08-27-2008, 02:26 PM
OL was great - the set up, the line up, a success on all fronts. I was only there Sunday, but here's my short review:
- Jackie Greene stole the show and he was the first act I saw. He did a smokin' New Speedway and Ball & Chain. He's my one-to-watch in the music scene right now. There's a persistent rumor of a dead tour this spring and if it happens, I hope he's in Jerry's spot.
- Toots started strong with two songs I really wanted to hear: Pressure Drop & Time Tough. But then he went all cheesy with Louie Louie. I had already walked away when that happened. So strong opening, but I think he didn't like the fog - too chilly for his JA blood.
- Gabriela Y Rodrigo were on when I got stuck manning the table. I was thankful. They were awesome. Two guitarists going at it flamenco style - the vid screens were wacky - special effects or a snafu? It didn't matter. What was important was to be able to see Gabriela's hand work, which is a spectacle in itself.
- Widespread Panic always satisfies. They have a rocking instrumental sound and are one of the leaders of the jam band scene now, although they lean towards gross self-indulgence like any jam band.
- Mike Gordon was great to see again. He had a tight band, but only held my attention for a few songs until I needed to move on.
- Jack Johnson is island music, which works while driving a convertible mustang on Kauai, but he just doesn't sustain it for me, despite his strong reggae connection. Island is a derivation of jahwaiian, slack key guitar meets reggae, and it's just too laid back for me. It loses that rebel sound. Jack is good for three tunes or so, until it all starts sounding the same.
I look forward to next year's OL.
- Jackie Greene stole the show and he was the first act I saw. He did a smokin' New Speedway and Ball & Chain. He's my one-to-watch in the music scene right now. There's a persistent rumor of a dead tour this spring and if it happens, I hope he's in Jerry's spot.
- Toots started strong with two songs I really wanted to hear: Pressure Drop & Time Tough. But then he went all cheesy with Louie Louie. I had already walked away when that happened. So strong opening, but I think he didn't like the fog - too chilly for his JA blood.
- Gabriela Y Rodrigo were on when I got stuck manning the table. I was thankful. They were awesome. Two guitarists going at it flamenco style - the vid screens were wacky - special effects or a snafu? It didn't matter. What was important was to be able to see Gabriela's hand work, which is a spectacle in itself.
- Widespread Panic always satisfies. They have a rocking instrumental sound and are one of the leaders of the jam band scene now, although they lean towards gross self-indulgence like any jam band.
- Mike Gordon was great to see again. He had a tight band, but only held my attention for a few songs until I needed to move on.
- Jack Johnson is island music, which works while driving a convertible mustang on Kauai, but he just doesn't sustain it for me, despite his strong reggae connection. Island is a derivation of jahwaiian, slack key guitar meets reggae, and it's just too laid back for me. It loses that rebel sound. Jack is good for three tunes or so, until it all starts sounding the same.
I look forward to next year's OL.
Shadow boxing the apocalypse