 LPO - Itzhak Perlman In Concert
Mahalia Jackson Theatre | 7PM | Jan. 10th |
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 For fans of George Porter's Runnin' Pardners, a band that very rarely plays anymore, George's annual birthday bash is a real treat. The band was in rare form on Saturday night, with Russell Batiste Jr. playing like a percussive genius, and trumpeter Tracey Griffin nailing an incredible solo on the tune, "Funk Somethingness".
Other highlights included Stanton Moore and Mark Mullins getting down on the Meter's classic, "Africa", and Lance Ellis Making a guest appearance on "Mo Time". George got a face full of birthday cake when his daughter brought it out as the band played "Happy Birthday". "People Say" was a highlight also, with Guitarist Brent Anderson tearing up an incredible solo where he used the slide along with other effects.
The band was having fun. the crowd was very nice, and the drinks were cold. What more can you ask of a Birthday party? I can't wait to see them play again next year.
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 The two night stand this weekend at the Maple Leaf Bar by the Radiators was met with the usual enthusiasm by their fans and even more enthusiasm by the band. Dave Malone and company were brilliant on Saturday night as this writer watched from the crowd, precariously perched on a wobbly bench on the side of the dance floor.
The groove was held solidly by Reggie Scanlan on Bass and Frank Bua on Drums, with Camille Baudin's guitar solos positively blazing on top. Ed Volker and Dave Malone took turns leading the band with their vocals and this back and forth held the crowd's energy at a high point for the whole first set.
Many fans were overheard saying that the first set felt like the blowout that usually is the second or third set. I was caught up in the energy of the night just like everyone else, especially when the band played "Paint it Black", by the Rolling Stones. The Radiators have been going strong now for thirty years and it was easy to see why on Saturday night. A great set by one of New Orleans finest rock and roll bands.
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Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance at The Maple Leaf, Saturday Nov. 15th, 2008
 Amazing musicians do amazing shows. On Saturday, November 15th, Col. Bruce Hampton proved this to be the case. The last time I saw him play was at Tipitina's quite a few years ago, and that show was good, but nothing on the order of this tight, funky scorcher. Col. Bruce has had a long and fascinating career. With his bands, the Aquarium Rescue Unit, the Code Talkers, The Fiji Mariners, and The Late Bronze Age, Col, Bruce has always been different, ahead of the crowd, and in a class by himself. The standouts of this show were the Bassist and Bruce. The Bassist had a custom built electric bass that had the sound of an acoustic. He played with precision and was dead on with the drummer. Hampton's guitar solo's were melodic and burning with energy. The Band's energy was felt by the crowd, sparking everyone to dance and have a great time. Overall, I think the Quark Alliance may be the best group I have ever seen Bruce play with. Check them out next time they come to town. You won't regret it.
~Kevin O'Day
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 Late night funk insanity is the best way to describe Groovesect for this Halloween weekend finale. The band had the entire Frenchman St. crowd rocking out to the funkiest licks in town 'til the sun came up.
Groovesect, who first appeared on the New Orleans music scene in 2006, has quickly evolved into something just shy of a funk superpower. Their notoriety has grown exponentially in only two and a half years, so it is only appropriate that for this holiday weekend The Blue Nile hosted a packed house and put on a light show of a caliber rarely seen in their venue. The place was packed when I walked in at 2:30 am and the music had just begun. The door staff ran out of wrist bands inside of the first hour even as the funk fans kept pouring in.
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 Presenting a powerhouse blues band from Baton Rouge, Kenny Neal came to town and threw down on the Tipitina's stage. Mr. Neal was in rare form on Saturday night, singing and playing incredible guitar all night on the down home blues that his fans have come to expect. He brought out quite a few guest stars including the notorious Troy Turner, who, with his lightning fast guitar licks, brought fire to the stage. Mr. Neal's drummer, Kennard Johnson, drove the band with his crunchy beats. On the Zydeco classic, "My Toot Toot", Mr. Johnson fused a brass band groove with the traditional driving Zydeco groove that knocked my socks off. Overall it was a burning set from Kenny Neal, who hasn't played New Orleans much in the last few years. Very recommended for fans of electric blues.
~Kevin O'Day |
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