Stompin' At The Ponderosa Stomp

A Nick Tosches tome come to life, The Ponderosa Stomp is a two-day event that pays tribute to the unsung heroes of rock and roll. 45's with cool labels and obscure b-sides that you thought only YOU knew, performed live on stage by the artists that seemed to disappear minutes after recording the tunes, the "Stomp" has become a well-oiled machine and the party of the year.





Last night at the House Of Blues, I witnessed powerful sets on two stages by Dale Hawkins with guitar legend James Burton, the reunion of Boston's grungey Beatles, The Remains, 83 year old Lil Greenwood (who once shared the stage with Duke Ellington), and my favorite set of the evening, Otis Clay backed by the original Hi Rhythm Section, featuring "Teenie" Hodges.

I had been looking forward to The Remains set for months, and while it was fun to see the guys together, the mood changed for me the minute they debuted a "new song." That kinda misses the point of the Stomp, doesn't it? Almost every act I have ever seen at the Ponderosa Stomp seemed to be having the time of their lives, enjoying the fame that may have eluded them in their prime. But Barry Tashian, leader of The Remains, seemed to be taking himself too seriously. This was not his show, but a showcase for all involved. I don't think that attitude went unnoticed, as the crowd started thinning out about 4 songs in.





Dale Hawkins, still rocking after a round of chemotherapy, simply tore the place up. Flanked by Deke Dickerson and James Burton on guitars, the smile on Hawkins' face was enough to light up the entire French Quarter.




But it was the tight Memphis soul of the Hi Rhythm section who backed Otis Clay that really killed me. On songs like "A Nickel & A Nail" and Al Green's "Love & Happiness," Clay's voice was as powerful as ever, and the band magically created the sound that made so many of those great soul singles so legendary.





Tonight The Flamin'Groovies return for the first time in years, as well as Dan Penn, ? & The Mysterians, Wanda Jackson, Bobby Patterson and more.

Thank you Ira Padnos.

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date...Even In New Orleans

I could just go on endlessly about the food I've been eating, the music I've been hearing, and the people that have been amusing me, but I know there are many of you Woodsters who are losing patience. So, this truncated post is for you.


NEW RELEASES FOR APRIL 28TH






BOB DYLAN- TOGETHER THROUGH LIFE

Interesting, singer-songwriter releases new record of songs with smart lyrics and melodies. I see good things for this exciting artist.

BEN FOLDS, ET AL- UNIVERSITY A CAPELLA

“Music education has been atrophying,” Ben Folds says. “And yet, at any given school, any number of a cappella groups are getting together a few times a week to rehearse and perform. What’s more is they’re really good.” An idea was born. “If there are thousands of a cappella groups out there,” Ben says, “it must be amazing to sing in them. I wanted to capture that magic.” And so Ben Folds—one part Jane Goodall, two parts Ahmet Ertegun—set out to recruit and record these university a cappella groups. You hold the result in your hands." ALRIGHTY THEN.






MELODY GARDOT- MY ONE & ONLY LOVE

People are calling her the new Norah Jones, which I find irritating. Sure, there are some simlarities--young woman, singer-songwriter, standards--but Gardot's debut was so powerful, she deserves some credit of her own. This record is just as strong.

HEAVEN & HELL- THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

First record in 17 years from the Ozzy-less Black Sabbath. Not bad, if you like this stuff...and I do.

ZACHARY RICHARD- LAST KISS

First English language record in 15 years from the Cajun rebel, "Last Kiss" is produced by another NOLA treasure, the great David Torkanowsky and features guest appearances by both Susan Cowsill and Celine Dion. WHAT? (YES, REALLY.) Richard is hugely popular in Canada.

KERMIT RUFFINS- LIVIN'A TREME LIFE

And speaking of David Torkanowksy, his piano skills are heard all over this new release from another New Orleans fave, Kermit Ruffins. What Ruffins lacks in trumpet skills, he makes up in spades in pure entertainment value. This record is a blast-think Satchmo fronting the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.





