Yes,
a little late with this one, in line with this year's review of last year. Tradition now...
Firstly
thanks to Old Mate Len who provided much needed dot points, comments,
prompters and information to assist recollection. Following
Bluesfest, the subsequent trip to Bangkok and Turkey and back to
Bangkok has blurred the memory of the acts somewhat...
The
accommodation was provided by the bountiful and effervescent Michelle
in her 5 star condominium at Kingscliff, for which we were all
thankful.
The
usual gang attended, Michelle, Niki, Lynelle, Toni, Len, Dr Pat and
myself and we all enjoyed various acts with some preferences, but
here's the rub, I'm unable to say who preferred which acts, apart
from Len. Similarly my own family were there and although arrangements were made to provide reviews none have been forthcoming.
None!! So, I'll start with the acts which I found most appealing and
we'll see where that leads. Thankfully Len's notes will come in very
handy, but where did the notes come from? I don't remember him
writing or noting them down... so, I can only assume that he tucked
them away in the sparkling caverns of his orderly cranium. I
have no idea. A heavy duty enigma is LJ.
Firstly,
for me numero uno - Paul Simon.
Yes,
the old trouper did it for me with his wonderfully melodic songs,
honed lyrics and harmonic textures. Here was an artist who had an
Everley Brothers styled duo with Garfunkel called Tom and Jerry (yes
Tom and Jerry!!!) in the 50s, and had written Sounds of Silence in
1964, while performing solo in the UK folk clubs. Now, in his solo
career, post Garfunkel, post Graceland he continues to issue the
highest quality albums – his recent So Beautiful, So What being
lauded by critics as his best since Graceland. The performance of the
title track at the Bluesfest was a highlight for me. His band was
superb, so musical – I know it's a strange thing to say but this
band has more musicality, and muscularity, than most, and it can
rock! Check out his DVD Paul Simon Live in New York City.
Over
to Len:
Mojo
tent was beyond capacity, crowds pouring out of the sides of the
venue fighting for a view of the legend.
His
set, which he wanted to be a "dance party", featured no
less than three encores and was accompanied by an eight piece band.
Featured
songs from the legendary album Graceland (which recently celebrated
its 25th anniversary, reportedly with the backing band featuring
many members who have been touring with him since its release.
In
addition, Simon embraced a couple of his most loved tracks sans
Garfunkel, "The Sound of Silence" and set closer "The
Boxer" and of course a cross section of the rest of his career,
including the popular "Still Crazy After All These Years".
Opening
with his characteristic African-infused folk rock sound showcased
the extraordinary array of musicians who make up his band; many
members who are virtuoso players of multiple instruments.
The
layered sounds coming from his band added a sophisticated texture to
Simon’s soothing poetic lyrics and humble guitar solos.
By
the end there was passionate and unrelenting cheering from the
audience; an effort that rewarded them three encores – in which he
played many more of his timeless songs.
Set
List
Gumboots
50
Ways to Leave Your Lover
Me
and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
That
Was Your Mother
Slip
Slidin' Away (Tribute to Phil Ramone)
My
Little Town (Simon & Garfunkel song)
The
Obvious Child
Crazy
Love, Vol. II
Diamonds
on the Soles of Her Shoes
So
Beautiful or So What
Late
in the Evening
Encore:
The
Sound of Silence (Solo Acoustic)
(Simon
& Garfunkel song)
Kodachrome
/ Gone at Last
You
Can Call Me Al
Encore
2:
Graceland
Unkown
Group Song
Still
Crazy After All These Years
Encore
3:
The
Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel song)
In
second spot could have been Jimmy Cliff, Robert Cray, Manu Chao or
the Grand Wizard himself, Robert Plant, so we'll go with 'little
Robert' (who 'only wants to come and play'... heh heh - quote How
Many More Times – Led Zep). Since Led Zeppelin Plant has kept
himself artistically alive and well by his eclectic approach, his
reverence for trad roots styles and his wizardry. Yup he is known to
conjure the afternoon muse in pipe and slippers and just blow rings
and lyrics, just blow rings and lyrics man. His recent
Band Of Joy album produced by the ubiquitous T Bone Burnett embraced
country music, as did the prior collaboration with Alison Krauss. The
2005 Mighty ReArranger utilized African, specifically Malian blues
and was for me better than much of Zeppelin's material being less
declamatory, bombastic. All were financially and artistically
successful. It's great to see these long established artists stay
relevant – people like Plant and Simon, Leonard Cohen – a
fabulous concert two years back – Richard Thompson, Dylan, Bruce
Cockburn, many with old folk credentials. Check the You Tube of
Shine it All Around from the Great ReArranger:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuNuC6Ghfyw
Over
to you Len:
The
career of the lead man of rock icon Led Zeppelin has been marked by
non-stop evolution and he’s not done yet
electrifying
set by Robert Plant
Moving
between pulsating rock sections to calmer grooves, Plant managed to
fit in a great deal of Led Zeppelin tracks to the crowd’s delight
Plant’s
acknowledgment of the faithful was not the traditional songs but a
patented future-primative groove that moved these songs to greater
heights.
