Highlights

[fichadelphia]

Alright guys, what did you enjoy best? For me,

At the fairgrounds:

• Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit were my favorite BNA, though I will admit that I didn't see many of them
• The Spencer Bohren Tribute was put together beautifully
• Mahmoud Chouki was joined by Oscar Risignoli (sp?), Branden Lewis, Khris Royal, and tohers (my apologies for taking poor notes) was joyful and fierce
• Helen Gillet joined by Doug Garrison- as you can see I spent Sunday at the Lagniappe Stage. Helen played an emotional and richly layered set in tribute to her Mother and all women
• Leyla McCalla

Not at the fairgrounds:

• The silly fun of Valparaiso Mens Chorus at Saturn Bar
• I got to see Anders Osborn play to a room of like 24 people at The Chloe Uptown one night. It was so beautiful!
• Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers was a raucous riotously weird set loosely based around the Exoricist?? I think you had to be there

Random thoughts:

• I spent more time relaxing and talking with people than ever before.
• I took better care of myself this fest and got more sleep and more downtime. I partied less and felt a lot better and I'm really proud of myself for that.

[HankAndLeeStamper]

At the fairgrounds:
Boyfriend Cookers, Bombino were all new to me and all lived up to the hype. LOVED Boyfriend.
Old standbys that I still loved: Gros, Cleary, Duhon, T Malone, Rads. I keep saying, if you haven't seen the John Papa Gros set with the horn section, you haven't really seen it.

Not at the fairgrounds:
MARS WILLIAMS. I saw a lot of cameras there. If this was filmed for eventual release (god i hope), anyone in the know please post about it. AMAZING.

Random thoughts:
Missed the Thursday altogether and was later than I'd have liked most other days, though with the heat that may have worked out for the best.
Second Fri-Sun spent a LOT of time with my brother who lives in California and it was great. We had a lot of good family/mom/mother's day time whether we were at music of not.

[kingofclubs]

Not at the fairgrounds:
MARS WILLIAMS.

Hank&Lee did Mars and Nels play together at all?

[HankAndLeeStamper]

Not at the fairgrounds:
MARS WILLIAMS.

Hank&Lee did Mars and Nels play together at all?

The entire show. Nels was behind me (the musicians were in a giant circle) so I only turned occasionally, when the guitar got the lead. The visuals of that location were amazing. Nels behind me, Mars directly in front of me, jason marsalis up in a tree it seemed, James Branden Lewis across the dance circle from me..... It was something like 18 musicians plus about a half dozen dancers doing a 75 minute piece composed specifically to be played at the music box village. Amazing.
Also.... in terms of hankandlee, you can call me stamper if it's easier.

[chopitulas]

Highlights from the 2 days I went, one courtesy of a generous Threadhead:

The Lost Bayou Ramblers doing "My Generation" with their kick ass set drawing a huge overflow crowd at the Fai Do Do Stage. They have become my fav band 'round here of late and it was great to see them blow away the Jazz Festers. I know the guy from somewhere I told to not miss 'em was there with a big smile on his face.

The Who's well put together and played set with the orchestra really adding to the "Quadrophenia" numbers, in particular. They really helped "Eminence Front," as well, and it was awesome to hear the fiddle hoedown in "Baba O'Riley" actually get played. Their violinist nailed it. I go back to seeing them do "Tommy" at Fillmore West in 1969 and the Who's Next tour in 1971, both stunning, and it warmed my heart to be reminded rock music used to be a vehicle for big ideas. Hearing "Substitute" may have been the best 3 1/2 minutes of my two days, power pop perfection.

Boz Scagg's "Loan Me A Dime" - I grew up in the Bay Area where his first album (technically his second) was ubiquitous on KSAN FM in the late 60's. First saw him in the Steve Miller Band at the Avalon on a bill with Muddy Waters in 1968 and I was so happy to see him again this far down the road.

Elvis Costello's last 1/2 hour of hits - By the time he got to "What's So Funny About Peace, Love & Understanding" with Charlie Sexton playing a ringing 12-string, it was pure joy at the Gentilly.

Sonny Landreth mesmerizing the Blues Tent - I caught the last 1/2 of the set. As I headed over from the big stage, the sound of Boz's "Lowdown" was gently fading just as the sound of Sonny rose up outta the tent, like a DJ seamlessly going from track to track. I went down the right side to the front while Sonny was in the midst one of his speed metal instrumentals and the whole crowd was kinda frozen in awe. Sat right under the video screen to watch his hands, with the PA right there blaring loud (in a good way) and, Whoa Nellie, it was something else. No one else plays guitar like that. The guy next to me said in amazement, "Are there just three guys?" Yup.

