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another great festival this year

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Another year and another free outdoor jazz festival in Rosslyn.  Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this years was looking good because The Bad Plus was playing.  I have seen them before, even own a few albums and was looking forward to seeing them play on the small stage at Gateway Park.  The date coincided with the anniversary of 9/11 but thankfully there was only one small mention in passing by one of the directors of Rosslyn Bid.  The artists left the politics at home and provided a splendid afternoon of great music.  No one was there for a political rally.

I got a late start and didn’t leave the house till almost noon.  By the time I got off Metro and picked up my morning coffee I literally had two minutes to spare before the 1pm show start.  I found a nice spot on the wide open lawn away from people, most in fact were off to the sides in shade.  Securing my area just before the first act got on stage I clipped my first cigar and sipped some coffee.  For the next couple of hours I managed to smoke two cigars and have no one complain.  More and more people filed in, but I kept puffing away and made sure everyone around me knew what I was doing.  You didn’t have to sit next to me if you were going to be bothered by my smoking.

Afro Bop Alliance was the first performance, a Grammy winning Latin jazz band.  Surprisingly no one was up and dancing, last year several couples danced the afternoon away to the sounds of Spanish Harlem Orchestra.  Pretty tame today, I guess being the first act in the middle of the afternoon didn’t help.

The Bad Plus

Next up was Jason Moran and the Bandwagon, a trio that has been playing together for 10 years.  Jason Moran was rather young but certainly well versed in musical history.  They played several intro pieces from old artists including Billie Holiday and a menstrual act from the early part of this century.  It would be a 30-60 second piece with them slowly playing salong before they quickly took the arrangement in a new direction.  I wouldn’t call it fusion, but very close.  The beats were crazy and the solos spectacular.  These guys certainly had command of their instruments and I was pleasantly surprised by their set.

When they finished it was time for The Bad Plus, the act I was most excited about seeing.  I didn’t have any more cigars to smoke, later Jeremy reminded me to always bring more than you think you will need.  There set was fantastic and the crowd was really into it.  I was afraid they might be a little out there for most people but the crowd ate it up, very enthusiastic.  Some of the songs during the set were from their forthcoming album that will be released Tuesday called Never Stop.

After their set was finished it was time to call it a day.  Even though the weather was good I was tired of roasting in the sun.  The final act, The Tierney Sutton Band, I was not much interested in seeing.  I made a lazy walk around the park to soak up as much energy as I could and headed home on the Metro.  Another thing I love about this festival, it’s so close to home.

The New Mastersounds marquee

I was very excited when I found out the New Mastersounds were coming back to town.  I saw them in early January up at the 8×10 and it was a great show.  A small club nicely packed with people that danced the night away to rhythmic beats.  So when I saw they where playing a slew of shows in the area I jumped at the chance to see them at the State Theatre.  They were playing the 8×10 the following night, but I decided to hedge my beats and catch the show closer to home on a Thursday.

Just like the first show at the 8×10, tickets were only $12 (playbill), a steel for any show, and with that ticket price it didn’t take much arm twisting to get Jeremy interested.  After the show in Baltimore I got a few albums and let him listen, he was hooked.  Then when I found the set posted on the Archive I gave him a copy to enjoy and for me to reminisce.

After a long week I was looking forward to the Thursday night show to let loose and have a little fun.  We arrived at what turned out to be real early.  The website and ticket both said music started at 8:30, but when we walked in the venue it was completely empty.  Obviously others new something we didn’t at the time.  The opening act, Higher Hands, was not even close to taking the stage when we arrived.  So it was already late before the show even began.  I felt bad that we arrived so early and had to sit and wait but there was nothing I could do about it.  There was no one else to talk to and my limited reserve of cash quickly plowed through the $6 Guinness I was drinking.  We did however spent a lot of time joking on the DJ spinning before the show started.  I thought the first guy was pretty good at time, there was a good 20 minutes during his set that was banging.  At times his buddy would jump in and twist a knob, literally that was all he would do.  We joked “Thanks for saving the day, you really had my back with that knob twist.”

