By Larry Blumenfeld, in the Village Voice, here.
[ "New Orleans inspires even inveterate Twitterers and Facebook correspondents to release their thumbs and touch real life. Except the guy at the bar of a club called DBA one recent Monday, who just leaned harder into his BlackBerry, typing feverishly as Glen David Andrews—trombone in one hand, mic in the other—upped the tempo of "It's All Over Now." Some people just don't get it.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which celebrated its 40th year through two long weekends from April 24 to May 3, is the grandest showcase, the tourism calling card, for a culture that defies the virtual. At the festival's Gospel Tent five days later, Andrews stirred fervor with hymns from his new CD, Walking Through Heaven's Gate. Monday, secular. Friday, sacred. Same effect. These are the two sides of New Orleans' musical coin, and nowhere is that truer than Andrews's old neighborhood, Tremé: He recorded his album at Zion Hill Baptist Church there, where he was baptized 30 years ago." ]
Showing posts with label Jazzfest 09. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jazzfest 09. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Jon Pareles - 40th Annual Jazzfest
As described via the eyes and ears of Jon Pareles.
It turns out this is the most heavily attended one since Levees' - FEMA Fail05 , (peak year Jazzfest attendence was 2001).
Jon did a rundown on the Ponderosa Stomp here.
Jon and Jazzfest: "Zydeco at a Bowling Alley" here.
Jon, Jazzfest and "Soul Men" here.
Jon, Jazzfest and "Voice of the Wetlands" here.
There are more links following "Voice of the Wetlands," which are equally interesting and valuable to read:
"A Bit of a Stretch;" Behind Threadhead Records; "Other Glimpses From Friday;"
Jon is one hell of a reporter. He does his legwork as well as his earwork. I know just how arduous what he's doing is. I've been with Vaquero while he's done the same thing. It is not at all the same as running around from one stage to another while drinking a lot of beers, and running into your friends. Well, yes, that is part of it. But you have to somehow remain clear-headed enough to make notes and recordings that are usable, and then pull it all together when your body aches and your legs are like rubber, and you're starving and there's no place to get anything to eat, and somehow get back to where you are staying, while sneezing from all the dust and itchy from the sunburn because you sweated off your sunblock and if your wife isn't there to make you re-apply it, you didn't (unless it rained all day, then you're covered with mud). And it's late and you have to go out to hear these other esssential acts who are not exactly playing Jazzfest, or are playing this gig too, and you then have to get up really early and do it all again. While looking for breakfast and coffee while the rest of the world is doing the same in the city that isn't about fast, efficient service on little bit.
If I have this right, Jon started coming to New Orleans with Mardi Gras, 2006 (I remember running into him then, and don't recall that from previous years). He's learned so much. This is a really good job.
It turns out this is the most heavily attended one since Levees' - FEMA Fail05 , (peak year Jazzfest attendence was 2001).
Jon did a rundown on the Ponderosa Stomp here.
Jon and Jazzfest: "Zydeco at a Bowling Alley" here.
Jon, Jazzfest and "Soul Men" here.
Jon, Jazzfest and "Voice of the Wetlands" here.
There are more links following "Voice of the Wetlands," which are equally interesting and valuable to read:
"A Bit of a Stretch;" Behind Threadhead Records; "Other Glimpses From Friday;"
Jon is one hell of a reporter. He does his legwork as well as his earwork. I know just how arduous what he's doing is. I've been with Vaquero while he's done the same thing. It is not at all the same as running around from one stage to another while drinking a lot of beers, and running into your friends. Well, yes, that is part of it. But you have to somehow remain clear-headed enough to make notes and recordings that are usable, and then pull it all together when your body aches and your legs are like rubber, and you're starving and there's no place to get anything to eat, and somehow get back to where you are staying, while sneezing from all the dust and itchy from the sunburn because you sweated off your sunblock and if your wife isn't there to make you re-apply it, you didn't (unless it rained all day, then you're covered with mud). And it's late and you have to go out to hear these other esssential acts who are not exactly playing Jazzfest, or are playing this gig too, and you then have to get up really early and do it all again. While looking for breakfast and coffee while the rest of the world is doing the same in the city that isn't about fast, efficient service on little bit.
If I have this right, Jon started coming to New Orleans with Mardi Gras, 2006 (I remember running into him then, and don't recall that from previous years). He's learned so much. This is a really good job.
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