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Zac Brown Band: Play The Road

October 6th, 2010 | No Comments

Zac Brown Band

Success often makes new listeners wary of a band. Too many hits too fast and one may wonder if an artist is a flash in the pan and unworthy of a serious music fan’s attention. However, sometimes a truly talented, hard working group breaks through and the world is simply wise enough – for a rare change – to recognize a good thing when it lands in their lap.

In 2008 it seemed the Zac Brown Band came out of nowhere to pulverize the country charts, racking up four number one singles and double platinum album sales for what many thought was their debut, The Foundation. But, two self-released albums preceded this first major label release, along with a tour schedule that had kept the band away from home for as many as 200 gigs a year since 2002. All that wood shedding and club humping rings out in the confidence and craftsmanship of The Foundation, and the past two years where they’ve become a major headlining draw and a fixture on CMT and country radio shows in the utterly confident, absolutely winning follow-up You Get What You Give (released September 21 on Southern Ground/Atlantic), which opens with a scene full of hippie-esque wisdom played out over chord-skipping acoustic guitar and playful fiddle that ride a shuffling beat.

Spent the night with a friend of mine and a handle of good whiskey
Picked guitars and talked about how the glory days went missing
It didn’t take too long to find the truth inside that bottle
Cast a-sea so long ago was a message from my father

You keep your heart above your head and your eyes wide open
So this world can’t find a way to leave you cold
No, you’re not the only ship out on the ocean
Save your strength for things that you can change
Forget the ones you can’t
You got to let it go

You Get What You Give is a record with a huge potential audience, not just the country establishment that’s already embraced them. Within this talented bunch lays many points of connection for jam band aficionados (high level musicianship, broad cover tune sensibilities, a 420-friendly attitude, shifting setlists), Americana purists (dead solid songwriting, twang that’s stretched into interesting new forms) and straight-up mainstream rock fans.

ZBB @ Bonnaroo ’09 by Dave Vann

“We realize that country radio and TV is the way they’re selling this music and the way we’re connecting with our fans but only during 4 or 5 songs in our live set do we even think we’re a country band,” says multi-instrumentalist Clay Cook. “I think we’re more concerned with songs than genre. Sure, we’re telling stories in our songs but it’s more of a southern approach than a strict country one.”

Like the best southern bands in the modern era, ZBB scoops up a wide array of influences and gives them a below-the-Mason-Dixon accent. Ronnie Van Zant-era Skynyrd did this well, as do contemporaries like JJ Grey & Mofro and Hill Country Revue, both of whom have more in common with the Zac Brown Band’s general vibe than most of what’s coming out of Nashville today. At the core of this group is one of the strongest emerging songwriting teams out there, namely Zac Brown and lyricist Wyatt Durrette, who possess a Tom Petty-like populist feel that’s VERY hard to resist.

“The way Zac approaches performing songs is so much different than anything I’ve been involved with before. You just really believe every word he says with the way he sings it,” says Cook. “I feel very lucky to be where I am in this band, especially because of the way we connect with audiences, and that stems from Zac.”

The band doesn’t hesitate to place their originals next some of the finest songwriting of the past 50 years, regularly covering tunes from The Band, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, Ray LaMontagne and other heavy hitters, with the company they keep reflecting the larger ambitions of the band. One also sees this in the high powered patronage of certifiable icons like Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews and Kid Rock, who’ve taken the band under their wing and welcomed them as openers and kindred spirits.

“When we’re picking covers we pick things we want to play, the songs we’re listening to on our iPods. This is the music we love. It’s stuff we’re intimately familiar with and huge fans of. We feel like it’s our duty to do a good job,” says Cook. “We’ve been playing Bob Dylan’s ‘I Shall Be Released,’ and I can’t tell you how many other versions are out there. But when we get onstage to play that song, I feel like we’re only the second or third band to ever attempt it, just by how we love it SO much. It’s a weird feeling, but we think we do that with certain songs, really live inside them and make them somewhat our own. Otherwise, we’ll play a song once and never again.”

Zac Brown Band

On the Deluxe Edition of You Get What You Give, they do a fantastic cover of Ryan Adams’ “Oh My Sweet Carolina” (off Ryan’s solo debut Heartbreaker).

“It’s a live version and we did it in Louisville. And it was one of those situations where everyone felt so good about it, even though it was only the second or third time we’d attempted it in two or three years,” says Cook. “The only reason we played it in Louisville is it’s got a line that goes, ‘I miss Kentucky and I miss my family.’ Zac said, ‘Let’s just play this one!’ and we did and it was just beautiful. We had somebody mix it and throw it on the Deluxe Edition.”

The band mixes up their song selections nightly very much in the spirit of the never-repeat-yourself ethos of the jam scene.

“We kinda have to but the lighting and video guys really wish we’d stick to the same setlist [laughs]. But if we did the same setlist three nights in a row, by the third night we’d be fit to be tied. We’d be ready to do something different or even change [the arrangements of] songs up if we couldn’t change the setlist, changing up sections of songs as we’re playing them,” says Cook. “It forces you to be creative in different ways. We’ve had to feed from our record that’s been out there for a while. It’s been two years since The Foundation came out, and we have to play stuff from it because that’s why people bought tickets to see us. At least half the people in the audience have never seen us before and don’t know they’re going to see a real live show. And then hopefully the other half of the show is new stuff and covers. Unless we have three hours to play, we really have a hard time boiling down what we want to play every night.”

“At this point, we have six songs that are singles and that’s half an hour already. You have to play those songs. Then you have a few covers you’ve been playing that are working, so you have to play those because if we feel good about them at the moment we want to capitalize on that feeling. And the next time we come around [to a city] we’ll have a whole new set of covers. Then you want to play the stuff off the new record, and we also have special guests on this tour. Like Robert Randolph is opening for us, so we want to play a song with him. So, pretty soon the two-and-a-half-hours for our setlist is pretty full. It’s actually easier to write a three-hour setlist than a two-hour setlist.”

Zac Brown @ Bonnaroo ’09 by Dave Vann

“A pop artist just wants to play their hits and get off the stage. They want to play a 90-minute set and anything more than that is unbearable to them. I remember talking to this country group Lady Antebellum, who came up to us at one of the awards shows. They just released their second album earlier this year, and they heard we were playing three and four hour shows and said, ‘Why are you doing this to us?’ They’ve only got about 90-minutes of material without covers, and that’s only if they play everything off both records. I said, ‘Well, we’re not a country band.’ We’re a live experience mainly.”

One area they excel at, live and in the studio, is in their rich harmonies. The overlap of voices, not just Brown’s own powerful, flexible pipes, is a lovely alternative to the Clean Room pristine quality of most of today’s auto-tuned, Pro-Tools enhanced “singing.”

“When they did the harmonies on the previous record [before Clay Cook joined ZBB], they had to work really hard on the vocals. And that record was cut almost four years ago with two of the vocalists that are here now and one that’s gone. Now, we sing SO much that I don’t think it took two days to get the background harmonies on [You Get What You Give]. We were just knocking them out. It was almost comical at one point when we realized that a great deal of these harmonies were done in one take,” says Cook. “We didn’t spend a lot of time in the studio tracking [anything on the new record]. A lot of the time spent was between gigs, where we’d go a month without doing anything because we’d be on the road. When we were off the road everybody wanted to go home for two or three days, so we couldn’t jump right back into the studio. And then we were on the road again!”

“We’ve taken measures to fix that on the next record. We’re building a studio in Zac’s backyard,” reveals Cook. “I think we’re gonna try to do this next record live, the solos and everything except maybe the vocals. We care a lot about the vocals and it’d suck to get all the way through an awesome take as a band and discover that two of the vocalists were a little bit off. At worst, we’ll record the entire band live and go back and capture the vocals, OR we’ll be just as gutsy as I hope we’ll be and just capture EVERYTHING live in the studio.”

Perhaps the best way to think of the Zac Brown Band is as the next generation of Great American Music bands in the spirit of the Grateful Dead, Little Feat and Goose Creek Symphony, where the inflection of their music can lean one way or another but the language they’re ultimately speaking is their own. What separates Zac Brown and his collaborators from these ancestors is an almost unerring knack for sinking deep into the pop vernacular. Spin You Get What You Give for almost anyone, regardless of their primary listening habits, and by the last track there’s bound to be one or more cuts that float their boat. It’s a broad, readily appealing reach that hints at a future cult following the likes of which Buffett, Rock and the Dave Matthews Band enjoy.

Zac Brown Band Tour Dates :: Zac Brown Band News :: Zac Brown Band Concert Reviews

JamBase | Giving
Go See Live Music!

