Tag Archives: Particle

Wanee Festival – Friday, April 20, 2012

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I woke up and hung with my camp family while some people trekked up to the Peach Stage for Bruce Hornsby.  Even in camp I could hear Bruce playing a soulful tribute to Levon Helm with “The Night They Drove ‘Ole Dixie Down” and “Ride That Train”.  It gave me the chills and I wasn’t near the stage.  My friends told me it blew them away.

I do finally motivate around 1:30 to go see Buddy Guy.  On a hot afternoon, the sun beams down on the field and my notes go something like this:  playing with one had, keyboardist explosion, deep southern groove, Buddy is BAD.

Yes, Buddy is bad singing “Nobody Loves Me but my Guitar,” and then he stops and banters with the crowd.  “Wait a minute, wait a minute.  Ya’ll brought me here to sing the blues, we will not disappoint!”  He goes into “Hoochie Coochie Man” and then stops again to scream at the crowd.  “I was in India, and even they didn’t f*ck up the words like yall have.”  Yep, Buddy Guy is a character – but can belt the blues like nobody’s business.

Then he does this bit where he leans on the speaker, turns the guitar around and sings this song where he plays a lick with his belly – or more to the point – his man parts.  Uh huh.  Seriously.

Then I move over to the mushroom stage to hear Mickey Hart’s new band that I had been hearing really great things about.  I wanted to hear it for myself.  The crowd goes wild on the first song, Not Fade Away, and the female singer, Crystal Monee Hall, brings a nice feminine voice to the mix.  Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) is on base and then we go into some of Mickey’s new songs from his latest album, Mysterium Tremendum.  I can honestly say this was the set that blew me away with new sounds, great jams and hard hitting percussion and bass.  Some new music that really blew me away with its experimental groovy danceable jams.  The third song began sounding reminiscent of early Pink Floyd with a bit of space and drums mixed in.  The jams were hot and new and fresh.  I can’t wait to see them again.

SET LIST:  Not Fade Away >, Let There Be Light, Time Never Ends > Who Stole The Show?, Starlight Starbright, Cut The Deck > Bertha >, Supersonic > jam >, Fire on the Mountain

photo by: Shelly Smith

I then move back to the Peach Stage to see Tedeschi Trucks Band.  If you know me at all, you know I’m a huge Derek Trucks fan.  No, I was not disappointed at this set.  They are greeted by a loving crowd.  Tedeschi sings the first note of the first song and the audience is captivated.  The sun beams down on the field, Susan Tedeschi banters with Derek Trucks’ guitar.  The horn section is tight and sharp.

A few songs from Trucks’ old band, Derek Trucks Band were dusted off with “I Know” with Matt Mattson singing.  It was a strong rendition, with a B3 keys explosion from Kofi Burbridge, and a just a tiny bit of shredding from Derek Trucks.

“Love Has Something Else to Say” was changed up a bit, there was a sick trumpet groove by DeShawn Ross, Oteil Burbridge, bass, was squirming in the background, hitting the sickest bass groove.

I then found some food while they played “Midnight in Harlem.”  Derek noodled for a bit while I was on the ticket line, and then they began the song. Derek and Kofi start off the song sultry and soft.  It is a beautiful song, Susan sings it perfectly – there is no one else out there with her type of voice.  It was chillingly beautiful.  And it was silent during Trucks’ solo.  A field of 20,000 people, silent.  He shreds that guitar to a silent crowd.  Wow.