DWIGHT TWILLEY- OUT OF THE BOX

The power pop genius from Tulsa returns with an all covers record that pays tribute to his influences. Bands on Twilley's A-list includes, The Beatles, Bobby Fuller Four, T-Rex, AC/DC, and CCR for starters/

Jazz Fest Photo Gallery

Random Thoughts On A Sunday In New Orleans

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

As the festgoer returned to his seat with 2/3 of a fried chicken combo missing from his plate, he said to his wife, "I wouldn't have eaten so much, but I couldn't find you."





PEFORMANCE OF THE DAY

The legendary (in these parts) jazz combo, Astral Project stunned the Jazz Tent with a performance that was completely off the hook. One of the most original quartets to ever make music, Astral Project plays modern jazz with deep New Orleans roots, and yet their all original repertoire never reminds you of anything; a nod to the always daring compositional skills of leader and sax player Tony Dagradi. But it is the rhythm section of James Singleton on bass and the otherworldly John Vidacovich on drums, that drives this band into the outer limits. I would strongly recommend checking out their 2003 release "Big Shot," which can be purchased at the Louisiana Music Factory.










"THE SMALLEST WORLD IN THE WORLD"

Back in February, I was asked to write a forward for "PIECES OF ME," Paul Sanchez' book of essays about his life after Katrina. Yesterday, Paul, who I had yet to meet, was signing copies of his book at the Fairgrounds. I introduced myself, we had a great conversation, but it was this exchange that I wanted to share.

"So whereabouts in NY are you from, Sal?" "I live in Astoria." "OK, I lived in NY for awhile." "Whereabouts Paul?" "Everywhere from Broome Street to Inwood." "BROOME STREET?! WHERE?" "Broome Street and 6th Avenue." "BROOME STREET AND 6TH AVENUE?! Paul Sanchez went on to explain that he lived in MY building, where I was born and raised, and where my mother STILL lives. Paul was one of the two musicians living on the ground floor who kept opposite hours of the primarily Italian-American families that lived in the apartments above. I also explained that the woman banging on their roof and telling them to "lower that f**king music" was my grandmother.

Friday At The Fairgrounds: Special Saturday Edition

I left the house without the camera battery. (It was still in its charger.) Rolled that one right off the back figuring I'd be taking the same pictures of the Grandstand, the Mardi Gras Indians and the like that I have been taking for the last ten years. It was a bit harder to roll taking the wrong tickets off the back. (FYI: Tickets that say "Sunday" are not good for "Friday." Just sayin...) Had to get back in a cab. $22 and 22 minutes later, I was part of Jazz Fest:Day One.


After the shakey start, Connie Jones' set of traditonal jazz with a big band twist put me back into the right mood. With a horn section that included Craig Klein, Tim Laughlin, Jimmy Webber and Rick Trolsen, Jones put a nice swing spin on such songs as "Basin Street Blues," "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans," and Jelly Roll Morton's "Wolverine Blues."


But while the more than manageable crowd spent the afternoon listening to people like Joe Cocker, Spoon, Marc Broussard and Wynton Marsalis, I parked myself in the Gospel Tent for two of the most incredible performances in all my Jazz Fest years.








The McDonough #35 High School Gospel Choir followed by Mavis Staples' and Irma Thomas' tribute to Mahalia Jackson left a jammed-packed tent limp. The 35 voice choir kept their set mostly upbeat, with choreography to boot. It's impossible to not be moved when hearing the triumphant sounds of so many voices singing in harmony.

But it was the my last set of the day, that defines the Jazz Fest moment. Mavis Staples was a woman possessed, as she paid tribute to her idol, Sister Mahalia Jackson. Staples' 4 song set stunned the crowd as she shimmied and shook the devil right out of the Crescent City. Irma Thomas closed the set with her own tribute that brought everyone, including Thomas herself to a sobby mess. Two legends of gospel and soul, inspired by the First Lady of Gospel and the great city of New Orleans, makes for a stellar Day One.




As for the Neil Young rumor...can't confirm. Too busy testifyin'!