Jazz Fest 5.02 Sun | Photos & Best Of

May 3rd, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: Tom Speed | Images by: Dino Perrucci

Jazz Fest – Weekend 2 – Day 4 :: 05.02.10 :: Sunday :: New Orleans, LA

The Neville Brothers :: 05.02.10 :: Jazz Fest

The nursery rhyme goes, “Rain, rain, go away, come again another day.” Tens of thousands of people were likely chanting that little prayer, to themselves at the least, throughout the weekend. “Another Day” finally came for Jazz Fest’s second weekend on Sunday. While the weather portended rain throughout the weekend, it finally delivered on Sunday. It wasn’t severe. Just drizzles and a brief shower. And who couldn’t use a good shower after seven days of Jazz Fest? But with every cloud there’s a silver lining, and the lining on a rainy Jazz Fest day is that it keeps the fair weather festival-goers away, so the crowds were significantly thinned, and pleasantly so. In many ways, it was the best of days. The best of the best were:

Tom’s Top Three Aural

#1 The Radiators (Gentilly Stage)

For many people, the annual Jazz Fest does not officially end until the “first family of New Orleans,” The Neville Brothers, completes their closing Sunday set at the Acura Stage. For an entirely different breed of freaks, the culmination of festivities is marked by The Radiators’ annual throw-down on the Gentilly Stage. As always, it was a celebratory after party for all those who had made it through the entire 10-day fest featuring searing guitar solos and relentless groove tunes. They continue to be the preeminent progenitors of swampy, blues-based jam rock in New Orleans.

#2 Van Morrison (Acura Stage)

Van The Man earned his moniker with his mid-afternoon, rain-soaked set on the Acura Stage. Nimbly shifting between piano, guitar and saxophone, he led his sprawling band through a passionate set that touched on the most well-known songs of his catalog, with “Moondance” in particular receiving a languid, pleasant stretching out, and included a great take on “St. James Infirmary Blues,” where he stated from the stage, “We’re in New Orleans, so why not?”

#3 Los Po-Boy-Citos (Lagniappe Stage)

This Latin funk band’s set at the covered Lagniappe Stage under the grandstand during a downpour drew a crowd that was perhaps seeking shelter but left having danced away any concerns about it.

Tom’s Top Three Gustatory

#1 Crawfish Strudel

#2 Strawberry Lemonade

#3 Coors Beer

Because on the third day it was really hard to find, kind of like in Smokey and the Bandit.

Tom’s Top Three Lagniappe

#1 Treme

It’s difficult to take in the sights and sounds of New Orleans and Jazz Fest without thinking of the new HBO series Treme from David Simon, the creator of The Wire. That’s in large part due to the fact that in seeking an authentic tone, the show features many local musicians. Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, Allen Toussaint and members of Galactic were all featured prominently in the early episodes, which have shown great promise.

#2 Scoring a free, legal parking spot on Crete Street.

#3 Wondering how to schedule my Monday without the help of “cubes.”

var siteRoot=”http://www.jambase.com”;var newPhotoIndex=”8″;$(document).ready( function() { $(“#GalleryWidget”).load(siteRoot+”/Photos/Widget.aspx?galleryID=48″);}); New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Sunday Weekend 2 | New Orleans Fairgrounds | New Orleans, LA Our Second Weekend Sunday Photo Gallery features The Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas, The Dead Weather featuring Jack White, Zion Harmonizers, Davell Crawford, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wayne Shorter, Brian Blade, Richie Havens, the Wild Magnolias 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 Second Weekend Friday coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check out Second Weekend Saturday 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.

JamBase | New Orleans

Go See Live Music!

Jazz Fest 4.25 Day 3 | Photo Gallery & Best Of

April 26th, 2010 | No Comments

Words by: Kayceman | Images by:
Dino
Perrucci

Jazz Fest Day 3 :: 04.25.10 :: Sunday :: New Orleans, LA

Crystal clear blue skies and a steady breeze set the stage for an idyllic Sunday
experience at Jazz Fest. Patrons were decked out in fancy hats and kids danced along with
second line parades and Mardi Gras Indians. During one set at the main stage, a woman
shared her tray of chocolate covered frozen strawberries with strangers while a young
gentleman got out of his chair and insisted that the older lady standing near him have a
seat. The communal spirit was in full bloom on Sunday, and it seemed as if everyone from
the artists to the vendors to the crowd could feel it.

Kayceman’s Top 3

#1 Levon Helm
Band

Legendary drummer Levon Helm and his outstanding band, featuring guitarist Larry Campbell,
played a wonderful set that included Band classics like “Chest Fever” and “The Weight” as
well The Grateful Dead’s “Tennessee Jed.” A healthy dose of special guests, including
Dr. John,
Allen
Toussaint, Ivan Neville and Stanton Moore, all
graced the stage during this quintessential Jazz Fest show.

#2 Blind Boys of
Alabama

The Blind Boys of Alabama in the Gospel Tent on Sunday is a special experience. Soul-
stirring harmonies filled the open air tent as people were visibly moved, raising hands
high towards the sky. Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” was coupled with “Spirit In
The Sky,” The Wire theme song “Way Down in the Hole” (originally written by Tom
Waits), and a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” that reminded us all why they call
this God’s music.

#3 The Allman
Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band is playing some of its best rock & roll since Duane died, and
their First Weekend Festival concluding set was yet another reminder of their enduring
power. Guitarist Derek Trucks used crutches to get on and off stage and sat for the
entire show, but the injury didn’t affect his incredible slide work in any way. Long jams
with spiraling guitars and burning leads from guitarist Warren Haynes
were punctuated with classic Gregg Allman vocals and the never-ending propulsion of the three-
piece percussive unit. The entire set was full of hits and every song was someone’s
favorite, but the crowd responded most enthusiastically to “Whipping Post,” “Soulshine”
featuring saxophonist Jay Collins, and “One Way Out.” But nothing seemed to define the
weekend better than the beautiful rendition of Van Morrison‘s “And
It Stoned Me” sung by Haynes.

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New
Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Day 3 | New Orleans Fairgrounds | New Orleans, LA
Day 3 of our New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival photo galleries includes Levon Helm,
Stanton Moore, The Allman Brothers Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, James Andrews,
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jim James, Terence Blanchard, Voice of the Wetlands All-
Stars, Theresa Andersson 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 out Saturday’s Coverage of Jazz Fest here.

Check back next Thursday for the start of our Second Weekend Jazz Fest
coverage…

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!

Anders Osborne Signs to Alligator

February 16th, 2010 | No Comments

Alligator Records Signs Anders Osborne

Anders Osborne

Alligator Records has announced the signing of award-winning guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Anders Osborne.

Osborne’s Alligator Records debut album, American Patchwork, is a moving collection of soul-baring roots rock, blues and ballads. Many of the songs on American Patchwork deal with healing and redemption, spirituality and acceptance.

Osborne and friend Stanton Moore (Galactic) produced the album, with co-production by Pepper Keenan (of Down).

According to Osborne, “This is the healing, the patching back together, of a man scattered to the wind, broken and in pieces. The rebuilding of my home, a city under water and in ruins, friends lost, my community in disarray, all carefully patched and made whole again by the power of my America, and its endless source of inspiration to me. This is my American patchwork.”

Since 1995 Osborne has released a series of albums for major and independent labels. His music mixes blues, soul, funk and R&B into a signature sound and style. Two songs co-written by Osborne appear on blues great Keb Mo’s Grammy-winning 1999 release, Slow Down. Osborne’s compositions have been covered by artists as diverse as Brad Paisley, Tab Benoit, Jonny Lang and Kim Carnes. Country superstar Tim McGraw scored a #1 hit with Anders’ song Watch The Wind Blow.

Osborne was born in Sweden in 1966. His father was a professional jazz musician and, at an early age, Anders began playing guitar and discovering the musical power of the blues and the lyrical depth of songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Jackson Browne. At 16, he was traveling across Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East, earning money by performing at every opportunity. His grandfather, a sailor, had often told him vivid stories of New Orleans, so when he arrived there in 1985, he felt right at home. He effortlessly incorporated the sounds of New Orleans into his own music, and the city quickly became a large part of his soul.

In April Osborne will play three times at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (and make many more area appearances during the festival period), followed by a six-week tour of the U.S. on a double bill with the Stanton Moore Trio. With a new label, a new recording, and a new appreciation of life itself, Anders Osborne is ready to move forward. As a youth he traveled the globe before settling in New Orleans. Now, as a proud American, he’ll travel from New Orleans, bringing his powerful original songs and soulful, bluesy, rock-fueled music to destinations all over the world.

Anders Osborne tour dates available here.

Simon & Garfunkel To Play First Weekend of Jazz Fest

January 13th, 2010 | No Comments

Simon & Garfunkel to Play Jazz Fest 2010

Simon & Garfunkel

“We are proud to announce that American music icons Simon & Garfunkel will be making their first-ever appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell,” Jazz Fest organizers said today. The Saturday, April 24, performance by Simon & Garfunkel will be the only chance to see the legendary duo in the U.S. this year. The Festival is scheduled for April 23 – May 2, 2010.

“Over the years I’ve always enjoyed performing at Jazz Fest,” said Paul Simon. “Everyone connected with the Festival, and in particular Quint Davis, has created an atmosphere that is both musical and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the opportunity to perform with my old friend Art Garfunkel at this year’s Festival.”

