Some disconnected quick thoughts:
– It’s tempting to say that Jazz Fest has managed its long-time knack for booking bands after their prime – Pearl Jam – but they’ve got My Morning Jacket about right, or perhaps just a little behind the curve. And Pearl Jam has found a way to stay meaningful in a decade after grunge, so I’ll let that gripe go this year. And in general, the fest has become a lot better about catching talent closer to prime time.
– The first highlights for me: King Sunny Ade and Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars. Two bands I’ve never seen and have wanted to. And Gil Scott Heron, who I first heard doing “Johannesburg” on the second Saturday Night Live (guest host Richard Pryor), and have wanted to see since.
– The turnaround for visiting bands seems to get faster and faster. As much as I like Elvis Costello, how can I miss him if he won’t go away? Ditto Van Morrison. And maybe it just seems like Widespread Panic, the Black Crowes and the Allman Brothers are always here.
– The ‘less weird than it seems’ pick: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Yes, it’s the comedian Steve Martin, and yes, he’s a really good banjo player. All the reviews I’ve seen of their shows have been positive. In general, bluegrass gets more love than country this year, particularly with the long-overdue appearance by Sam Bush in the first weekend. Former Hootie Darius Rucker is the biggest name in country performing this year.
– With the Dead Weather, we’ll get the second Jack White spin-off band, but we haven’t had the White Stripes yet. What’s up with that? Other indie/rock-oriented curiosities likely to be overlooked: Band of Horses and Elvis Perkins in Dearland. Hip-hop is represented by two bounce shows – Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katey Red, Magnolia Shorty and DJ Poppa; Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee; and Juvenile and DJ Mannie Fresh – and Lil Wayne protege and Degrassi: The Next Generation alum Drake.
– “The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong” tribute? Could a concept be more vague or hokey? Actually, if this show was nothing but versions of “What a Wonderful World” and because of it, no one else could cover “Wonderful World” on the Fair Grounds, what a wonderful fest it would be.
– Jazz at Jazz Fest seems to envision a world with its outer edges defined by A Love Supreme. Sadly, this year’s no different; the lone exception is Joe Lovano Us Five, which moves in a more free direction. That means that the Frenchmen Street/Scatterjazz scenes are almost completely ignored. And I only say “almost” to cover my ass. On the first few reads-through, I don’t see anybody. Thank God for all those Louis Prima tributes.
