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Posts Tagged 'Karl Denson'
Bowlive III: Night Ten – Final Recap for Soulive w/ Ledisi, Derek Trucks and The London Souls ~ Extended Review + Media (03.10.12)
Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff, Adam Smirnoff, Alan Evans, Alecia Chakour, Allen Stone, Allman Brothers Band, Big Sam, Big Sam Williams, Billy Martin, Bowlive, Bowlive 3, Bowlive III, Break Science, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bowl, Buddy Miles, Chris St. Hilaire, Citizen Cope, Dave Matthews Band, Derek Trucks, ED "Jesus" Coomes, Eldar, Eric Bloom, Eric Krasno, George Porter Jr., James Casey, Jennifer Hartswick, Jimi Hendrix, John Scofield, Karl Denson, Kofi Burbridge, Ledisi, Luke Quaranta, Luther Dickinson, Mark Whitfield, Medeski Martin and Wood, Mitch Chakour, Neal Evans, Nigel Hall, North Mississippi Allstars, Oteil Burbridge, Questlove, Rahzel, Rashawn Ross, Ryan Zoidis, Sam Cooke, Skerik, Soulive, Stu Mahan, Tash Neal, The Allman Brothers, The Beatles, The Brooklyn Bowl, The Derek Trucks Band, The London Souls, The Meters, The Roots, Warner Bros., Wyllys, Zach Deputy on March 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Bowlive III: Night Ten – Finale Recap for Soulive w/ Ledisi, Derek Trucks and The London Souls ~ Extended Review + Media (03.10.12)
After nine nights of warming up, Soulive members Eric Kranso, Neal Evans and Alan Evans tore the roof off the Brooklyn Bowl Saturday night for the final night of their 3rd annual ten-night residency, Bowlive. Over the course of the last two weeks, Soulive presented their audience with talented guests from across the musical spectrum. Virtuoso guitarists such as jazz legend John Scofield, southern blues rocker Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), and the hard-bopping Warner Brothers artist Mark Whitfield created slaying duets with guitarist Eric Krasno. Renowned bassists Oteil Burbridge (The Allman Brothers Band) and George Porter, Jr. (The Meters) rocked the stage, adding to the cool bass keys Neal Evans plays so strikingly. Hip-hop drummer ?uestlove (The Roots), experimental percussionist Billy Martin (MMW) and world beat drummer Luke Quaranta took their turns leading the rhythm when the smoother than smooth Soulive drummer Alan Evans stepped aside to play rhythm guitar.
Guest vocalists Nigel Hall, Allen Stone, Jennifer Hartswick and Alecia Chakour brought their own style of strength and soul to the mic, Citizen Cope and Alice Smith sang an eclectic mix of blues, laid-back rock and folk while Rhazel and Ledisi delivered beat boxing and R&B/Soul into the eager ears of their audience. As well, for two night and two full sets, Royal Family recordings artists Lettuce, consisting of guitarist Adam Smirnoff, drummer Adam Deitch (Break Science), bassist ED "Jesus" Coomes, and The Bowlive horns, seared the stage with their urban funk flavor.
The Bowlive Horns, consisting of saxophonist James Casey, trumpeters Eric Bloom and Matt Owens and tenor saxophonist Ryan Zoidis were joined over the course of the run by numerous big name brass players. Trombonist Sam "Big Sam" Williams (Big Sam's Funky Nation), flautist/saxophonist Karl Denson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe), trumpeters Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band) and Jennifer Hartswick, flautist Kofi Burbrudge (Derek Trucks Band) and wild improvisational saxophonist Skerik, rotated throughout the ten nights creating one of the sickest brass ensembles some have ever seen.
Other surprise guests included virtuoso pianist Eldar and organist Mitch Chakour while DJ Wyllys spun the ones and twos in between the weekend sets. When Soulive didn't open the show themselves, the one man band, Zach Deputy, Royal Family recording artists The Nigel Hall Band, The Alecia Chakour Band and The London Souls amped the energy of the evening before Soulive took over to lay devastation upon the stage. It has been a two week rage of full on face melting, mind warping, soul filling, gut busting musicianship that accelerated with power each night and with audience members wondering how it could be topped.
Saturday night was the tenth and last night of Bowlive III. The audience, clad in white outfits for the evening's White-Out Party theme, could be heard whispering their ideas of who the special guests might be. The London Souls, Ledisi and The Royal Family All-Stars were billed which could only mean that a surprise that couldn't be named was being prepared.
The London Souls opened the evening with their Hendrix-style rock and roll sound. It is quite impossible to remain calm when guitarist Tash Neal, bassist Stu Mahan, and drummer Chris St. Hilaire are slamming away on their instruments. The perfect opening for the end of a great run.
Soulive's set started off with the super horn heavy, high-energy "El Ron" However, during "Upright," some unexpected technical difficulty occurred. What could have been a rough moment turned into something special. There was three minutes where Alan Evans and his team worked at lightning speed to repair a broken drum head while the remaining members on stage worked together to keep the audience engaged. The audience clapped and cheered, supporting their favorite trio because there was importance in this moment. The band's talent was exposed so much more during this time as they kept it together. The power from the applause in the audience when Evans' silver shimmering drum kit was finally lifted in the air and put back in place was outstanding. It was a killer moment in rock n roll, a killer moment in Bowlive History. The trio ripped into the end of "Upright" and kept the momentum UP, UP, UP! They rolled through "Tuesday Night Squad" and Nigel Hall sang on the lively "Too Much" and the beautifully arranged "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears For Fears that segued into Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes."
When Ledisi was brought back on stage for the second night, the crowd exploded. Her R&B flavor had brought such joy to the previous night's performance and we wanted more. Singing "Love Never Changes" off her Turn Me Loose album, Ledisi unleashed her massively powerful voice upon the audience. Her range and strength were unbelievable as she swiftly scatted her way through "Them Changes," a Buddy Miles cover off of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys. Tash Neal also performed on this song where he and Krasno playfully raged a duet to end the set.
The second set began as multiple white balloons were tossed out into the audience while Soulive played "One in Seven." The second technical difficulty of the night occurred as Neal Evans' clavinet finally gave way after nine nights of solid pounding. Not to miss a beat, Alan Evans began jamming on his kit, delivering a tight an extended drum solo as the back line team fixed the issue. It was then time for some Beatles love as they played an electric run of "Eleanor Rigby," "She's So Heavy" and "Get Back."
Finally, the last surprise guest of this amazing musical journey was invited on the stage. Southern rock, slide guitarist Derek Trucks (The Allman Brothers Band) walked out on stage with Nigel Hall and Ledisi to perform Sam Cooke's Civil Rights Era anthem "A Change Gonna Come,". It was no wonder that while Ledisi and Hall sang with all their passion and Derek Trucks made his guitar cry, audience members began to weep where they stood. The meaning and epic delivery of this song wasn't lost on a single soul. Soulive flipped the emotional script by following Cooke's song with the raging Jimi Hendrix's tune, "Manic Depression!" Derek Trucks, Eric Krasno, Neal Evans and Alan Evans delivered a sick rendition of the song with Trucks and Krasno playing off each other and Trucks taking a ripping solo to end the set.
Before the encore, Brooklyn Bowl owner, Pete Shapiro, came on stage with Rosemary and Lavender plants in his hands. He explained that everyone on the floor was to take a piece of the plants being passed around the audience in hopes that the aroma therapy would help us gather our strength for one last song. Ending their epic ten night run the way they began, our favorite trio, just the three of them, took the stage for "Aladdin."
Bowlive III is now over, leaving some New Yorkers wondering what to do with themselves. For two weeks, dedicated fans came to the Brooklyn Bowl to see Neal Evans, Alan Evans and Eric Krasno play their hearts out, touching on every musical genre and playing with many of Americas most talented musicians. Let us give thanks to Soulive for the dedication to their craft and their ability to express it through the creative outlet that is Bowlive. Thanks for their want to educate us on new talent, their need to put new twists on old classics, and their determination to raise the bar each and every night.
Let us give thanks to The Brooklyn Bowl, because without them there would be no Bowlive. Thanks for their wonderful environment, staff and treatment. For the last 2 weeks the Brooklyn Bowl has been our community's second home. We've feasted on their fantastic Blue Ribbon cuisine, felt at home on their plush leather couches and enjoyed their attentive staff. Soulive + The Brooklyn Bowl = Bowlive and don't you forget it!
A change has come to New York City. A change has come to the music community. Soulive has created something so special in Bowlive. There is nothing else like it in our scene and it's through that unique way of doing things that Soulive will remain one of the most influential groups in our music community. Bowlive is the development of a passionate dream that is now reality. After three years, Bowlive is no-doubt a game changer in the music community and will continue to be for many years to come. Thank you Soulive!
– Karen E. Dugan
– Photo courtesy of Phrazz
Soulive (ft. Ledisi & Tash Neal) – "Them Changes" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22bDeLkbGDs
Soulive w/ Derek Trucks & Nigel Hall – "Manic Depression" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2qXhT0RGEI
Soulive w/ Ledisi, Derek Trucks & Nigel Hall: "A Change Is Gonna Come" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rU8tYNzwJc
Soulive (feat. Nigel Hall) – "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaC4QeDxi7I
Soulive (feat. Tash Neal) – "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fnLOP7IEYs
Soulive w/ Derek Trucks & Nigel Hall – "Manic Depression" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgECr-hkCpE
Bowlive III: Night Four – Soulive w/ Karl Denson, Jennifer Harstwick & The London Souls ~ Extended Review + Media (03.02.12)
Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged Alan Evans, Aretha Franklin, Bobby Caldwell, Bowlive, Bowlive 3, Bowlive III, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bowl, Chris St. Hilaire, Crosby Stills & Nash, Eric Krasno, Freddie Hubbard, James Casey, Jennifer Hartswick, Karl Denson, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Marco Benevento, Melvin Sparks, Mob Wives, Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager, Neal Evans, Nigel Hall, Quincy Jones, Snoop Dog, Soulive, Spark, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Stu Mahan, Tash O'Neal, Tears for Fears, The Brooklyn Bowl, The London Souls, Tiny Rager, Wyllys on March 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Night 4 Recap with Karl Denson, Jennifer Hartswick and The London Souls :: Marco Benevento and Jennifer Hartswick Tonight!
The fourth night of Bowlive took place at the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg last night to a sold-out crowd of dedicated Soulive fans. Drummer Alan Evans, guitarist Eric Krasno, and organist Neal Evans took it easy as guitarist Tash Neal, bassist Stu Mahan, and drummer Chris St. Hilaire opened the evening with a hard-rocking 30-min set. This was Stu's second live performance with the London Souls and he couldn't be a better fit. Tash is an aggressive guitarist and Chris's powerhouse drumming makes you want to full on head bang. Perhaps you have heard their song "Steady As You Ready" off of Mob Wives, which they killed last night! Eric Krasno could be seen in the audience bopping his head to one of his favorite bands in our scene. The London Souls return to Bowlive on Saturday, March 10th.
