Jazz Fest’s second weekend reviews

11th May 2015 · 0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

After the first Jazz Fest weekend, the talk — apart from musical performances — was all about the stormy weather. Following the Fest’s second weekend – again other than the music – the buzz was concerning Saturday’s immense crowd. The primary cause for the horde of people was the booking of superstar Elton John on the Acura (Fess) Stage. By 11 a.m. or so, people preparing for John’s 4:50 p.m. show had already set up chairs that went as far back as the edge of the Fair Grounds’ grassy infield. Thank goodness that the “no chairs zone” directly in front of the stage was maintained throughout the day or it would have been impossible to get to the other artists’ – like Jerry Lee Lewis’ and Davell Crawford’s (more on that later) – Fess Stage sets.

It’s okay if people want to deal with the masses to see their favorite performers, but the invasion spills, no floods, over to the other areas of the festival. Just getting from one spot to the other often became a major hassle and some folks’ dispositions changed from the usual joyfulness to rather cranky. Food, beer and particularly portolet lines became ridiculous and the wait caused some non-Elton fans to miss part of sets they hoped to catch.

Safety in this over-crowded setting has been a hot topic – no escape routes. A stretcher carried by several men made its way through the throng with a path cleared by the front guy blowing a whistle. There certainly must have been some who thought it indicated another parade of Black Indians, brass bands and second liners.

On with the music… This year’s award of most seen musician goes to baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis. Last weekend he blew alongside trumpeter James Andrews and this week his big horn added its punch to the Dirty Dozen, of which he is a member. Lewis also played on and pianist Davell Crawford’s tribute to Fats Domino where he stood among saxophonists Eliot “Stackman” Callier and Reggie Houston – all three of them played in Domino’s band – plus Eric Traub. Crawford, who displays his genius in all of his various undertakings, played the set straight-up making it sound like listening to a stack of Fats’ great 45 rpms. Crawford, who made his solos deliciously his own, even turned his head and smiled at the audience as Domino was wont to do. It was a pleasure to hear longtime Domino drummer Ernest “Box” Fontenot take over the trap set on “Blueberry Hill.” Oh, and by the way, George Porter was manning the bass.

Lewis also brought his distinctive sound to the Treme Brass Band and stood as a member of trombonist/bandleader Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. Marsalis, who is no stranger to street parades, ended his set in the Jazz Tent with a second line more commonly experienced in the Economy Hall Tent. People were dancin’ in the aisles.

Speaking of Economy Hall, it was great to hear trumpeter/vocalist Kermit Ruffins alongside his longtime side kick trombonist Corey Henry for Ruffins’ tribute to Louis Armstrong. Pianist David Torkanowsky, who performed often in the traditional jazz tent though he’s usually more associated with modern jazz, was also on Ruffins gig along with drumming great Shannon Powell.

The Meters’ reunion was all that was expected and more. Zigaboo Modeliste, perhaps the musician folks here in New Orleans see less of than members organist/vocalist Art Neville, bassist George Porter and guitarist Leo Nocentelli, revealed his huge talent as a drummer who holds the world of rhythm beneath his sticks – there’s funk in there, of course, though also tons of creative jazz. He also did a lot of singing this time out. The legendary group beefed it up with the addition of organist Ivan and vocalist Cyril Neville and a full horn section.

Sometimes a litmus test for a performance at Jazz Fest is whether one stays for an entire performance. Several groups, including the Meters, Crawford, modern jazz keyboardist Kyle Roussel, the gospel group the Electrifying Crown Seekers and saxophone legend Charles Lloyd captured that kind of attention. That’s not to take away from other acts when one would perhaps arrived late or have to leave early to catch something else. Those included some serious blowing by trumpeters Christian Scott and Terence Blanchard, some wonderful gospel groups such as the energetic Eleanor McMain Singing Mustangs and the dance-provoking Paulin Brothers Brass Band.

Taking in partial sets happens a lot during the final hour of the festival when so many great acts take the stage. On the last Sunday it offered the opportunity to hear the sophisticated Christian McBride Big Band, the warm, hometown funkiness of our own Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews at his prime spot under the likeness of Professor Longhair on the Acura (Fess) Stage and end it all with the “74 years young,” Baton Rouge guitarist/vocalist, bluesman Buddy Guy who gave his all. “I’m here in New Orleans to mess with you,” he declared laughing after an inspired “Hoochie Coochie Man.”

It didn’t take a professional designer’s eye to pick the artists who wore this year’s most stunning outfits at Jazz Fest. Of course, it don’t mean a thing if their sets didn’t live up to their attire. Victor Harris, the Spirit of Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indians created a stunning black and white suit which he wore with pride while offering his philosophy on love and peace. Kyle Roussel, wearing a brilliantly tailored, royal blue suit, no shirt and red rimmed glasses, moved from electric to acoustic keyboards performing original material from his latest album, Rookie of the Year. Never to be outdone, Ironing Board Sam, took the stage in the Blues Tent donned in a flowing silver lame outfit that was only outshone by his ever-present smile. Well things did light up further when drummer Kerry Brown set his mallets on fire and proceeded to play “Reggae Woman” with flames flying.