Another beautiful Southern summer evening. The audience for this niche concert was predictably small -- mostly homesick New Orleans ex-pats mixed with some funk and R&B fans – but very enthusiastic. We know great music and who can make it, and how to have a good time. No hurricane will ever destroy that.
The legendary Dr. John was up first. I’ve been watching the erstwhile Mac Rebbenack of NOLA’s Third Ward perform since the 60s, and I’m still in awe of him. You can always count on the good doctor to deliver a tight set full of his trademark funkology, from old hits like What A Night and Right Place Wrong Time, up to new songs like Save Our Wetlands from his Grammy-winning 2008 album. He did not disappoint. Mac’s formidable reputation as a composer/arranger, pianist, guitarist, quirky vocalist and in-demand session man is well deserved.
I have only one quibble: Dr. John doesn’t acknowledge his band members nor develop a rapport with the audience. A very private person, he prefers to let his music tell you everything that he wants you to know about him; fellow musicians and longtime fans understand that. Personally, I think that Mac would enjoy greater success and more popularity with younger people if he shared some anecdotes about his music and career on stage -- but that aint gonna happen. So, just go and listen to a musician's musician do his thing.
In contrast, the Neville Brothers and their sidemen have always worked hard to connect quickly with their audiences and still do. Obviously, Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyril use the feedback they get to gauge their performance. I think they also get a lot of personal satisfaction from making everyone feel like they’re just hanging out with them on a good night at Tipatina’s or over at the Jazz Festival.
The NB 2009 tour set covers a wide variety of musical styles: funky get-down R&B, slow love ballads, sophisticated instrumental jazz, traditional NOLA favorites, even a little gospel. (Love that Hammond, Art!) One minute you’re grooving to Aaron’s soulful Tell It Like It Is with your sweetie; then you're applauding Charles' sax-y jazz and blues solos. Before you know it, you’re on your feet swinging your throws (beads), towel or umbrella above your head while dancing to the band’s Amazing Grace/Iko Iko/On The Bayou mix. Trust me: If you just sit quietly through a Neville Brothers concert, check for a pulse.
In summary, go to this show appreciate New Orleans' finest music ambassadors – and support the Gulf Coast's post-Katrina rebuilding efforts. The music and the recovery are far from over, y'all.
