No rest for the weary. It was listed as 8:30 and I didn't know what the actual start time might be. I got there at about 8:45. I got on the website with my blackberry so that I could get a map of the location for the cab driver. Unless you know where it is, it's not that easy to find.
They started closer to 9:30 and played 2 one hour sets. Skerik was only available for the 1st set due to another gig. Tim Greene showed up for the 2nd set. Other than that, it was James Singleton, Mike Dillon, Justin on electronics, Mark Sutherland, a guy on tenor and soprano and a guy named Sotero on trumpet. I believe Mark and Sotero were just added the night before. What a good move on James' part - they added a lot!
It was really really excellent. There was something a little different about the improvising, it was a little freer, a little more relaxed than what I tend to get in NYC. It was very special and well worth giving up the rest of the night for. They played til midnight, but I felt like I was going to bed so early when I got back to my French Quarter hotel at about 12:30.
This was very creative. They didn't put any boundaries on themselves while definitely including they were creating this together. There was interesting experimenting with voice. I loved it when many of them were clapping, each to a different rhythm in a different time. The horns would often step away from the official performance area and experiment with playing in various parts of the room.
There was definitely a huge difference after Skerik left. It was still great, but much different. Skerik added so much to the experimentation.
I loved this show and it really was the perfect choice for me that night.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Jazzfest @ Fairgrounds, NOLA 4/29/10
Nothing can ever come close to the greatness of this festival. It is so well done. I always get turned on to new music and get the chance to experience big acts I wouldn't go see otherwise. I can't turn this into "oh how I love jazzfest, let me count the ways ..." post, there's too much to say about this long day.
I got there at around 11:15. The beignet line was a bit long so I opted for peach cobbler for breakfast. I then made my first rounds by the 3 tents. It was all good, but didn't suck me in for long.
I ended up at the Acura stage thoroughly enjoying R. Skully Rough 7. They rocked! It was great and I need to look out for them. They have 2 female vocalists with big soulful voices. The guitar was awesome. It's fading now, but I remember loving them. I see that 2 members are from Morning 40 Federation. I never gave them much of a chance, and it looks like that has been my loss.
I made some rounds and the next thing to suck me in is Vivaz, a local Latin band. They are awesome! One guy just plays bongos and an occasional cowbell. Another guy plays timbales and cowbells. The 3rd drummer is solely on the congas. They were a phenomenal band and I need to look out for them more as well.
I then spent some time getting a taste of the greatness on each stage. Mario Abney and his sextet in the jazz tent sounded great. Classic Ballou & His Family Band played some great blues in that tent. I was caught by the drummer a few times and was shocked to see he looked about 10 years old. Loose Marbles were great in the Economy Hall Tent. I also got down in the Gospel tent with The Wright Brothers for a bit. Next, after consulting Gambit Weekly, I made my way over to the Lagniappe Stage for Sean Wilson & the Wild Lotus Band. It's a local band in the style of Indian Kirtan music with a twist. It was awesome and I later stopped by the CD tent to get some music to continue exploring.
Then I spent about 20 min 2nd-lining with the Paulin Brothers Brass Band. I love those parades! It gave me a good energy boost and was a lot of fun.
I checked out Grupo Sensacion for a bit. I thought Vivaz! was much better. This Latin Group did have some very good dancers.
Then I was able to sit on the outside bleachers by the Grandstand and listen to Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys. They were awesome! I still need to pick up a CD. I think she said Troy Andrews was playing with them.
I then did a little Shannon Powell in the Jazz Tent and a little Government Mule at the Acura Stage.
I settled in for a while seeing Steve Martin w/ the Steep Canyon Rangers. He's really good on the banjo! He also told jokes while retuning. He can't sing. He leaves most of the singing to the others, but, I think he should give it up entirely. When they played the longer, more instrumental tunes, I thought they were excellent. They did start losing me with the catchy, cutsey tunes, though. I left a little early to make the rounds and go shopping.
The sales in the book tent benefit buying kids books. The CD tent is done by Jazzfest. They get the CDs on consignment from the artists. So, it is good to buy from these tents.
Of course I went over to see Widespread Panic a few times. It was great, I just couldn't stay for some reason. I guess if it was more compelling, it would have held me.
I went around a few more times for tidbits and left at about 630ish.
I got there at around 11:15. The beignet line was a bit long so I opted for peach cobbler for breakfast. I then made my first rounds by the 3 tents. It was all good, but didn't suck me in for long.