For
example, Whole Lot Of Love was embedded with chugging African drums.
Plant
showed off those high reaching vocals of his that are so highly
revered
The
seven-piece band was a force of its own, producing a big rock sound
that draws from elements of blues and roots music.
To
one side of the stage we have Juldeh Camara working a Gambian wooden
banjo, on the other side keyboardist John Baggott (ex Massive
Attack) sits in a nest of snths and laptops.
Led
Zeppelin classics like ‘Black Dog’ found a new life with the
distinctive sound of a ritti (one-stringed African Violin) and other
exotic string instruments, creating an Africana/rockabilly fusion.
A
maestro of rock, he conducted his audience and they responded to
every gesture.
The
backdrop, featuring the ‘60s-style psychedelic album cover art,
combined with a triumphant lighting display and gave this Bluesfest
headline set the full rock treatment.
Plant
honoured his teenage love of the blues as the drive behind this
latest incarnation. In a tribute to hero Howlin’ Wolf, he
performed an impressive cover of the blues classic ‘Spoonful’.
Set
List
Tin
Pan Valley
Another
Tribe
Black
Dog (Led Zeppelin song)
Spoonful
(Howlin’ Wolf cover)
Going
to California (Led Zeppelin song)
The
Enchanter
What
Is and What Should Never Be (Led Zeppelin song) Heartbreaker (Led
Zeppelin song)
Four
Sticks (Led Zeppelin song)
Funny
in My Mind (I Believe I'm Fixin' to Die)
Whole
Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin song)
Encore:
Bron
Y Aur Stomp (Led Zeppelin song)
Rock
and Roll
Manu
Chao
Manu
Chao, the Spanish/French singer based in Paris was a surprise for me.
Ok I have some of his Cds, Best of, Clandestino and La Radiolina, and
he can be quietly folkie – too folkie I thought for a closing act.
BUT he
blew the roof off the marquee with his energy level:
The dance was sooo up front and vibrant, the lighting appropriately
zipping all over, the electronica sounds like flying sirens and his
band was manic. He was my daughter Cara's favourite performer, along
with Hat Fitz and her namesake Cara. I think the audience didn't
really know what to expect and he wowed us.
Superb!!!
Robert
Cray Band
Robert
Cray was a knockout. We'd seen him before some years ago at Bluesfest
I think but at the back of my mind I had put him down as quality
blues but too smooth. When your point of reference, your barometer is
the Wolf, Elmore, Hooker, Muddy and Walter your gauge is how well the
person measures against those guys. So, I wasn't expecting earthy
sparks - which is what I got!! The Man has presence and delivery and
his songs were great. He'd been to the Crossroads, made bacon and
eggs for the old hoary goat with the red eyes. Or my previous opinion
was askew. I know, it can happen, too much fruit pulp. This Paris
concert recorded You Tube is the closest I could find to my
remembered experience and if you have a pair of 3D glasses, use them:
Jimmy
Cliff
Another
who was much better than I had imagined. His voice is still superb
and he has a mile more energy than yer average stoned Rastafari. Many
rivers to cross, well maybe I have with that comment, and I retract
it unreservedly. Who would say that they are always stoned, not me.