Susan Spicer's Eggplant Tapanade in the Grandstand - Wandered into the Grandstand just as Susan was cooking. Didn't realize it was her until I heard her voice. Really took me back because I first encountered her in that same spot my first Jazz Fest in 1990 and I have been a fan boy ever since. Glad there were enough samples for my row all the way in the back. That was a nice lagniappe as it was a delicious tapanade.

And, of course, the usual suspects...the Soft Shell, the Gumbo, the Cochon, the Pecan Catfish Almondine, the Meat Pie, the Monica, a Strawberry Lemonade, all as good as ever. Had to get them all in so I didn't try anything new but wanted to...the crawfish beignet, the strawberry flatbread and the Carmo fish taco all sounded great.

Only went to one night show but it was a absolute corker - Jon Cleary and the augmented AMG and Luther Dickinson and the North Mississippi Allstars at the House Of Blues. Jon had a guitarist, two horns, Pedro Segundo on percussion and NIgel Hall and they were so powerful. And Luther Dickinson played a ten minute guitar extravaganza on the 1st song and continued that way all night. He came to play that night! Best show I've seen at the HOB in a long time.

[fichadelphia]

I had some food and craft highlights too:

• I ate from Carmo almost every day whether it was the cheese bread or the fresh gulf fish taco
• I also ate my tofu spring rolls everyday and even suggested that the vendor add some more tofu to the rolls in the future
• I liked the addition of the Topo Chico and Vizzy seltzers
• The revamped strawberry shortcake was the bomb
• I spent more time at the craft tents than ever before - mainly because since last Fest, I acquired a home with many empty walls to be filled. I ended up buying two shirts from the Wuzzawazzee booth- where they had these beautiful hand made rayon button down shirts made from hand designed patterns. I bought one to cover my shoulders in the sun and ended up buying a second one. And I know a handful of friends bought ones as well. It was good fashion!

[brooklyngal]

Fairgrounds:
Leyla McCalla
Cee Lo Green
War and Treaty
Time spent with my Alligator Krewe family
As is my ritual buying expensive art at the fairgrounds (this year a beautiful mezuzah and a glass bird)

Not at the fairgrounds:
Jon Cleary and the Absolute MG and guests at the Broadside
The outdoor battle of the bands outside of Tips
Amazing lunches on non fest days with close friends
Frozen French 75s

Food truck food at the Broadside was great!

[glinda]

First : THE WHOLE PATRY!!!! Music, smiles, hugs, dancing, our tribe-vibe

FOOD
Spring rolls at the FG saved me in the heat. Wanted a Cochon DeLait but it was too hot
Trout Dizzy at FG - different but still great
Shrimp & Crab Ravogote - refreshing and delish at FG
The whole dinner at Brigtsen's! But esp the lemon-blueberry creme brûlée
Surprising steakhouse salad lunch at Desi Vega's.

MUSIC at FG
Old favs Johnny Sansone, Galactic
First time seing Arturo Sandoval
The tribute to Ellis Marsalis
It became anyplace with shade and a breeze was awesome

OTHER MUSIC
The Jon Cleary + all the awesome guests at Broadside
Funk Monkey w Arsene DeLay at the Leaf

Yes the Mars Williams show at Music Box was extraordinary. Quite a unique experience. The music just not quite my cup of tea. Likely due somewhat to the long hot day at FG that preceded it., my energy wasn't there.

[belyin]

Not at the fairgrounds:
MARS WILLIAMS. I saw a lot of cameras there. If this was filmed for eventual release (god i hope), anyone in the know please post about it. AMAZING.

Video documentation was very much part of the plan (and Mars' grant.) I don't know what will become of it, but I am pretty sure it will become public at some point

As for highlights:

Les Filles de Illilighad and Mars Williams' Devil's Whistle--two great shows at the Music Box Village: one grounded and calming and the other explosive but both magical.

James Singleton's Malibar @ Café Istanbul--James recent groups have really open upped his compositions in surprising ways, and they all feature great players. This night everyone was really on point.

Jon Cleary @ The Broadside--Jon led an old school style New Orleans r'and b' review, but the tight band sounded fresh and in the moment. Both this set and Mars' above show the power of rehearsals. (I promise this is as far into my anti-hippy "it's all good" jam rant I will go for the moment.)

Mars Williams, Helen Gillet, Rob Cambre, and Cyrus Nabipoor @ Zony Mash. I am equally skeptical of "free improv." jams as I am of dead funk ones, but this one worked because each of the players has an appreciation of structure and composition as they emerge out of the sonic stew. Especially nice to hear Cyrus as he has moved back to Portland, OR and not here often.

The Valparaiso Men's Chorus @ Saturn Bar. Some musical events are so indelibly linked to their setting that any deviation is pointless (i.e., these guys at Carnival Lounge just doesn't create the same below deck camaraderie.) As always, Alex McMurray is a star performer in an "everyman's" body.