When the endless lines outside the Brooklyn Bowl had finally been let in, Soulive took to the stage and played "El Ron" with such a fierce level of energy, shouting out musically that the weekend had begun! In that first song, Krasno was at the edge of the stage on his tiptops shredding his guitar into the faces of those in the front row. Keeping up the energy, "Dig" followed with teases of Snoop Dog and Lettuce mixed in.
The first tribute of the run was to the great Melvin Sparks. Soulive's highly anticipated latest release, Spark, had only just shown up in Vinyl form that morning to the Brooklyn Bowl. Melvin Sparks was an American guitarist who passed last year. His soul jazz, hard bop and jazz blues influence can been seen in every one of today's talented guitarists. Spark is a collaboration between the members of Soulive and Karl Denson. That pretty much is all that really needs to be said to convince you to check it out.
Flutist and saxophone player Karl Denson was special guest for his second night. He joined the stage for the song "Spark," which had audience members fully engrossed. Karl added a gorgeous level with his flute while drummer Alan Evans, once the drummer for Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and the rest of the stage passionately layered their sound atop one another. A lovingly delivered tribute to the end.
Trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick, the second special guest billed last night and the first female presence to grace the stage for the run, joined for another song of Spark titled "Povo," another head banging rock song that at times turned psychedelic is an instrumental by Freddie Hubbard. Krasno and Hartswick bantered playfully with their instruments and Karl now back on his saxophone. When Jennifer took her solo, she slammed the audience so hard with her talent that afterwards, the place erupted! Female Power!! A beautifully executed "Nubian Woman" was the choice off their latest cd with a more psychedelic jazz flavor. The members on stage were feeling the Melvin Sparks vibe flowing through them freely.
When Jennifer Hartswick moved from horn row to the front stage, those in the audience who realized the treat they were in store for began screaming. Saxophonist James Casey (The Shady Horns) also joined the stage. The musicians teased Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" as Jennifer hummed the tune to warm her voice and to tease us with her sultry sound before delivering the goods. Her voice shook the rafters on the high notes and as the cool James Casey rocked the audience a killer solo, the shades on his head fell over his eyes in true rockstar fashion.
"Bowlive Staple," as Krasno called him, Nigel Hall joined the stage now as the entire vibe was slowed down for a song that would, regardless of it's slower speed, would trigger fond memories and raise the energy of the minds in the audiences. Tears for Fears cover "Everyone Wants to Rule the World" is a song that Soulive has perfected with their own style. Something every artist hopes to accomplish, especially when it's a cover. Nigel Hall on vocals was heart melting as always while Alan and Krasno filled in the backup vocals. Towards the end of the tune, Nigel flowed seamlessly into "The Light" by Bobby Caldwell. An absolutely gorgeous, mellow, yet powerful mash-up to end the set.
Soulive opened up the second set with the fuly raging "One in Seven." Neal Evans, who has been on fire this entire run, continued his trend while brother Alan was then left on stage for a calculated isolated drum solo. After witnessing his drum solos each night, it is fun to enjoy the different tricks Alan pulls out of his bag to ensure that we get a taste of his various abilities. And then it was back to close out One in Seven.
Tash Neal (The London Souls) was the next guest invited out on stage to perform the famous Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song "Ohio!" Unbelievable guitar rage between he and Krasno. The Evans brothers were crushing it as Karl Denson couldn't miss this wonderful performance and ran out on stage grabbing a tambourine. Tash and Karl left as the trio, now alone on stage, executed a gorgeous rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Lenny," a beautiful love song Vaughan wrote for his wife and performed beautifully and emotionally by Krasno.
Karl Denson joined for the raging "Turn It Out," where he delivered a beautiful flute solo. They continued on into "For Granted," where he was joined by James Casey, Jennifer Hartswick, and Nigel Hall on keys with Neal. The playful song gave each artist a dedicated two minute solo to showcase their instruments. Starting with Krasno establishing the musical chorus, Karl followed, then Hartswick, and James Casey, who crushed it so hard Karl Denson began fanning Casey's fire off with a towel giving him the props he rightfully deserved. Nigel Hall solo followed with Neal filling in the blanks. Each solo established that these musicians had chops. That they were the best in their game and at that time, they were making sure we recognized that fact.
Neal Evans, now alone again on his rig, started off "Jesus Children" with a heavy, deep organ rage, before Hall started singing. It was here the set ended. The flavorful Wyllys, a DJ and Jennifer Hartswick's husband, would be following the show so the high-energy of live music had to end. However, Wyllys has an extensive vinyl collection of some of the hottest tunes and with the help of Quincy Jones and other amazing samples, he got everyone back on the dance floor and fully engaged.
A killer beginning to what is going to be a jam-packed weekend of Delicious Soulive rage, the party continues tonight with Jennifer Hartswick and her band coming out for her second night with new special guest unique jazz improvisational keyboardist Marco Benevento. Seriously? The excitement of seeing Marco and Neal together is going to be worth the measly $15 it will l take to experience the musical magic!
– Photo courtesy of Phrase
Soulive feat. Karl Denson – "Spark!" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOloht2ngVw
Soulive feat Nigel Hall, Karl Denson, Jennifer Hartswick & James Casey: "Everybody Wants to Rule The World" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS2WKN3OeT0
Soulive w/Karl Denson & Jennifer Hartswick: "Nubian Lady" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhrk0jIzHOc
Soulive w/Hartswick/Denson/James Casey: "Rock Steady" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgdN4IhuoLU
London Souls- 1 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcLmGObn9gA
London Souls – 2 – "She's So Mad": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vRINc9Zynk
London Souls – 3 – "Old Country Road": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e6H9YsNL8s
London Souls – 4 – "Steady Are You Ready": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_97xG12rgBw
London Souls – 5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGFdH_QIzag
London Souls – 6 – "Someday" (Bowlive 3- Nite 4- Fri 3 2 12) 5 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIMtlwvRr68
Bowlive III: Night Three – Soulive w/ Karl Denson, Big Sam and Rahzel ~ Extended Review + Media (03.01.12)
Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged 2012 Bowlive, Alan Evans, Big Sam, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Bowlive 2012, Bowlive 3, Bowlive III, Bowlive Three, Brooklyn Bowl, Catskill Chill Music Festival, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, entertainment, Eric Krasno, Fan Club Headquarters, FQ Headquarters, Godfather of Noyze, Jam Cruise, James Brown, Jennifer Hartswick, Jennifer Hartswisk, John Scofield, Karl Denson, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Lenesha Randolph, Luther Dickinson, Marco Benevento, Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager, Neal Evans, New Orleans, Nigel Hall, Optimus Prime, Phrazz, Rahzel, Robert Randolph, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Royal Family Records, Soulive, Stevie Wonder, The Karma Wash, The Roots, Tiny Rager, Trey Anastasio Band, Wu-Tang Clan on March 2, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Soulive members, the rhythmic Evans brothers Neal and Alan and guitarist Eric Krasno transformed The Brooklyn Bowl from a guitar god's wet dream to a world of funk and Beatle Mania on the third night of Bowlive III.
However, before the show could start, there were a few adventures I went on that I would like to share. The most silly adventure was first. On Jam Cruise this year, a girl named Harmony held a pet adoption with stuffed animals (mostly sheep) of varying styles and sizes. What first occurred at The Catskill Chill Music Festival on a small scale last summer had now made it's way to the Jam Cruise world on a large scale. As a result, musicians and their children, like New Orleans trombonist Big Sam (Big Sam's Funky Nation) and Marco Benevento's daughter Ruby, adopted animals. Big Sam adopted a sheep and named her…what else? Harmony!
What's with the stuffed animals, you ask?
Front row rage with Jessica, Laurie and LUCY!
Jam Cruisers and their animals were all over the Bowlive scene during the ten day residency but Big Sam is the only artists who engaged in the enjoyment of his adopted pet publicly. Before the show, I was with a friend who had brought her lamb, Lucy. We ran into Big Sam and asked about Harmony. He had her in a plastic bag in his hand. Right then and there, Harmony was brought out and Lucy and she "played" and "danced" a bit together before Big Sam took Harmony backstage! Over the run, Lucy (NY), Smiley-Face (MD), Harmony (NOLA), Fluffy (VA) and Jimmy (NJ) would make their way from various parts of America with their adoptive parents to enjoy Bowlive shows from the front row. Big Sam's Harmony, however, was the only one who engaged in the back stage rage and got to dance on stage. Enjoy the clip:
At the end of the day, this new vein within our scene is representative of the curiosity and connection that we all posses and/or seek. Just as The Karma Wash and Fan Club Headquarters are relevant, so is this fun idea. Amazingly, lots of people have mascots and the addition of this adoption program has spawned multiple mascot meetups and adoptive front row rages around our scene. Be sure to look for a stuffed sheep or mascot near you and share a dance 🙂
Neal Evans (Photo by Phrazz)
The previous two evenings, the trio infused their sounds with special guest southern slide guitarist Luther Dickinson and jazz great John Scofield. On this night, Karl Denson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe), Sam Williams (Big Sam's Funky Nation), and Rahzel (The Roots) graced the stage with their flute and saxophone, trombone and beat boxing, respectively.
The organ-based jazz trio kicked off their set with "Steppin," off their 2010 Live at the Blue Note Tokyo album and "Uncle Junior," 2007 Get Down album. As the three core leaders of Bowlive, they immediately established that there would be no slowing down. By the middle of "Aladdin," all three men on stage were fully invested. Krasno was taking his solos at the edge of the stage, sometimes rising onto his toes, while Neal Evans dominated the song with his bass keys and organ play and Alan Evans slammed his drums with ferocity.
Karl Denson (Photo by Phrazz)
Karl Denson was announced as the audience was told that he "just got off a plane and walked on this stage." Karl Denson is one of the hardest working musicians in the business and his passion for his craft drips off every note he plays. He is a fast, funky band leader who is always consistent in his delivery. "The Swamp" and "Rudy's Way" followed with Denson choosing to add his flute to the beautifully composed songs. The addition of Karl's flute to the sound of our favorite trio added another dimension of emotion to the songs. They continued with "Shaheed," off their 2001 album Doin' Something where Karl's flute provided a softness to the hard-edged song. Krasno raged his guitar till the strings broke and had to change to a new guitar and Neal Evans kicked a drum solo into the audience's guts.