The New Mastersounds

When Higher Hands finally took the stage at 9:40, the venue started to fill in, at least now people were on the dance floor and not just milling around the bar.  I have seen them several times before and they are……well, alright.  They need to refine their sound a little more, work on some new songs, and ditch the singer.  If they can do that they would be much better.  But to their credit they got the audience energized for a night full of funk.  After a short intermission and some more music by the DJ’s, this time by DJ JMack’s partner.  Finally the house lights went dead and the band walked on the stage.

There was not to a whole lot of fan fair.  Of course the audience cheered, I for one was all to happy to get the beats rolling and bring me back to life.  There was just no pomp and circumstance.  Each member casually walked over to their instrument, greeted the crowd and it was on after that.  For the first few songs I was sitting at our table on the side, tapping my foot.  By the third song I couldn’t take it any longer and I needed to get up and dance.  Their shows are filled with such energy it just makes you want to get on your feet.  For about the next hour and a half I danced my ass off into the wee hours of the morning.

The band didn’t take the stage till about 10:40 so

I was expecting a late show, just didn’t think it would go as late as it did.  As the night went on they played several of their hits and a few from their new album Ten Years On that is not yet available in the states.  By the end of the night I was ampped and ready for more.  The show didn’t end till 12:40 but I didn’t care, even if it was a school night and I had to be up early the next morning for work.  I could have danced for another hour easy.

This is the second time I have seen New Mastersounds and I will continue to see them because of their high energy levels.  They have this driving beat that makes you want to get up and dance to some funky stuff.  I am hoping they will return early next year for another US tour.

The New Mastersounds
State Theatre – Falls Church, VA
November 5th 2009

show start 10:40pm
show ends at 12:40am

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This years Duke Ellington Jazz Festival free concert on The Mall was going to be a little different from last years.  Instead of having a “kids” day on Saturday it was going to be filled with more contemporary music.  Also there was going to be a theme for the music instead of just straight jazz it had a New Orleans theme to it.  Many of the bands were from New Orleans or played that style of music.  This proved to be a winning combination of talented artists and some great music.

nice crowd

I skipped the Saturday show and hit the Sunday show just like last year.  This time I was able to get Bobby and Tracy, along with the kids, to show up and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music and sun.  Weather wise the day turned out to be perfect.  The sun was shinning and it was a little warm, but there was very little humidity and the constant breeze made things very comfortable for a mid-June outdoor festival in DC.  Believe me this town can get unbearable when you have 90% humidity and to go along with it temperatures in the 90′s.  Certainly makes you not want to be outside all day in the sun enjoying a concert, I don’t care who is playing I wouldn’t show up for that.  Our only weather concern was rain and that turned out to be a non-issue.

I left my house about 11am and took good old reliable Metro to the Smithsonian exit and walked the couple of blocks to the Sylvan Theater in the shadow the Washington Monument, so the setting is spectacular.  When I finally arrived at the theater the lawn was filling up quickly, already there were more people than last years concert.  Bobby and Tracy were going to meet me later so I picked a spot near the soundboard that I didn’t think would fill up to fast and provide enough room for the entire family to spread out with a blanket.

Donald Harrison & The 3D Experience

Not two minutes after I arrived Buckwheat Zydeco starts assembling on the stage tuning their gear and getting read for a show.  Buckwheat is the only group I recognized for the Sunday performers so I was definitely looking forward to this show.  He rocked the house and got everyone dancing with his set of zydeco music that the audience just ate up.  For one song he got a young kid from the audience and told him to “hold this note and no matter what happens don’t pull your finger off the key.”  This was great audience participation and added to the song.  Donald Harrisonn & the 3D Experience were up next, late as usual for this festival.  Unfortunately I don’t have much to say about these guys.  They played great New Orleans style jazz and swing.