THE FESTIVAL BEGINS, BUT NOT BEFORE STANTON MOORE PUTS ME IN MY PLACE

The advertised start time for the Stanton Moore Trio at The Blue Nile was 9:30, so I played it safe...I am on New Orleans time...and got to the club at 10:05. (so, I'd miss one song. HAH!) Luckily, I only had to wait for an hour for showtime. Yes, at 11:05, Stanton, Robert Walter, and Will Bernard took the stage and kicked some serious Yankee butt. (It IS New Orleans)




I won't go on too long about Moore's drumming. I've said plenty about it in the past. But this trio is by far, the best of Stanton's numerous projects. Walter's Hammond B3 grooves, with slinky Meters' licks from Bernard's guitar and Moore's John Bonham meets Zigaboo pounding, delivered one of the hottest sets I am sure I will see all week.

Today is the first day of the Festival proper. Weather is sunny and 83, and everyone concerned is checking their stage grids one last time. I'm considering David Egan, the Drive By Truckers with Booker T. (possibly a guest appearance by Neil Young? I'm starting that rumour,) and the New Orleans Nightcrawlers for day one. But today's MUST SEE will be the Mahalia Jackson Tribute in the Gospel tent featuring Mavis Staples and Irma Thomas. Check back tomorrow to see exactly what I decided on.

INGESTED ITEMS (for those interested)

APPLE CROISSANT
GRITS
FRIED OYSTERS
BASIL CRUSTED GROUPER
ORZO & ASPARAGUS
PORK LOIN STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE
BAKED FLOUNDER COVERED IN CRAWFISH
BEET SALAD
MORE OYSTERS
SOME CHOCOLATE THING WITH CHOCOLATE ON IT AND A CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE OF CHOCOLATE AND STUFF

NEW ORLEANS, PFISTER SISTERS, & FOOD

The Pfister Sisters are neither sisters nor named Pfister, unlike The Boswell Sisters, the trio from New Orleans who the Pfisters pay tribute to. Connie, Vet, and Martha Boswell were one of the most talented jazz vocal groups of all time, with close harmonies that were close to impossible. Debbie Davis, Holly Bendsten, and Yvette Volker are a staple of the New Orleans bar scene, and last night's twilight peformance at The Spotted Cat was a fine way to start the evening.












For 45 minutes the ladies harmonized, told stories about their travails as New Orleans artists, and also did a hula. The most irritating thing was watching Holly, the senior member of the trio, abandon the other two more than once during the performance by disappearing up Frenchmen Street to sip her cocktail, smoke a butt, and do a little shopping. Both Yvette and Debbie were clearly upset and embarrassed, and quite frankly, I don't blame them. Even The Cool Jerks, my fab band, are more professional than that, never leaving the stage and simply screaming at each other ON STAGE.

As we left and passed the Pfisters tip jar, my friend got her Brooklyn on and said to Yvette, "Can this money go to just the two of you?" Yvette just laughed.


ITEMS INGESTED (for those keeping track)

ALMOND CROISSANT
CARROT MUFFIN
CRAB CAKES
OYSTER PO'BOY
FRENCH FRIES
PRALINE BACON (that's one item)
CRAWFISH
STUFFED ARTICHOKE
BONELESS CHICKEN (slathered in something, gravy I think)
HUBIQ'S PINEAPPLE PIE

ITEMS DIGESTED

If It's Wednesday, Street Date Was Yesterday

OK, I forgot the new releases. Major distractions like a painfully early flight to New Orleans, which by the way included Allen Toussaint sitting two rows in front of me and some bonehead eating two boxes of Carr's Water Crackers louder than the Tubes CD I was listening to on my iPod, behind me.


THE BOXMASTERS- MODBILLY (featuring that dick, Billy Bob Thornton. See here)

SUSAN COWSILL- LIGHTHOUSE (released through Threadhead Records. See here)

(my good friend) JOHN DUNBAR- LIFE'S GREAT LISTENERS (See here)

DEPECHE MODE- SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE

BOOKER T. JONES- POTATO HOLE (my Huffington Post review HERE)

PET SHOP BOYS- YES (best record in years. love them!)


Hope that suffices, considering where I am and what and who I am thinking about.

Back to NOLA, dinner at Bayona was sinful (veal sweetbreads, anyone?) and the "All-Stars" backing Shannon Powell at Preservation Hall included Leon "Kid Chocolate" Brown on trumpet, Scotty Hill on trombone and David Torkanowksy on piano. Music was classic for a first night.















See ya tomorrow, Y'ALL.