Alan Evans, Karl Denson, Big Sam, Eric Krasno & Nigel Hall (Photo by Phrazz)
Joining the foursome on stage next was Nigel Hall (The Warren Haynes Band) and Sam Williams (Big Sam's Funky Nation). There can be no doubt that the danceable and excitable energy that Big Sam brings is something you can't find in many artists. The New Orleans native, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, danced out on stage with his horn, picked up a stage prop that he had brought (his stuffed sheep named Harmony) and began to dance all around the stage. Nigel and Big Sam began grooving it together and the entire audience couldn't help but beam over the energy of it all. These are serious performances but it's ALWAYS appropriate to have a good time and with just his presence; Big Sam will lift any crowd. The powerhouse of funk on stage slowed the rage down for the soulful, "Leave Me Alone," sung by Hall. Karl Denson changed to his saxophone and kicked us a lightning fast solo to end the set.
Rage (Photo by Phrazz)
Rahzel Set Break Set (Photo by Phrazz)
Straying from the formula of the first two nights, during this set break the audience would not be staring at an empty stage waiting for the first set to start. Instead, Beat Boxer Rahzel, the "Godfather of Noyze," came out to keep them engaged. Watching the audience react to this amazing addition to the night was almost as exciting as watching Rahzel. Specialize in the "fifth element of hip-hop," Rahzel's instrument is himself and a microphone. He is a vocal percussionist who uses his breath, mouth and body to imitate sounds, instruments and voices. He projected unmistakable beats from the Wu-Tang Clan and Run DMC. He became a DJ scratching records, created a buzzing insect around his head and brought Optimus Prime (Transforms) to life on stage with his robotic sounds. His signature song, "If Your Mother Only Knew" is always the highlight of a Rahzel performance. Rahzel simultaneously sings the lyrics and works the beats. It is quite difficult to even comprehend how Rahzel does what he does! AMAZING!
Rubber Soulive Album
Before Beatle Mania could kick off the first set, Soulive joined Rahzel on stage and performed "I Am the Magnificent" and it was just that, magnificent. The entire first half of the second set consisting of songs chosen off Soulive's latest album, Rubber Soulive. "Come Together," "Eleanor Rigby," and I Want You (She's So Heavy)." The audience sang along to the first song while the psychedelic lights and trippy sounds emanating off stage for "She's So Heavy" was reinvented through the jazz trio.
Karl Denson, Big Sam, Nigel Hall and Lenesha Randolph (Photo by Phrazz)
Questlove (Photo by Phrazz)
Big Sam, Karl Denson, Nigel Hall and now, Lenesha Randolph (Robert Randolph and the Family Band) joined the stage for "Too Much." Randolph and Hall sang the up-beat tune while Karl and Big Sam took their turn at the mic delivering some of the hardest, funkiest horn solos that Bowlive audiences will experience this run. They kept up the pace with Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and Questlove (The Roots) replacing Alan Evans, who picked up a guitar.
Full Stage Rage (Photo by Phrazz)
The entire crew of Soulive and their special guests kicked off the end of the set with "Tuesday Night Squad." Big Sam dominated a 3 minute long trombone rage, Alan was back on killin it on the drums, Nigel was on the Bongos before heading over to Neal where the pair did a little dance, if you will, shifting back and forth past each other to manipulate the various levels of keys that Neal's kit provides. Hall sang James Brown's "Beweildered," a deep, soulful song that required Nigel to reach the top of his range, and then he walked off stage. It was back into "Tuesday Night Squad" to close the set.
Nigel and Neal Rage the Boards (Photo by Phrazz)
There was never really an encore because every musician on stage was so into the music and feeling the audience's energy that they chose to just play through and give their fans that extra five minutes of music that every audience desires.
Download Night 3 Sound Board Audio Here!
In three days Bowlive III had now brought us jazz, soul, psychedelic rock, New Orleans funk, hip-hop and southern-style blues in only three nights. The following evening, the party continued with Karl Denson sticking around for a second night and Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) joining with her funky trumpet and soulful voice.
Pictures by Phrazz
Videos by: I can't believe there are no videos for this entire night. If anyone finds some, send them my way
Words by The Tiny Rager
Bowlive III: Night Two w/ John Scofield and Luther Dickinson ~ Extended Review + Media (02.29.12)
Posted in Residencies, Show Review, tagged Alan Evans, Billy Cobham, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bowl, Freddie Hubbard, George Duke, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, John Scofield, Karl Denson, Luther Dickinson, Marc Millman, Muddy Waters, Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager, Nappy Brown, Neal Evans, Nigel Hall, North Mississippi Allstars, Phrazz, Rahzel, Ray Charles, Soulive, The Brooklyn Bowl, Tiny Rager, Warren Haynes on March 1, 2012| Leave a Comment »
The second night of BOWLIVE III at The Brooklyn Bowl started similarly to the previous evening with Soulive members Eric Krasno and brothers Neal Evans and Alan Evans taking the stage alone for the first two songs. "Shaheed," from band's 2001 album Doin' Something, and "DIG," from their 2003 self-titled album started the set. With the members of Soulive choosing to open the sets themselves, they took on on the entire responsibility of pumping up their audience. They fully succeeded. By the end of the second song, audience members were whispering that this night was even hotter than the last.
Eric Krasno (Picture by Phrazz)
Luther Dickinson (Photo by Phrazz)
For those who couldn't make this night due to responsibilities, I understand your pain. This evening would be one that would go down in Soulive history. For those of you who chose to come to the first and not the second, purely on issues related to laziness, I know you feel pissed enough. I won't rub it in. Seeing how Luther Dickinson and John Scofield didn't get on stage together with Krazno in the first night, one could logically assume that following day would see our hope delivered. All three guitarists on stage…at the same time!!
Luther and Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
John Scofield, considered one of the "big three" of America's current jazz guitarists, joined the stage for a second night with a pink guitar and giant smile. "Nealization," off their 2003 album Turn It Out, which Scofield performed on the album for this song, was next on the energized set-list. The energy level for a Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Bowl that was two-thirds full was stellar. The players on stage had picked up where they left off the night before and continued to elevate throughout the entire night.
Nigel Hall, the soulful vocalist and keyboardist from The Warren Haynes Band, was a much larger presence last night coming out on the Billy Cobham and George Duke tune, "Stratus." Hall's passion for the Fusion genre, especially George Duke, runs DEEP so you can only imagine how tight, invested and amazing he was performing the tune. Absolutely CRUSHING with Scofield distorting his rock-oriented sound! John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" and Freddie Hubbard's "Provo" followed.
With Nigel still on stage, delivering a fun Moog solo half way through, they performed the Scofield original, "Hottentot." Alan Evans was clearly feeling this song as he threw in slight change ups in his beats that altered the style and sound in a great way, if only for a few seconds. His eyes closed and his lips pursed during the intense moments of connection to his instrument, Alan Evans was fully engaging and stood out as a leader on stage that night.
Ending the set with Nappy Brown's 1957 cover made popular by Ray Charles, "The Night Time is the Right Time," Soulive and guitar god history was made. Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), John Scofield and Eric Krasno were all on the stage at the same time, for the first time. This was the moment that the die-hard fans were waiting for. Nigel Hall sang the bluesy love song while the audience witnessed the three guitarists take their turns playing in their own unique and respective styles in a solo.
Luther Dickinson eventually left the stage as the song continued. Then, what I definitely considered one of the most interesting guitar banters of the musical run, took place. Scofield and Krasno played off each other's rifts in one of the most unusual and gorgeous ways this super fan has ever witnessed. The Evans brothers lightened their presence, tapping a little lighter and recognizing the moment that was taking place. It was almost as if the two guitars were holding a conversation. The audience was silent when the song ended and then they erupted. THIS WAS WHY THESE MEN DO WHAT THEY DO! These rare moments of musical collaborations are what define Bowlive.
During set break audience members engaged in the Brooklyn Bowl's amazing Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, played a game of bowling and could be heard comparing the two evenings. Everyone was in agreement that this night kicked the previous night out of the water.
The second set started with Luther Dickinson joining the stage immediately for "Outrage" and stayed on stage for the entire set. "Bubble" and "All Night Long" were simply fantastic. There was no warming up this time, no taking it slow and simple. It was a full speed ahead.
Luther Dickinson and Eric Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
Nigel Hall (Photo By Phrazz)
Neal Evans was a force to be reckoned with during the second set with his heavy-handed organ play sounding excellent partnered with Dickinson's slide guitar for "Shake Your Momma." Nigel Hall came out on stage once again to perform Muddy Water's "Champagne and Reefer," which had the audience laughing in agreement to the lyrics.
Alan Evans (Photo by Phrazz)
The encore was spectacular. Leaving the stage for only 120 seconds, Soulive and Luther Dickinson literally ran back on stage to perform "Spanish Castle" by Jimi Hendrix. Their excitement was evident as Dickinson sang the verses and Alan Evans sang the chorus. No one wanted the show to end but the audience accepted the fact that these talented musicians needed their rest.
We had eight more days to go and Soulive's passion and desire to strive would ensure that the coming nights continue bringing straight fire. Tommorrow's rage would consume me with the FUNK as Karl Denson, Big Sam and Rahzel continue where Luther Dickinson and John Scofield left off.
Videos by Marc Millman and mkdevo
Bowlive III: Night One w/ John Scofield and Luther Dickinson ~ Extended Review + Media (02.28.12)
Posted in Show Review, tagged Adam Smirnoff, Alan Evans, Alecia Chakour, Allen Stone, Big Sam, Billy Cobham, Booker T Jones, Bowling, Bowlive 3, Bowlive III, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bowl, Derek Trucks, Donny Hathaway, Dr. Klaw, Eric Krasno, Jennifer Hartswick, Jimi Hendrix, John Scofield, Karl Denson, Lettuce, Luther Dickinson, Maceo Parker, Marc Millman, Mel Flannery, Mike Gibney, music, Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager, Neal Evans, Nigel Hall, North Mississippi Allstars, Peter Shapiro, Phrazz, Questlove, Rahzel, Royal Family Records, Soulive, The Brooklyn Bowl, The London Souls, Tiny Rager, Warren Haynes, Zach Deputy on February 29, 2012| 1 Comment »
I had the pleasure of writing for Royal Family Records website for all ten nights for Bowlive III. So, if you care for the shorter, not so critical and emotional charged recaps, head over to RoyalFamilyRecords.com and read up there as you all know the following post will be full of extra details and a much longer recap. Available videos are linked to the song titles! With that said:
HAPPY BOWLIVE NEW YORK CITY!!
