Bonnaroo 2006 Wrapup

Man, I have been lazy. My apologies, as I've got much to cover. I'll break it up in-between with tasty tunes, I promise.

First, let's dive into Bonnaroo... Shitty weather and a illing assistant (I told you a Carribean Jerk Pork Chop wasn't the best idea, my man!) made for an interesting time. Incredible music (should you expect any less from Superfly Presents?), and first class production make this THE US festival to attend. Especially when you see pictures of the muddy carnage of the Glastonbury Festival this year, you know I got nothing to bitch about.

Timberland had a booth in the VIP area almost all weekend, handing out really nice boots for free. So of course, big up Timberland - you kept me dry and comfy; and from the quality of those kickers, I will be for years. Bring on the Glastonbury Mud (can you believe someone Ebayed the Glastonbury mud from this year?)

Music was key for me this year. Quickly, the highlights.

Galactic late night - A strong show from them with kool sit-in's including Bo Bice from American Idol. I heard a cool story - I heard he was praying not to win AI. To be saddled with that when trying to do Rock N Roll is not something I'd want, either. He needs to loosen up a bit, but he was also in front of a BIG crowd when doing "Whole Lotta Love" with Galactic, y'know?

The Word - Sunday afternoon found John Medeski (click here for a lovely, fairly rare MMW remix from Sa-Ra), Robert Randolph, and the North Mississippi All-Stars reuniting for an amazing set of Gospel-inspired funk, rock and blues. I highly encourage seeking out a copy of this set. I got to stand on mainstage for it, and it was a mother!

The Black Crowes - I saw them at this past Jazzfest first weekend with a fresh-looking Marc Ford (the lead guitarist for the "Amorica" and "Southern Harmony" records - their strongest, IMHO) back in the band. Tough, tight band. I only wish (as I do with EVERY band I see) that they'd keep the slower stuff to a minimum, and ROCK more. This reunion might not last forever. See them while you can...

More importantly, you wanna know what I missed?

Kings of Leon (Another band that I want to rock, and cut the slow crap)
My Morning Jacket (saw footage from their Bonnaroo '04 set, and it was a mindblower)
Madeleine Peyroux (SHE'S AMAZING! She most likey hates this comparison, but she's Billie Holliday, for the 21st Century. Thank God, btw! Billie needs the kids to hear her style, and know her story...)
Brazilian Girls ("Pussy" has turned into one of my favorite Summer songs ever)
The Mars Volta (I'm not sure if I didn't care, or just didn't have the chemicals for it...)

All in all, I worked too much, but had a wonderful time. Big ups to Paul and Rick and the entire Superfly crew for the support. I got some tremendous response, albeit quietly, from people blown away from the music and the idea of a "Silent" Disco.

MSN had a "roving reporter" working some of Bonnaroo, and although he spelled my f'ing DJ name wrong, he had some lovely words for me (sadly, the link has since died. sigh). And we got some cool mentions from some of the Bonnaroo musicians about the Silent Disco idea on Jambase.com which at the end of the day, is all you can ask for. Enough about this one. I'm back, and posting. Grab that MMW remix (above), before it's gone...

My First Jazzfest Wrapup

I arrived at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans for my first Jazzfest on Thursday the 21st of April. After following a brass band into the grounds, it took all of 15 minutes for me to look over at my friend Aletta Cooper and yell "How come nobody told me about this 10 years ago!?". I'd have gone all 10 years straight.

The daytime portion of your Jfest trip is the "official" Jazzfest - multiple stages, incredible music, and some of the best food I've ever had - period. Had you told me that Crawfish Strudel was going to be THIS good, I'd never believed you. The food at this festival is just as important as the music, and how often does that happen? Here's a nice link to show you what I'm talking about - start drooling now.

Jfest tip #1 - Don't drink during the day. It takes the legs out from underneath you, and you'll need 'em. Jazzfest is like "Survivor" for music freaks. You miss something, you'll hear about it, especially if you were an early casualty of booze.

The Fairgrounds end at 7 - just enough time for a shower, nap and dinner, then you're back at it. Nighttime shows start anytime after 8 PM, and can start as late as 4 or 6 AM that night/next morning. Let's put it this way - if you're looking for something to do at 5AM, and can't find nothin', you're not looking hard enough...

