This blog spot is the home to my ramblings. I am a free lance writer. Most of my work goes on Associated Content. Sometimes I write what is on my mind, sometimes I plug some of my writing, and sometimes a combination of the two. So, sit back read, enjoy, and we will see where it goes.
Back at the end of April I spent the day at Jazz Fest (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival). It was hot and the sun was blazing like it does on a lot of Spring and Summer days. I had ducked into the Blues Tent and Kenny Neal was playing and he is always worth catching. Anyway during his set he brought out a couple of special guests, one was the then 84 year old blues singer and harmonica master Lazy Lester. In the 50s Lester had recorded with blues legends such as Slim Harpo and Lightnin' Hopkins. Obviously he had his own recording career as well. I was able to witness him on stage just by chance a few months ago. Yesterday, Lazy Lester passed away at the age of 85. The picture is one I snapped.
Here is some vintage Lester from 1958 "Sugar Coated Love"
Here is Lazy Lester with Jimmie Vaughan and Johnny Nicholas with "Blues Stop Knockin' at my Door"
Here he is with Slim Harpo "My Home is a Prison"
"They Call Me Lazy"
I am glad I got to catch him. May he is rest in peace.
Today's letter for the A to Z Challenge is B. My post fits the letter in two ways. One Lonnie's last name starts with a B and this is about the Blues. Lonnie Brooks was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010. Sadly he passed away on April 1.
I actually was able to see Lonnie Brooks perform 15 years ago at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Form. He performed in the Blues Tent which was a very intimate setting to experience an artist perform.
Lonnie passed way at 83 and had started his career in the 1950s. Two of his early singles where recorded by The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Here is The Fabulous Thunderbirds cvering Brooks' "The Crawl"
Here is Lonnie with "Voodoo Daddy"
Here he is live...
The Blues world lost a great one. He will be missed and I hope he can Rest in Peace. His family legacy lives on with his sons Ronnie Baker Brooks and Wayne Baker Brooks.
Today's battle is inspired by a comment Robin from ‘YOURDAILYDOSE’ made on my battle on May 1, 2015. The quote that inspired me to share more trombone was "There was also a time (ten minutes ago?) when I never would have guessed that a trombone made a good solo instrument. I understood the allure of the trumpet and sax. But the trombone???" I have found the trombone to be pretty prevalent in a lot of live music that I listen to, especially bands out of New Orleans. Please check out Robin's battle.
The last day of Jazz Fest the main stage was closed out by a man named Trombone Shorty. My part of the challenge is to pit two trombone fueled bands against each other with a common song. That is my mission impossible. Your mission if you choose to accept it is to vote in the comments and have fun!
If you are still looking for more musical fun after you vote, you can check out these sites for more battles:
Please check out my friends above, they post some pretty neat stuff!
It took a bit of searching but I found a song for this friendly competition that will fit well with my musical adventures at the final day of The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The legendary funk band out of New Orleans called The Meters also played on the main stage. So it is fitting I decided to use their instrumental called "Cissy Strut"....
The Meters are not in the competition. They are just providing the song for the competition.
Challenger One:
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Challenger Two:
Big Sam's Funky Nation
Well thanks for visiting I hope you enjoy! Remember to vote and come back for the results on June 7, 2015.
I dedicate this blog post to Dixie over at DC Relief. She commented on one of my recent A to Z: Challenge post "New Orlean's Jazz fest? I know you brought souvenirs... waiting."' Here is a souvenir, the Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas on stage with her band.
Regular rules, listen to the song clips in the blog post. In the comment section vote for the one you like the best. Feel free to explain why you voted the way you did. The battles take place on the first and 15th and winners will be announced on the 7th and 21st. I will normally post the winner in the comments. Of course have fun and enjoy!
The below list is edited to welcome some new battles and unfortunately some battles have taken a break. If you are still looking for more musical fun after you vote, you can check out these sites for more battles:
Please check out my friends above, they post some pretty neat stuff!
One of the highlights of Jazz Fest this year was hearing Irma Thomas sing "Time is on my Side."
She recorded the song early in 1964 and the Rolling Stones recorded the song later that year. The song was originally written by Norman Meade and recorded by a jazz saxophone player by the name of Kai Winding. Lyrics were tweaked by Jimmy Norman which shaped it into the classic we know today.
The Original: Kai Winding
Challenger One: Irma Thomas
Challenger Two: The Rolling Stones
Usually I say the original is off limits. However, since all three versions are so different. Vote for the one you like best. Vote away in the comments. I hope you enjoyed this Battle of the Bands and stop in on the 15th for another battle!