Simon & Garfunkel join previously announced artists Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, The Neville Brothers, Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, Anita Baker, My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic, Imagination Movers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Darius Rucker, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, The Black Crowes, Drake, Teena Marie, Keely Smith, Jonny Lang, Band of Horses, Allen Toussaint and hundreds more at the 41st edition of the beloved Festival. (A complete weekend-by-weekend schedule is available at www.nojazzfest.com. Jazz Fest’s day-by-day schedule will be announced Wednesday, January 27.)

Tickets for the Festival, which takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Van Morrison Suing Mail On Sunday Over Baby Hoax

January 4th, 2010 | No Comments

Irish singer Van Morrison is taking legal action against a British tabloid over claims that he fathered a child with his tour manager Gigi Lee. For the second time in a week, the “Into The Mystic” musician has denied the paternity rumors and announced he’ll sue the Mail on Sunday for publishing the report despite [...]

Hacker Blamed For Van Morrison Baby Hoax

December 31st, 2009 | No Comments

Irish blues legend Van Morrison has denied a report claiming he fathered a child with his manager, saying a widely reported birth announcement that appeared on his website three days ago was the result of a hacking attack and “completely and utterly without foundation.”

The publicity-shy crooner, now 64, has ordered his management to conduct an [...]

Van Morrison A Father Again, At 64

December 29th, 2009 | No Comments

Music legend Van Morrison is adding a “Brown Eyed Boy” to his brood.
The reclusive Irish singer-songwriter became a father again on Monday at the age of 64 after his manager gave birth to a son described as a “spitting image of his daddy.”

“Gigi (Lee) and Van Morrison are proud to announce the birth of [...]

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 Â“WolfmanÂ” 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 Â“1 StringÂ” 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 Â“FrogmanÂ” 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 Â“CoolÂ” 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 Â“Big HatÂ” 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 Â“ChopChopsÂ” 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…

Thanksgiving Playlist

November 27th, 2009 | No Comments

HEY, YOU MADE OUR LIST OF THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Mary Gauthier

Except for the saddest lives, there is always much to be thankful for. However, the pace of modern life doesn’t afford many opportunities to slow down and reflect on one’s blessings. For this alone we can be grateful for the annual arrival of Thanksgiving.

As there are many ways to be thankful, our little Thanksgiving Playlist attempts to reflect the myriad meanings in some ways. From the darker tinged offerings from stunning folkie Mary Gauthier and Van Morrison to the more forthright gratitude of Bonnie Raitt and Tesla (doing Zeppelin!), we acknowledge the vast spaces inside a ‘thank you.’ We open and close with instrumentals, which, by their nature, have a tendency to make one a touch more thoughtful. We give the final ‘word’ to a seminal holiday track by George Winston and begin with a jewel from the very cool Bass Desires band led by bassist Marc Johnson, with drummer Peter Erskine and guitar masters John Scofield and Bill Frisell.

We offer this assortment as a small thank you to the readers and fans of JamBase. We appreciate you more than we can possibly say.

Playlist assembled by JamBase Associate Editor Dennis Cook, who’d always rather make mixes than labor over a turkeyÂ…

Jason Mraz: New Live CD/DVD

November 11th, 2009 | No Comments

JASON MRAZ MAKES A “BEAUTIFUL MESS”
WITH NEW LIVE CD/DVD SET, WILL PLAY CONAN NOVEMBER 12
CD Collection Includes Hits “I’m Yours” And “Lucky,”
Featuring Special Guest Colbie Caillat

DVD Includes Full-length Performance,
Backstage Footage, and Exclusive Mockumentary

Jason Mraz

Atlantic recording artist Jason Mraz has announced details of his upcoming new CD/DVD, Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess – Live On Earth. The much anticipated 2-disc set – which follows 2008′s RIAA platinum-certified We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things – arrives everywhere November 10.

Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess – Live on Earth captures the Grammy-nominated tunesmith at his onstage best; performing a wide array of his greatest hits, including the history-making #1 single, “I’m Yours.” Filmed and recorded this past August as Jason’s blockbuster Gratitude Cafe Tour hit Chicago’s Charter One Pavilion, the collection also includes a stellar live take on the Top 10 smash, “Lucky” – complete with a special guest appearance from Colbie Caillat – as well as a few new favorites.

The DVD – directed by Darren Doane (“I’m Yours,” “Lucky,” as well as videos from such diverse artists as Van Morrison, Shinedown, and Underoath) features the full-length concert, never-before-seen backstage footage, and the exclusive new mockumentary, Un Beau Desordre.
Mraz will herald the release of Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess – Live on Earth with a live TV performance on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, slated for Thursday, November 12 (check local listings).

In other news, Jason has received a 2009 American Music Awards nomination as Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist – fans can vote now here. The 2009 American Music Awards will be broadcast live on ABC Sunday, November 22 at 8 p.m. ET. The San Diego-based singer/songwriter was also among the honorees at last week’s 20th Anniversary Environmental Media Awards, celebrating his work towards increasing public awareness of, and inspiring personal action on, various environmental issues. Other honorees included Sir Richard Branson and the National Geographic Society.

A gifted and charismatic live performer, Mraz will soon embark on his first-ever tour of South America, with multiple dates scheduled in Argentina and Brazil. Upon his return, Jason will hit New York City’s Feinstein’s at the Regency for two very special charity shows, being billed as The True Colors Cabaret. Presented in partnership with the True Colors Fund, Broadway Impact, and Feinstein’s at the Regency, the event – set for December 21, with both performances already sold out – will see Mraz pairing up with the Broadway Inspirational Voices for an evening of music in support of GLBT equality. All net proceeds from the concerts will benefit the True Colors Fund and Broadway Impact – for details, please visit the True Colors site.

Jason Mraz’s Beautiful Mess – Live on Earth Complete Track Listing

1. Intro
2. Sunshine Song
3. Traveler/Make It Mine
4. Anything You Want
5. Coyotes
6. Live High
7. Only Human
8. The Remedy
9. The Dynamo Of Volition
10. A Beautiful Mess
11. I’m Yours
12. Lucky (w/Colbie Caillat)
13. Copchase
14. All Night Long
15. Fall Through Glass *(DVD Only)
16. Butterfly
17. The Boy’s Gone

DVD Bonus Features
18. Un Beau Desordre
19. We Sing. We Dance. We Make Videos.

Scaring The Children | 10.09 | Brooklyn

October 15th, 2009 | No Comments

Words by: Alex Borsody | Images by: Rob Chapman

Scaring The Children :: 10.09.09 :: The Brooklyn Bowl :: New York, NY

Scaring The Children :: 10.09.09 :: Brooklyn

Scaring the Children, the trio formed by Bob Weir in the mid ’90s right after Jerry Garcia passed, consisted of Rob Wasserman on bass and Jay Lane on drums. This trio evolved into what is now Weir’s current band, RatDog. Jay Lane stayed with RatDog, while Wasserman continued on to do work with the likes of Lou Reed, Van Morrison and Elvis Costello. This reunion at Brooklyn Bowl, one of the nation’s best new music venues, was another shot of high grade American rock into the heart of Williamsburg.

The shirts on the security guards read “welcome,” and the acoustics are exceptional. The sound is loud and clear, while it is still possible to hear the person next to you speak. The venue is directly next door to Brooklyn Brewery and has all of their beer on tap. I had their Belgian wheat beer, which was so good I will never be able to drink Blue Moon again. As the Dead fans descended upon the posh neighborhood of Williamsburg, the locals were certainly in the minority. Shady behavior was kept to a minimum, partly due to proper planning in the venue’s layout. There is an outside area were the community can meet up, talk and share but no reentry once someone leaves. This lets people enjoy being outside in front of the venue, while limiting certain forms of questionable profiteering that can go on in the street.

The trio took the stage a little late due to the Yankees game. Weir came out with an acoustic and Wasserman with his upright bass. They opened with Bob Dylan‘s “Maggie’s Farm,” and then nailed The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” “Desolation Row” was the second Dylan song of the night and lent itself well to Weir’s dramatic vocals. Weir then switched from his acoustic to a hollow body, tobacco sunburst and sang Dylan’s classic “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” Though this is an old favorite, this version seemed special and sent a strong emotional feeling throughout the crowd.

Bob Weir – Scaring The Children :: 10.09

The second set included another Beatles cover and the trio was joined by Joe Russo on the drums for the rest of the night. Russo is a Brooklyn local and the man behind some of the best collaborations in live music right now. An energetic, jazz powerhouse, Russo is the backbeat of Weir’s Furthur project, where he plays with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. The musicians closed with the Dead’s rocking version of the traditional “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad.” The jam was high energy, as usual, and had the entire crowd singing along. Weir played his signature bluesy licks and pulled off a solid solo during the climax. Taking a full throttle solo is rare for the largely rhythm guitarist, but he nailed it on this occasion.

