Woodstock opening act Richie Havens. The clarity and power of Genauer’s voice is reflected and complimented by the overall grand, reverby tones and texture of the song. The third track, “Cold Coffee,” featuring David Grisman’s plaintive mandolin, is met by Genauer’s soft articulation of heartache, depression and self-doubt, making this coupling perfect. Similarly, “Second Song” with Keller Williams is AoD’s answer to John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane” or Steve Miller’s “The Joker,” a short story about dreams, realities and a lack of resources stacked against poppy, rolling melodies. Bela Fleck’s rollicking, distinctive plucking on “Edges” make it a standout, with the banjo’s phrasing saying as much as any words.

If a band’s sound and songs are unique, then their sound and their words are as big a part of their brand as, say, their trademarked logo, name or live reputation. It is what makes a band almost instantly identifiable, so I was intrigued about how AoD would maintain their signature sound with so many guests.

Reid Genauer by C. Taylor Crothers

“I tried to select instrumentalists who were complimentary to each song, someone who could change the texture,” Genauer says. “I had to think about who would make sense, who I aspired to play with and who had similar musical aesthetics. It was possible to imagine but impossible to know what they’d add.”

Genauer calls the experiences in the studio “extremely poignant and meaningful” because his heroes became his colleagues. It is an endorsement and affirmation of the personal risks taken by Genauer.

A majority of the songs sound and feel natural with soft, acoustic stringed instruments, but it is the weighted delivery of both “Pedal Down,” a rangy, loose-limbed Southern rocker featuring Cincinnati’s Brothers Gabbard of the Buffalo Killers and the straightforward chugging rock of “Arc of the Sun,” about the birth of Genauer’s son, that add an edge to the album. Though “Arc” has been played live and is not necessarily new to fans, the album version is anchored by Mike Gordon and his swirling, fuzzed-out bass solo. Also featured on “High Brow,” another rockin’ track is moe.‘s Al Schnier who helps inflate the band into something more aggressive and edgy, a sound that completely works.

How this all shakes out live, without the benefit of the guests, is something fans are curious to see and hear. When I asked Genauer if he was concerned about the lack of the guests during a live performance he replied, “Sometimes it’s harder to recreate songs in the studio because the energy and excitement in a live setting can’t be recreated. In this case the guests are that x-factor, and they created the energy usually created by the audience. The audience will do the same without guests, and also, the songs may grow and evolve. I look forward to what they become.”

AoD will be touring throughout the summer and through the end of October, gaining momentum and working to build on their already solid assembly. While I was initially concerned that each guest would overwhelm the band, in retrospect I would have liked AoD to augment their guest’s signature sounds a little more – boost them in the mix, extend a solo – but each guest did exactly what the band hoped they would do and that is what matters. They added a slightly foreign accent on an otherwise unmistakable voice and accomplish this without pretense. The strong writing and subtle arrangements definitely make this masterful Assembly of tunes Required listening.

Assembly of Dust tour dates available here, Reid Genauer solo dates here.

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