The next act was Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.  I knew something was up when as the band was announced the entire crowd got up on their feet.  What was I missing?  I had never heard of these guys before but the crowd certainly had.  And if everyone is getting on their feet this must be one hell of a performance.  When the band took the stage I immediately noticed their age, they were all pretty young, and VERY talented.  They immediately started rocking with they blended style by mixing funk/r&b with a New Orleans style flair.  With Trombone Shorty born, raised, and schooled in New Orleans the influence is strong with the band in their roots.  It was such a party atmosphere and the music kicked ass.  I recommend if he is coming to your town you check out the show.  Near the end of his seat he even did the traditional New Orleans parade walk through the crowd coming within 10′ or so of my chair.

she rocked, from Nicholas Payton Quartet

After they walked off stage the beat changed a little with Nicholas Payton Quartet.  As a trumpeter Nicholas and his crew are more of a traditional jazz band from New Orleans.  Most of it was pretty straight forward with a kick ass groove.  Several times Nicholas would walk off stage and allow his band mates to be adventurous with their solos which was great.  The bassist, not sure of her name, was really getting into it, I loved to watch her.  She had this mop of curly hair and would start picking the bass bobbing her head.  It was a joy watching her play that bass.

After they were done it was time to leave.  Just like last year the festival was running late and I couldn’t stay for the last act, Irma Thomas.  I was getting together with Nancy for the season opener of True Blood.  It was another great afternoon spent in the city in the shadow of the Washington Monument.  The weather could not have been more perfect and I was happy that Bobby and Tracy made it out to the festival with the kids.  I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon.  The theme of New Orleans was also a good idea and I look forward to what they will do next year.

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Buckwheat Zydeco 1:00 pm
Donald Harrison & The 3D Experience 2:15 pm
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 3:30 pm
Nicholas Payton Quartet 4:55 pm
Irma Thomas & The Professionals 6:25 pm

I have been listening to the Soulsearching podcast with Michael Rutten for almost two years.  I found the podcast by accident while listening to Raute Musik’s Lounge station from Germany.  Michael has introduced me to a ton of good music and when I can find it on iTunes I get it.  One of the band that he has played several time is The New Mastersounds from Leads in England.  They have this jazz/soul/funk sound that just wont stop.  The few songs I heard on his program are funky with a rhythm and beat that wont quit.  After checking their website I found they would be touring the United States in January with a local stop in Baltimore at The 8×10.  With a kick ass band doing a US tour at a local venue and tickets only $12 it was a sign.  I needed to go to this concert.

The show was on Friday January 9th so it was a no brainer to make it an evening in Baltimore.  I left work about 6:30 to get up there.  I was a little worried about crossing the Woodrow Wilson bridge, but with the redesign getting across was a piece of cake.  Finding a parking spot in Federal Hill turned out to be a problem.  The one parking deck they have was filled up.  So I spent the next 45 minutes driving around the narrow streets looking for a parking space.  The ones that I did find were to small so I started to expand my circle looking for a spot.  I eventually found a spot about 8 blocks away near a high school.  After that long walk I was really hungry for some food.

Walking down the street I found this great little Thai place called Ten-O-Six, exactly what I was looking for.  When I walked by the front window I could see the chef cooking, that was what drew me to the restaurant.  When I walked in it was a tiny little place that was packed for a Friday night.  Being just one person I took a seat at the bar where I could see the chef work.  I ordered a duck dish that was amazing.  It came with some vegetables in a good sauce and rice.  Being Thia it was spicy, but a good level of spice.  Nothing to weak and not to strong, just the right amount.  And for $13 the price couldn’t be beat.  For desert I had the creme brulee that was fantastic.  I stumbled across this restaurant and I thoroughly enjoy the place, I highly recommend the place if you are in the Federal Hill area of Baltimore.

After a great meal it was time to head to the club.  I was running late, because of my parking situation, but didn’t mind.  The food more than made up for it and I was only missing the opening act, Higher Hands.  I saw them once opening up for Soulive back in August at the Rams Head Live also in Baltimore.  They are pretty good, but not high on my list of bands to watch.  So when I got there I got a beer and stacked out a spot.  Higher Hand only played a few songs and they where off, hell it didn’t even take long before The New Mastersounds came to the stage.

These guys played two sets that night and kicked ass.  They brought the funk all the way from Leads in England to this little venue in Baltimore and I was completely blown away by them.  The venue was packed with people dancing to the music.  Many of the songs I recognized from their album This Is What We Do.  The rest of them were just as good.  I wish I knew the setlist better because the second to last song ending the first set was great.  The jam in the middle was put together perfectly at the right time.  All I can say is if they come to your town make the trip to see them, you will not be disappointed.