Photographer Robert Chapman is a machine. He can go for hours without sleep to serve the music. After the show Chapman suggested we go to Sullivan Hall to hear Bonerama, who are in the midst of a Friday residency. There were some interesting guests on the bill, including Eric Krasno, Nigel Hall and The Colin Brown Band. I only first heard of Bonerama this year from a flier for the Bear Creek Music Festival. They are a New Orleans band who have actually been around for some time and are currently touring the North East.

Krasno was playing out of a Marshal Stack on a Gibson that looked very similar to Weir’s semi-acoustic, but it was a solid body. I arrived just in time to see Nigel Hall and Krasno sitting in with Bonerama, along with members of the Colin Brown Band and RatDog’s saxophonist Kenny Brooks, who was playing a tiny saxophone. They played an instrumental of The Beatles’ “Get Back,” one of Krasno’s signature tunes, and a rendition of The Allman Brothers‘ “Whipping Post.” The four horns from Bonerama played the part of what would be Gregg Allman’s passionate vocals, with the brass set loose in the New Orleans style.

Heading out of Sullivan Hall with a peace sign and star stamped on my hand, I pondered the evening and how I got into this mess. The arrival of Brooklyn Bowl on the scene is certainly a game changer for the musical topography of Brooklyn, and as goes NYC so does the country. Perhaps with The Bowl fortifying good music in the city, improvisational rock will regain its proper place in the hearts and minds of urban Americans everywhere.

Scaring The Children :: 10.09.09 :: Brooklyn Bowl :: Brooklyn, NY

Set I: Maggie’s Farm > Easy Answers > Loose Lucy, Blackbird > Victim Or The Crime > Desolation Row, When I Paint My Masterpiece > Even So

Set II: October Queen > The Deep End > The Other One > Bass/Drums* > Dear Prudence* > GDTRFB*

* – with Joe Russo

Continue reading for more images of Scaring The Children in Brooklyn…

JamBase | Tip o’ Things
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WSP & ABB | 10.09 & 10.10 | Birmingham

October 13th, 2009 | No Comments

Words by: Frank Etheridge | Images by: Ian Rawn

Widespread Panic & The Allman Brothers Band :: 10.10.09 :: BJCC Arena :: Birmingham, AL

John Bell | 10.10 | Alabama

“Happy birthday, Allman Brothers! Happy birthday, everybody!”

With these words, Widespread Panic frontman John Bell not only extended warm birthday wishes to the opening Allman Brothers on the occasion of their 40th anniversary, he also delivered, in vintage JB inflection, a succinct summation of a five-hour marathon of music that was nothing short of life-affirming.

Bell’s stage banter is a barometer of the band’s mood and energy, and on this Saturday night in Birmingham, it revealed a playfulness and joy that shined throughout a night that was more collaboration than co-bill, more celebration than concert. This tour partnering two Georgia-bred juggernauts, which disappointingly bypassed their home state, was long overdue; a dream-come-true for fans of blues-based improvisational rock, that even in consideration of the loftiest, dearly held expectations, met any and all promises. All the players in both bands seemed to share JB’s sentiment, with their playing inspired and fueled by an infectious energy that was amazingly levels beyond the quality Friday night show for a stellar two-set, two-encore show Saturday night.

The Allmans kicked the night off with a raucous start featuring Muddy Waters’ classic “Trouble No More.” It was readily apparent by the time Derek Trucks‘ searing licks introduced “Can’t Lose What You Never Had” that the band brought their A-game. An early highlight came in the song’s refrain – “Got drunk/ Burned it down/ Now people ain’t that sad” – that encapsulates a key theme of the band. As grizzly veteran frontman Gregg Allman belted out this cautionary tale, his tone became his essence in revealing, on the surface, a defense-mechanism flippancy buoyed by a deeply seeded seasoned wisdom key to Gregg and ABB’s survival and perseverance. Been there, done that? This legend certainly has, and on Saturday night, preaching to the choir, showed proof positive that he’s even managed to live to tell about it.

The Allman Brothers w/ JB | 10.10 | Alabama

“You Don’t Love Me” found the band really opening up for some intense improvisation as the double-edged attack of Warren Haynes and Trucks’ guitars sailed over Allman’s organ. The ubiquitous, but always-appreciated, “Soulshine” came next. With countless Gov’t Mule renditions setting its standard for this reviewer, it was a breath of fresh air to have Allman take the lead vocals and give it a toned-down, more traditional blues feel. The uptempo “Stand Back” put the band’s groovy shoes on as they danced about a relentless jam that rode on waves of expert drum rolls that propelled even more screeching guitar wails.

Haynes’ introduction of JB, something along the lines of, “You guys know JB?” was obviously, sarcastically, rhetorical, but the crowd, significantly larger on Saturday than Friday, roared its response of recognition. In contrast to many of the stops on this tour, younger Spreadheads dominated the audience, though there was mercifully enough gray hair and Daytona Bike Week t-shirts to counterbalance the dready factor and help keep the waves of patchouli wafting through the air at bay. Bell switched verses with Haynes on an excellent cover of Van Morrison’s “And It Stoned Me,” a poem penned by one of Bell’s idols that is ideal for his voice.

Rollicking versions of Allman Brothers staples “Revival” and “Statesboro Blues” were next and preceded the night’s highlight: “Mountain Jam.” This never-ending instrumental is dismissed by some, primarily those that find the Allmans a classic-rock FM radio act and not the Southern sojourners of truth they are in their best live moments. Sure, “Mountain Jam” can be an endless noodle long enough to go home, cut the grass, and come back without missing a thing, but Saturday night it was a beautiful melody from the start as a long, spacey intro eventually fell sway to a guitar crunch. Drummers Jaimoe and Butch Trucks worked their kits in amazing syncopation to unleash a powerful, primal rhythm. Col. Bruce Hampton – another Georgia legend that connects more than his fair share of the dots in the non-linear lineage the Brothers and Panic share – graced the stage to belt out a few verses of “Smokestack Lightning,” with “Spoonful” teases swirling about it, before an abrupt, but classically Colonel, departure as “Mountain Jam” took over again.

Oteil Burbridge – ABB | 10.10 | Alabama

Unlike most shows on this tour, the Allmans as opener were provided a well-deserved encore slot they filled with “Black Hearted Woman,” marked by pounding teases of the Grateful Dead’s “The Eleven.” The lush acoustics of “Little Martha” as set break PA music was icing on the (birthday) cake.

Panic opened their set with an instrumental of their own, “The Take Out,” an old school number with a few twists played remarkably well. “Diner” meandered into a brief rap by JB that carried the song out into a flawless “Rock.” A monstrous intro provided one of those jaw-dropping Panic moments, reminiscent of their days thriving as a six-headed beast, where all members’ individual music cedes to a crazed collective and begs the question, “How the fuck are they making that sound?”

“There’s nothing logical ’bout this” was Bell’s introduction to DJ Logic‘s appearance on the subsequent “Dying Man,” his effort giving an edgy dimension, a la the ‘Til the Medicine Takes version with Colin Butler as DJ.

The silky-smooth funk of War’s “Slipping into Darkness” followed and took a nasty, wonderfully dirty Panic turn. A chatty JB then looked about to introduce Gregg Allman. “Can’t see him,” Bell beamed as he finally made eye contact with Allman. They shared vocals on a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just like a Woman,” though Bell’s voice was primarily the only audible one. In a gesture evident of the family vibe that has taken shape this tour, the always-humble, appropriately reverent Bell bowed to Allman as he exited stage left.

Dave Schools – WSP | 10.10

Bassist Dave Schools cooked up a sinister bass intro to “Bust It Big,” which was eventually taken over by the frenetic keys of John “JoJo” Hermann, who deftly moved from ragtime to funk in a fine display of his prowess on a night that found his playing both inspired and free-wheeling. DJ Logic reappeared during “Drums,” which segued into a rollicking jam between Schools and percussionists Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz and Todd Nance. A soaring “Airplane” came next, with an incredible, trademark “take-off jam.” JoJo again dominated in his intro to “Good People,” which he peppered with a minute-long “Dark Bar” rap. An excellent “Junior” closed the set.

The lights at Panic shows are seldom noteworthy (Charlotte 2008 being a MAJOR exception to this due to the insane “lightning storm” during “Drums”). Saturday night, and perhaps its been this way throughout the whole tour with the Allmans, the lights were simply incredible, always spot-on, highlighting individual members during solos and fading to black as jams began, and spinning wildly as they took form. The spotlight was on JB for “Expiration Day” in the encore, the singer awash in purple and red hues as he seemed to serenade the crowd with this paean to true love, a simple life well lived, and the peaceful contentment that exists only in those virtues.

One of Panic’s best qualities is their capacity to encompass the entire gamut of human emotion, to express and embrace both the yin & yang. This hallmark reared its head as the misty-eyed serenity of “Expiration Day” moved into a snarling, fierce take on Tom Waits’ “Going Out West” to close the show, slapping the crowd on the ass as they headed out the door into an Alabama Saturday night.