BOWLIVE RAGERS!!! (Photo by Phrazz)
I must start this recap by giving mad love to the Brooklyn Bowl. If you have never been, what are you waiting for? Their food is killer, their big, leather couches lining the bowling lanes and open feel makes it one of the best venues in Brooklyn, if not all of NYC. Owner, Pete Shapiro, is one of the most humble, caring, proprietors of an establishment that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His connections and passion to the music scene are evident as he joins the audience when amazing performances are taking place. For an example of his kindness, Josh (My Mega Rager) and I got engaged last week in Mexico and are frequent attendees at Brooklyn Bowl performances. It is our favorite venue in the city and not just because Josh and I met there at a Karl Denson show two years ago.
Josh and I thanked Pete last night for providing us with such a great platform to meet. He bought us a bottle of champagne and we all shared a celebratory "Cheers." Josh and I are not drinkers but that didn't stop the toast because when Pete Shapiro buys you a drink, you take it 🙂 I have now only seen Josh take a shot of tequila (a gift from the Brooklyn Bowl on his birthday) and now a glass of champagne. Thanks again Pete and all the staff who run the Brooklyn Bowl for providing us such a wonderful place to engage in our musical passions, to engage with our musical family and friends and for your killer fried chicken. As well, the addition of the hooks under the bar and upper level viewing deck did not go unnoticed and had both male and females singing the praises of having their purses and jackets now off the sticky ground 🙂 Quality upgrade!!! Now, on to the real magic.
Bowlive III – Night 1 Recap
Faithful fans of Soulive descend upon the Brooklyn Bowl, one of Brooklyn's premier music venues, on February 28, 2012 for the first night of the highly anticipated ten-night residency, BOWLIVE III.
Faithful Fans (minus a few) (Photo by Phrazz)
In previous years, Bowlive audiences have had the pleasure of witnessing diverse line-ups of well-known (Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Maceo Parker) and up and coming musicians (The London Souls, Alecia Chakour and Mel Flannery), taking their turn on stage with guitarist Eric Krasno, organist and bass keys player Neal Evans and drummer Alan Evans, the soulful trio who inspire these ten nights of musical magic. Bowlive III was no different with scheduled collaborations by Zach Deputy, Big Sam, Karl Denson, Questlove, Lettuce, Rahzel, Allen Stone, Jennifer Hartswick, and the Alecia Chakour Band. More additions were added continuously over the run so I keep my eyes (and ears) open.
Mike Gibney, The Royal Family's announcer or HYPE BOY, if you will, came out on stage to announce the band. He is a hilarious, happy, charming, funny man who never fails to pump up the crowd with his wit and humor or hilarious Cosby Sweater-styled outfits. Tonight, pimpin' a nice suit, he would scream out how proud he was of himself for being "undefeated in Bowlive History!" I had to scream "ME TOO!" as loud as I could as there are literally a handful of fans AND staff who have actually attended all ten nights the previous years. I have gone to 29 out of 30 Bowlive shows.
Straying from the formula of the past two years, Soulive hit the stage early, opting out of an opening band until the weekend performances. The trio stated slow with the appropriate "So Live." Their energy was calm and they warmed up nicely into the explosive "Hat Trick," which would set the tone for the rest of the night. Opting out of an opener really placed full responsibility on the trio to ensure the energy was up, to ensure that we stayed engaged, and to ensure that they made the point that they were back!!! Having seen these three musicians grow since 2000, there was nothing standing in their way last night.
You know when you see the same band over and over and it sometimes appears that they are going through the motions? I have seen Soulive and its members in their various projects for over a decade now. I hold them to a very high standard as the point of all of this is growth. Growth as a band and as individual musicians. Bowlive provides a platform for these men to expand their musical catalog by infusing their material with the styles of the special guests that join them. Because of all these collaborations, it could be easy as the hosts to, perhaps, not invest as much power and passion into the solo songs where the trio played alone. Of course, this is something that SHOULDN'T happen, and on this first night, it didn't. I looked forward to watching this monster of a musical run grow beneath our feet and in front of our eyes and to watch the exposure of stamina and talent of these three musical masters were going to have to project as time goes on.
Eric Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
The Legendary John Scofield (Photo By Phrazz)
John "Sco" Scofield, one of America's greatest Jazz guitarists and composers, was the first guest to appear on stage this year. I absolutely adore seeing Sco and Krasno collaborate. Joining the trio on the third song, "Tabasco", a Sco original, Krazno and Sco immediately engaged in each other. Coming ever so close to each other, face to face on stage, they played off each others rifts with the Evan brothers blasting their rhythms. A Billy Cobham cover, "Red Baron," followed allowing for each musician on stage to throw down some lightening rod solos. Sco's time on stage brought a range of psychedelic jamming and jazz infusion to the trio's sound that only Sco can help create. This was an exciting show simply because of the fact that John Scofield, Eric Krasno and Luther Dickinson would all be performing together in various combinations throughout the night. For guitar loving rockers like me and every other male that was in that audience, this was FIRE!!! What a great way to start it off.
Nigel Hall joins Neal Evans on Keys (Photo by Phrazz)
Nigel Hall (The Warren Haynes Band, Dr. Klaw) was next to join the stage, initially jumping in on the keyboards with Alan Evan during "What You See Is What You Get." The Nigel Hall Band actually opened almost every night during the first Bowlive in 2012. This run, however, Hall took to the microphone only once with his band to deliver the sultry, sexy Donny Hathaway cover "More Then You'll Ever Know." Hall's emotional connection to this powerful ballad was evident as he melted the hearts in front of him. I watched men kiss their girls passionately, I watched bros hug it out on the main floor and I felt my own heart melt. Hall left immediately for home after the song and I texted him to let him know that his connection was so clear to those who were paying attention. His response: "Thank you! When you've been in love, you can relate." I hoped that we would get to experience more of him during this run but at the time, nothing was scheduled. We kept those fingers crossed.
John Scofield and Soulive (Photo by Phrazz)
"Boozer," another Sco original, end the KILLER first set with Sco thanking Soulive for allowing him to join the party and calling Nigel Hall a "genius." That statement is powerful and honest and to hear it ring from Sco's lips, I know for a fact that Nigel's heart swelled. Mine certainly did.
Nigel Hall connecting with John Scofield (Photo by Phrazz)
After a short intermission, the Evans brothers and Krasno were back on stage, alone, performing the beautifully composed "El Ron," followed by a raging "One in Seven." No special guests needed to be on stage to ensure that fire was coming off it. The trio was living up to their responsibilities and taking the songs we have seen them play a million times and breathing fresh life and RAGE into them.
Luther and Soulive (Photo by Phrazz)
When southern-style slide guitarist Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi AllStars) joined the stage, all hell broke loose. Literally, broke shit up all over our brains and faces. Booker T. and the MG's cover "Hip Hug Her" started slow and simple, a playing quality that Luther Dickinson has perfected with his understated simplicity and lightening fast fingers. Initially, after the great versions of Soulive's original songs had just brought the energy up, Dickinson's simplistic playing and calm warm-up seemed to bring the energy down but only for that first song. The set continued with Dickinson, Krasno and the Evan brothers elevating their quality of playing to the peak of high energy for the evening, downright melting the audience's faces with solo after solo after solo.
Dickinson and Krasno (Photo by Phrazz)
At one point, the wonderful Alan Evans was left alone the stage for an isolated drum solo lit by a single house light. His serious composure throughout the evening provided the foundation for all this musical majesty to take place. Neal Evans' organ play was deep, intense, raw and when paired with the slide guitar of Dickinson, brought Soulive's sound to new heights. It is collaborations like these that make Bowlive so special. How can we watch the same group for ten nights in a row and not get bored? Well, that is their job and they do their job RIGHT!
At times when a song is taking off, I like to take a walk through the audience and listen to them, their comments, their critics (if they know what they are talking about) and just engage in the energy around me. When they broke into "Hear My Train" by Jimi Hendrix, the rage that ensued both on stage and in the audience was palpable. "Holy Shit" and "Do you see what is happening on stage?" were common statement that could be heard throughout the sea of heady heads. People hushed those around them talking too loud and eyes were transfixed on the stage ~ (Some might say STFUAD – Shut The F*&K Up And Dance). The foursome encored with another Hendrix song, "Stone Free," a tight, jamming song that cemented the power of the evening and left the audience screaming with thunderous applause.
WINNING!!!! (Photo by Phrazz)
Bowlive III had begun in New York City!! We only prayed that we could handle it because after the freight train of rage that was released that night; there would be no stopping it. The power that slides off of these performances are unlike any regular 2-set performances you attend. The energy and collaborations that I would enjoy in the coming weeks would far surpass many musical runs I might experience. TEN NIGHTS!!!! That is a superb feat for any musician of ANY age to accomplish. For those of us with day jobs and for those of us expected to process material by the next morning, it's even more of a feat. One that I have been proud to be a part of for the last two years.
The Initial Setlist!
Check out some amazing Bowlive Shots by Michael Jurick here!
Camp Barefoot ~ Bartow, West Virginia (08.18-21.11)
Posted in Festival Review, Music Festival, tagged Aaron "AJ" Masthay, Aaron Ahlbrandt, Adam Deitch, Amity Dewey, Big Something, Billy Austin, Brent Vaughn, Brian Tyndall, Brothers Past, ButtaFly Vazquez, Camp Barefoot 5, Camp Hidden Meadows, Carter Roach, Chapin Mathews, Chris Coleman, Chris Littlefield, Chris Stillwell, Chuckie Luv, Crucial Elements, Danny Phillips, Dave Watts, David Veith, DJ Possum, Dj Williams, DJ Williams Projekt, Down Home Country Band, Eddie Roberts, Family Tree, Former Champions, Future Rock, G. Scott Queen, Garrett Sayers, Gregory Haynes, Humane Society of Pocahontas County, Jamie Morgan, Jason Jarrell, Jess Bergh, Jesse Chong Band, John Staten, Jon Blake (Crazyredbeard), Joshua Crenshaw, Justin Loew, Karl Denson, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Keith Allen, Kevin Vigil, Kickball, Kings of Belmont, Kyle Hollingsworth, Marcus Horth, Max Collins, Molly Murphy, Papadosio, People's Blues of Richmond, Perpetual Groove, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Pimps of Joytime, Rae Vena, Robert Walter, Roberts Walters, Roberts Walters and Deitch, Ross van Brocklin, Sally Murphy, Sam Cushman, Segway, Shannon Mordhorst, Sol Flo, Talking Heads, The Jeff White Band, The Judy Chops, The Mantras, The New Deal, The New Mastersounds, The Reverend Bill Howard, Tiny Rager, West Virginia, Zach Deputy, Zoogma on August 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »
In it's fifth year on the musical map, Camp Barefoot 5 provided one of the year's most positive festival experiences for 2500 music lovers this past weekend at Camp Hidden Meadows, in Bartow, West Virginia.