Yesterday I shared the 2013 Mountain Jam line up today I will share The 2013 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival line up better known simply as Jazz Fest! I was fortunate to go to this festival once and it was incredible! A blend of multiple styles of music.
The Festival runs April 26 through Sunday May 5 for specific lineups per day please check out their website.
Billy Joel
The biggest names in music play this festival. Also probably a bunch of folks you have never heard before who will blow your mind musically. Billy Joel is one of those biggest names. He recently played the 12.12.12 Concert.
Fleetwood Mac
You may have heard the rumors that Fleetwood Mac has reunited once more for another tour. One of their stops will be JazzFest.
The Dave Matthews Band
Another big nam, The Dave Matthews Band will also play the Fest. They are no strangers to playing festivals and big stages.
Maroon 5
This band has moves like Jagger..
The Black Keys
Another band that is developing quite a following is The Black Keys.
John Mayer
One of the most popular guitar/singers out there John Mayer will also be performing.
Widespread Panic
One of the biggest jam bands out there, Widespread Panic will be playing the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Like my previous post they will also be playing Mountain Jam.
Daryl Hall and John Oates
Do anyone remember these guys? I am sure you do let me find a video to rewind your memory.
Phoenix
B.B. King
The King, a living legend in Blues Music, and incredible entertainer, and a headliner at Jazz Fest. Yes, B.B. King will be there!
Frank Ocean
Earth, Wind, and Fire
A classic old school band here...
Willie Nelson and Family
Willie Nelson is a legend!
Little Big Town
Little Big Town is headed for the Big Easy. Last year they enjoyed a number one hit with this song...
George Benson
Of course there is jazz
It is a wonderful festival with a lot of bands. I will list some more below but cut down on comments and videos due to space.
Jill Scott, Jimmy Cliff, Gypsy Kings, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti Smith, Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite..
That last combo deserved a video...
Band of Horses, Gary Clark Jr, Andrew Bird, Maze, Juan Louis Guerra y 440 and Los Lobos
There is still more! The Little Willies, Kem Roy Ayers, Laura Bell Bundy, Dianne Reaves, and the Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project
Charles Bradley, Wayne Shorter Quartet, the legendary Taj Mahal with the Real Thing Tuba Band...I have seen Taj Mahal open for Eric CLapton and at The Wanee Festival...
Calexico, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Vashawn Mitchell, Jushua Redman Quertet, Mutemath, and the amazing Ana Popovic...
The Mavericks, Little Joe Y La Familia, Campbell Brothers, Brushy One String of Jamaica, dobro master Jerry Douglas, Daryl Coley, Magary Lord of Bahia-Brazil, Male Debale of Bahia-Brazil, The Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band..wow Bluegrass and jazz mixing it up! Doc McKenzie and the Hi Lites, Pokey LaFarge, Salio from the Republic of Georgia, Robert Mirabal, Martha Redbone, Bill Miller, Pura Fe, A Tribe Called Red, Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, Stoney Creek Indian Dancers, Oneida Longhouse Singers and Dancers. Here comes the Funk! Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pete Fountain, The Nevilles, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Better than Ezra, The Meter Men with Page McConnell, Kermitt Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, The 35th Anniversary Celebration of "One Mo' Time!" Marc Broussard, Chris Owens, Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys, Papa Grows Funk, and Cowboy Mouth Tab Benoit is someone you should discover..
Anders Osborne, Theresa Andersson, Big Sam's Funky Nation, slide master Sonny Landreth, Jon Cleary, John Boutte, the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Davenport, Deacon John, Davell Crawford, Terence Blanchard, Rockin' Dopsie Jr and The Zydeco Twisters, Henry Butler, Donald Harrison and Bonerama.
One heck of a lineup for one of the best festivals in the world! I am getting festival fever over here!
Back at the end of April I spent the day at Jazz Fest (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival). It was hot and the sun was blazing like it does on a lot of Spring and Summer days. I had ducked into the Blues Tent and Kenny Neal was playing and he is always worth catching. Anyway during his set he brought out a couple of special guests, one was the then 84 year old blues singer and harmonica master Lazy Lester. In the 50s Lester had recorded with blues legends such as Slim Harpo and Lightnin' Hopkins. Obviously he had his own recording career as well. I was able to witness him on stage just by chance a few months ago. Yesterday, Lazy Lester passed away at the age of 85. The picture is one I snapped.
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