I ended up at the Acura stage thoroughly enjoying R. Skully Rough 7. They rocked! It was great and I need to look out for them. They have 2 female vocalists with big soulful voices. The guitar was awesome. It's fading now, but I remember loving them. I see that 2 members are from Morning 40 Federation. I never gave them much of a chance, and it looks like that has been my loss.
I made some rounds and the next thing to suck me in is Vivaz, a local Latin band. They are awesome! One guy just plays bongos and an occasional cowbell. Another guy plays timbales and cowbells. The 3rd drummer is solely on the congas. They were a phenomenal band and I need to look out for them more as well.
I then spent some time getting a taste of the greatness on each stage. Mario Abney and his sextet in the jazz tent sounded great. Classic Ballou & His Family Band played some great blues in that tent. I was caught by the drummer a few times and was shocked to see he looked about 10 years old. Loose Marbles were great in the Economy Hall Tent. I also got down in the Gospel tent with The Wright Brothers for a bit. Next, after consulting Gambit Weekly, I made my way over to the Lagniappe Stage for Sean Wilson & the Wild Lotus Band. It's a local band in the style of Indian Kirtan music with a twist. It was awesome and I later stopped by the CD tent to get some music to continue exploring.
Then I spent about 20 min 2nd-lining with the Paulin Brothers Brass Band. I love those parades! It gave me a good energy boost and was a lot of fun.
I checked out Grupo Sensacion for a bit. I thought Vivaz! was much better. This Latin Group did have some very good dancers.
Then I was able to sit on the outside bleachers by the Grandstand and listen to Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys. They were awesome! I still need to pick up a CD. I think she said Troy Andrews was playing with them.
I then did a little Shannon Powell in the Jazz Tent and a little Government Mule at the Acura Stage.
I settled in for a while seeing Steve Martin w/ the Steep Canyon Rangers. He's really good on the banjo! He also told jokes while retuning. He can't sing. He leaves most of the singing to the others, but, I think he should give it up entirely. When they played the longer, more instrumental tunes, I thought they were excellent. They did start losing me with the catchy, cutsey tunes, though. I left a little early to make the rounds and go shopping.
The sales in the book tent benefit buying kids books. The CD tent is done by Jazzfest. They get the CDs on consignment from the artists. So, it is good to buy from these tents.
Of course I went over to see Widespread Panic a few times. It was great, I just couldn't stay for some reason. I guess if it was more compelling, it would have held me.
I went around a few more times for tidbits and left at about 630ish.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
GAT @ Howlin Wolf, NOLA 4/28/10
Oh yeah! This was exactly what I needed! The last band I saw was a great warmup, but this is a whole other thing. And, as I was discussing the price of late admission and when they started (about an hour ago, maybe less), the door guy got the OK to let me in for free! That made it more palatable when the band went into The Real Morning Party. Everyone except for me loves that song. I just got sick of it. However, I love what they did with it, mainly with the solos. I loved it when they weren't playing the actual catchy tune.
The musicians were phenomenal. I love seeing Skerik my first night. Mike D. was my MVP that night. I was blown away with most of his playing, especially the vibes.
The music really had me going. The crowd was a little flat, but what can you do. It's awesome how they can still bring it even with a tired, not-so-motivated audience. They couldn't even get it up to try to coax an encore.
Still, it was about 45-60 min of greatness.
Now, the megalomaniacs ball, with the pure forms of the bands is a great idea. Each of those bands are phenomenal in their own rights. I also rarely get to see any of them. Still, believe it or not, I want more. It's jazzfest after all. I think they should absolutely showcase the bands in their pure form. I also think they should sit in with each other. It would be very interesting to see the nuances and differences in each of the projects and what comes out of each of them when they play in the style of each project. It would also be fun to have some outside special guests show up for a bit as well.
Anyway, these are some of the greatest musicians that exist today and we're fortunate to have them. I need to take what I can get since those not in NY don't come as often as they used to.
Megalomaniac's Ball:
Garage A Trois feat. Skerik, Stanton Moore, Marco Benevento and Mike Dillion
Stanton Moore Trio with special guest Anders Osborne
Mike Dillon w/ Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton
The Dead Kenny G's (featuring Skerik) and Marco Benevento Trio with Reed Mathis and Andrew Barr
Mike Dillon Trio 9pm Marco Trio 10pm Dead Kenny G's 11pm Stanton Trio 12:15 GAT 1:15
The musicians were phenomenal. I love seeing Skerik my first night. Mike D. was my MVP that night. I was blown away with most of his playing, especially the vibes.