Before going any further, big thanks to the 2 Gentlemen who made my first Jazzfest possible - Adam Shipley from Tipitina's Uptown (THE venue for the late night crowd), and Alex from San Francisco's Boom Boom Room.
Already looking forward to next year, boys... HUGE debt of gratitude to Josh, Tip's Production God, for putting up with me and making me sound like a Rock Star...

I won't go over my whole schedule here, as it's listed below in the blog. I will give you a few highlights, however...

• I got asked to introduce the Funky Meters onstage on May 1st. Very cool, and my first time seeing that lineup.
• Perfect weather for the Fest - 70-75 degrees and breezy. People said "best weather in 10 years"
• Seeing the Black Crowes again
• Being one of 3 honkys onstage all night during "Hatchets & Horns" at Tipitina's (Dirty Dozen, Rebirth and the Wild Magnolias all on the same bill, with me doing opening & setbreaks)
• The chance to support and see Dr Lonnie Smith in action - I actually pulled out a Latin Jazz set for that show, and got a great response...

I'll post some photos soon enough. Huge thanks to Aletta, Greg, Aletta's mom, Greg & Weezie, Chris & Jenn, Grant & Gill, Ben & Kevin (only saw K once?!), Jud & Elna, Brian F, Jordan, and everybody else that either came to the shows, or helped me survive my first, not last, Jazzfest. And Gina, of course - d'oh...

Finally, for putting up with this shameful self-indulgence that I call a blog, here's a tune for you...

I'm finding out there's a HUGE Japanese market for Funk and Soul - THANK GOD! I can't wait to go to Japan - HEY! Smash Productions! Bring me to Japan!!!

One of the Japanese ambassadors of the Funk is a project called Osaka Monaurail. I just picked up their CD "Thankful (for what you've done)", which is actually from 2001. I had an MP3 of a slice of trombone heaven called "Two Houses Make A Happy Home (remix)" up - some sublime stuff - but it's since been pulled. So sorry. But you can check out some audio on their Myspace page.

Enjoy.

Ozric Tentacles Mashup

Did I mention I got to support Ozric Tentacles in Northern California in late March? Big thanks to the folks at Harlow's in Sacramento, and the amazing Independent in San Francisco (always a great line-up month after month).

In the spirit of the Ozrics (if you haven't seen them yet, please make it a point), here's a mashup called "Hidden Tentacles" done by my buddy Gingersteve in the UK. It takes Bjork's accapella of "Hidden Place" and places it lovingly over the Ozric's "Feng Shui" to make a wonderful piece of work. Cheers, Steve. Keep 'em coming.

Big shout out to the GYBO boys and girls - your work is inspiring...

Enjoy the tune, say hello to Steve, and Bjork, don't sue me. Anyone wants it down, let me know.

This has nothing to do with anything, I warn you now

Alright, I opened for Beck twice this month (that story below). I'm about to give you a cool song, so bear with me.

So, I'm cleaning house musically, and really digging through my back catalog. I've never been a music guy that hordes music. I'm always at a loss for space, so I've learned that if I want new stuff, some of the old stuff gotta go. Rammstein, Depeche Mode and any compilation with the phrase "Acid Jazz" have to go. But enough about me. Let's talk about a gentleman named Paul Goddard from Alabama.

Remember a time before MTV, when guys like Paul could join a band, make a record, go on tour and get laid? C'mon 'ya geezers, get nostalgic with me! Paul was the bass player in a band called Atlanta Rhythm Section, whose members were in another one-hit wonder band, Classics IV. They did a track called "Spooky", which was lovingly covered by Dusty Springield (well worth finding, btw...).

ARS's biggest hit, was "I'm So Into You", a lovely little slice of genuinely groovy Southern rock n' roll. It is here for your pleasure, not for profit. And Paul, if you're out there, good for you, brother - I hope you got some booty on the bus. I decided not to sell the ARS cd to Amoeba Music on Sunset. Great store, regardless. I'm hoping if I plug 'em enough, they'll give me the employee discount.

Did I mention I opened for Beck twice this month? How bout that stuff! My name got brought up to Beck's management, and they went for it. His new record "Guero" comes out March 29, and he was working out the new material at a couple of "secret shows" here in Hollywood (thanks to the internet and the cell phone there are no "secret shows" anymore).