The Allman Brothers Band Setlist:

Midnight Rider, Trouble No More, Can’t Lose What You Never Had, You Don’t Love Me, Soulshine, Stand Back, And It Stoned Me*, Revival, Statesboro Blues, Mountain Jam > Smokestack Lightnin’** > Mountain Jam

E: Black Hearted Woman

* w/ with John Bell, guitar & vox; James van de Bogert, drums

** w/ with Colonel Bruce Hampton, vocals

Widespread Panic Setlist:

The Take Out > Diner > Rock > Porch Song, Dyin’ Man*, Slippin’ Into Darkness**, Just Like A Woman***, Bust It Big**** > Drums > Airplane > Pilgrims > Goodpeople > Dark Bar > Goodpeople > Junior

E: Expiration Day > Goin’ Out West

* with DJ Logic on turntables

** with Marc Quinones on percussion, Warren Haynes on guitar

*** with Gregg Allman on vocals

**** with Warren Haynes on guitar

Continue reading for more images of Panic and the Allmans in Alabama, including shots from the previous night…

10.09.09 :: Fri :: BJCC Arena :: Birmingham, AL

Widespread Panic:

Hatfield > Walkin’ (For Your Love) > Wondering, Tickle the Truth > Chainsaw City > Machine > Arleen > Space Wrangler, Her Dance Needs No Body > Greta > Drums* > Maggot Brain** > Time Is Free*** > Give

* with DJ Logic on turntables

** with Derek Trucks on guitar

*** with Col. Bruce Hampton on vocals, Derek Trucks on guitar, Oteil Burbridge on bass

['Time Is Free' without Dave]

JB & Col. Bruce

The Allman Brothers Band:

Done Somebody Wrong, Come and Go Blues, End Of The Line, The Weight*, Key To The Highway*, Rocking Horse, Dreams**, Highway 61 Revisited***, Into The Mystic****, Leave My Blues at Home, Melissa, Jessica

E: One Way Out*****

* with JoJo Hermann, piano

** with Dave Schools, bass

*** with John Bell, guitar & vocals; Dave Schools, bass; James van de Bogert, drums

**** with James van de Bogert, drums

***** with Jimmy Herring, guitar

Haynes, D. Trucks, Bell, B. Trucks, Schools
Herring & Trucks










Col. Bruce

Continue reading for more images of Panic and the Allmans in Alabama…

10.10.09 :: Sat :: BJCC Arena :: Birmingham, AL

The Allman Brothers Band:

Midnight Rider, Trouble No More, Can’t Lose What You Never Had, You Don’t Love Me, Soulshine, Stand Back, And It Stoned Me*, Revival, Statesboro Blues, Mountain Jam > Smokestack Lightnin’** > Mountain Jam

E: Black Hearted Woman

* w/ with John Bell, guitar & vox; James van de Bogert, drums

** w/ with Colonel Bruce Hampton, vocals

Widespread Panic:

The Take Out > Diner > Rock > Porch Song, Dyin’ Man*, Slippin’ Into Darkness**, Just Like A Woman***, Bust It Big**** > Drums > Airplane > Pilgrims > Goodpeople > Dark Bar > Goodpeople > Junior

E: Expiration Day > Goin’ Out West

* with DJ Logic on turntables

** with Marc Quinones on percussion, Warren Haynes on guitar

*** with Gregg Allman on vocals

**** with Warren Haynes on guitar

Widespread Panic and The Allman Brothers Band perform together again Tuesday night (10/13/09) at World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, TN. Complete tour dates available here.

JamBase | Pedigreed
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Phish: Festival 8 Band To Play Last Record Alive

September 29th, 2009 | No Comments

Phish Festival 8: Band To Play Last Record Alive

Phish‘s Festival 8 site has released a list of 99 albums of which the band will pick one to play on Halloween.

Several albums have already been “killed off” and a note on the site indicates that Phish will “play the last record alive.” See below for a complete list, including those that have already been “killed.”

Special thanks to jamtopia.com for compiling the potential albums list below.

Possible Phish Halloween Cover Albums

Phish

What album do you want them to play? Tell the world on the JamBase Forums.

Allman Brothers/WSP | 09.01 & 02 | Chicago

September 10th, 2009 | No Comments

Words & Videos by: Herschel Concepcion | Images by: Norman Sands

Allman Brothers Band/Widespread Panic :: 09.01.09 & 09.02.09 :: Charter One Pavilion :: Chicago, IL

Widespread Panic :: 09.02 :: Chicago, IL

I remember the rush of excitement I felt when the Allman Brothers/Widespread Panic co-bill tour was first announced. It was last spring, and I was giddy like a schoolgirl with the latest gossip, calling all of my friends and sharing the news with anyone who would listen, and why not? Here were two of my favorite bands that between them boast three of the top five guitarists out there today, and they would be playing right here in Chicago – two nights – and I would be damned if anything could stop me from witnessing this historic tour.

Needless to say, it would be a long summer for me as I counted down the days until what I believed would be the best shows the city would see all year. Of course, there was plenty of good music to tide me over in the meantime – String Cheese at Rothbury was one of the most intense musical experiences I’ve ever had, and Phish at Alpine wasn’t too shabby either – but when it comes down to it, it’s true blue rock & roll that really stirs my blood. And when it comes to that, the Allmans and Panic are two of the best.

Tuesday, 09.01

Charter One Pavilion is my favorite venue in the city. It’s a temporary structure, taken down every fall and reassembled in the spring. One of the few outdoor venues in the city, it sits on a little peninsula, bordered to the west by Burnham Harbor and beyond that by Soldier Field. The Field Museum sits to the northwest, the Shedd Aquarium to the north, and to the east, the great stretch of water that is Lake Michigan, a vast expanse of rippling waves that glittered under the evening sun that day.

Haynes & Trucks – Allman Brothers :: 09.01 :: Chicago, IL

Chicago would be the final stop of the first leg of the tour, with Panic set to close the first night and the Allman Brothers the second. Each act was scheduled to play a full two-hour set with no set breaks (except for between bands), for a total of eight straight hours of music over the two-day period.

The Allmans hit the ground running, blasting out “Done Somebody Wrong” and “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’” before getting real bluesy with a “Woman Across the River” that saw lead guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks playing off each other tastefully. After a deep solo by Gregg Allman on the keys, Trucks launched into one of his trademark screaming slide runs. Never one to sit back long, Haynes got mean and heavy with his response, and by the end of the song he and Trucks were firing off licks back and forth. It was downright filthy, real dirty, gritty stuff – and exactly what we’d come here for.

The Brothers were hot now, and it would only get better from there. After the pounding instrumental “Hot’Lanta,” featuring the percussive talents of Marc Quinones, and some more of Trucks’ aching slide on “Stand Back,” the band turned out a great rendition of the always uplifting “Revival” to lighten the mood a bit, and there were more than a few smiles in the crowd as the song took effect.

Ortiz & Schools :: 09.01 :: Chicago, IL

Traffic’s Dave Mason then took the stage, adding guitar and vocals to “Only You Know and I Know” and an extra funky “Feelin’ Alright.” After a jazzy, extended “Dreams” it was time for the second surprise guest of the night as Chicago’s very own Buddy Guy joined the Allmans for “The Sky Is Crying” and “You Don’t Love Me.” It was a bit surreal to watch this combination of jam and blues legends all on one stage, like witnessing a piece of history that one might’ve seen 40 years ago. And these guys clearly still have it, rocking out harder than most men half their age. This was definitely no nostalgia act.

After fan favorite “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” the Allmans closed out their set with a double encore featuring “Melissa” and “Trouble No More.” The “Melissa” was particularly sweet, and began with some poignant soloing by Haynes as the band filtered back onstage with Gregg on rhythm guitar, his gentle but rough, blues-hardened voice as soulful and true as ever.

Not to be outdone, Widespread Panic took full advantage of their first closing spot of the tour, taking the stage 15 minutes earlier than their scheduled set time and jumping right into “Disco” and “Henry Parsons Died.” After a heavy “Bears Gone Fishin’,” the band brought up Derek Trucks for a 15-plus minute, jammed out “Ride Me High.” “Angels On High” was followed by the band’s first-ever rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman” that found Gregg Allman on his Hammond B3, trading lyrics with Panic’s John Bell.

Allman stayed onstage as Haynes came on to add some six-string work to a highly charged version of the Grateful Dead’s “Turn On Your Lovelight,” a great and welcome surprise to the lucky audience who had already been enjoying a night of great music and guest appearances. But the sit-ins were far from over as Trucks came back out to the stage, where he would remain for the rest of the set.

Widespread Panic :: 09.01 :: Chicago, IL

One of the highlights of the night was a “Papa’s Home” sandwich that featured some terrific interplay between Trucks and Panic’s very own guitar wizard Jimmy Herring. After a nice drums session by skins man Todd Nance and percussionist “Sunny” Ortiz came an extra elevated “Climb to Safety,” followed by a “North” that brought out Haynes, who stayed for the encore – a down home and dirty “Bowlegged Woman” that saw the band play for 15 minutes past their allotted set time. Combined with their early start, that’s a total of 30 minutes of extra music.

