From the first note played, New Breed Brass Band comes shining through with great horns and drums. They are well seasoned musicians, disciplined and professional.
Preservation Jazz Hall Band definitely engulfs the stage magnetically. They have mixed New Orleans brass band flavor with a rhythmic motion of eroticism and calypso of intertwined Island sounds.
Kermit Ruffins adds his own home style with Preservation Hall—a well-dressed, smiling chief as he struts backstage practicing his craft. He keeps a warm smile on his face while he mingles with fans.
Then there is Galactic, they are playing with a laid back vibe, but with charisma, and special guests, Shamarr Allen, with some eye-catching sneakers, Erica Falls and Walter “Wolfman” Washington.
Erica never disappoints as she commands the stage with her amazing voice and stage presence. She will give everything as she comes out with her colorful outfits, she does songs with grace and style honoring the Queen of Soul, Aretha. She captured the audience in Delaware and had the fans in a frenzy as she performed Aretha’s song as if it was her own.
Walter “Wolfman” Washington has brought the audience to tears with his beautiful blues performances.
Before Cyril Neville even graces the stage, Trombone Shorty ignites the flames of funk and soul. Troy Andrews and his band Orleans Avenue electrify the audiences at every venue each night. They both hug before Cyril sets fire to the stage doing an incredible version of “No More Okie Doke” and “Fiyo On The Bayou.” The temperature on stage rises and Trombone Shorty holds Cyril’s hand up to the audience as if introducing the champ.
The surprises are two backing vocalists, Chrishira Perrier and Tracy Lee, they are vocal powerhouses. They put the right signature where it needs to be as Troy Andrew’s secret weapons.
A pure New Orleans adrenaline packed smorgasbord that leaves the average concert goer blown away. I heard someone say leaving the concert “this makes me so proud to be a New Orleanian.”
Truly a show not to be missed.
