NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL

 An American friend had free tickets and accommodation in New Orleans so the temptation to go to one of the iconic music festivals in the world was snapped up. It was also a nice break from all the Spanish I’ve been experiencing since January.I flew in from Bogata Columbia and returned to Quito Ecuador with both flights a little over 4 hours.

There was a great mix of music and the 2 headline acts were Simon and Garfunkel and Lionel Ritchie. Doesn’t sound too much like Jazz so far, right? Well for the hard core Jazz fans there were plenty of the various types spread around the various stages and enough variety for the likes of me who is more of a rockchild. Most of the bands and individuals were household names for the most Americans and I never saw a poor act, only some that I didn’t want to watch for too long. So just wander along and find what you do like.

The first day was wet but the music and enthusiasm of the crowd and musicians was great and it wasn’t hard under a poncho to stick with it. It got pretty hard at times and big puddles and mud patches soon developed but the crowd rocked on and I remember Jon Cleary, the expat British guy playing on at the front of his stage without a care in the world while getting wet as a shag. He was followed by the New Orleans legend Dr John and then on a different stage we saw the Cajun music of The Lost Bayou Ramblers. The Black Crowes were up against Lionel Ritchie and got my vote after a few songs from Lionel. Not a bad first day considering the weather which pounded down most of the afternoon.

I’ll just list the artists we watched from the 2^nd day and ‘ya’ll’ can pick out those you know

Treme Brass Band, L’il Buck Sinegal, Judy Spellman, Greater Antioch Full Baptist Choir, Davell Crawford with guests Dr John and Jon Cleary, Funky Meters, Simon and Garfunkel, Tab Benoit.---some variety there as we worked the other side of the racecourse where all this was held. Highlights for me were the jam of pianos of Davell Crawford, Dr John and Jon Cleary and the driving guitar and vocals of Tab Benoit. It was good to see Simon and Garfunkel live but Garfunkel had a cold and a lot of those high notes like on Bridge over Troubled Waters were a bit tragic. They did The Boxer in an encore so I was happy.

Best acts for me on Sunday were the Louisana Le Roux and Voices of the Wetlands that was a mix of all the best players available. Anders Osborne on Rhythm guitar did some amazing solos and Tab Benoit on Lead led the cast. We finished off with the southern rock piano and vocals of Marcia Ball and beat the crowd watching The Allman Brothers Band to the buses back to the centre of town.