With the first night officially a success, there was actually some apprehension expressed by a few fans. “How can you top that?” they asked. “That shit was incredible.” Silly hippies, I thought. This ain’t their first rodeo and these super-pros always know how to up the ante.

The Allman Brothers Band:

Jam > Done Somebody Wrong, Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’, Woman Across The River, Hot ‘Lanta, Stand Back, Revival, Only You Know and I Know*, Feelin’ Alright**, Dreams, The Sky Is Crying***, You Don’t Love Me***, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed

E: Melissa, Trouble No More

* w/ Dave Mason

** w/ Dave Mason & JoJo Herman

*** w/ Buddy Guy

Widespread Panic:

Disco > Henry Parsons Died, Bear’s Gone Fishin’ > Ride Me High* > Diner > Angels on High, Just Like A Woman** > Turn On Your Love Light***, Papa’s Home* > Drums > Climb To Safety* > Papa’s Home* > North****

E: Bowlegged Woman****

* w/ Derek Trucks on guitar

** w/ Gregg Allman on organ

*** w/ Gregg Allman on organ, Warren Haynes on guitar

**** w/ Derek Trucks on guitar, Warren Haynes on guitar

[Only "Just Like A Woman." Last "Turn On Your Love Light" - 09/24/97, 971 shows]

Continue reading for Wednesday’s coverage of The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic…

Wednesday, 09.02

Herring, Hermann, Bell – WSP :: 09.02 :: Chicago, IL

Wednesday’s weather was just as beautiful as Tuesday, albeit with an added electricity in the air. Both bands’ performances had been stellar the night before, and now it was time for round two.

Panic opened their set with a trifecta off their 1991 self-titled album, “Send Your Mind,” “Walkin’ (For Your Love)” and “Makes Sense to Me.” Then came the classic “Pigeons,” which showcased more of Herring’s always plentiful, incendiary guitar work. Honestly, the guy’s a god on his instrument. One of the most technically proficient guitarists out there, Herring can shred an entire song and not play the same lick twice. And he does it with feeling, too, one of the few musicians who can make my head feel like it might explode when he plays.

Panic brought Derek Trucks back out once again, unleashing him on “Mercy” and “Rock.” “Love Tractor” brought the dance party back and featured some more intense soloing by Herring. A fat, funky bass line by Dave Schools – who’s got one of the best tones of any bassist I’ve ever heard – laid down the groundwork for a lead-in to “Barstools and Dreamers,” with Schools plucking away as Herring tore it up and “JoJo” Hermann worked the keys.

Haynes stepped onstage to join Panic for the last two songs of their set, “Me and the Devil Blues” and a downright nasty cover of Neil Young’s “Last Dance” that consisted mostly of Herring and Haynes showing a wide-eyed Charter One crowd exactly what the electric guitar was made for. By the end of their set, Panic played every song off 1991′s self-titled sophomore effort, most of them in order. With the additions of “Last Dance” and “Me and the Devil,” this was truly a remarkable show.

Gregg Allman – Allman Brothers :: 09.02 :: Chicago, IL

With what I’d seen up to this point, it raised the question: how do you top two straight nights of A-grade performances? Easy, just deliver an A+ performance. The Allman Brothers were up for the challenge, and with their final set of the two-night Chicago run they showed the Windy City why they are still one of the greatest rock bands on the planet.

They exploded as soon they hit the stage with the hard-driving “Statesboro Blues,” an opener often reserved for special nights full of heated jams and powerful song selection. “One Way Out” pushed the crowd into a dancing fit, and “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” slowed the tempo a bit before the band brought it down even more with some low, loose jamming that eventually melted into a full-blown “Rocking Horse.” This is where the show really took off. Haynes started out with some smooth soloing and built it up to where his guitar was just screaming, a visceral collage of meaty tones and piercing notes blasting from the stage. “Midnight Rider” is always good to hear, and “Leave My Blues At Home” featured some nice guitar work from Trucks and Haynes, but it was the cover of Van Morrison’s “And It Stoned Me,” featuring Panic’s John Bell, that really hit home. Bell stayed onstage as fellow bandmate JoJo Hermann came up for a sit-in on Bob Dylan’s “It Takes A Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train to Cry,” one of the best versions I’d ever heard.

What happened next I can’t really put into words. That was when – after it appeared we couldn’t get any higher – the Allmans took it to the proverbial next level. After achieving liftoff with an outrageously rockin’ “Black Hearted Woman,” the band brought JoJo, Schools and Herring out for an absolutely ridiculous “Southbound” that completely blew away the version I’d seen them play last year with the North Mississippi Allstars’ Luther Dickinson. The guitar work on this one was fierce and charged with an energy that only the most talented of musicians can dream of channeling.

The Allman Brothers Band :: 09.02 :: Chicago, IL

Herring stuck around and played the blues on “Stormy Monday” before the Allmans, who have never shied away from pushing their own limits, began with the rolling drum work of Jaimoe Johanson and Butch Trucks that would soon evolve into “Mountain Jam.” This is the song I’d come hoping to hear. An epic instrumental tour de force, I recognized it immediately. I felt that giddy schoolgirl anticipation building up again, a burst of exhilaration that shot through me as soon as I heard the signature riff. Once again, hearing this song was an experience that I can’t quite put into words, and I’m not sure how the Allmans do it, but “Mountain Jam” is one of those rare melodies that puts many people, including this writer, in a state of pure euphoria every time they play it.

How do you top that? How can you possibly go any higher? Well after the melodic, spiritually uplifting performance I’d just witnessed, there was only one direction to go. We needed something heavy, something solid to ground us. We needed “Whipping Post,” and though I was still floored by the “Mountain Jam,” I think deep down I knew this was the only option for a closer, the only thing that would tie it all together and bring proper closure to the night. And the version we got was vicious; it tore at my heart and soul. Interspersed in the song were a few minutes of beauty that resonated in the very depths of my being, then the return to wickedness, a fierce explosion of screaming guitar that shook me and pierced me and rattled my bones.

I am still confounded by the memory of what I experienced that night, and when I think back and try to make sense of it all, I can’t. I shake my head and say nothing; a slight chill runs through my body. That is not an exaggeration – it was that good. No show can touch a night with both the Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic. And if you don’t believe me, go see for yourself. Me, on the other hand, I just might head down to Charlotte next month for another taste of the most powerful double bill I have ever experienced.

Widespread Panic:

Send Your Mind, Walkin’ (For Your Love) > Makes Sense To Me, Pigeons, Mercy* > Rock*, C. Brown > Love Tractor, Weight Of The World, I’m Not Alone > Barstools and Dreamers, Proving Ground > The Last Straw, Me And The Devil Blues**, Last Dance**

* w/ Derek Trucks on guitar

** w/ Warren Haynes on guitar

The Allman Brothers Band:

Statesboro > One Way Out, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Rockin’ Horse > Midnight Rider, Leave My Blues At Home, And It Stoned Me*, It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry** > Other One Jam > Black Hearted Woman, Southbound***, Stormy Monday****, Mountain Jam > Drums & Bass > 3rd Stone From The Sun Jam > Mountain Jam

E: Whipping Post

* w/ John Bell

** w/ John Bell and JoJo Herman

*** w/ Dave Schools, JoJo Herman, Jimmy Herring

**** w/ Jimmy Herring

Continue reading for videos and more photos of The Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic in Chicago…

Tuesday, 09.01
The Allman Brothers Band

Widespread Panic










Widespread Panic with Derek Trucks

Continue reading for even more photos of The Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic in Chicago…

Wednesday, 09.02
Widespread Panic








Widespread Panic with Warren Haynes

The Allman Brothers Band

Continue reading for videos of The Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic in Chicago…

The Allman Brothers Band at Charter One – 09.01.09 – “Feelin’ Alright” (ft. Dave Mason)

The Allman Brothers Band at Charter One – 09.01.09 – “The Sky Is Crying” (ft. Buddy Guy)

Widespread Panic at Charter One – 09.01.09 – “Ride Me High” (ft. Derek Trucks)

Widespread Panic at Charter One – 09.01.09 – “Bowlegged Woman” (ft. Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks)

Widespread Panic at Charter One – 09.02.09 – “Pigeons”

Widespread Panic at Charter One – 09.02.09 – “Last Dance” (ft. Warren Haynes)

Allman Brothers Band at Charter One – 09.02.09 – “Southbound” (ft. Dave Schools, Jimmy Herring, and JoJo Hermann)

Allman Brothers Band at Charter One – 09.02.09 – “Whipping Post”

The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic return to the road on October 3 in Charlotte, NC. Complete dates available here.