Jimmy's band and the recent foot tapping hit One More on Letterman:
Yet
another performer who surprised me. We'd seen his sister Martha about
4 or 5 years ago at the Bluesfest – the most sensual and sexiest
performer on the planet. Of course with their lineage from folk
aristocracy, the McGarrigle sisters, Anna and Kate and Loudon
Wainwright 111, you wouldn't expect less – well not both sisters
and Loudon ha ha. Sadly Rufus and Martha's mother Kate died in 2011.
Rufus
like his sister has a great expressive delivery and he writes
dramatic songs to suit his delivery. Check this solo performance:
To
hear Kate and Anna's great harmonies in a song covered also by
another folk scion sadly departed, Kirsty McColl, Complaint Pour Ste
Catherine, check this, from the 70s I think – ahhh they were
magnifique:
Martha's
stunning elegiacal version of Kate, her mother's song Proserpina is
here:
Father
Loudon Wainwright is here with his 'only' hit, Dead Skunk in the
Middle of the Road:
Loudon's
more recent blues styled Older Than My Old Man Now, with Martha on
backing vocals is here:
Hat
Fitz and Cara Robinson
Hat
has always been a sort of weather vane/barometer for Bluesfest, if Hat's doing
well, so is Bluesfest. I know.... skewed logic, untested you might say, an urban myth, total bollocks, but WTF. I'll stick with it. He was the
first act up, Lynelle and I sat in the Cavanbah waiting for their version of Blind Willie McTell's Deliah (they must
have done it before we arrived.... - a great cover), and I later saw
him with my daughter (also) Cara who was entranced by them, and Len
and I caught the third show from outside – it was chockers. All
very good.
He
has been with his wife/partner Cara for a few years now and the
former demented angst ridden blues bellower with the rolling eyes has segued into a more
sophisticated albeit still earthy performer. Cara adds her superb
voice, flute, whistle and various percussion. Their songs now
incorporate gospel, blues ballads, the occasional Irish flavoured
instrumental, and early Oz poetry as in the recent 'Company
Underground, an adaption of 'For The Company Underground' by Francis
MacNamara aka Frank The Poet.
Hat's
audience dialogue, always a basic medium 'You'll notice I don't talk
much, that's cos I've got fuck all to say', has been enriched by
Cara's Irish blarney, and you can now hear some banter eg.
Cara: '
I don't know what he's going to do next...'
Hat: 'Just
for that I'll do one about me ex'
'He's
got a whole album of them...'
'She
thinks it's all the same one. This is called Hold My Hand. I came
home an all me gear's on the front lawn so I went round to me mate's
place, sat on the vernadah and wrote this.'
Unfortunately
I was unable to find Deliah but some good ones here with Cara:
For
glimpse of the old manic Hat who 'must 'ave a twist in me neck' with lousy 'NSW Tamworth'
strings, and telling Itchy to do a drum solo 'that's all
you'll get out of him...', while he fixes the tuning, check the link
below.
Len's
comments are below and I can add that, although I caught only the end
numbers, – can't recall what happened, oh yes, I was at Seth
Lakeman - didn't see the whole show but what I saw was excellent. As
Len says 'adventurous', yes they incorporate blues, soul, funk, jazz
with great vocals and amazing guitar. Love their 'Midnight in
Harlem', must be one of the best soul tracks since the 70s. I think
that if I'd seen the total show it might have made my top spot.
adventurous
great
version of Steve Wonder's 'Up Tight'
Eleven
great musicians pumped punchy horn lines, crisp vocal harmonies and
some phenomenal guitar work
Susan
Tedeschi and Derek Trucks wrought blues licks out of their guitars,
sharing lead and rhythm work and throwing to their energetic support
band for some of the most tremendous solos of the day.
Tedeschi
is a formidable front woman.
New
single ‘Made Up Mind’ proved a winner, but it was the Sly and
the Family Stone cover ‘Sing A Simple Song,’ that brought one of
those rare and indescribable “oh, hell yes” blues bliss moments
to both crowd and players alike.