The music really had me going. The crowd was a little flat, but what can you do. It's awesome how they can still bring it even with a tired, not-so-motivated audience. They couldn't even get it up to try to coax an encore.
Still, it was about 45-60 min of greatness.
Now, the megalomaniacs ball, with the pure forms of the bands is a great idea. Each of those bands are phenomenal in their own rights. I also rarely get to see any of them. Still, believe it or not, I want more. It's jazzfest after all. I think they should absolutely showcase the bands in their pure form. I also think they should sit in with each other. It would be very interesting to see the nuances and differences in each of the projects and what comes out of each of them when they play in the style of each project. It would also be fun to have some outside special guests show up for a bit as well.
Anyway, these are some of the greatest musicians that exist today and we're fortunate to have them. I need to take what I can get since those not in NY don't come as often as they used to.
Megalomaniac's Ball:
Garage A Trois feat. Skerik, Stanton Moore, Marco Benevento and Mike Dillion
Stanton Moore Trio with special guest Anders Osborne
Mike Dillon w/ Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton
The Dead Kenny G's (featuring Skerik) and Marco Benevento Trio with Reed Mathis and Andrew Barr
Mike Dillon Trio 9pm Marco Trio 10pm Dead Kenny G's 11pm Stanton Trio 12:15 GAT 1:15
The Kirk Nasty @ Allways Lounge, NOLA 4/28/10
The whole evening was curated by James Singleton, so this band was bound to be good. They were. The electric bass player and bandleader looked familiar, the keyboard/sax, guitar, drums, and percussion were all unfamiliar to me. There was also a female vocalist who sat in for about 20-25 min of the set, which was about an hour.
It was great, fresh, and funky. The vocalist for the most part was another instrument and fit in nicely. I loved the intense percussionist, who had a sort of alternative drumkit. They were all awesome. We got a great instrumental encore and I left wanting more at around 3am-ish.
I'm not sure who all was there that night. I have a full band member listing from their myspace page, but they weren't all there.
http://www.myspace.com/lambertones
rex gregory - reeds, woodwinds and celesta;
James westfall - Micro-Korg, Vibraphone, Vocals, Piano, Rhodes, celesta;
Dylan Hicks - Drum set;
Ricky Sebastian - Drum Set;
Nathan Lambertson - Bass, vocals;
Ben Luton - Poetry;
kristina morales - vocals;
paul thibodeaux - drum set;
Jullian Addison - Drum Set;
Danny Abel - Guitar
It was great, fresh, and funky. The vocalist for the most part was another instrument and fit in nicely. I loved the intense percussionist, who had a sort of alternative drumkit. They were all awesome. We got a great instrumental encore and I left wanting more at around 3am-ish.
I'm not sure who all was there that night. I have a full band member listing from their myspace page, but they weren't all there.
http://www.myspace.com/lambertones
rex gregory - reeds, woodwinds and celesta;
James westfall - Micro-Korg, Vibraphone, Vocals, Piano, Rhodes, celesta;
Dylan Hicks - Drum set;
Ricky Sebastian - Drum Set;
Nathan Lambertson - Bass, vocals;
Ben Luton - Poetry;
kristina morales - vocals;
paul thibodeaux - drum set;
Jullian Addison - Drum Set;
Danny Abel - Guitar
Wativ @ AllwaysLounge, NOLA 4/28/10
I did get a 3 hour nap and this gig was calling me. It's a good spot, not too far away from the French Quarter. It's across the street from the Hi Ho Lounge. Always Lounge is also the Marigny theatre. The stage is rather large and round. It's not too high.
It was a great improvisational quintet. There was an extra guy with a laptop and a little keyboard. James was phenomenal on the bass. The keyboards were great. It also included awesome guitar. Simon Lott was fantastic on the drums.
It was awesome, and I had a good time dancing. This was a great way to kick off the music!
Wativ With Will Thompson, Chris Alford,
Simon Lott, James Singleton And Justin Peake
http://www.myspace.com/wativ
It was a great improvisational quintet. There was an extra guy with a laptop and a little keyboard. James was phenomenal on the bass. The keyboards were great. It also included awesome guitar. Simon Lott was fantastic on the drums.
It was awesome, and I had a good time dancing. This was a great way to kick off the music!
