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Words by: Kayceman | Images by:
Dino
Perrucci
Jazz Fest Day 3 :: 04.25.10 :: Sunday :: New Orleans, LA
Crystal clear blue skies and a steady breeze set the stage for an idyllic Sunday
experience at Jazz Fest. Patrons were decked out in fancy hats and kids danced along with
second line parades and Mardi Gras Indians. During one set at the main stage, a woman
shared her tray of chocolate covered frozen strawberries with strangers while a young
gentleman got out of his chair and insisted that the older lady standing near him have a
seat. The communal spirit was in full bloom on Sunday, and it seemed as if everyone from
the artists to the vendors to the crowd could feel it.
Kayceman's Top 3
#1 Levon Helm
Band
Legendary drummer Levon Helm and his outstanding band, featuring guitarist Larry Campbell,
played a wonderful set that included Band classics like "Chest Fever" and "The Weight" as
well The Grateful Dead's "Tennessee Jed." A healthy dose of special guests, including
Dr. John,
Allen
Toussaint, Ivan Neville and Stanton Moore, all
graced the stage during this quintessential Jazz Fest show.
#2 Blind Boys of
Alabama
The Blind Boys of Alabama in the Gospel Tent on Sunday is a special experience. Soul-
stirring harmonies filled the open air tent as people were visibly moved, raising hands
high towards the sky. Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" was coupled with "Spirit In
The Sky," The Wire theme song "Way Down in the Hole" (originally written by Tom
Waits), and a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" that reminded us all why they call
this God's music.
#3 The Allman
Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band is playing some of its best rock & roll since Duane died, and
their First Weekend Festival concluding set was yet another reminder of their enduring
power. Guitarist Derek Trucks used crutches to get on and off stage and sat for the
entire show, but the injury didn't affect his incredible slide work in any way. Long jams
with spiraling guitars and burning leads from guitarist Warren Haynes
were punctuated with classic Gregg Allman vocals and the never-ending propulsion of the three-
piece percussive unit. The entire set was full of hits and every song was someone's
favorite, but the crowd responded most enthusiastically to "Whipping Post," "Soulshine"
featuring saxophonist Jay Collins, and "One Way Out." But nothing seemed to define the
weekend better than the beautiful rendition of Van Morrison's "And
It Stoned Me" sung by Haynes.
Check our Jazz Fest Survival Guide for Must See Bands, food suggestions and
more...
Check out Friday's coverage of Jazz Fest here.
Check out Saturday's Coverage of Jazz Fest here.
Check back next Thursday for the start of our Second Weekend Jazz Fest
coverage...
JamBase | New Orleans
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