Incredible
show, if you value blues music you must see this band
Check
Derek's tasty intro and the attractive and talented Susan singing
Midnight in Harlem:
Sweet
Honey in the Rock
I
recall that we found this group while moving from the closing song
from Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, a fab cover of White Rabbit,
and ambling towards the bluegrass harmonies of the Wilson Pickers'
bush music (great name – play on soul maestro Wilson Pickett of
course – may De Lawd rest his soul...). Anyway, the heavenly
harmonies with no instrumental accompaniment ie accapella were, as
Len says below, absolutely captivating.
The
band has come from the folk tradition, and so you have the story with
each song, together with the giving of a whole lotta lurve, and a fab
feel good factor which I found lingers on forever, in fact I'm
feeling it now just thinking about it. These ladies are so thoughtful
that they have a sign language lady on the side, just for the lyrics.
Now ya can be cynical but the musicality, the confluence, the balm
and blessing of voices, is wondrous. Ya don't need attack and bad
attitude bro. Think again eh? Imagine Def Leppard with a sign
language person at the side. Yah, anything's possible. Big world eh
bro? Yeah I know a deaf person can't hear the music but BUT they can
feel the vibes, dropkick.
Len's
verdict:
Perhaps
my best new musical discovery of the day was the all-woman acappella
ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock, as they delivered an utterly
captivating performance.
Celebrating
their African-American heritage, Sweet Honey In The Rock sing songs
that draw upon a range of influences including gospel, blues, reggae
and jazz, to create breath-takingly beautiful music.
While
songs including “Wade In The Water” made great use of their
vocal talents, it was the ensemble’s cover of Bob Marley’s
“Redemption Song” that evoked the best response from the crowd
due to their truly unique recreation of the much loved number.
For
a taste of those Sweet Honeys wading in the water go to
I
don't think I saw Joan at all – I was watching Jimmy Cliff, but Len
obviously did and was transported and I'll attach his review here:
Showing
improved stage presence & audience interaction from past
performance
Joan
Armatrading is possibly the closest concrete evidence we’ll ever
have that God is a woman.
She
told her Crossroads stage crowd to wave their arms; they waved their
arms; She bid them to sing a chorus; they rivalled a gospel choir.
She
changed gears mid-set from soulful crooning to electrifying,
rock-spun blues and that moment, the very skies opened and soaked
the whole festival.
Armatrading
moved untethered and wireless around the stage, soloing on her holy
collection of guitars, dancing and laughing with her band as though
this were her lounge room.
Energy
levels jumped when moved into her classic songs before danceable
crowd favourite ‘Drop the Pilot’ closed the show.
Seth
Lakeman
Seth
knocked me out this year as he did last year. From Cornwall he is a
top drawer on the current very lively UK folk festival scene, and
watching and hearing his performance with band and interaction with
the audience you understand why, yes you do. The audience was up and
dancing WILDLY, and at one point I was asked by an aisle maiden to
alight and go with her to the grove...
Fortunately
for her the song finished.
Mavis
Staples
Mmmm,
I'm not sure that I saw Mavis but, but, had I seen her I would
undoubtedly enjoyed her performance – I have seen her previously.
Just looking at the schedule now and I see that Rufus Wainwright was
on at the same time and that's where I must have been. Now, Len was
there and enjoyed Mavis and the total experience and it seems that I
missed a special show, so over to you Len:
Soul
queen
Mavis
Staples exudes a youthful vitality that is quite remarkable,
especially after 63 years of performing.
The
audience was instantaneous magnetised by her cherished,
characteristic gospel-infused rhythm and blues style.
Mavis
commands an audience like no other, and her positive affirmations
have a hypnotic power that is transported to all those in her
presence; “We’ve come to bring you joy, happiness and
inspiration,” she said.
Her
cover of The Band’s ‘The Weight’ sent the crowd into an
ecstatic frenzy and was a poignant moment in the first half of her
set.
Lead
guitarist Rick Holmstrom played a sophisticated and soothing solo
piece that worked to wind down the fired up crowd. Yet this relaxing
feeling was only short-lived, as Mavis returned on stage to declare
a big surprise: Bonny Raitt was about to join her for a guest
appearance.
