July isn't just heating up on the streets - its also heating up inside the venues, especially at The Mint where Galactic's Stanton Moore holds down their increasingly popular residency series.
Tonight he is joined by The Greyboy All-Stars' Robert Walter (keys) and Elgin Park (guitar). Park also just happens to be an accomplish composer by the name of Mike Andrews, whose music is in just about every Judd Apatow production you've ever seen.
If you are not already excited - you either don't like funk, you care little for musical accolades or you're probably doing something ridiculously awesome tonight elsewhere. But if you're just a little bit intrigued - read on...
Its not your average Wednesday over on Pico in July. Stanton Moore is a doctor of funk drumming - an industry accepted all star. His sticks are good. Rhythm impeccable. And enthusiasm undeniable. He is teaching some seminars before the shows - and then showcasing why he is qualified to do so afterward. Whether tonight - or some other July Wednesday, don't miss your chance to witness greatness.
July isn't just heating up on the streets - its also heating up inside the venues, especially at The Mint where Galactic's Stanton Moore holds down their increasingly popular residency series.
Tonight he is joined by The Greyboy All-Stars' Robert Walter (keys) and Elgin Park (guitar). Park also just happens to be an accomplish composer by the name of Mike Andrews, whose music is in just about every Judd Apatow production you've ever seen.
If you are not already excited - you either don't like funk, you care little for musical accolades or you're probably doing something ridiculously awesome tonight elsewhere. But if you're just a little bit intrigued - read on...
Its not your average Wednesday over on Pico in July. Stanton Moore is a doctor of funk drumming - an industry accepted all star. His sticks are good. Rhythm impeccable. And enthusiasm undeniable. He is teaching some seminars before the shows - and then showcasing why he is qualified to do so afterward. Whether tonight - or some other July Wednesday, don't miss your chance to witness greatness.
The largest outdoor music festival in the country (or at least what feels like the largest outdoor music festival) gets set to kickoff in just under three weeks and the line-up is making it look like missing the event and adventure would be a poor, poor mistake.
With over a 100 artists playing - narrowing down the list on who to see over whom can be an arduous task - so we're going to promote a few piecemeal, starting with some hometown (LA) heroes: Kendrick Lamar, Fitz & The Tantrums and Orgone. Each is different - but they've all got some flavor of California soul...
Kendrick Lamar is perhaps the hip-hop catch of the summer. Its Kendrick Lamar who just graced Coachella's stage with Dre and Snoop, just inked a deal that turned him from indie to major artist over night and has leaked tracks off of Good Kid in a Mad City that includes "The Recipe" with Dr. Dre and "Cartoons & Cereal" featuring Gunplay of Triple C's.
Fitz & The Tantrums are Los Angelenos coveted version of Brooklyn indie soul. Michael Fitzpatrick blended the best of the city of angels indie rock influences with a Daptone-esque sound that birthed international hits like "Moneygrabber" and "Winds of Change." Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs belt out throwback ballads on their debut release Pickin' Up The Pieces. Having recently released a teaser EP of live material and acknowledged a return to the studio - 'Roo heads are in for a treat with this quintet!
Orgone are L.A.'s homegrown funk band. With over a decade of stripes under their belt and lots of history dropping their own original funk (+ some nasty dope covers and backing up some hip-hop bands) - they are finally becoming a force in the touring world after some successful supporting roles with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Rebelution and Galactic. Although they dropped original soul sister Fanny Franklin - they've retooled with a new vocalist and their leader and percussionist, Stewart Killen, continues to slay percussion worldwide.
The largest outdoor music festival in the country (or at least what feels like the largest outdoor music festival) gets set to kickoff in just under three weeks and the line-up is making it look like missing the event and adventure would be a poor, poor mistake.
With over a 100 artists playing - narrowing down the list on who to see over whom can be an arduous task - so we're going to promote a few piecemeal, starting with some hometown (LA) heroes: Kendrick Lamar, Fitz & The Tantrums and Orgone. Each is different - but they've all got some flavor of California soul...
Kendrick Lamar is perhaps the hip-hop catch of the summer. Its Kendrick Lamar who just graced Coachella's stage with Dre and Snoop, just inked a deal that turned him from indie to major artist over night and has leaked tracks off of Good Kid in a Mad City that includes "The Recipe" with Dr. Dre and "Cartoons & Cereal" featuring Gunplay of Triple C's.