JamBase | Promised Land
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Frequency Festival | 08.20-08.22 | Vienna

August 31st, 2009 | No Comments

Words by: Lindsay Colip | Images by: Steven Walter

Frequency Festival :: 08.20.09 – 08.22.09 :: St. Polten, Austria

Frequency Festival 2009

Frequency Festival, in St. Polten, Austria (outside Vienna), was JamBase’s last stop on our European Festival circuit. For the first time in eight years, the park had been moved from Salzburg to St. Polten and the seven stages had been split into two different parks, the DayPark and NightPark. The DayPark had four stages – The Race Stage (Radiohead, Bloc Party, Kasabian, Jet, Ting Tings, Editors, Subways), The Green Stage (Grace Jones, Little Boots, Enter Shikari, Ska-P), Weekender UK Stage (Airborne Toxic Event, Official Secrets Act, The Black Box Revelation) and the Open Air Stage (bands who won an earlier online contest), while the NightPark had The Electro Floor (Crystal Castles, Eric Prydz, Crystal Method), Urban Art Forms Floor (Carl Cox, MSTRKRFT), and NME Floor (Kele Okereke from Bloc Party, Michael Mac vs. Fake Lashes, Andy Rourke from The Smiths). It was a lineup sure to be insane, bringing thousands of teenagers with raging hormones out from their parent’s houses and into the dust.

Thursday, August 20

It was bloody hot and the only appropriate attire was bikinis and boardies. Unless you came fully clothed, in which case you probably ran through the sprinklers or got hosed off by one of the security guards. The overall scene can be described in four words: teenagers on the loose. The average age was 17, maybe even younger. These kids seemed frantic to smoke, drink and make out as much as humanly possible. Which meant that at 3 p.m. on the first day of the fest people were already passing out and slurring their words. What little variety of beverage and food that existed was pretty expensive, and the venue didn’t have any water stands readily available to refill your cup either, so unfortunately you had to keep buying more and more plastic. I also realized how much I appreciated the hand sanitizers that were everywhere at the other festivals but absent here. Toilet paper was also in short supply. So, a hormonally challenged crowd, bad bathrooms (for chicks), blah scenery, no free water and expensive food. My immediate thought was the music better kick ass.

Enter Shikari :: Frequency Fest 2009

Glasvegas, a Scottish alt-rock band that had previously under-whelmed me at Melt! Festival (JamBase review here), took the Main Stage first. James Allan (lead vocals, guitar) started the day saying, “Austria, I fucking love you already. The girls are incredible and they aren’t wearing much!” Supporting Allan was Rab Allan (lead guitar, backing vocals), Paul Donoghue (bass) and Caroline McKay (drums). Besides a Christmas record they put out last year, they’ve released just one self-titled studio album. So far it has brought them plenty of press and praise, including being nominated for approximately 13 awards and most notably winning the Phillip Hall Radar Award (NME Awards). They’ve also supported Oasis on tour and are about to play a few dates with U2. So why do I still think this is an incredibly boring band? I simply can’t get into their overly dramatic (but not in a fun Editors or White Lies way) and uninspiring sound. Am I missing something?

From here I went over to the Green Stage to catch Enter Shikari, the opening band on tour with The Prodigy this summer. The crowd seemed extremely amped up way before the guys even came onstage. When they finally ran out, I understood why. This is a high-octane, head banging, post-hardcore screamo band from the U.K. Electronica mixed with hard beats, dirty bass and plenty of screaming. This isn’t my scene, however to be fair, they were really entertaining. Roughton “Rou” Reynolds (vocals, electronics), Liam “Rory” Clewlow (guitar, vocals), Chris Batten (bass, vocals) and Rob Rolfe (drums) played their instruments with energy and style, spinning and jumping and beating the crap out of the poor things. They played plenty of songs off of their new album, Common Dread, and I fully understand why The Prodigy would want this in your face, energetic act on the ticket.

Kasabian :: Frequency Fest 2009

Back to the Main Stage, where Jet had just started. This Aussie rock ‘n’ roll band was at its best again today. The crowd loved their old school rock sound, singing enthusiastically along to favorites “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” and “Cold Hard Bitch.” They played several from their new album, Shaka Rock as well, including “She’s A Genius” (which is definitely the song to download) and “Beat On Repeat.” Frontman Nic Cester was singing/screaming his heart out and his scratchy voice sounded absolutely perfect live. A highlight of the show was when Cester’s brother and drummer, Chris Cester, sang a few of the songs from behind his drum set, including “Holiday.” The other members rounding out the band were Cameron Muncey (lead guitar) and Mark Wilson (bass). They had to play a very short set, like most of the earliest performers did, so they didn’t get to play very many songs off of their new album, but I think the crowd got the idea. If you like rock ‘n’ roll, you will like this band. Period.

“How’s everybody doin’? We’re The Ting Tings. Pleased to meet ya!” Katie White said as she greeted her audience. The other half of the electro-pop U.K. duo, Jules De Martino, was already out onstage, rocking the keyboard, drums AND guitar, all on one song. These two put on quite an impressive, entertaining show. The wild outfits, the fist pumping/dancing around, the multiple instrument playing and their dynamic stage presence make them a hard act to beat, if you want to dance and sing, that is. They played catchy sing-alongs such as “Great DJ,” “Shut Up and Let Me Go” “Fruit Machine” and ended on mega cult hit “That’s Not My Name.” Although a fantastically entertaining and enthusiastic show, it was the exact same show as Sziget Festival (JamBase review here). If you plan on seeing these guys (and you should) just don’t expect to see something different from show to show. Further, good luck NOT getting “That’s Not My Name” stuck in your head. Impossible.

Kasabian, an alt-rock band from the U.K., blew the crowd away. Tom Meighan (lead vocals), having just been quarantined in Sydney literally DAYS before because of Swine Flu, put on an impressive show. His other bandmates had been sick as well, but nobody showed signs of being sluggish or tired. Meighan was supported by guitarist/backup vocalist Sergio Pizzorno, bassist Chris Edwards, drummer Ian Matthews, touring guitarist Jay Mehler and touring keyboardist Ben Kealey. They played for almost two hours, including packed arena favorites “Club Foot,” “LSF,” “Underdog,” “Processed Beats” and “Shoot the Runner,” as well as newbies off their latest album, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, including “Fire” and “Where Did All The Love Go?” Catchy lyrics, good beats, great guitar riffs and a nice blend of rock & roll and electronic, their new album is a definite grab if you like these guys.

Continue reading for Friday’s coverage…

Friday, August 21

Frequency Festival 2009

First up was Milow, aka Jonathan Vandenbroeck, a 27-year-old Belgium singer-songwriter. The ONLY reason I had heard of this guy was because his super popular and cheesy 50 Cent cover, “Ayo Technology,” had been on every single radio station since I arrived in Europe back in June. The cover has received more success than the original in Europe and his video has gotten over 20 million hits on YouTube. That being said, Milow wants to be known for more than this cover song. He wants to be taken seriously as a musician and I wanted to give him that chance. What I witnessed was definitely a sensitive singer-songwriter, along the lines of a James Taylor or Bob Mould. He happily sang folksy love song after folksy love song to the semi-confused crowd. Where was the smarmy “Ayo Technology” guy they wanted to see? Vandenbroeck even played a cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” so there’s that. The music was so fluffy and sugared that I had to leave. I couldn’t even stay for his ‘hit’ song.

To put things back on track was Little Boots, aka Victoria Christina Hesketh, an electro-pop singer/musician from the U.K. She plays keys, piano, stylophone and some crazy Japanese instrument called the Tenori-On. Having only put out one studio album, Hands, she’s amassing quite a following and so I wanted to check out the hype. All five feet of her came out smiling in a cute, silver futuristic dress with her bleach blond hair in Princess Lei buns. She certainly resembled Kylie Minogue in size and appearance but in no way did she hold a candle to Miss Minogue’s stage presence, swagger or song quality. Hesketh definitely has something about her – a pleasant sweet voice, a cute package, a desire to get people disco dancing – but she isn’t delivering yet. Her popular songs “New In Town” and “Stuck On Repeat” weren’t catchy lyrically nor made me want to dance. As opposed to say The Ting Tings, who make one want to shake-shake regardless of what they’re playing, what Hesketh might need is for someone to get a hold of her and help her grow into the pop star she has the potential to be. I was hoping for much more and perhaps in a year or so, she’ll be someone to enjoy watching.

Radiohead :: Frequency Fest 2009

Next, it was off to the Main Stage for Bloc Party, where the sold out crowd crushed towards the front for an almost two-hour mega dance/mosh show. Like their performance at Sziget Festival last week, they were high-energy and loads of fun. Old hits “Banquet,” “Hunting for Witches,” “Helicopter,” “Mercury,” “Two More Years,” “This Modern Love” and “Signs” were flung into the air, as well as new single “One More Chance.” Kele Okereke broke a guitar string for the first time in years because of his excesses rocking out, which only brought the crowd into more of a frenzy. The cool thing about this performance was that it was completely different from the setlist at Sziget and Melt! Festival. Thank you, Bloc Party, for shaking it up a bit. Yes, they played several of the same songs, but nothing like the verbatim Oasis or Ting Tings back-to-back shows we saw. Much appreciated. If you want to dance and be yelled at by a frontman with the biggest smile EVER, go see these guys. A fun sing-and-dance-along show.

