Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Bring the Funk

Trombone Shorty 

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue is a brass band from New Orleans who brought such fresh flavor and style to All Good Festival 2013.  The six members of the band, including Shorty of course, brought a unique vibe and style to the stage with two percussionists, two saxophones, guitar, bass, and of course a trombone.  They even had an extra percussionist sit in with them for a few songs.  Their sound is a combination of jazz, blues, and the most authentic sounding effortless New Orleans funk you can imagine.  These guys have such a high energy style that they can keep every song fresh and sounding brand new.  Orleans Avenue has been creating quite a buzz lately and they accordingly they earned themselves a prime Saturday afternoon slot before Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. 

Jim James at 2013 Hangout Music Festival

Jim James

Jim James, best known for being the front man of My Morning Jacket, played to a bright eyed crowd Friday afternoon at The Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  The mid-afternoon sun beamed down on the festival goers as they bobbed and swayed to the charismatic man in the eggplant purple colored suit.  Jim James switched back and forth from his Flying V electric guitar and a saxophone throughout the show.  James’ set was mainly comprised of his solo material, but he did also dabble into a My Morning Jacket tune or two.  You didn’t have to be a My Morning Jacket fan to enjoy Jim James’ performance.

RIP Big Man - Clarence Clemons

Clarence "Big Man" Clemons passed away on Saturday, June 18th after suffering from a major stroke a week earlier.
As anyone who's ever attended a Bruce Springsteen and the East Street Band concert knows, Clarence Clemons was more than a sideman - he was the soul, the anchor of the band. He brought roots rock authenticity to the mostly white, blue collar ensemble.
Perhaps nothing can be written that better describes the relationship between Clarence Clemons and Springsteen than the iconic cover for 1975"s "Born To Run", the album that brought Springsteen to the masses. A ruffled, grinning Springsteen is seen leaning on a large shoulder, revealed on the back cover to be the behatted, tenor sax blowing Clarence Clemons. As Springsteen has said, Clemons was a presence, a brother and a muse.
The Big Band in the sky just got much better. Those of us fortunate enough to have seen Clarence Clemons perform over the years have wonderful memories of The Big Man on stage - The big hats, flowing robes or colorful suites. But, more than anything, it was the sound of that sax, wailing during the rockers, bringing Rosie out tonight, taking Jungleland to a soulful, perfect end.

 Clarence Clemons

 Clarence Clemons

 Clarence Clemons