The second DTB song was Majoun, with its soft and dreamy bantering flute and guitar also kept me swaying in the crowd.  Full set list below:

Don’t Let Me Slide, I Know, Love Has Something Else To Say, Midnight In Harlem, Down Don’t Bother Me / Band intros, Lord Protect My Child, Nobody’s Free, That Did It, Mahjoun > bass > drums, Darlin’ Be Home Soon >, Bound For Glory

I needed a break after that one; needed some food, more drink, and a rest back at camp.  On the way back to the site I heard Bonerama from the Mushroom stage.  A little bit later I heard Furthur begin to play. I sat in a chair at camp (home), and listened to both bands play. Continue reading →

2011 Catskill Chill Festival, Last day, Sunday

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Photo by: Katie Feinstein

I slept like a baby the night before.  Missed the late night Wyllis show with the fantastic Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet, vocals) and I was bummed, thinking, “I just had to rest my ankles, not pass out for the night.”  Darn it…

Luckily there was a small crew from my cabin, virtual strangers before the Chill Festival, who were up and chatting on the porch.  To my ultimate surprise, I was treated to a coffee machine, hooked up and coffee being spooned in to be brewed.  There is nothing like a weekend at a festival, with a coffee maker.  Thank the sweet heavens, I am becoming re-born again.

This morning was a real treat for me, meeting strangers and becoming close friends with them in the early morning over coffee and bloody Mary’s.  Laughing so hard with each other, recounting the adventures of the day before, and truly making bonds.  I was so grateful I was amongst such wonderful people, and feeling the bliss from music wash over me.   My mind drifts, and I apologize for this is a festival review, so… on to the music….

The line up:
Particle
Dopapod
John Brown’s Body
7 Walkers
Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Particle

Photo by: Phrazz

I interviewed Steve Molitz from Particle before the Catskill Chill Festival (click here for the review), and I was excited to see him play again.  These guys are like electronica/trance/groovy dance music.  The crowd was still light at this time (3:30pm)… perhaps we all needed more coffee?  But I got my groove on, danced a while and flitted through the crowd, seeing friends and friendlies everywhere I turned.

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Photo by: Phrazz

Dopapod I have to say, I personally wasn’t into these guys.  My friends and posse seemed to be, so I wandered back to the cabin to get ready to leave.  The plan was we’d leave after John Brown’s Body, to take the 2 hour drive back to Manhattan, so I figured this was a good a time as any.  Little did I know that I wouldn’t be leaving for many, many hours.

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Photo by: Phrazz

John Brown’s Body – raging RAGING reggae.  These guys were so much fun, the venue was pretty well packed, it was kinda muggy, rainy, sweaty, but no one seemed to mind.  This was an amazing 2 hour set, people dancing, swaying – artists painting in the crowd, soccer balls being kicked around, balls bouncing, hoola hoops hooping… yes. Yes, yes, yes!  The Catskill Chill’s website says it best, ” JBB’s live show has the kind of organic, body-rocking sound that’s only possible with an 8-piece band where air tight drum and bass, a three piece horn section, and “the most gorgeous melodies in all of modern reggae music” [All Music Guide] meet a dubbed-out sound engineer.”  This was a highlight, indeed.

In between these shows, we took the time to pack the car – as originally planned.  Then, I believe it started to rain, so we took cover with…

Photo by: Joshua Raskin

7 Walkers:  I couldn’t leave.  Who, me? Leave during Billy Kreutzmann (drummer, Grateful Dead), George Porter, Jr., (bass, The Meters), Papa Mali and Matt Hubbard.  I had all great intentions, but what do they say?  The best laid plans…. yeah, that’s what happened.  This band is a mix of Grateful Dead hippy bounce with some creole soul from New Orleans.  It is fresh and upbeat, they play new original songs (some written by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter), and they look like they are having the greatest time.  I have seen them quite a few times now, and I just have a blast every time I see them.  They never disappoint, I always feel like I’m amongst family, and my heart shines bright when they end the show.  Thank you.

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Photo by: Phrazz

Big Sam’s Funky Nation / Jets Game / We gotta go!

Yes, we had to go, but I was very excited to just linger aimlessly amongst the vendors while Big Sam was crushing it at the other stage. I needed some food, I needed some coffee and I was planning on not rushing before jumping in the car. My friend was enamored with the Jets Game, which made me feel no pressure to start driving. I have to admit, this was a great way to end the evening. Watching the Jets with my friends, hearing Big Sam’s Funky Nation in the background, quietly eating, patiently waiting, and enjoying my last few breaths of the Chillest festival I believe I’ve ever been to.