After a long night it was time to head home.  I was thinking about heading over to Sabatino’s in Little Italy for a cappuccino and tiramisu, but getting back to my car at 2am all I wanted to do was get home.  I could barely make it home I was so tired.  When I finally did make it, it was lights out the moment my head hit the pillow.  My chance to see them again will happen soon.  They are announcing a three week US tour for March and I am pretty sure they will be back to Baltimore.  I will see you all there!

The New Mastersounds
The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD
Friday, January 9th, 2009

Set 1 (10:47 start)
01. Zambezi
02. Carrot Juice
03. All I Want (Right Now)
04. Miracles
05. Thermalbad
06. Coming Up Roses
07. Brother Soul
08. Baby Bouncer
11:45 end

Set 2 (12:08 start)
01. Thirty-Three
02. Hole In The Bag
03. Fastman
04. Six Underground
05. Turn this Thing Around
06. 3 on the B
07. You’ve Got It All
08. Eazin Down
09. Quantico VA
10. Nervous (remix)

Encore
12. One Note Brown (with jam intro)
1:35 end with encore

Photo Gallery from this music festival!

As a native of Washington Duke Ellington’s legacy is all around the city.  You just have to see the murals, or school of the arts, not to mention his legacy in jazz.  It is this magical mystical journey in music that is celebrated every year in DC.  Late in summer for a week the city of DC is alive with jazz.  Bohemian Caverns, Blues Alley, Twins Jazz, and even the 9:30 Club host some of the greats in the jazz world.  It all culminated in the free jazz festival at the Sylvan Amphitheatre next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall.

Taj Mahal

This year had an impressive lineup of artists: Afro Blue, Taj Mahal, Christian McBride Quartet, Conrad Herwig Latin Side Project, McCoy Tyner Quartet, Dee Dee Bridgewater.  I took Metro into the city and arrived a little late.  The crowd was a little thin when I arrived so I was able to get a good spot right next to the sound board.  The sun was shining without a cloud in the sky, unfortunately this made it a little hot when sitting in the sun without any shade.

Afro Blue was the first on stage and was already performing their set when I arrived.  They are a vocal jazz ensemble from Howard University singing jazz standards and a few of their own tunes.  Unfortunately they didn’t float my boat and I quickly became bored with them.

Next up was Taj Mahal with some great blues.  This trio is a kick ass blues band that rocked the house.  I had heard a couple of his tracks on XM radios Beyond Jazz channel and was excited to see them.  They did not disappoint.

christian McBride Quartet

Christian McBride Quartet was up next, another band that I have heard on Beyond Jazz.  The quartet that McBride had was definitely a funky jazz fusion sound.  They played several songs from their Live at Tonic cd.  I wish I got all the names down because they were great songs.  The jams were precise and well thought out, never did it get to melodic or repetitive.  Each member would have a solo and they would play off each other very well.  Like all good jazz the beginning and end were well established with the middle filled with jams and noodling.  I look forward to see these guys again.

Conrad Herwig Latin Side Project

Already the festival had quite a varied lineup, now it was time for a little latin twist.  Conrad Herwig Latin Side Project provided the change in tempo, literally.  These guys mixed salsa, merengue and other latin styles with jazz standards from days past.  I wanted to get up and dance while listening to them play, the music was so rhythmic.  About half way through the set they invited a special guest saxophonist, I only wish I could remembered his name.

McCoy Tyner Quartet

Last up for me was McCoy Tyner Quartet.  If Christian McBride is where jazz is going, then McCoy Tyner is where jazz came from.  This was old school jazz at its best, right out of the 50′s as well as all of the band members.  There was not a young guy in the band and obviously they have been playing for a long time.  They were tight and it was refreshing to hear these guys after a long day of music.  The sun was starting to set and the temperature was finally starting to drop.

After their set it was almost 7 o’clock, the festival was running late and Dee Dee Waters was still scheduled to take the stage.  But after hiking the day before and spending all day in the sun I was tired as crap and wanted nothing more than to go home and rest.  I was hungry and missed football all day so I wanted to watch at least some of the Sunday night game.  Before long I was finally home sitting on my couch watching football.  It was a great day and an excellent weekend.

I look forward to attending next years festival on the Mall.

view from the amphitheatre