Both nights at Club 1650 (which may or may not be closed now - I heard bankruptcy) were packed. 600 + each night, with different support. The first night was Har Mar Superstar, the second, a cool rock band called Louis the XIV. It's cool to get the same reactions to The Bar-Kays' "Holy Ghost" and Trouble Funk one night as you get to The Pretenders "Tattooed Love Boys" and Bowie's BBC live version of "Hang On To Yourself" the next night.

If for some reason you don't know about T-Funk and the Washington DC Go-Go Scene, please click on this here link. It'll take you to Big Mike McNasty's website, which be all about the Go-Go. Go-Go is NOT for the funk newbie, btw. It is dirty, get down music, and generally not for whitey. Some people, however (cough! Mike Dillon! cough! Yo, Mike! Can we get a So Cal BMX/Dead Kenny G's show, please?)...

Beck played 80% new stuff, which was well-received. Surprisingly funky and hard. Heard the leak of the new record. People can say what they want - a few folks I know have said "it's his attempt at remaining relevant and sell some records...". I really like the record. I especially like the lead-off track "Brazilica". He's a great songwriter, period- "Sea Change" really proved that to me again. I really disliked the record at first listen. Many of my favorite records have had that effect on me - they're growers, y'know? If you enjoyed the more melancholy, acoustic vibe of "Sea Change", I encourage you to hunt down the Japanese bonus track, "Ship In A Bottle". It may be the prettiest song I've ever heard.

Much thanks to Beck, his management, and the nice folks at 1650 in Hollywood...

I'll be announcing my first Jazzfest '05 dates soon... Wish me luck.

Holiday Wrapup

Finally back from my working vacation, and man, what a trip! We started trying to get back to Ohio to see family, but technical issues and weather got us stuck for 2 days in Houston, leaving less than 12 hours with family. Thanks to the nice people @ Continental Airlines, Houston branch, for taking care of us and putting us up in nice Hotels. It really pays to be kind and patient with those folks. We saw people sleeping in the airport, and that's no way to spend Christmas Eve...

Off to NOLA for a 3 night stand at Tipitina's, a legendary club in New Orleans, Louisiana. I had originally been added to Galactic's New Year's Eve show there (big up's to Paul @ Superfly for finally taking the bait, and respect to Ben, Stanton, Robert, Jeff and Rich for the nod). With a bit of bribing and arm-twisting, I convinced Tip's GM Adam Shipley into letting me join the Papa Mali show on the 30th, and the Rebirth Brass Band show on January 1st...

We were staying with our NOLA friends the Curry's at the The Tchoup House, which is RIGHT next door to Tipatina's. Let me just say that the web site does not do this house justice. Completely wired for sound and video, you can sit in an 8-person hot tub, and watch the show going on next door. If you're going to NOLA, do it rock star-stylee, and rent the Tchoup House. It ain't cheap, but worth every penny. Absynthe & cupcakes, indeed...

So, the Medi4 Travelling Road Show went over big at Tip's, playing to over well over 1,500 people over 3 nights.

The biggest responses came from:

• Little Feat - Dixie Chicken
• Rolling Stones - Slave
• Afrika Bambatta - Planet Rock
• Dr. Dre - Next Episode
• AC/DC - Dirty Deeds
• Prince - Baby I'm A Star
• Joe Cocker - Bathroom Window
• The New Mastersounds - Turn This Thing Around
• Speedometer f. the Speedetts - Wait Up (This Time I'm Comin)

Now to tackle the Late Night Series @ Tip's for Jazzfest 2005. Wish me luck...

Voodoo Music Festival 2004 Playlists

Some folks asked me to post my playists for 2 of my sets at this year's Voodoo Fest, so here goes.

This first set was played before the Pixies went on, so I was shooting for a "alt-dj" thing - let me know how I did, right?

1. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize? (WB)
2. Basment Jaxx - Give Peace A Chance (White Label Bootleg)
3. The Beatles - The End (Capitol/Apple)
4. Blur - Song 2 (Virgin)
5. Gary Glitter - Rock & Roll, Part 2 (Rhino)
6. The Timelords - Doctoring The Tardis (The KLF vs Doctor Who) (TVT)
7. The Pretenders - Message of Love (Sire)
8. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Away (Domino)
9. Nirvana - Breed (Geffen)
10. Foo Fighters - Monkey Wrench (Capitol)
11. The Ramones - Teenage Lobotomy (Sire)
12. Green Day - American Idiot (WB)
13. Iggy Pop - Lust For Life (Virgin)
14. Apollo 100 - Joy (Rhino)

Btw, "American Idiot" is the perfect pop song for 2004. Couldn't make it any better - ever.

This second set was following Velvet Revolver and before Kid Rock, so I had a captive audience of 20,000 ready for punishment - i pulled the big heavy rock guns out for this one, man...

1. Van Halen - Hot For Teacher (WB)
2. Ozzy Osbourne - Over The Mountain (Jet/Epic)
3. Guns N' Roses - It's So Easy (Geffen)
4. AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Atlantic/Atco)
5. Judas Priest - You've Got Another Thing Coming (Columbia)
6. Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart (Elektra)
7. Marilyn Manson - The Beautiful People (Interscope/Nothing)
8. Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast (Capitol/Harvest)
9. Black Sabbath - Paranoid (WB)
10. Led Zeppelin - Rock & Roll (Atlantic)
11. The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again (MCA)
12. The Osmonds - Crazy Horses (MGM)

Kind of perfect when you think about it. I've got a slot of 30-45 minutes to do damage, then I see the band...

I love my job.

Alllllllllllllllllllllllllll-righty then!

Back from New Orleans & Voodoo Fest, which was really hard work, but was SO worth it! Not only did I play in front of 20,000 rabid music fans, I got to do it several times last weekend, and met amazing people on top...

Thanks to the guys from Particle for the air-conditioned head-check on Sunday, and Gina for putting up with me. Thanks also to Tracy & Steven from Rehage and Chris Sorley for the all the help and support on the tech end.

I met Rick from Superfly Presents on my final day in the city - I'm shooting for Jazzfest & Bonnaroo this year if it kills me...

Onto this week.

We're off to Colorado this weekend, for shows in Vail, co-headlining a Halloween bash @ 8150 with Garaj Mahal, with an open bar and a late-night guarantee. Costume contest and all...

I'm looking forward to making some new friends, and seeing some old ones. It's gonna be a funky good time, indeed. I'm bringing the funk, reggae, and disco heat, CO!

Blessings, and love to you guys.

Holiday / Jamcruise 1 & 2 Wrapup

Howdy, everyone!

I'm just back from my first vacation in 12 years (and of course, I worked...), and feeling much better about things in general. Something about the combination of clear blue water, good music, friendly faces and rum - it resets your soul, thank God.

While on vacation, I had the opportunities to work and play with some great musicians, who I'd like to give ink and some shouts to.

First stop, 12/31 Jacksonville, FL - The Free Bird Cafe I opened for 2 of my favorite bands, the Greyhounds and Mofro. Seen Mofro several times (Hey, JJ!), and they keep getting better. This was a scene - 800 people singing every word of "Florida". Look for a new Mofro record this summer...

Next, as a warm-up for the boat, I was fortunate enough to be included on a bill with Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (he be making funky stink nightly, that brother...), and a wonderful new band from Athens, GA called Tishamingo (full disclosure here - my buddy Joe Hanan manages them - even if he didn't, the band would still be amazing). We played to a packed house in Fort Lauderdale, and the following day...

Jamcruise - What do I say about my first festival and my first cruise all in one?

"Yahoo!!! Lemme on the 2005 boat, please!"

Amazing music, best vibe and people I've encountered in more than 10 years, Green Mountain coffee (incredible stuff), and the chance to play records for almost 2,000 music freaks in the middle of the Caribbean. I'm speechless.

Thank you to Annabel Lukins, Joe Hanan, Mark Brown, and Josh from Jomo for taking a chance on someone they never heard of. Huge thanks to Chris Sorley, Kit Blanchard and the amazing production team for making me sound like a rock star.

Looking to Summer 2004!
I'm now chasing the 2004 Festival season full-throttle - High Sierra, Berkfest, the Joshua Tree Festival, Voodoo Fest, and The Big Chill Festival in the UK are all on my radar this year. Wish me luck...