I wonder what the numbers were from their first year, to this year (their second). I will poke around and be sure to report back.

Please leave comments on your favorite memories. And I hope to see everyone again next year!

Steve Molitz Talks Catskill Chill, Sept. 6, 2011

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Catskill Chill Music Festival, Hancock NY

September 9 – 11th.

My buddies are putting on this great festival and it will be my first year attending.  Travelling north a few hours into the woods of Upstate NY, near the town of Bethel, NY close to the infamous Woodstock of ’69, the lineup touts such great acts as:

  • Umphree’s McGee
  • Conspirator
  • 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann
  • Dumpstaphunk
  • JGB w/ Melvin Seals
  • Perpetual Groove
  • Particle
  • Big Sam’s Funky Nation
  • Zach Deputy
  • Pimps of Joytime
  • The Heavy Pets
  • …and more.

I was lucky to get an interview with the keyboardist from Particle, Steve Molitz, and Jambands.com picked it up before I could get it on View Skewed.

Check it out here:  http://www.jambands.com/the-loop/2011/09/06/steve-molitz-talks-catskill-chill/

I’ll be covering the Chill for View Skewed, so stay tuned.  This should be a great end of the summer festival!

Wanee Festival, Day 1 – Thurs., April 14

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I forgot my ticket in NYC.  That was all I could think about.  I had called people I knew, asked about an extra ticket, tried to call will call but the woman at the front desk of Wanee said I’d be ok, bring my ID and my confirmation email.  Well, I had both of those.  And, when I got to willcall, they said, “No problem sugah, you have ID?  We have you in the system.”  Yes ma’am, I had ID and they happily put my wristband on me and sent me on my way.  Yes, easy breezy time.

After a hellish time getting to the camp, driving in circles in the dusty laned camping ground area we finally got to where we needed to go.  Right near the Mushroom Stage, you could see the stage through the fence near our camp.  I love Wanee.  I love our campsite.  I love my friends whom I was with.  And I was looking forward to hearing Particle and PFunk later in the evening.

The Peach Stage...before anyone showed up

Took a walk, surveyed the scene – down the road, take a left, lots of vendors, toilets (this info will come in handy later), food to the right, hill to the left and voila! The Peach Stage.  Alrighty then, with our bearings intact on where/what/who/why, we went back to camp to hear the music.

Col. Bruce Hampton

6:55pm.  Col. Bruce Hampton Mushroom Stage.  They were really nice, they went with the whole pre-show groove going on.

8pm Dinner  “Wilted Chili” Chili and Clam Linguini… oh my.  yum.

The Spirit of Suwanee Moment: when my buddy from NYC who I didn’t even know was going to be there, walks near my camp and hugs me.  Wow.  Love that.

Somewhere between Col. Bruce Hampton and Particle I lost my phone.  I don’t know what was going on with me this weekend, it seemed I was in a lost vortex or something.  So, for the second night I cried.  The first night I cried because I thought I couldn’t get into the festival.  The second night I cried for my phone.  I was bummed.

PFunk

Particle: They were a mix of funky jazz electronica.  “Live-tronica” Lounge-y, reminiscent of Thievery Corp and Olive and Zero 7 all mushed together.  Then they raged, with some fast rock riffs.  They were nice.  I liked it.

Then came George Clinton and the P-Funk.  They played my favorite PFunk song of all time – Red Hot Momma.  And they played Flashlight.  And I stopped crying way before then.  Probably with the first scream of Poppa George Clinton’s.  But, Red Hot Momma?  Damn.  Phone?  Who needs a phone??  Red Hot Momma from Louisiana….. pheww.

Went back to camp where the camp family were waiting for me, and we celebrated Wanee style.  In front of a fire, chill acoustic covers from our own band, The Wilted Chili’s, and lots of laughs.  Ooooh, boy, we haven’t even started yet.  The Festival officially starts on Friday.  Phew.