Listen to the Streusic: May 2013

Yes, Dave Matthews Band is one of my favies. Some of you would be pleased by that, but I have encountered many that have never learned to appreciate their keen artistry. However, in my hopeful journey of becoming a self-proclaimed "musicologist," I have learned to respect others' musical opinions (usually). So, let's talk about the wonderful artistry of DMB.

I must begin with an explanation of the "jam band" (if you are unfamiliar with all of this, then please do yourself a favor and make homework out of this). It can be argued that "jam band" had its beginnings with The Grateful Dead. The term is given to groups who play a wide variety of genres including jazz fusion, blues, progressive bluegrass, funk, country, world, and more. Just in case you misinterpreted that last sentence, you will not find a "jam band" that can be labeled into a single genre; a single "jam band" will play a mixture of genres. Basically, the "jam band" is not bound by any set of rules as they create.

Before we continue, here are a few "jam bands" for you to look into: Phish, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Blues Traveler, Widespread Panic, Rusted Root, Umphrey's McGee, The String Cheese Incident, Leftover Salmon, Galactic, and John Butler Trio.

Wikipedia gives this list of genres for DMB: "rock, jazz fusion, folk rock, bluegrass, funk rock, world music, alternative rock, country rock." I would agree that the list is pretty accurate. This is definitely something that makes this band so enjoyable. Every song gives you something different to appreciate.

Now, let me explain the thing that I probably enjoy most about DMB. In music, we use the term "technical" to describe a piece with complex rhythms, melodies, and song structure. I love to listen to a band that will show their "technicality" through songs that will change time signatures several times and try to keep up with them. Does this mean that I am a "music geek?" Probably. I have no shame, though. Here is one of my favorite DMB songs that really shows their technicality (and try to keep up with it)...

While their saxophonist, Leroi Moore, is definitely missed, the current line-up is unbelievable with a drummer that is arguably one of the best in the world, a guitarist not to be reckoned with, and a saxophonist worthy enough to have a long-term place with Bela Fleck. Often, bands center around their strongest link, but every member of DMB is extremely valuable to the group.

Not least of all, these guys are certainly one of the best live acts by far. Their repertoire and style allows for them to make every live performance unique and different. No matter how many times you attend one of their concerts, you will get something different. There is nothing boring and stale about them.

So, if you are not familiar with Dave Matthews Band, then I recommend you change that. If you only know their radio hits, then I recommend you dig deeper. If you have not seen them live, then try to make that happen.

Now, here is your assignment: Go to Youtube and search Dave Matthews concerts, pick one of the full concerts, and enjoy. You're welcome.

Okay, I have a confession to make. I have only been to two music festivals. For someone that makes a hobby out of music as much as I do, you might see this as something to be ashamed about. Well, I have two things to say: money, money, money. That was more than two things (actually, just one), but you get my point. You usually have to figure out how you will pay for travel, where you will stay, and then pay for the actual festival. Plus, you have to make sure you can even take time on the specific dates. Obviously, this does not normally pan out for me.

However, this year, things lined up just right for my wife and I to FINALLY make it to the New Orleans Jazz Festival. I definitely did not prefer the circumstances that allowed for us to make it to Jazz Fest, but it was certainly an unexpected blessing. So, let me give you my review:

Performances: (in order of our viewing)

Better Than Ezra: These guys can definitely be put into the ranks of 90s rock bands such as Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket, but they know how to put on a show. It helped that they are from Baton Rouge and got their big start in New Orleans. However, they are funny, entertaining, and worth seeing more than once. I have actually seen Gin Blossoms live as well, and BTE was way better.
The Nevilles: Formally The Neville Brothers, but took off the "Brothers" when Aaron Neville took off to do his own thing. Very entertaining and extremely talented family. There were a lot of Nevilles on that stage.
Dave Matthews Band: By far, the best live performance I have seen. There are a lot of bands that sound great live, but they still produce a sound that sounds like you are listening to their studio album. DMB gives you this clean, incredible sound that sounds live. They kill it on stage. Plus, their repertoire is so large that it is almost impossible to ever see the same show twice. I would be more than happy to see them any chance I get. It is also great that Tim Reynolds is now in the band full-time.
Mutemath: First band we saw on our 2nd day at the festival. This is a Christian band with a very unique sound. It is also impressive that they made it to the Gentilly Stage (which is the 2nd main stage at NO Jazz Fest). All of the band members are from New Orleans and this was their first time at NO Jazz Fest. I think it was pretty clear that they were nervous and seemed to take a while for them to get real comfortable. By the end, they were really fun to watch. Overall, they produced a great sound and, by the end, showed that they can put on a great show as well. I would like to see them again sometime.
Galactic: This is an extremely talented band. I enjoy keeping up with their drummer, Stanton Moore. However, while I love jazz, their style doesn't always do it for me. Yet, there are many people who love them.
The Little Willies: This is a project that Norah Jones got into. Jess and I thought it would be worth it to check them out. They got together out of a mutual love for classic country songs. Similar to my take on Galactic, their style doesn't do it for me. However, if you are a big fan of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and other classic country artists, you would love them.
Phoenix: I really like this band a lot. I own two of their albums, which I have listened to quite a bit. It only made since that we would go check them out. Actually, we were going to see Fleetwood Mac, but the crowd was too overwhelming for us. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, these guys produce a great sound and perform their music well. However, I felt that they did not add anything new to the music you have already heard from their albums. During one of the instrumental songs, I'm pretty sure the lead singer just lied down and waited for the next song. It was fun to watch them for the first several songs, but then we quickly found ourselves fairly bored. So, we decided to try for Fleetwood Mac again.
Fleetwood Mac: Honestly, after Dave Matthews Band, we had been fairly disappointed with our 2nd day at the festival. No one even came close to comparing. But, then we caught the last 40 or so minutes of Fleetwood Mac's show. (Actually, we listened to the beginning of their performance while waiting in line to the port-a-johns, and we tried to make it to the stage but the crowd was extremely overwhelming.) This band has been active since 1967, and they still know how to rock your face off. From Stevie Nicks unforgettable alto voice to Mick Fleetwood's charisma to Lindsay Buckingham's shredding of the axe, Fleetwood Mac completely redeemed our day. We were able to catch two songs including Go Your Own Way. Then, they came back out for an encore. Mick Fleetwood fired up the crowd with a long drum solo, and then they ended the whole show with Don't Stop. I strongly recommend this band live if you get the chance.

Food: New Orleans definitely has a style of food all their own. If you like it, you can only imagine how good the food is at the Jazz Fest. It is certainly one of the main highlights of the festival (after the music, of course...but, maybe not for some people).

Bonus: If you ever make it to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, you can find free parking in the patient/visitor parking lot at the LSU School of Dentistry. This will save you from $10-25. Few people know about this parking lot. We found it, at most, half full both days that we went. Pays off to know locals. You're welcome.