Welcome to Camp Barefoot!
In an ever-growing music festival world, full of mainstream acts, money grubbing production companies, cookie-cutter designs and investors and promoters who are in it for the wrong reasons, we are lucky when we can find a festival that continues to evolve yet keeps a firm hold to its charm.
The best music festivals do not rely solely on their line-up, their location, or their staff. It is a seamless combination of all of the above that has left a lasting impression on this professional festival goer. I have attended multiple festivals around the world this year and I can't get around the fact that a festival so quaint could be so satisfying.
Every year just gets better and better. I love how the line-up changes from year to year but still has the local and regional acts that I have grown to love! This is def. one festie you can hit up by yourself and leave with a ton of new friends. ~ MrHarryHood83 on JamBase
The two main (quaint and perfect) stages @ 6am Thursday
When thinking on how to approach this article, I wrote out a list of refreshing and positive points about the fest that became endless. The campers, the location, the weather, lack of cell-phone service, the size, the WONDERFUL staff, the vendors, artists and special large and small-scale musical collaborations. The list went on till I hit about 150 points and put down my pen. I recognized that Camp Barefoot contains everything one might want out of a music festival and that there are aspects of this event that other festivals can't replicate.
The river that runs along the Main entrance and Family Camping. Completely accessible to all who care to enjoy it for whatever reason. Children colored rocks along the water all weekend.
Location, Location, Location: A good drive off the beaten path into the mountains of West Virginia, one of the most important and refreshing aspects of this festival is the location. Once 30 minutes outside of Camp Hidden Meadows, telephone service shuts out. This is such a blessing in disguise for those of us who are addicted to their phones and the internet. Five days of uninterrupted country camping. There is a cleansing aspect felt from the disconnection of this addiction that you feel immediately. There are rivers, walking paths, quaint bridges, and lush green landscape to pop up ones tent.
Thank you Camp Barefoot for the most baller end to my summer I could possibly ask for!!!!!! What a beautiful weekend in the valley, hours away from cell phone service, surrounded by some of my best friends, funky music, and an amazing view!!! ~ Danielle Christenson
You can't help but feel wonderfully isolated and country-fried at Barefoot!
As the name suggests, Camp Hidden Meadows is nestled into a small scale valley which should probably hold no more then 3000 people. Tickets were limited to a maximum capacity of 3,000 people this year. VIP only sold 40 ticket making it a nice, small space to get to know your neighbors. The location of VIP this year was much more pleasant as well. Last year, there was cow poop in many of the fields. This year, I heard a rumor that only just the day before did the poop get picked up manually by staff. THAT is dedication! We will definitely be pumping VIP up with more heads next year after the success of this year's Barefoot.
So down home and earthy 🙂 (giggle!!) I wanna go back!! ~ Aslan Deacon (Jam Cruise Head Cheerleader)
There is a large on-site lake with a make-shift tube slide that functions as a wonderful amenity for those needing a refreshing cool-down from the afternoon sun (which never got TOO hot) or a shower. Personally, you couldn't pay me to get in that lake (rumor of leaches and what not) but I enjoyed knowing it was there for fun! It was constantly in use and pleased everyone who entered!
The lake/swimming hole at the top of the hill. I never made it back up once the festival started. (Sunrise, Thursday morning)
World's largest fully steerable single aperture antenna telescope (http://www.gb.nrao.edu/)
One of the greatest aspects of all is the night sky. Camp Barefoot is located 14 minutes away from the World's largest fully steerable single aperture antenna telescope (http://www.gb.nrao.edu/). The placement of this telescope became knowledge to me while trying to figure out why there were no telephone towers in the area. The placement of this telescope became UNDERSTOOD to me when I looked up into the sky on the second night of the festival. Just…WOW!!
Little ones ran around all weekend. Smiles and giggles abounded.
There are no words that do justice to the spectacular view we were given of the constellations on the second night. I literally hung out by the porto-potties in Family Camping getting lost in the Milky Way and various other galaxies for half an hour until a friend walked by and MADE me move. Another time, I saw five shooting starts in one hour. Barefoot places you in the stars. Literally, there are layers upon layers of stars. Seemingly closer, they practically reached out for me in the moments I melted into them.
Sadly, the stars didn't present themselves in such a manner on the surrounding nights as they did that second night. However, they still shined brighter and truer then this country-girl turned city-chick has ever experienced. I lost the stars to the bright lights of the urban bustle years ago and it's one of the things I miss most of country living. If for nothing else, the vision of the night sky from this venue is worth everything it takes to get there.
This monster art piece began at the start of the festival and was finished by the second day. It was also the wall that defined the vendor area's beginning. I tried repeatedly to help them spray paint but alas...
The Dog Element
This guy made sure you had your rager pass before you were let backstage 😉
Dogs are an integral part of the Barefoot experience. Each year, Camp Barefoot walks away with the Rager Award for Best Dog Population. Hands down!! I don't care who you are, dogs make things better and there are hardly any festivals that allow dogs these days.
Puppy Love!!
It must be noted, especially in the bigger festivals, that our scene has lost its innocence in the canine area. Wookies walk around with aggressive looking breeds on purpose and today's lot dogs are scary and used for protection and aggressive portrayal. I love all dogs and I try not to discriminate (being an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor for NYC PARKS and all) but being surrounded by multiple aggressive looking dogs is not something I enjoy. There is no such thing as a scary dog at Barefoot 🙂
At Barefoot, even my girlfriend who can't stand dogs was loving up on the sweet faces that ran lose over the weekend. There was a tie-dyed pug, a mini-pin in a dress, an enormous Great Dane with Dalmatian markings that towered over young children and numerous muts with bandanas around their necks who literally ran free wearing smiles. Yes, even the dogs smiled this weekend. Barefoot is blissful.
Rolling Stream Rage ~ We spent a lot of time by and in this lovely stream 🙂
Continuing the puppy love, there were numerous activities held throughout the weekend that promoted fundraising for the Humane Society of Pocahontas County. Currently raising money for their new shelter, this local shelter is in desperate need of donations to provide for homeless pets. Hippie Olympics ($20 a person), Fans Vs Bands Kickball ($30 a person), and the sale of $1 raffle tickets raised over $1000 this year which went toward the building fund.
Hippie Olympics Participants & Winners
In exchange for camper's generosity, Camp Barefoot hands out phenomenal prizes. The winner of the Hippie Olympics received:
1st place: (2) CB6 "GOLD" ALL ACCESS package passes for 2012, (2) snowshoe all day ski lift tickets, (1) Chapin Matthews Painting, 2) CB5 stickers, (2) William Walter & Co. CDs, (2) DJ Williams Projekt CDs, (2) Funkuponya stickers
2nd place: (2) CB6 VIP passes for 2012, (1) Kevin Vigil painting, (1) XL Williams Walter & Co t shirt, (2) CB5 stickers
3rd place: (2) CB6 general admission tixs for 2012, (1) Rae Vena Painting(1) William Walter & Co medium t shirt, (2) William Walter & Co. CDs, (2) CB5 stickers
4th place: (1) William Walter & Co. small t shirt, (2) William Walter & Co. CDs, (2) CB5 stickers
Precious Rager…
Kickball participants paid $30 and received a backstage laminate (giving you access to the showers backstage and any other adventures one might find back there) and one of the Barefoot 5 Buddha Posters painted by Aaron "AJ" Masthay. Great stuff if you ask me and even better once you recognize that it's a small festival and you don't have TOO much competition against you so the possibility of you winning a prize is large!
Finally, as always, the event is kid and Earth friendly featuring a KidZone and waste reduction programs. Over the weekend I saw little one in the river being washed or running across the fields with a towering dog and leash in their hands. There was also Car Pooling movement that numerous friends took advantage of.
A nice Hammock City set up by EMO in the audience field for campers to relax and watch the music! The stages are behind me as I take this picture.
Clothes Line - simple art piece strung from the tree tops near the third stage. Feel that country vibe yet?
The weather is strange in the sense that it feels as though you run through every season in a matter of hours when the sun goes down. The days are stunningly bright and perfectly sunny but once the sun goes down, within the hour a brisk intense chill takes over and the dew is close behind leaving everything covered in a thick layer of moistness. For those of you planning on attending in the future I suggest you don't make the mistake I did and be prepared for these changes in the climate. Tank and bikini tops during the day and hoodies and layers for the night!
Just wanted to say thanks to the vendors last weekend also. Great food, clothing, art, and everything else! So much cool stuff to check out, thanks again! Thanks again for my favorite weekend of the summer! Such a great eclectic group of people, music, and art. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work, and thanks to all the bands for bringing it this weekend! Can't wait to do it again!!! ~ Sean Reville
I am not going to lie, when it rained the second morning a crew of us went to the closet Hilton hotel one hour away for an adventure, a shower and some bad game show network TV until the sun came out. This hotel run was in the plans for a friend of ours before we knew the rain would come. It worked out perfectly as we were able to stock up on things from Walmart for a few vendor friends who needed supplies and campers who threw in a few orders before we left!
View from top of the hill near third stage looking down at Vendor Row! You can FEEL the country in this picture 🙂
Specific Highlights of the Weekend
One of our many delicious in-camp meals! Breakfast: Sliced Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon with Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs w/ Red Peppers and Cheese. Tortillas and salsa not shown!
Crazy Arrival & THE HIPPIE DOME! There was lengthy debate as to what might greet us upon our arrival. Hillary Dovel, my traveling partner in crime, and I arrived at 4:30 am on Thursday morning. We were greeted at the VIP entrance with a big vehicle blocking the only way onto the grounds. Leave it to me to show up when no one is on duty. I had to snicker at the high level of security. I felt like I was home again. The sense of safety in the South felt good.
We left our car and walked down to the venue which was totally dead except for a few Wooks in the mist that hadn't gone to sleep yet. It took us some time to figure out which campsite was ours because everyone was asleep and the layout of the grounds was different this year. We found our WONDERFUL hippie palace that had been erected but where were our Ragers? They COULDN'T be sleeping? We tried peeking in tents but that got weird pretty much before we began and so we just assumed this pimped out spot was our home for the weekend and our friends had waited up long enough.
OUR HIPPIE DOME for the weekend! Thanks to John and Eric Way for their hard work! This was the living room and there was a kitchen and dining room off the sides. Epic! Epic! Epic!