Bonnie
and Mavis performed the hit song ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’
and this stellar rendition proved that their mutual admiration of
each other is something that could never be broken.
Check
out Mavis and Bonnie performing Will the Circle be Unbroken:
Yep,
I'm almost certain I caught some of Bonnie, at some point. Ben Caplan
was on at around the same time and I remember him but I think I saw
some of BR's gig as well. This was the final day and that's my
excuse. However, luckily we have Len's prodigious memory for detail
to haul us through the murk:
Bonnie
Raitt performed tracks from her entire career, after earlier popping
in on with Mavis Staples
Hard
to believe that Bonnie Raitt is 63 years old. She looks likes 20
years younger.
The
thing that might give her away are those trademark poetic lyrics,
clearly forged by experience and emotion you’d need a lifetime not
only to write, but to perform with such sincerity.
- Raitt wielded her guitar like a weapon, smiling and bantering with
her band and popping solos left and right.
- Her
voice is something spectacular, it oozed like a blues-infused honey
through the tent’s speakers and across the sea of enraptured
punters gathered to see her. “You got one helluva country here, and
such great music fans,” she announced
- Raitt stamped Bluesfest with her smoky blend of blues, country and
rock.
Raitt
fans went away still singing ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, so
great was her rendition.
Trombone
Shorty
I can say with almost 100% certitude that I saw and heard the rambunctious Trombone Shorty
and his band of noisy N'Awlins players. I've seen him previously - he's been here a number of times and he's popular, deservedly so. And I enjoy the loose N'Awlins rhythms, that seem to fall over themselves and Trombone has this in tubs. Now, I've just realised that Len has not produced a review of Trombone... So... you have it. Pick one which Len covered, ah yes, Alan Toussaint.
Alan Toussaint
Len's succinct dot points are below, thankfully, and I can add that this was the first time I have seen the grand gentleman of N'Awlins who looked splendid in his green suit, checked shirt and blue tie - you'd think that his mum might have said at some point 'Alan, blue and green are seldom seen...'
Notwithstanding the Legend's sense of sartorial splendour, his music and his demeanour suggest an elegance befitting his noble stature among the raggle taggle bad mother f***ing dangerous dude types of Cresecnt city musos who have more than a passing knowledge of the masonry and
mortar of the city penitentiaries. Not so M. Toussaint. Over to you Len:
|
Despite
the massive names on the bill, elements of punk, pop, and every
other kind of genre you can think of, it’s artists like
Legendary R&B vocalist and pianist Allen Toussaint that
really are the soul of Bluesfest.
The
New Orleans R’n’B legend and his crack band were wonderful to
watch, even for those who were not immediately familiar with his
music.
He
had the ever-increasing crowd in the Crossroads tent swinging
their hips and stomping their feet to a parade of some of his
best-known songs.
Dressed
in a green suit and backed by a talented band, Toussaint showed
that his fingers are as nimble as ever as his hands danced up and
down the keys.
He
also proved to be a true entertainer, standing up in the middle
of ‘Mr Mardi Gras’ to throw gifts, including masks, beads and
even a small umbrella, into the crowd. Before the song he
proclaimed, “We’ve brought some of the Mardi Gras to you!”
With
a career spanning almost 60 years, today Allen Toussaint showed
that his influence on the R&B genre is still recognised and
that his fans maintain a high level of appreciation and adoration
for his talent.
Now, I think we've reached the end of this here production. Finally. Almost. I didn't mention Taj Mahal who gave a terrific performance, also Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite were hot damn and gave a hot damn rootsy performance of When the Levee Breaks, also Go Jane Go were as good as you'd expect from Kieran and Lucas Kane plus David Francey. Also I can't believe that I missed Santana - I was captivated by Robert Cray or Trombone Shorty.
Well thanks again to Len and Michelle. 2014 looks good but I think we'll be in Spain. The final announcements? Some bets? Stones? Oils? Johnny Winter? John Fogarty again? King Crimson?
Richard Thompson? The Saints? Nick Cave? Neville Brothers? Rod Stewart/Faces (sadly without Ronnie Lane RIP? ELP? |
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