Rory Danger and the Danger Danger's @ BJ's Lounge. Speaking of star power, Aurora Nealand just has it in her own modest way. But there is nothing modest about her Rory Danger persona with its surrealist streak and total commitment to the cause.

N.O. Klezmer All-Stars and the Iguanas @ Vaughan's Lounge. Like we used to do it, and still are. The Klezmers were joined by saxophonist Jessica Lurie (subbing for Aurora.) And as usual, they gave a lesson in how traditional forms can be brought to life through creativity and musicianship. After the Klezmers, Doug Garrison and Joe Cabral switched into Iguanas mode, joined by the Klezmer's horn section (Dan Oestreicher and Jessica Lurie.)

Special shout out: Gregg Stafford's Young Tuxedo Jazz Band @ Economy Hall. (I listened to this one on WWOZ.) Gregg leads perhaps the most traditional jazz band in the city, but he and his great musicians bring the music alive in a way I don't hear in the much squarer "hipster" bands that are all the rage with the younger set.

[HankAndLeeStamper]

I had some food and craft highlights too:

i would be remiss if i didn't say i finally had the Yakiniku Po-boy. A revelation.. Delicious. Wanted the stuffed beignets, but by the time i saw where they were it was the last act of the last day and the line was STILL a mile long

[swag]

Several bands I'd seen before delivered as expected, but the surprise highlight at the Fairgrounds for me - one I hadn't seen and knew little about - was Ranky Tanky.

[jjazznj]

I need to go through my photos, lineups etc but The Shorty show at The Saenger with Gary Clark Jr, Joan Jett, Pres Hall Jazz Band, Galactic, David Shaw, Fred Wesley etc and The Pres Hall 60 show at The Orpheum with Ivan, Cyril, Elvis, Irma and many other special guests were both nonstop greatness. Hard to take a bathroom break at shows like those!

I thought The Who, Black Crowes & Chili Peppers were all great as far as BNAs go. I really enjoyed seeing Asleep at the Wheel for the first time after all of these years. The all-star tributes to my heroes Dr John and Art & Charles Neville were both very nice. And yes, as chop mentioned above Lost Bayou Ramblers doing "My Generation" was awesome! It was interesting that drummer/guitar player Eric Heigle was missing as he is now part of the Arcade Fire touring band who were in London the night before.

Seeing Makaya McCraven for the first time with Brandee Younger on harp at the Hotel St Vincent made it worth leaving the fest early. Seeing amazing UK drummer Yussef Dayes and days later Medeski. Martin & Singleton with DJ Logic and Skerik, both at the new One Eyed Jacks were highlights.

I went to the Sunday Midnight Preserves show and was kind of disappointed. The Fri and Sat shows appeared to be much better. Can't believe Shabaka Hutchings, who played there on Fri was in town and I did not get to see him play. If he ever brings Sons Of Kemet to town during the fest they will be the talk of the town.

I either worked at night or went to the fest and went out at night 11 straight nights. I need a vacation!

[HankAndLeeStamper]

Several bands I'd seen before delivered as expected, but the surprise highlight at the Fairgrounds for me - one I hadn't seen and knew little about - was Ranky Tanky.

Crap, i had hoped to see either them or Mr Sipp (each would have been a first time for me) but didn't make Thursday at all.
I should add i saw the last one minute (literally) of Neo-Tokyo 2020 in the Cultural Exchange Pavillion.
One minute can be deceiving but i was LOVING it and was bummed and stunned i had walked in just to see it end.

[chopitulas]

And yes, as chop mentioned above Lost Bayou Ramblers doing "My Generation" was awesome! It was interesting that drummer/guitar player Eric Heigle was missing as he is now part of the Arcade Fire touring band who were in London the night before.

Seeing Makaya McCraven for the first time with Brandee Younger on harp at the Hotel St Vincent made it worth leaving the fest early.

I was wondering why Eric Heigle was missing and sorta assumed it was Covid or that he, being a guy with a lot of fingers in the pie as a recording engineer, had some other obligation. I wonder if he was with Arcade Fire on SNL this last weekend. There were a lot of people on stage and I didn't notice him if he was but he may have been.

St. Vincent has been awesomely re-done. Didn't know they ever had music. Don't snooze on the Elizabeth St. Cafe boulangerie on the premises. Their pastries are awesome, the almond croissant in particular. And they have a 3 - 6 PM Happy Hour M-F where appetizers and Bahn Mi's are 1/2 price making them like 5/6 bucks. I had a great meal there on my birthday and it was really cheap for what you get. The Bahn Mi's use baguettes they make that are fantastic.

[Lit]

I always loved Hidden Pictures and Goofus and Gallant.