Hillary and I choose not to sleep that evening. We spent the hours of 4:30 am to 8:00 am wondering the quiet camp grounds, checking out the space that would be taken over by raging hippies in a matter of hours. It was blissful watching the sun rise over the mountains and casting its golden glow on the green tree tops that create this lovely little dip in the serene The Blue Ridge Mountains. At 8pm, we finally crashed for a few hours. The music began at noon 🙂
Cuddle Puddles Puffathons ~ Lil B
Kickball: Hillary Dovel has been setting up Kickball games quite literally around the world for our wonderful jam community over the past few years. My first experience with her Kickball games was Camp Barefoot last year (EPIC!) followed by Jam Cruise Kickball in Jamaica (SERIOUSLY EPIC). This year, Camp Barefoot Kickball was supposed to take place each morning at dawn (if players were awake) and there was a Fans vs. Bands game scheduled for Friday which ultimately moved to Saturday.
For the Bands Vs Fans game, each Fan put up $30 with the proceeds, totaling $300, going directly towards the Building Fund for the new Humane Society of Pocahontas County Shelter. In return, players received a backstage laminate (accessing you to the showers) for the rest of the weekend and a beautiful Camp Barefoot 5 poster. I encourage everyone to sign up for kickball next year. It's so worth it 🙂
Sadly, this didn't work at the end of the weekend when we all wanted Camp Barefoot to start over!
This year, there is no doubt that the event was disorganized and this wasn't anyone's fault but our own. Being Hillary's wing lady, I take partial responsibility for literally dropping the ball! We raged it so hard that we failed to promote kickball properly and have already discussed ways to eliminate this problem next year. Last year we were in the same state of rage but we promoted it much more with megaphones and people not liking us so much in those wee hours of the AM. We are trying to find a middle ground to this promotion for next year!!!
Disorganization and lack of energy aside, there was one Dawn Kickball game that found campers sliding in the dew shortly after the sun came up one the first night. As well, a pick-up game on Friday occurred which ultimately took the place of what was meant to be the Bands VS Fans game Saturday. Multiple fans and members of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Segway and The Mantras squared off in a no-rules game of Kickball that had silly hippies giggling from beginning to end. Well, there is one rule…the only rule: NO BUNTING!
Thanks to all the members of the Bands who offered their time to give us such a great laugh as they kicked our butts. There is something really hilarious and wonderful about this event. I hope it continues on and really becomes an integral part of what makes Camp Barefoot a special experience.
The two main stages at night lit up by the wonderful 81 Productions!
Live Painting: I have never seen so many live painters in one spot then I did this past weekend. Jon Blake (Crazyredbeard) (a personal favorite and whose work we just purchased in April at Rock N Roll Resort), Chapin Mathews, Shannon Mordhorst, Jamie Morgan, Amity Dewey (one of my favorite new found artists), G. Scott Queen (who brings an edge and urban flavor to this his art), Kevin Vigil, Rae Vena, Carter Roach, Danny Phillips, and Aaron "AJ" Masthay (creator of this year's Barefoot gorgeous poster) were all on site and are inspirational to the environment in the moment while painting. It really is amazing and a wonderful treat to buy yourself if you were so inclined and touched by a specific performance.
I think what keeps me painting at shows is the true love I have for the music and for the act of creating art. And what better place to do it then at a concert with a million kids jumping around? I love being able to inspire people with my art; my hopes are that they will go out there and do the same. Everyone is an artist. ~ Jamie Morgan
Live Painting - View of four of the artists!
However, it was entirely too much. Don't get me wrong, the art work and watching it be created during a live performance is actually very stimulating. In fact, I suppose if I didn't have a VIP Pass I might just have set myself up in the front row of the general audience near the painters to watch them create. I suppose, the amount of painters didn't bother me so much as the location they were set up to paint. Set up in the VIP pit, we were forced to dance around them and try not to fall into them. I don't even drink and I was falling into them at times when I wasn't raging the rail. It was just cumbersome and slightly annoying because you don't want to harm their work or their toes. This might be the biggest issue I have with the entire festival and it's not even something I TRULY care about so that just goes to show ya how great this weekend truly is!!
The beginnings of an audience forming for the music start on Thursday! Just look at that stunning blue sky and green mountain backdrop. Perfect weather also!
The Artists Care: Camp Barefoot is the ONLY musical festival I have gone to where members of other bands playing throughout the weekend are set up within the camping grounds mixed in with the fans. Camp Barefoot is also the ONLY festival where I see members of other bands making their way to the front row to completely rage the rail for their favorite sets. I watched the bassist for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong immerse himself in the culture of the festival all weekend playing kickball and wandering around engaging new people around their camp grounds. Segway's manager did the same.
The smaller bands are humble and kind and there as much to learn and digest the music as much as they are to perform for their fans. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE SEEING this type of involvement. I will always be a fan first and I know how that rail riding feels. But to see other artists doing the same, that is something special.
Music, Sweet Music
Musical Mustache Rage!
Everything at Camp Barefoot screams simplicity and value through it's small scale. Barefoot delivers the best music their region has to offer by way of the Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland jam band scene with a few special nationally recognized gems thrown in the mix.
Emphasis is on the reflection of the region vs the country's staple Jam Bands that generally find their way headlining large-scale festivals. It is for that reason I love attending these small festivals. I love finding new talent and recognizing new musicians who are going to open up on our world. I love writing about these groups that never get the coverage they deserve.
The lineup for Camp Barefoot is always littered with wonderful, small scale groups who leave a large impression on all their new listeners. Here are this year's stand-outs (in my humble opinion).
The Jeff White Band opened up the festival at 12pm Thursday on the main stage. His cover of Paul Simon's "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" is what greeted me as I awoke in our wonderful campsite. What a lovely, funky way to rise.
Sol Flo
Garry: Guitar and Vocals
Alicia: Guitar and Vocals
Tasha: Stand up Bass, Clarinet, mandolin
David Moo Young: Drums & Percussion
Sol Flo's surprising bassist Tasha Bear
From Ashville, NC, Sol Flo was the first band that made me stop and take notice on Thursday afternoon. Originally an acoustic/folk hip/hip trio, Sol Flo has recently taken on a drummer from Central America named David Moo Young which seems to have rounded out their sound. This weekend happened to be David's first music festival. Gotta love the virgins….
Sol Flo Guitarist Garry
From where I was standing in VIP Camping, they sounded like a young soulful college band with attitude, delivery and some gnarly funky bass. I prefer a bass guitar line for breakfast so I took myself over to the stage to investigate. I was shocked to see a much more mature band. Siblings Garry and Alicia Bullard provided the positively youthful, soulful vocals and guitar play while Tasha Bear played one mean bass. She surprised me the most. With the utmost respect, she kind of reminded me of my mother, only my mother can't slap a mean bass like Tasha Bear can!
Family Tree: This rock group reminded me of Guster. Their songs were catchy and fun.
The Judy Chops sisters...
The Judy Chops
Molly Murphy – Vocals, Guitar, Kazoo,
Sally Murphy – Vocals, Tenor Guitar, Kazoo
Jess Bergh – Percussion, Vocals, Guitar
The Reverend Bill Howard – Vocals, Electric Guitar
Terry Newman/ Remy Duguet/ Lorie Lichtenwalner- Bass
Stanton, Virginia's The Judy Chops was the first group that got me truly excited. Rightly so, as they are talented members from other bands who have come together to purely entertain. Reminiscent of Django Reinhardt styling one moment and bluegrass hip hop another, The Judy Chops have a refreshing sound and fun concept. They mash songs together or rather "chop" them up and piece them back together to create an exciting musical experience.
In their song "Sex Monster," I caught at least 15 songs beginning with Bloodhound Gang's "Discovery Channel" to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" to the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer". Then there was a mix of a Michael Franti's "Ganja Babe", Keller William's "Boob Job" and a David Pollard song. After that insanity, they went into a swing-y Ella Fitzgerald tune. It was all over the map.
I gotta say off the top of my head The Judy Chops and Crucial Element were my new favorite find!! ~ Aslan Deacon
Their set was fun, danceable and full of chopped up pop tunes that had the thin crowd smiling ear to ear. As their set progressed, the crowd grew as the music called to them. It's been a long time since something fun and fresh like this has been put in front of me musically. Their 3-part harmony was smooth amongst the chaos. This band would be killer to hire for a wedding and I mean that in the most positive way! So much fun!
Here is the Sex Monster video. At the very end of the video Jess announces the name of the song and you can hear me scream my response 🙂 I was energized by Sex Monsters.
Crucial Elements
Joshua Crenshaw – Keyboards
Billy Austin – Lead guitar/vocals
Gregory Haynes – Guitar/vocals
Chuckie Luv – Drums/vocals
Jason Jarrell – Bass
ButtaFly Vazquez – Lead and backing vocals
Crucial Elements: Stage Shot
Crucial Elements: Greg Haynes
Crucial Elements singer ButtaFly
A member of my camp made friends with the keyboardist's girlfriend and so we decided to check out this Richmond, Virginia band first thing Saturday morning on the Mustache Stage. Bringing the best Roots and Reggae vibe heard over the weekend, Crucial Element is made up of five musicians who truly get into their music and message as they sing three and four part harmonies with that Reggae fire.
Their female vocalist, ButtaFly Vazquez, was phenomenal! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize true talent. She was absolutely born to sing. Like many bands at Camp Barefoot, Crucial Element handed out CDs, in this instance, Grow, Crucial Element's latest CD showing off the newest line-up of the group.
Kings of Belmont
Ross van Brocklin – Vocals, guitar
Max Collins – Vocals, guitar
Aaron Ahlbrandt -Vocals, keys
Chris Coleman – Bass
Sam Cushman – Drums
Kings of Belmont's Sam Cushman
I have to be honest with you friends. I have one live recording from this well-known Charlottesville, Virginia band on my computer that was given to me by someone whose musical opinion I value greatly. I attempted three individual times to listen to the show and each time I was turned off by various things. I just wasn't connecting with them in the right way.
I have heard such great things so perhaps I had to hear them live? Who knows, but it is specifically for that reason that I made myself go to their set and watch it in its entirety 11pm Thursday night on the Mustache stage. And guess what….I loved them!
They are anything but predictable and that is a great quality to have in a group. High-energy raging rock with some jamming musicality. This is a great thing considering that the bassist on stage was making his debut with the band. With a solid sound, they bring a friendly feeling that one might vibe on from a house band.
I loved how super appreciative they were. They kept saying, "Thank you! We appreciate you guys coming up here. We know we are up against some pretty heavy hitters [Perpetual Groove]. Not only that, we are up THE HILL!!" ~ Hillary Dovel
Personally, I was stoked that this band was playing because I have been losing my grip on Perpetual Groove since last year. The highlight of The Belmont set for me was when they broke out with a stellar cover of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall". Wookies slowly emerged from the mist in every direction. It was killer. Their energy was unmatched that night and I was so happy that the option against Perpetual Groove was Kings of Belmont.