Fitz & The Tantrums are Los Angelenos coveted version of Brooklyn indie soul. Michael Fitzpatrick blended the best of the city of angels indie rock influences with a Daptone-esque sound that birthed international hits like "Moneygrabber" and "Winds of Change." Fitzpatrick and co-vocalist Noelle Scaggs belt out throwback ballads on their debut release Pickin' Up The Pieces. Having recently released a teaser EP of live material and acknowledged a return to the studio - 'Roo heads are in for a treat with this quintet!
Orgone are L.A.'s homegrown funk band. With over a decade of stripes under their belt and lots of history dropping their own original funk (+ some nasty dope covers and backing up some hip-hop bands) - they are finally becoming a force in the touring world after some successful supporting roles with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Rebelution and Galactic. Although they dropped original soul sister Fanny Franklin - they've retooled with a new vocalist and their leader and percussionist, Stewart Killen, continues to slay percussion worldwide.
The final day of Bonnaroo started with the painful reminder that my musical vacation was coming to an end.My friend-supplied vintage tent needed to be packed up early as part of our entourage was leaving to recover before work on Monday.
The apathy of the final day was evident in the largely indie rock line-up that featured newcomers like Smith Westerns, The Head & The Heart and Nicole Atkins, as well as more established acts like Beirut, Cold War Kids, Iron & Wine and Explosions In The Sky.The angst could be felt all over the campgrounds and in the sounds emanating from the stages.Classic rockers peppered the line-up too, with Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Greg Allman and Bruce Hornsby all performing.G. Love & Special Sauce could be added to the mix too as they are, at this point, veterans.
I begin my day attempting to catch The Head & The Heart, but I got sidetracked by Smith Westerns who had been a curiosity of mine for a while.Without any reference points, I enjoyed the rather melancholy indie tunes – nothing offensive, but nothing that was wildly happy and energizing.It fit the mood well enough to keep me from leaving.
As they finished, I wandered to catch the high-pitched sounds of G. Love & Special Sauce at Which Stage, before chopping it up with Erik from Dope on Plastic for a while and meeting some of the principals behind LiveProfile, a music service gearing to bridge the gaps between social media networking and live music events.I was intrigued enough to drag the LiveProfile camp to Galactic on the Main Stage.
The highlight of Day 4 for me was definitely Galactic.Playing Bonnaroo for their ninth time (they’ve only missed it once), they covered a handsome smattering of their library with Corey Henry lending some help on trombone and a new guy (not sure of his name) doing vocals.While new guy was no Houseman – he had some chops and he kept the funk grinding long enough for Stanton Moore to take over.
Moore, at one point, unscrewed his snare and approached the crowd.Perching it on top of his feet he busted out into a street style jam before other members of the band came to his aid with more percussive props.The end result – an impromptu spanking in how to get funky with a limited set.
The people I stood next to, as well as the LiveProfile crew, had never had the pleasures of a Galactic performance and I am pretty convinced they’d become fans for life after what they witnessed.It was a healthy enough dosage of music that I was willing to take a step away for a few to finally pack down all of my things before returning for Dan Auerbach’s SUPERJAM and Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
I packed my bags in my fateful ride and handed out my last handful of SUPERGOODMUSIC.com stickers before returning to Centeroo one last time for my last handful of shows.I caught Robert Plant & The Band of Joy and Explosions In The Sky first for a few songs each.Both were amidst inspired performances – keeping the crowd that stayed to endure all of Sunday interested.
As the clock approached seven I wandered into the Sports Bar for the beginning of coverage of what I hoped would be the last game of the NBA season.My Cleveland raised blood was boiling at the thought of Lebron James being successful in Miami in year one.Thankfully, much of the crowd that gathered shared my disdain for the man who took his talents to South Beach.Before long, the first quarter was over and I realized I’d missed about half of the SUPERJAM…or so I thought.
Scrambling out of the air-conditioned and comfortable Sports Bar – I made my way to That Tent for what I thought would be a set that was halfway over.What I discovered was the supergroup had just recently gotten underway and that I was in for a healthy serving of Dr. John and New Orleans inspired bluesy jams.Although I couldn’t tell the titles of the songs that were covered, Auerbach and Dr. John, along with their arsenal of talented friends, painted a musical landscape that rivaled the slightly sticky weather with its funkiness and captured the magic of four days of unique musical experiences in less than two hours.
The sun was setting creating a very cool hue. Although the once in a lifetime line-up was cranking out some quality licks, the feeling that the second half was underway again sucked me into the Sports Bar.It was a good decision.The energy level inside the cooled viewing station was stepped up a notch with a handful of Texas natives excited at the prospect of becoming the title town of the moment.“Let’s Go Mavericks” cheers were supported by “F*ck the Heat” chants as Miami supporters numbers shrank amongst the crowd.
The energy in the Sports Bar was a high as I’d seen it all day at the festival and I was enjoying the moment of camaraderie amongst strangers.As the Mavericks lead swelled and the final seconds ticked off the clock – I celebrated with faces I’d never see again before escaping to catch another celebration – Widespread Panic on the Main Stage to close out Bonnaroo 2011.
Quite fitting to have some of the original headliners grace the stage as the tenth anniversary came to a close.Performing a set list filled with crowd pleasers and atypically designed to perhaps draw some new fans – Dave Schools and friends provided some healthy jams for a Sunday evening.I’m pretty sure they even had Bruce Hornsby join them for a little bit as they provided the soundtrack for the departing ‘Roo citizens that included favorites like “Tall Boy” and “Up All Night.”The latter was my last song before departing the grounds for a ride to Chattanooga.It was a fitting number as that about described my entire Bonnaroo experience.I can only hope it describes next year too….
Purchase advanced tickets for Bonnaroo 2012 here.They’ve already announced the dates.
I began my 2011 year of music as I've done the past four years - with a business trip to board Jam Cruise. Making its ninth voyage, Jam Cruise is like Bonnaroo on a boat or late night Jazzfest on a boat, or more likely something in between those two and being backstage. Its like a long extended recess for adults that love music. Its like dying and going to heaven if you love funk music.
Departing out of Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday January 4th - it seemed I'd sail through the first week of the year in a funky festive atmosphere on Jam Cruise 9. Big Sam's Funky Nation were scheduled to open up the Cruise Kick Off Party on the Pool Deck at 6 pm as the sun set.
However, the trip didn't start off all fun in the festival sun. Waiting for the 2,000+ paying customers preparing to board the MSC Poesia at Port Everglades were Broward County Police, Drug Enforcement Agents and Border Patrol officials, along with a handful of drug and bomb sniffing dogs. While I thought it was a beefed up response to the six arrests they made of people disembarking last year - it turns out a passenger's ex-girlfriend ratted him out and the authorities were out in full force on the disgruntled mates tip-off.
The upset girlfriend didn't just get her ex boo thrown in the slammer - in total 15 would-be Jam Cruise passengers were arrested at the port for possession of mostly "small quantities" of various types of substances. Thankfully, I did not know any of them. Canines did not board the boat (unlike what had been reported) - but canines did confront passengers as they brought their bags through the customs facilities and suspicious people were vigorously searched.
After the customs riff-raff and the arrival of baggage, passengers again got comfortable and Cloud 9 Adventures staff and MSC crew prepared us for life on our supremely oversized floating funk-raft.
Big Sam's Funky Nation inaugurated these years festivities with some masterful trombone and a personality that felt as large as the boat.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band followed up the Funky nation in the Teatro Carlo Felice - for the first indoor show of Jamcruise 9. Rocking amazing Randolph tunes and a submarine funk level version of "Thriller" - The Family Band made sure Jam Cruise rookies got an early taste of the boat's magic.
Although I was not torn about missing Scaring The Children (Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman & Jay Lane) - when I had to pick between Pimps of Joytime and Anders Osborne with Stanton Moore and Carl Dufrene, it was a battle. A brief stint at Pimps ended when I heard the easily distinguishable Stanton Moore stand-up snare hit. Osborne, the gritty bearded Southern-rock impresario, and Galactic's Moore channeled the nights energy into very flavorful southern funk rock anthems with support from Dufrene and friends, including George Porter Jr.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe closed out the night on the Pool Deck - playing tunes from "Brother's Keeper" and earlier albums. Before hitting the cabin for the night, I did give a peep at Stockholm Syndrome and Dave School's heavy bass.
