This is my second New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and once again I will be at all days. Here are highlights from Saturday May 4. I plan to post my highlights for each day. Last year I did a number of paintings based on my Jazz Fest photos. I plan to do more this year.
The first stop was the Gospel tent to see New Orleans own Rocks of Harmony. They did a powerful version of Amazing grace among other songs.
Then I went to the jazz tent for another New Orleans musician, Calvin Johnson, who provided a strong modern jazz set that included a wonderful Summertime.
Jessie McBride next offered the Next Generation in the jazz tent. It was revolving group of young players who all showed great talent.
Then I went to Blues tent to catch one of my favorite New Orleans musicians, James Andrews. He was in fine form dancing across the stage. The crowd loved his energy. Karen Andrews did the Etta James classic, At Last, and brought down the house. Then the Treme Baby Dolls joined the stage. James kept trying to get a second line going and the security kept trying to stop it. The Baby Dolls did manage to travel the aisles but even their path was guided by Security. James and his band did manage to do their own second line at the end of the set.
Deacon John brought his big band next to the blues tent. He went through a series of costume changes and continued to switch hats through out. He finished strong with some high energy blues.
Aaron Neville closed the Fest for this tent with a amazing set. Charles played sax through out. Aaron sang one great song after another, many of which I had never heard him sang. It was if he asked what my favorite R&B song were and then sang then. He closed with his classic, Tell It Like It Is, and then Amazing Grace. Then his brother Cyril joined him for Bob Marley’s One Love.
