Galactic At Summerstage - 8/10/07

Galactic joined onstage by the Soul Rebels Brass Band


New Orlean's Galactic brought their brand of New Orleans Funk to Central Park's Summerstage this Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day with lots of beautiful people groovin' to beautiful licks. The band was especially tight this day. They had some guest saxaphonist who really kicked ass. If anyone sees this post and knows who that was, pleeeeeeze email me or comment here. I really enjoyed a few of the songs they performed with the Soul Rebels Brass Band and with Jon Cleary on Keyboards, but some of the jams they did with ALL of the guests on stage got a little mushy in my opinion. But all-in-all, a jammin' dancefest at Rumsey!

Before I start ranting I want to say that I love the Soul Rebels Brass Band. At New Orleans Jazzfest 2006 I got to see them play the night away at Le Bons Temps. They have some outstanding musicians. But I have one thing to say to those dudes: shut the fuck up and play! You guys really bring in the funk, but all the shoutin' out to the audience, call and answer shenanigans, whoopin' it up during people's solos - all that stuff detracts from the great music that you're creating. I just don't get why bands think that stuff is good. Maybe they just play for lemming audiences who get all in a froth when bands interact with them in any way. Just play, dammit - let the music speak for you.


And one other thing, while I'm ranting. What was the deal with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagle Mardi Gras Indians? I didn't see their set, but I can't imagine what they could have performed. They were 3 old dudes dressed in these huge Indian Headresses. One guy had a cowbell, and the other 2 had tamborines. When I saw them, they had Galactic and the Soul Rebels playing behind them, but who was accompanying them during their set. The fact that they looked so ridiculous would have been ok if they actually showed any talent on stage. Just goes to show you, sometimes all it takes to get a gig is a big huge headress. Maybe I'll go out and buy 7 of them for The Exboyfriends. Actually, I think Rex already got one for our "Village People" get-up last Halloween...but I digress.

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, The Golden Eagle Mardi Gras Indians, and their ridiculous headresses


The Exboyfriends with Rex as an Indian Chief on the Right

Crescent and Frost at The Living Room - 8/9/07

I heard Brooklyn's "Crescent and Frost" at the Living Room on Thursday. They played some nice country-twinged singer-songwriter type stuff. I especially enjoyed Maryann Fennimore's gorgeous voice. And as a bonus she's extra easy on the eyes. Her voice reminds me of Shawn Colvin's a bit, but even sweeter. They included a few peppy bluegrass tunes in their set, and a cover of the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", a song which also happens to be covered by Colvin on her "Cover Girl" album. I look forward to hearing more of this band. Check out their website for a link to a free video.

I also heard Lipbone Redding who played before Crescent and Frost. He's a lot of fun. His signature is being able to do a spot-on Trombone sound with his voice. But I was most impressed by the Tuvan Throat Singing he threw in during the set. Great fun!

Patrick Watson - The Great Escape

Indroducing Mr. Patrick Watson of Montreal, Canada. Thanks to my Cousin Adam for pointing him out to me. He has a voice reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley. Just transcendently beautiful. Interesting video, too although I'm not sure what it means. Your interpretations are welcome. He either is playing or already played the Iceland Airwaves festival, which is known as fantastic event where a lot of great new artists get their start.