Day 2 started with the faint tunes of Cornmeal's bluegrass creeping through my balcony window. Unfortunately, I didn't make it up to the deck until Perpetual Groove's Brock Butler took stage - displaying his signature singer freestyler jam songwriter swagger. Standing tall above the crowd in the pool - Butler delivered 45 minutes of solid tunes until Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars paraded through and carried his crowd away with them.
Sierra brought a pretty tribal element of music that has not often been heard on board the Jam Cruise voyages. It was a pleasant shift on a gorgeous bright day. Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk followed the All Stars - reminding everyone that the boat may be a place to discover new musicians and new types of music, but it has been and always will be captained by funk.
Guitar heroes and fans got a special treat in the early evening as Zach Deputyplayed during sunset bleeding right into the supergroup, Some Cat From Japan on the pool deck. Opting out of seeing more shredding, I chose to go to the Atrium to see Marco Benevento lay down some improvisations on a grand piano. The keys specialist did not disappoint. Benevento's fluidity made me forget I was taking an interlude for food before Galactic, The New Mastersounds and Lettuce.
Of the three - Lettuce definitely brought things the hardest. The botched version of "Move On Up"
Lettuce had me so funked up, I needed to go to sleep and get ready for our arrival in Honduras the following day.
Day 3 began on the island of Roatan, Honduras. I'm not sure what Roatan is known for - but I'd been once before, checked out the beaches and was happy to just meander through town to a very close beach and enjoy the sand. So did some other Jam Cruisers. I sat by the bay, looked at the sky and avoided thinking about the work that was undoubtedly piling up back home.
From a beautiful day in the sun, I watched the MSC Poesia sail away for what I thought would be the best night of music on the boat - Stockholm Syndrome, Lettuce, Big Gigantic, Garage A Trois, Lettuce, Lotus, Big Sam's Funky Nation. All capped by George Porter Jr. playing host in the Jam Room.
Day 4 our port was Costa Maya, Mexico. Opting for the adult recess activity - I played no holds barred kickball with a handful of other Jamcruisers. 3 strikes and you're out (w/ foul ball rules). 3 outs you switch sides. Anything else goes - tackling, moving bases around, stealing shoes, etc. Oh yeah, and no limit on the number of people in the outfield and NO limit on the number of drinks. You can imagine how much fun we were having. It was team Sleepers vs. Team Up All Night.
Against better judgment I tasted from the handle of tequila being passed around and before I knew it I was doing 40 on a golf cart on a Mexican highway. I guess that's why they only let us dock in Costa Maya for 7 hours...
Sailing away to the sounds of Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears put me in a delightful mood - which was only perpetuated by Karl Denson's Tiny Universe and The New Mastersounds. Unfortunately, all the day drinking activity and pool deck fun had me tuckering out early and after some Big Gigantic and a little bit of Jam Room - I was captain toast.
Jam Cruise 9's final day at sea brought a full day of music, kicking off with The Pimps of Joytime on the pool deck.
As the day went on , there as a lapse in the funk (during ALO and Nathan Moore), but then Anders Osborne took stage with George Porter Jr. and Johnny Vidacovich - and ultimately being joined by Leo Nocentelli. The powerhouse of jazz greats continued as their southern rock funk session bled into overtime before Maceo's Super Jam.
From the Maceo Parker led Super Jam, I went to the casino and then on to see my favorite super band, Garage A Trois go jungle punk funk at the Zebra Bar. GAT left no stone unturned - bringing out massive music from their three albums and a handful of covers too.
As Garage A Trois finished - I darted to catch the final hour of Robert Randolph & The Family Band on the pool deck. I'm so glad I did because I stumbled on Cornmeal doing a cover of Talking Heads' "Naive Melody" on the way.
When I finally did get to Randolph, not only did Randolph do his best rendition of Hendrix, but he also remarked about how the boat was the best trip he had ever taken in his life. Each year a musician says that, and it warmed my heart to hear those words come from Mr. Randolph's mouth. Even cooler that I was hearing the music while tossing one back with Eric from Lettuce!
Disembarkation luckily did not have as many procedural issues as boarding, nor was there as massive of a customs presence. The less intense re-introduction to society was necessary after 5 days of backstage festival mayhem. The looks on all the departing passengers faces showed a mixture of emotion - but all had one constant - a look like they couldn't wait to do it again next year.