Click HERE for Kings of Belmont Live @ Camp Barefoot 5
The Mantras
Keith Allen – Guitar/Vocals
Marcus Horth – Guitar/Vocals
Justin Loew – Drums
Justin W. Powell – Keyboards/Vocals
Brian Tyndall – Bass/Vocals
Brent Vaughn – Percussion/Vocals
CAMP BAREFOOT MVP's BABY!!! Only in backwoods West Virginia can you allow a psychedelic rock band to play till 6:45 in the MORNING!!! That is how Camp Barefoot closed out its wonderful four day hippie fest! The Mantras are SO much fun!
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation ~ Thanks WikiPedia
The Mantra's Keith Allen
Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, The Mantras, led by guitarist and vocalist Keith Allen, had two sets over the weekend. Their high-energy first set was during the day, under the sun. I don't own any Mantra Cds and so I had forgotten about the sound of Keith Allen's voice. It reminds me of Les Claypool in the way that he has an unusual inflection in all the right, quirky ways. Les Claypool, however, uses a microphone to create his sound. Keith Allen just brings it naturally. His voice may be an "acquired taste" as I heard one fan put it but their sold out shows in their home state prove that it's a taste that everyone enjoys.
There is also something to be said about a band who takes pride in their light show. I ADORE a good light show. A good lighting director (like Chris Kuroda or Jeff Waful) knows how light triggers our emotions and stimulates parts of our brains. Healing Bear is the name of The Mantra's light director and he brings that extra layer that every late night show needs. I heard that he was asked by other bands to help them out as well. Gotta love the family sharing vibe.
I saw Keith backstage the last night of the festival and asked him if he was ready to close this mother down. He said he felt great and had made sure to get a good night sleep because he was planning on bringing the fire. That he did.
The Mantra's Justin Powell
Their late night set BEGAN at 4:35am. Amongst their signature, fun-named songs like the bass-thumping "Magillicuddy" and "Metrognome," there was a killer cover of The Grateful Dead's "Terrapin Station." I was in Vendor Row when this song was being played and the notes trickled down the hill into my ears. I noticed multiple hippies around me spinning. It was a joyful site to behold. The Mantras also threw down a solid cover of London's progressive rock band King Crimson's "Thela Hun Ginjeet." An enthusiastic set to say the least, bassist Brian Tyndall is always fun to watch as he throws around his black hair and it was a pleasure to see the group with their new keyboardist, Justin Powell who filled the slot nicely.
The Mantras are huge in their region and there is no questions as to why. I could go on and on about thier set however The Mantras are one of the few bands who got recorded so I will let you take a listen and decide for yourself! Enjoy!
Click HERE for The Mantras Live @ Camp Barefoot Late Night Set
Set List: Sweaty Monster Pt. 1, Cairo, The Prelude, Ska Face, Man You Rawk!, Dr. Ssanasinod, Thela Hun Ginjeet, Jabberwocky, Five Roads, Terrapin Station, Magillicuddy, Metrognome.
Showing that Mantra Love!
Former Champions
Walton – Guitars/Vocals
Wolf – Keys/Vocals
Ashby – Basses/Vocals
Bakes – Drums
Hyman – Sound
DJ Possum – Lighting Design
Former Champions was a pleasant find. Or perhaps it found me. My best friend from high school is best friends with the drummer's wife. Did ya get all that? Needless to say, I had to come give some love to this set and give it more than my usual ADHD infused attention.
This live electronic rock band from Richmond, Virginia took me a few songs to get into but once I got into their groove, I was into them fully. Getting down in the front row and dancing up the sides. Describing themselves as "a modern, high-energy, musical ensemble focused on expressing ideas and emotions through sound and words," they did just that. They played well-composed songs with on the spot improvisation, which is fine. That is what all jam bands strive to do. However, this bands goal is to influence and inspire the human spirit with their music and I felt it, I really did. I could tell because of the smile on my face, my happy ears and my grooving booty.
Their jamming and dark Nine Inch Nails' cover of "Closer" was a highlight of this set for me. I am going to say, one of my top five songs of the weekend, hands down. I remember looking around thinking how happy I was to be dancing around all my best girlfriends and I know the music helped fuel my happiness in that moment. The song took on so many meaning in that moment. All bands seek to connect with something and Former Champion's music reaches out and gets into you. That is their goal and they succeed in that goal.
Roberts, Walter and Deitch
Robert Walter – Hammond B3 Organ
Eddie Roberts – Guitar
Adam Deitch – Drums
Eddie Roberts playing around with a stuffed weasel that was thrown on stage
Holy Hell!!! POWER TRIO OF THE YEAR! Barefoot, like most musical events, is subject to a Radius Clause. Due to nature of the clause, bands can not play inside a certain mileage of a previously booked show so as not to draw audiences away from bigger venues. The contract stipulation is an lucky inconvenience for Barefoot due to the Masontown, West Virginia's All Good Music Festival and Floyd, Virginia's FloydFest flanking Barefoot's dates and location.
Personally, I love these contractual clauses for a very specific reason. Do you have any idea how many super groups have been created due to this clause. I could go on for hours but I will just speak on the super group that got plugged this year for Barefoot.
Robert Walters, raging the Hammond....OMG!
Eddie Roberts putting on some psychedelic glasses after someone threw them on stage
First, you got the heavy, soulfully jazzy Hammond B3 organist Robert Walter from Robert Walter's 20th Congress and The Greyboy Allstars. He is one of my top three favorite organists in our Jam scene. For those of you who were there, I am sure you enjoyed his facial expressions as his music flowed from his body. He is HEAVY with his playing teasing rock, jazz, soul, funk and multiple effects creating sounds only his fingers can find.
Next, you have New Yorker Adam Deitch who was simply born to drum. Keeping bands such as Pretty Lights, Lettuce, Dr. Klaw and BreakSciene on beat, Detich is one of the brightest stars in the drumming community and my homie from NYC. This fierce set reminded me how much I enjoy his talent.
The music and the people made the festival! One of the best parts about Camp Barefoot is every year I feel like something happens (collaboration, sit-in, etc) that is a one of a kind event most likely to never happen again. Perfect example is Walter, Roberts, and Deitch all playing together and THEN Karl Denson running on stage like a kid in a candy store to join in. ~ Cullen Seward
...I liked that it wasn't a mile walk from main stage to my spot. I left R,W & D to pee and get a beer and was back in like 5 mins! ~ Jeanelle Myers
Finally, you have masterful guitarist Eddie Roberts from The New Mastersounds out of Leeds, England. His energy and styling is fresh, free and his sense of humor is on point. As a dense Wookie in the audience threw a bottle on stage to which Roberts exclaimed, "If you are going to throw bottles, please make sure they are full." During another point in the performance, both Deitch and Roberts took turns having fun with a campers' stuffed weasel named "Terrance" that made its way on stage and eventually tied to Robert's mic by his stuffed tail.
Karl Denson came out to join the party for a song!
This superb power trio had only performed together three times before gracing the main stage on the last night of Barefoot. I was told earlier that they had chosen a collection of rare B-side songs to perform but they had so much fun on stage that they only got through a few. They ended up playing two of Deitch's songs and a two of Water's songs. "Flood in Franklin Park" is a Grant Green song which Robert Walter's made his own. "A-1 Sauce" was a song that I didn't recognize but Deitch killed it. The entire set was the highlight of the whole weekend. I see massive amounts of live music and it's not always that I get to see a new group in its earliest creation! You never would have guessed they had only played together three times prior to Barefoot. The set was pure gold.
Kyle Hollingsworth getting DOWN!!!
Kyle Hollingsworth's Talking Heads Set
Kyle Hllinsgworth – Keys
Garrett Sayers – Bass
Dave Watts – drums
Kyle Hollingsworth (String Cheese Incident) is one of my favorite keyboardists after Robert Walters and this set was magnificent. You also can't go wrong with one of the best rhythm sections in America backing you up with Garret Sayers on bass and Dave Watts on drums. YOWZA! The Kyle Hollingsworth Band also played a regular set of their wonderful music however it was this Talking Heads set that left the lasting impression.
The energy from this set was unmatched as famous songs like "Psycho Killer" and "Crosseyed and Painless" made their way through the fields of dancing and singing campers. I weaved in and out of the crowd for this set and it was interesting to see the age differences recognize and not recognize the songs. Just a superb dance party. In those moments, I was so happy that Kyle was bringing this music to the ears of these musical newbies I found in the audience. This is the one set that I wanted to find the most as a download. I am hoping it turns up.
John Staten - THE MACHINE!
Karl Denson – Saxaphone
Chris Littlefield – Trumpet
DJ Williams – Guitar
David Veith – Keyboards
John Staten – Drums
Chris Stillwell – Bass
Karl Denson gets down for his set!
A saxophone led band, I mean who doesn't love that? It's unique and Karl Denson is the hardest working man in the Jam community. Just go follow him around at Jazz Fest in New Orleans and you tell me different. Setting the bar in funk, Karl Denson came on after Roberts, Walters, and Deitch to complete the funky filled night of smiles and dancing. Karl Denson can make you smile before even playing a note. He is just walking charisma.
DJ Williams (DJ Williams Projekt) has been asked to play in place of Brian Jordan while Brian takes on new musical challenges. I was so pleased to see DJ Williams being picked for this slot. He filled Brian's shoes wonderfully and brought his own style of Virginia funk to the position. Drummer John Staten is SICK!! I mean, what can I keep saying about him? He is simply amazing and stands so grand behind his rig.
If anyone befriended a space ghost or a man with big'ol fake boobies on his chest this weekend, please do get in touch!!! ~ Dave Fullerton
Thank You Camp Barefoot
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!! As a music lover, a music festival junkie and a critic, I can't give enough love to this festival. A festival that is surrounded by as much love and positivity as is put into it. From the grassroots foundation to the focus on developing bands in the region's scene, Barefoot is a Diamond in the Rough as far as music, environment and experience goes. There just isn't a better place to spend your weekend. When the dates for next year's Barefoot surface, you can be sure that I will be pressuring all my people to attend. I hope that this tiny (wink) review will stimulate you to do the same.
Thanks again Camp Barefoot for creating one of the best experiences of the entire summer. ~ August Joseph Heisler IV
Below is a list of media that I collected while putting together this article. Please give these groups a listen. They are all spirited, high energy, wonderful regional groups from Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland and all deserve your attention. Thank you to everyone who tapes, records and captures the memories of these events.