And then came Radiohead. The most impressive crowd I’ve seen all summer pushed, shoved and finally crunched itself into a tight Tetris like formation and waited for Thom Yorke and company to come out and smack the absolute shit out of them. I couldn’t keep my eyes off Jonny Greenwood (“the mad scientist” as photographer Walt calls him), who seamlessly goes from ATTACKING his guitar to tinkering on the piano to making beat after wicked beat on whatever the hell he uses. There are so many wires, buttons and gadgets that he uses that it’s impossible to tell what’s going on, which makes the sound even more impressive. You can’t understand it, nor can you understand how the hell Yorke comes up with the music. The stage was set like last year’s tour, with the hanging icicle lights glowing with crazy colors. The HD screens were back as well, with close-up shots of each of the member’s face/body parts. Honestly, the show was leaps and bounds more remarkable than any I’ve seen since my arrival in Europe that it’s almost unfair to compare. Radiohead is a different league of musicians/creators/aliens.

Radiohead Setlist

15 Step, There There, Airbag, All I Need, Kid A, The National Anthem, Nude, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, The Gloaming, Myxomatosis, Climbing Up The Walls, Street Spirit (Fade Out), Videotape, Jigsaw Falling Into Place, Karma Police, Bodysnatchers, Idioteque
Encore: These Are My Twisted Words, Pyramid Song, Reckoner, (Nice Dream), Paranoid Android
Encore 2: Everything In Its Right Place

Continue reading for Saturday’s coverage…

Saturday, August 22

The Sounds :: Frequency Fest 2009

What is it with festivals either having extreme heat or excessive rain? To see if we really want to be here? To prove our dedication to the love of music? Regardless, despite heavy rains, the performances started on time and the first show on Sunday was Port O’Brien, a folk-indie rock group from Northern California. A little bit Modest Mouse, a little bit Vetiver, these guys sang their folk hearts out to a very small but dedicated crowd (because it was pouring rain). The band started out as folk duo Van Pierszalowski and Cambria Goodwin and soon after they added a rhythm section of Caleb Nichols and Joshua Barnhart. Pierszalowski works on his father’s fishing boat up on Kodiak Island, Alaska while Goodwin holds the title of head baker back on shore at Larsen Bay, and THIS is where they get most of their musical inspiration. Songs about being stuck at sea, living amongst beautiful wilderness, surviving the freezing cold weather, isolation and longing are beautifully penned by the duo. They harmonized and twanged their way through several songs off Threadbare, their new album coming out October 2009. A very pleasant, appealing, folksy sing-along band, Port O’Brien is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Cue The Sounds The Swedish new wave, punk synth pop group is led by a hottie in stilettos named Maja Ivarsson. A total Blondie throwback, she grinds, gyrates, squats and curses her way through each song, giving the front row quite a show. Although she has an incredibly sexy and tough stage presence, she remains approachable by constantly thanking the crowd for their support. The only problem is her voice is not good. It’s not bad or annoying, per se, but it’s just blah and flat, which sucks because she looks hot (unbelievable legs) and seems like a fireball. And the band behind her looked fantastic as well (think A Flock of Seagulls) and played their hearts out. The songs are actually quite good, too. Catchy lyrics, great synth, good dance beats, Atari sounds here and there, it all works for a fun dance band, EXCEPT her voice. Their third album, Crossing the Rubicon, came out this summer and they played several songs from it including “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake.” They also played some of their more popular songs, including “Painted By Numbers” (which I really enjoyed), “Living In America” and “Tony The Beat.” I’ll give them another try when Ivarsson gets some vocal training. Then again, what do I know; I like Crystal Castles and Alice Glass’ voice sounds like cars crashing.

Frequency Festival 2009

The Subways took the stage and even though the rain held, the crowd moved in. I had been introduced to this U.K. alt-rock band at Sziget Festival and although I didn’t like the music necessarily, I LOVED the performance. Billy Lunn (lead vocals, guitar) and Charlotte Cooper (bass, backing vocals) are so much fun to watch thrashing about onstage. And Cooper certainly thrashes; it looks as if her head is going to pop right off with each head thrust. Lunn dances and twirls about, frequently yelling at the crowd to “get craaaaazy!” amongst other things. They play with such intensity and enthusiasm that it is impossible to not join the party. Now that I knew the songs better, I really enjoyed the performance. I can honestly say that I probably will never buy one of their albums, but I wouldn’t miss one of their shows if they came to town.

After another 30 minutes of pouring rain, the Editors took the stage. Ah, how perfectly dramatic this U.K. dark indie group can be, reminiscent of a Phantom of the Opera performance – moody, dramatic, sexy, theatrical. Taking your eyes off of Tom Smith (lead vocals, guitar, keys) is impossible. He sings each song with such passion and enthusiasm it would be rude not to give him your full attention. With his booming, commanding voice he silences the crowd and stirs them into a frenzy as well. “Blood,” “All Sparks” and “Munich” were huge hits at this set, but really every song was just as good as the next. Their new album, In the Light and On This Evening, will be released in October, and from what I’ve heard it’s a little more synth friendly/heavy than previous albums. Based on the live versions it works as fantastic, dark indie disco rock.

Editors :: Frequency Fest 2009

All in all, Frequency Festival was sub par. The lineup was indeed great, with highlights being Radiohead, Editors, Jet, Kasabian, The Subways and Bloc Party. The crowd, however, was SUPER YOUNG, and it actually made more of a difference to my enjoyment than I’d expected. Excess pushing, shoving, drunkenness, shenanigans and a blatant disregard for others made it difficult to enjoy the scene. The food was so expensive that most people went to the supermarket down the street, which was an absolute shit storm each morning. Drink prices were hefty as well, prompting people to get completely sloshed before heading into the grounds. The fact that it was balls hot at times – so hot that people were passing out left and right – and so wet at other times that you had to fully commit to being soaked and frozen for the day, was unfortunate. But, alas, the Festival Gods wanted it that way. The grounds were nothing special nor interesting, especially after being to Melt! Festival (amongst the enormous At-Ats) and Sziget (set on an island in the Danube). Hell, even Lollapalooza, sitting amongst the beautiful cityscape of Chicago, or Sasquatch!, nestled at The Gorge in Washington, or even Outside Lands, perfectly placed in Golden Gate Park… now THOSE are settings for festivals, not some random patch of grass and gravel an hour outside of Vienna.

The music always saves the day. In this case, hearing Kasabian belt out “Fire,” Bloc Party rip open “Banquet,” The Ting Tings bop up and down to “Great DJ,” Editors croon to “Munich” and Radiohead serenade us with “Videotape” made everything okay. Better than okay, really. The point of these festivals is always the music and sometimes we get greedy. But hey, if you’re dishing out money in this day and age it better be worth it, right? That’s the whole point of the review, to answer the questions, “Who is worth opening my thin wallet for? Who deserves my love and affection?” I dare say, unless the lineup is off the freaking charts (Radiohead all day, every day?) then this is NOT the festival to propel you overseas. We never even made it over to the NightPark because the crowds were too insane (and not in a good way) and the lines to get on buses were outrageous (especially when it’s pouring rain). I’m sure that Crystal Castles, MSTRKRFT, Eric Prydz and The Crystal Method kicked ass because they did at all the other festivals. Frequency Festival is not to be frequented… unless you’re 17. Then, get after it!!!

Continue reading for more photos of Frequency Festival 2009…





Enter Shikari
Glasvegas
Jet
Eagles of Death Metal
Eagles of Death Metal


Radiohead




The Sounds
The Sounds
The Ting Tings
The Subways
The Subways
Little Boots
Kasabian
Kasabian
Milow
Port O’Brien

JamBase | Austria
Go See Live Music!

Monday Melody

July 27th, 2009 | No Comments

TURN IT UP A LITTLE BIT HIGHER

Van Morrison

Few things hit ya in your soul like the early work of Van Morrison. For about a decade at the start of his solo career after leaving Them he seemed to possess a divining rod that lead him straight to sweet musical waters, which he ladled out with a kind hand to us thirsty cats ‘n’ kittens. There’s a sense of being on a profound journey in Van’s early catalog, a purposeful momentum that invigorates day-to-day life. This vibe is rarely more apparent than “Caravan” off 1970′s Moondance, which celebrates the road and the power of music to uplift one’s life. The repeated cries of “radio, radio” make one wanna reach for the volume and answer to his call to crank it up “so you know you got soul.” Let this one carry you into a swell-as-hell week, children.

Snap! Bonus Van for your weekday pick-me-up with the hippie gospel saunter of “Call Me Up In Dreamland” from the indestructibly great His Band and Street Choir album.

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