Wativ With Will Thompson, Chris Alford,
Simon Lott, James Singleton And Justin Peake
http://www.myspace.com/wativ
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Upcoming: Undead Jazzfest 6/12 & 6/13
Looks great! From the same folks who do Winter Jazzfest.
http://www.undeadjazzfest.com/
Here's a few words from Adam Schatz from Search and Restore about it:
Hey everybody, it's been a few weeks and I hope you're all well. There has been a lot happening at Search and Restore, and we are proud to have completed booking the Undead Jazzfest that we're throwing on June 12th and 13th with Brice Rosenbloom & BoomBoom Presents. It will be similar in design to the Winter Jazzfest, taking over Kenny's Castaways, Le Poisson Rouge and Sullivan Hall. For the entire lineup, head over to UndeadJazzfest.com . There are a few folks we can't quite announce yet, but we'll let you know soon. But so far, we can tell you we've got Happy Apple, Matthew Shipp, Steve Coleman, Uri Caine, Fight The Big Bull, Hoenig-Pilc-Lefebvre, Roswell Rudd / Lafayette Harris duo, the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, and many MANY more. Check out the site for all the info and on how to buy tickets, because this will sell out!
http://www.undeadjazzfest.com/
Here's a few words from Adam Schatz from Search and Restore about it:
Hey everybody, it's been a few weeks and I hope you're all well. There has been a lot happening at Search and Restore, and we are proud to have completed booking the Undead Jazzfest that we're throwing on June 12th and 13th with Brice Rosenbloom & BoomBoom Presents. It will be similar in design to the Winter Jazzfest, taking over Kenny's Castaways, Le Poisson Rouge and Sullivan Hall. For the entire lineup, head over to UndeadJazzfest.com . There are a few folks we can't quite announce yet, but we'll let you know soon. But so far, we can tell you we've got Happy Apple, Matthew Shipp, Steve Coleman, Uri Caine, Fight The Big Bull, Hoenig-Pilc-Lefebvre, Roswell Rudd / Lafayette Harris duo, the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, and many MANY more. Check out the site for all the info and on how to buy tickets, because this will sell out!
Stephan von Huene, Text Tones @ Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Ger 4/21/10
I had lunch with a friend who had some free tickets to this museum. Why not? I spent my 2nd to last afternoon in Hamburg exploring this magnificent museum. I didn’t realize there were 2 parts, so I was first in the old part and it was so great, that I spent a lot of time over there. When I went looking for the Pop Life exhibition, I found out there is a whole other building with some permanent contemporary works. One of the first things I find is this amazing work by Stephan von Huene called “Text Tones”. Here’s some pictures:
http://www.stephanvonhuene.de/rohr/text.html
I kept coming back to this room because it sounded amazing. There was a 1 page write-up on what was going on, but it was in German, so I had to figure out what I could on my own. I found an article on it here (I excerpted a description):
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/28/style/28iht-gall_ed3_.html
At first glance, the viewer registers no more than sleek white pedestals supporting horizontally mounted aluminum tubes, but the true spirit of the piece unfolds as an acoustic collage. Concealed microphones record the random sounds generated in the exhibition space, store and mix them and replay the results to a "percussion" accompaniment of miniature hammers striking the pipes. The elegantly minimalist form, the layering of acoustic signals and the interactive aspect of the piece are principles that engaged von Huene as lecturer and author, as well. It is no coincidence that what emerges from "Text Tones" is a musical composition, an endlessly varied electronic sextet, not unrelated to the works of John Cage.
It was amazing. It sounded great! I am so impressed by it because he essentially created instruments that play wonderful music without a human working it.
There was also a diagram:
http://www.stephanvonhuene.de/mmap_p/kon_text.html
This exhibit alone was worth the entire extra time in Hamburg.
http://www.stephanvonhuene.de/rohr/text.html
I kept coming back to this room because it sounded amazing. There was a 1 page write-up on what was going on, but it was in German, so I had to figure out what I could on my own. I found an article on it here (I excerpted a description):
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/28/style/28iht-gall_ed3_.html
At first glance, the viewer registers no more than sleek white pedestals supporting horizontally mounted aluminum tubes, but the true spirit of the piece unfolds as an acoustic collage. Concealed microphones record the random sounds generated in the exhibition space, store and mix them and replay the results to a "percussion" accompaniment of miniature hammers striking the pipes. The elegantly minimalist form, the layering of acoustic signals and the interactive aspect of the piece are principles that engaged von Huene as lecturer and author, as well. It is no coincidence that what emerges from "Text Tones" is a musical composition, an endlessly varied electronic sextet, not unrelated to the works of John Cage.
It was amazing. It sounded great! I am so impressed by it because he essentially created instruments that play wonderful music without a human working it.
There was also a diagram:
http://www.stephanvonhuene.de/mmap_p/kon_text.html
This exhibit alone was worth the entire extra time in Hamburg.
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