Tons of live video of CB5
Big Something
Big Something: "A Simple Vision" & "Josh's Disco" (Pro Audio)
Brothers Past Live at Camp Barefoot on 2011-08-20 (August 20, 2011)
* I heard from a number of people that this was their favorite set of the weekend
DJ Williams Projekt
DJ Williams Projekt: "This World" live (Pro Audio)
DJ Williams Projekt: "Cake" live 8/19/11 (Pro Audio)
Down Home Country Band
Downtown County Band | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/18/2011 | 1 of 3
Future Rock
Future Rock | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/17/2011 | 1 of 6
Jesse Chong Band
Jesse Chong Band: live@ Camp Barefoot (Pro Audio)
Camp Barefoot 2011 The New Deal I
Camp Barefoot 2011 The New Deal II
Papadosio – Method of Control – Live at Camp Barefoot 5
Papadosio – Curve – Live at Camp Barefoot 5
Papadosio – Find Your Cloud – Live at Camp Barefoot 5
Papadosio – Cue – Live at Camp Barefoot 5
Papadosio – Advocate of Change – Live at Camp Barefoot 5
Papadosio: "Direction" & "All I Knew" live (Pro Audio)
Papadosio: "Frequence" live 8/19/11 (Pro Audio)
People's Blues of Richmond
Peoples Blues of Richmond | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 1 of 11
Peoples Blues of Richmond | "Nihilist Blues" | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 2 of 11
Peoples Blues of Richmond | "Motherfucker" | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 6 of 11
Peoples Blues of Richmond | "Go Home" | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 10 of 11
Peoples Blues of Richmond | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 11 of 11
Pimps of Joytime
The Pimps of Joytime | "My Gold" | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 1 of 4
The Pimps of Joytime | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 2 of 4
The Pimps of Joytime | "Janxta Funk" | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/19/2011 | 3 of 4
Perpetual Groove: "Robot Waltz" live 8/18/11 (Pro Audio)
Perpetual Groove: "At the Screen" live 8/18/11 (Pro Audio)
Segway | Camp Barefoot 5 | 8/17/2011 | 1 of 3
Segway showing us some heat during their Saturday late night set.
Zach Deputy
Set I: Savannah, Butter You Up, Troubles, Working With, Shark Fin, Let It Out, Scrambled Eggs
Encore: Twisty Twisty & Headed Home
Zoogma
Zoogma at Camp Barefoot – M-10
Zoogma Camp Barefoot – New Luxury
Artist Spotlight: Karl Denson's Sexual Chocolate
Posted in Artist Spotlight, tagged Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Bowlive 2010, Brooklyn Bowl, Coming To America, Debrissa McKinney, Dumpstaphunk, Eddie Murphy, Eric Krasno, George Porter, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Jam Cruise, Jans Ingber, Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Karl Denson, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, KDTU, Lee Oscar, Liza Oxnard, Robert Walters, The Greyboy Allstars, WAR on May 5, 2011| 2 Comments »
Introducing Sexual Chocolate!
With the release of the Jam Cruise line up yesterday, I can't stop thinking of the artist and how they impact our time on the boat. Running into them in the elevators, having them knock on your cabin door when they hear the pop of a champagne bottle or laying down their food tray to have a leisurely meal with a fan in the dining hall.
As I looked at the line up, I noticed the familiar names. There is always a George Porter project, an Eric Krasno project, a Karl Denson project. The latter is the artist I have been thinking the most about. I just missed two nights of a 3-set GreyBoy Allstars show at the Brooklyn Bowl due to being in the hospital taking care of my boy toy, Josh!
I met Josh at the Karl Denson Tiny Universe shows just about a year or so ago. During Bowlive 2010, Josh and I actually got a chance to speak to him and thank him for helping us meet. His response to us: "Just make sure you show me pictures of the children." Classic Karl. Needless to say, he holds a special place in our hearts.
Karl's name is yet again plastered as a Jam Cruise headliner, leading his project Karl Denson Tiny Universe. It was on my first Jam Cruise, Jam Cruise 8, that I truly got to experience Karl Denson in all his glory. But not as a member of The GreyBoy Allstars, not as a member of The Tiny Universe. No, this project was called Sexual Chocolate.
Karl Denson rockin his wig!
With outstanding talent, worth ethic and enthusiasm, Karl Denson is one of the most respected men in the Funk music community. Amazing us with his saxophone and flute skills, among other instruments, Karl Denson fronts bands such as Karl Denson Tiny Universe and GreyBoy Allstars! But have you ever heard of his involvement with Sexual Chocolate?
If you haven't already watched it, go rent Coming to America! Eddie Murphy plays many rolls throughout the movie but the best role was as the band leader of Sexual Chocolate. And who's playing saxophone for this gnarly band? None other than our beloved Karl Denson.
Jeff Coffin and others
For many years Sexual Chocolate was out of commission but lucky for us, Karl Denson decided to breathe life into this fictional band by performing a funky Sexual Chocolate set on Jam Cruise 8 in January of this year.
Backing Karl on stage was an Allstar cast consisting of the members of KDTU, Debrissa McKinney (Josh Phillips Folk Festival), Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones), Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk), Jans Ingber and Liza Oxnard (The Motet). A super special surprise came when legendary harmonica player Lee Oskar (WAR), a guest on the boat, came out on Galaxy, an actual WAR cover.
Lee Oskar, famous Harmonica player/designer
Please enjoy these funky and jazzy tunes which can be downloaded below!
Download music set here!
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe ~ 01-07-10 ~ JamCruise 8 ~ Theatro Carlo Felice ~ MSC Poesia
1. …banter… (2:01)
2. Front Money (5:57)
3. Galaxy (13:25)
4. Groovy Thing (5:15)
5. Fallin' (6:06)
6. Flute Down (8:54)
7. Mighty Rebel (9:23)
8. Groove On (9:31)


This project was for a young professional who had no tolerance for clutter but boy does she love to read. From the first site visit, I had my heart set on the books she had. She loves colors and is not scared of them. Client from heaven… She rents a typical railroad house in Brooklyn and it came with its own challenges as far as laying out the space. I created three zones for her and right in the middle sits her throne to read her gazillion books. Photography by Daniel Wang.
The design classic WOMB chair in a beautiful Chartreuse Felt with chrome legs is the main feature in the room againt backdrop of this amazing bookshelf styled by color.
Couch, library and dining / working… thats how I divided the space. The playful pendant lights add some much needed color in the tall ceiling and artless walls.


Anyone seen the commerial for the buildings in Sydney?
Saw a commercial on TV last night offering the Sydney campus for lease for $1.
Sydney??? Australia???? Didn't know Cabela's had a corporate building there... New the was one is SIDNEY tho.


ATL Symphony Musicians in Grand Teton Music Festival.
Several of your ATL Symphony Musicians members performed Beethoven, Strauss and Elgar this week with our guest conductor Donald Runnicles at the Grand Teton Music Festival! GTMF provides 7 weeks of classical music for visitors and residents in Jackson Hole, WY, including 13 chamber concerts, outreach performances and open rehearsals.
With Juan de Gomar, Sou-Chun Su, Paul Murphy, Yang Yoon Kim, Jennifer Humphreys, Tom Sherwood and Olga Shpitko.


text:
Quasimodo the hunchback hound: Dog with 'short spine syndrome' rescued
By John Balson @JJBalson
A HUNCHBACK dog who found internet fame after being rescued from the street has found a loving new home
Videographer / director: Jeffrey Fuchs
Producer: John Balson, Nick Johnson
Editor: Joshua Douglas, Ian Phillips
Quasimodo is one of 15 dogs worldwide known to be suffering from short-spine syndrome
Four-year-old Quasimodo is believed to be one of just 15 dogs worldwide living with short-spine syndrome.
Discovered as a stray it took authorities five days to capture Quasimodo
The rare condition has left him with virtually no neck but his new family say he is enjoying a new lease of life - and even earned nearly 100,000 likes on his Facebook page.
"I think that anyone who sees him falls in love with him," said Rachel Mairose, of Secondhand Hounds, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA.
Rachel Mairose has been looking after Quasimodo ever since he arrived at Secondhand Hounds
"The first day I met him he was so scared and shy and I wondered if he was really enjoying life.
"I soon realised that he was. He is playful, he is goofy and he loves girl dogs. He thinks he is Casanova not Quasimodo."
Quasimodo has to eat small meals due to his vertebrae being pushed together
Quasimodo was discovered as a stray in Kentucky and it took authorities five days to catch him in December.
They used a food trap to lure in the elusive German shepherd and found he had an embedded collar, which is where a collar is too tight and skin begins to grow around it, but they were able to remove it.
Rachel claims Quasimodo is not in pain even though he suffers from short-spine syndrome
On arrival at Secondhand Hounds, the most obvious cause for concern was his shortened body, which had left his head with virtually no support.
Scans revealed his vertebrae were pushed together and he was also missing a few. The resulting pressure meant he could only eat meals in small amounts otherwise there was too much pressure on his lungs and organs.
Vials of Quasimodo's blood has been taken for research into his rare condition
The condition, short-spine syndrome, is known in just 15 dogs worldwide, according to Secondhand Hounds.
In order to further research the condition, vials of Quasimodo's blood will be sent to geneticists at University of California, Davis, who want to study the causes and whether it is due to inbreeding.
Quasimodo's condition means that simple tasks like walking down stairs is more difficult for him
But the main concern was to make sure Quasimodo was comfortable and not suffering.
Rachel, a mother-of-two, is confident he is not in pain and does not need to be euthanised.
The german shepherd however is just like other dogs as he likes playing and jumping
She said: "Quasimodo can do most things that a normal dog can do, with just a few limitations.
"He really likes jumping onto the sofa and the chairs, which I didn't expect. He loves to nibble, he is very mouthy and he loves running and chasing after things.
The popular pooch has nearly 100,000 likes on his Facebook fan page
"He is definitely not in pain. He is a true German Shepherd - just shortened.
"He does have some problems going down stairs - he backs down them instead, and it's quite cute to watch as I've never seen a dog do that, in general."
Secondhand Hounds have received more than 1,200 offers to adopt Quasimodo
And thanks to his Facebook page Quasimodo has become something of a global celebrity - receiving nearly 100,000 likes to date.
Secondhand Hounds, which has rescued almost 10,000 dogs since opening in 2009, has also received more than
1,200 offers to adopt Quasimodo full-time.
Secondhand Hounds first opened its doors in 2009 rescuing 10,000 dogs since then
However, Rachel and her family are in no rush to move him on just yet.
She said: "He is a sweet boy. It is going to be hard to let him go.
Rachel and her family have no plans to give up Quasimodo any time soon
"We are just trying to find out about his personality so that we can make a perfect match for him.
"I urge everybody that hasn't inquired about him to go to their local shelter and find a dog that's a great match for them because Quasimodo is one of millions in shelters in the US and worldwide who need a home."
Quasimodo's new found celebrity has helped to bring more attention to short-spine syndrome
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/quasithegreat/ or http://secondhandhounds.org/
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl