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All Things Equal 5 of 7: An Interview with Jimmy Herring & Kevin Scott September 18, 2019 12:11

Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Interviews and artist spotlights have always been the "bread and butter" of Live & Listen. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to talk with so many amazing artists, in an effort to learn more about their current endeavors and share these stories with as many people as possible. Earlier this week, I was asked if I had interest in chatting with famed guitarist Jimmy Herring, who just kicked off a major tour with his latest project, The 5 of 7. That was obviously an easy decision. 

Many know Jimmy's work as lead guitarist for Widespread Panic, Aquarium Rescue Unit, and Jazz is Dead. This conversation focuses on The 5 of 7, which features the likes of Kevin Scott (bass), Matt Slocum (keys), Rick Lollar (guitar/vocals), and Darren Stanley (drums). The group shares one common thread: they're all students of the late Col. Bruce Hampton. As you'll read below, this commonality continues to shape and influence their approach to music and life in general. 

The 5 of 7 continue their tour tonight in Iowa City and will continue trekking across the United States through early October. After a month long break, which allows Jimmy to reunite with his Widespread Panic band mates for weekends in Milwaukee & New Orleans, the 5 of 7 will continue through the Southeast, before closing things out with a multi-night run in Tokyo, Japan. See below for our full conversation with Jimmy and Kevin Scott!

Let’s get right to it. Your latest project, The 5 of 7, kicked off the tour in Colorado over the weekend. What did you take away from this band’s first official performances?

Jimmy: Yeah man. The whole idea was, in my mind...I wanted to work with some younger musicians. I'd already been working with Kevin (Scott) from the last band. Matt Slocum too, of course. They had another band, King Baby, that just blew me away. I loved Rick (Lollar) and really wanted to work with a singer. I couldn't imagine anyone else. As soon as I heard him, I thought, "This guy is great. Let's work with him." Darren Stanley (drums) had been working with Bruce (Hampton), and I'd heard him a few times. I was just knocked out by him. Kevin told me that they had a real chemistry together. So, that seemed like a no brainer. We just got together, with no gigs on the books, just to see how it felt. Nobody wanted any money. No one needed a hotel room or a flight. We just got together for fun, and we knew the first day, you know? I was like, "This is gonna be blast." 

What did I take away from the first gig? Nothing's ever perfect. We know that. Every gig has gotten better so far though. The first night was Denver, then Fort Collins was better, and then Boulder was even better. So...I'm really looking forward to Iowa City tomorrow night. We're having a lot of fun out here. 

Now you've had two days to hopefully rest and regroup. What does an off day look like for you on this tour?

Jimmy: You'd be laughing. Sleep 'til 2:00 PM. (laughs) The other guys don't do this. I'm older now. Sleep 'til 2:00 PM. Wake up. Stumble into the lobby. Drink coffee. Laugh at everybody. Go back to the room and make a phone call. Come back. Laugh again. Get another cup of coffee. Tell some Bruce stories. Laugh some more. Then, maybe talk about...I don't know man. That's all we've done so far. (laughs). 

Has there been a particularly good Bruce story that you guys have relived this week?

Jimmy: There's probably been several. The one just we told five minutes before we called you was how he said he didn't want us to be skinny. He wanted us to get fat. He said we sounded better when we were fat.

Kevin: Always. 

I suppose there may be some truth to that. 

Kevin: B.B. King. Albert King. 

Jimmy: That's right. The fatter the better. 

Kevin: Bernard Purdie. Fat. 

Jimmy: The fatter you get, the better tone. (laughs)

Incredible. I'm sure it's been amazing to see this band come to life. We've covered some of this already, but what else can you tell me about how this lineup fell into place?

Jimmy: One thing I didn't say is that Kevin is the conduit between the worlds. He has had his finger on the pulse of what's happening in the Atlanta music scene for years. He's who I went to and said, "Let's try something different. I want to work with a singer. Who else is in Atlanta?" Man, I've lived in Atlanta since 1986. I got in Bruce's band three years later. And since then, I haven't been to Atlanta. (laughs)

You know what I mean? We're touring all the time. I really didn't know what was happening in Atlanta. These younger people started coming into my life, like Kevin and Duane (Trucks), and they'd tell me, "You've gotta hear this guy." I started meeting guys like Kebbi (Williams) who plays in Derek Trucks' band (Tedeschi Trucks Band). All the things he has done on the side. Kevin had that jam going on in Atlanta. I may not have been there for every one. I went to a few. I really enjoyed it a lot. I like to play with people with enthusiasm. He knows them all, and he's got that enthusiasm. He's kind of the architect of the band. 

That's a great architect to have. You've had the opportunity to be a part of countless projects. How does the dynamic of this particular group continue to push you as both a guitarist and a person?

Jimmy: We have a great variety of music. It never gets boring, because it delves into all of the music we play and the spontaneity that might happen. The thing I love about playing with these guys, well, there's a lot. One of them is that they won't take you to that place at an inappropriate time. You know? Inappropriate is subjective. We could be playing a ballad, and there might be a few things that happen in the music that take us toward a Zambi direction. I don't have to worry that it won’t come back. These guys are young, but they're mature. They follow and listen to each other. 

If you hear a guy play something a little left of center, the other guys will react, but if the person with the ball doesn't continue in that direction, then it's just a little funny moment, and then it goes back. There's always the threat that it might completely ascend into a spontaneous moment that might last longer than a moment. You know what I mean? I've played with a lot of other people when it might go to that place and never come back. And that's cool too, but this is not that. 

We're trying to play songs without putting ourselves in prison of being stuck by the song. A song shouldn't be pre-thought out, and it shouldn't just do one thing in one certain spot. I think we're walking that line pretty well, don't you Kevin? 

Kevin: Oh yeah. For sure.

Jimmy: That's the hope. That keeps me going, man. The youth and exuberance of these guys… Everybody wants to be here, and everybody gets to play. Nobody feels like they're just the background band and I'm gonna take every solo. We don't want to do that. We want everyone to get to get a chance play and interact with one another. Part of that is being able to write music that makes that possible. Hopefully, we'll write more music together. We've got some, but we want more. 

We're playing some of my tunes from the past. Some of King Baby's tunes. We're doing a few covers. It's still interesting, and there's everything from ballads to funk and blues. Leanings towards jazz, but I wouldn't call it jazz, per say. We have R&B music in there. All of the things we love are a part of what we're doing. We try to pace the set where it's not too many of the same things in a row. We have a lot of tunes with extended improvisation for each band member. We're trying not to put those all in a row. That way it's not the same thing for 35-40 minutes. You know what I mean.

Absolutely. I'm sure you're well aware that you have one of the more attentive audiences around, and you've got to keep them guessing.  

Jimmy: Man, it's amazing how wonderful they are. They are perfectly willing to go anywhere you want to go. It's really wonderful.

Have you noticed that this is a pretty common thread with your fans with both ARU and Panic as well?

Jimmy: Yeah, I would say that. Absolutely. Panic fans are just up for anything. They don't get bored if you go on an extended improvisation. They're loving it. And when they come to these these shows and support what we're doing, I'm so grateful. It goes all the way back to the ARU days. We started playing with Panic back in those days. We were opening them with Bruce's band, and it gave us a whole new audience. Through playing with Panic, we met the guys from Phish and Blues Traveler, and we toured with them, opening for them back in the day. It's really still with us today.

It's funny. The world seems to want to put you in a category or genre, and we don't really think about music that way. We just like music. We don't really draw a line in the sand and say, "This is jazz. This is blues. This is improvisation. This is bluegrass." We don't really think in those terms. Everyone is really stylistically diverse, and it just seems like the audience loves all of it. It's just a gift to give, to be able to blow down the walls between genres with no apologies. We're lucky. 

I can only imagine how rewarding that is on your end. So, how about you, Kevin? What type of impact has building this relationship and playing with Jimmy had on you? 

Jimmy: Don't make me cry, Kevin. Don't make me cry!

Kevin: I've always had a weird way of putting something in my head and saying, "I'm gonna do this." When I was younger, obviously Bruce's influence on me as a person and musician was huge. But one of the first times I heard Jimmy play guitar, I was 16 years old, and I was like, "I'm gonna work with that guy one day. It's gonna happen." The difference between what Jimmy does versus any other guitar player on the planet, and I've worked with a lot of them in the jazz/fusion realm, the way he plays is who he is. Sure, when it comes down to musicianship or guitar playing, he's number one, but as a person, he's number one. That's why people are drawn to him. That's why we go play clubs, and there are 800 people in Colorado. He appeals to people because of who he is. That's something you really can't teach somebody. 

The impact of as a musician, for me, a guy like him giving everyone in the band equal opportunity. That just does not happen. A lot of other bands that I've worked with, I've essentially had to answer to someone in a certain way in terms of my playing or personality. Jimmy has given everyone the opportunity to be in a band where are no side men. That's the big difference. He gives everyone complete freedom to be themselves, just like Bruce did. That's the biggest impact I've experienced. That's the way I try to lead a band too. 

Working with Jimmy has definitely had the biggest impact on me as a person and my career. He's kind of set a bar that's impossible for people to get to. In this band in particular, it's the first time I've ever been in a situation on the road where on the stage, I'm completely confident. I don't have any kind of blockage to being myself. In every other project I'm in, there is essentially a certain hat that I'll have to put on, and that's good. I love all of the projects I'm a part of, and I think the music is great. In this particular band though, I'm 100% myself. I see other people who have to be someone else when they go to work for someone. I'm saddened by that. 

Jimmy: I mean, why would you hire a guy who beautifully plays his or herself, but yet you're gonna say, "No. Put that in a little box over here. We'll use that only doing certain parts of the show, or not at all." I don't understand that. We're all in this thing together. You can't do it any other way, in my opinion. We're all on the stage. Everyone's voice is combined together, and that's what makes the big picture. Why would you want to stifle that in any way?

I'm blessed, because I'm lucky enough to have a great life in music. This thing we're doing here, this is just cake. It really is. It's so easy to go out and do this. It might be a rough tour schedule, but when we get on stage and get to playing, that's the easy part. It's all that easy stuff that makes it hard. The food wasn't good, or you didn't get a good night of sleep. Whatever. With those kinds of things entering the picture, why would anyone want to complicate it more by telling someone that they can't be themselves?

You mentioned that there are at least a handful of new originals in the mix. I was curious to know how the songwriting process is playing out with this band in particular.

Jimmy: You want to take this one, Kevin?

Kevin: Sure. Someone brings a sketch to the table, and then we all comment on it. That's what is so beautiful about it as a band. Obviously, there are songs with pre-written parts that have been around for a while. In terms of a new song, Jimmy might say, "Alright. I've got this progression. What can we do with it?" Rick might suggest lyrics over it. It's just open communication, which is the basis of success of anything. 

Jimmy: Absolutely, and we had the luxury of getting together without gigs on the book. The first time we got together was last November, so it's been almost a year, but with no pressure. That's what I wanted more than anything, to work with some young, enthusiastic musicians who were like, "Let's see what we can do with this. Let's see where it goes." There was no pay for the rehearsals. There were no hotel rooms. 

Kevin: I've gotta tell him the story of the load-out. 

Jimmy: Oh yeah.

Kevin: We basically had to load out all of the gear for the tour from a box truck with no lift. We had the (Hammond B3) and a case that weigh 400 pounds. We did all of this as a band. There wasn't a single person that left. We all could've said, "I don't want to do this. This isn't my job." Everyone was in there, in the trenches, lifting this heavy ass shit and getting it done. Everyone took responsibility and said, "Let's knock this out as fast and safe as we can." It was actually a good moment to begin the tour. 

Jimmy: These guys wouldn't let me help with the B3. I wanted to, but they wouldn't let me do it. We've got all these strong young people. I'll say this though. I can't imagine doing a gig without a B3 organ. It's heavy. It's a game changer. It changes your travel plan. If it weren't for the B3, we could rent a cargo van, stuff the gear in there, and we would be just fine. We could save tons of money. But you know what? Without the B3, where is the Earth? We need the B3. The B3 is critical to what we're doing. And Matt Slocum is a master of it. 

Kevin: An absolute master. 

Jimmy: The idea of touring without a B3 is just not an option. So yeah, I'd get down there and lift that damn B3, because I don't want to go to the next town without it. Even guys who aren't playing the B3 know how important it is. 

You really can't replicate the sound of the B3. So Jimmy, this tour puts you back on the road a bit more; hopping from one city to the next. It can be a grueling lifestyle, but I know there's some excitement about getting back out there as well. What do you enjoy most about touring and playing the more intimate venues?

Jimmy: I would say that the camaraderie is probably number one. You're in the trenches together. And let's face it, a lot of people have it a lot worse. We've all had it a lot worse. There are people calling me that I've known for 30 years going, "What are you doing to yourself? You're 57 years old!" There's just a rhythm you get into with a band playing a schedule like this. You don't have a twelve man crew. You have a three or four man crew. The musicians help each other. Setting each other’s rigs up, you know? 

It's hard to tear down your own rig, because people are still in the room screaming at you. "Kevin! Kevin!" 

Kevin: They aren't screaming my name.

Jimmy: Oh yeah they are. They're screaming everybody's name. If they see you on stage after the show, they'll be screaming at you. But setting up your rig when no one’s around, that's easy to do. We all take part in that. It makes things easier for the four crew members we have, which are wearing five hats a piece. One guy is the tour manager, merch guy, spiritual leader, and God knows what else. You've got a guy who is guitar tech, bass tech, and keyboard tech. Then you've got another guy driving the bus. He’s out there lifting gear, and he shouldn't be. That's not his job, but everybody wants to help. I like that, and that's one of the things I take away from a tour like this.

That's not to say that I don't love when there's a twelve man crew. You show up, and everything is already done when you walk in the door. That's great. This is a different thing. I feel like with the smaller venues, well, "small" is relative. If we can't fit on the stage, I don't like that. If we're playing a venue that is too small for our footprint on stage, I'm not happy about that. When I say small, I mean any place that has a big enough stage for this five-piece band's equipment, and we do have a lot of equipment. The reason is because in this day and age, you've got Kemper and ax effects for guitar players where they plug into a computer, and it goes to the house. There are no speakers on stage. Bass player is playing through computers. Keyboard player is playing through jack-of-all-trades keyboards, or a computer. 

This whole mass castration of rock and roll; where you can't play louder than we're talking right now without offending someone. I don't know what to say to those people. I think I would say, "If our band is too loud for you, I'm sorry. Don't come here." We're playing with 40 watt guitar amps. Kevin's got a SVP bass amp. It's only the sound of a generation, you know? This is the music that made us want to play. So why would we be worrying about offending someone? That's what we love. As long as we can fit on the stage, we're gonna set up close together, where we can feel each other’s sweat and communicate better with each other. 

I guess I cut my teeth with Bruce in these little rooms. There is a thing that you get there that you just don't get in the bigger venues. You can call it more intimate. That's one thing. It is more intimate. The people are literally like five feet in front of you. I love that, and I don't want to hurt anyone with volume. You know, it is weird sometimes to look at the front row and realize someone's face is right in your speaker cabinet. I'll tell people to put their ear plugs in. We'll cover up the speakers with something to help keep from hurting anyone. We certainly don't want to hurt anyone, but I don't want to play through a 12-watt amp. You know what I mean?

I don't think your audience would want that either.

Jimmy: They probably wouldn't, man. But you've got to have a room that can contain these five people. If you're in a room that's too small that can't contain the sound of these five people, that's probably not good. I mean, I know that we'll be in some rooms like that. Those first three gigs we did, none of those rooms were that small. They aren't too small for our sound. We had The Gothic in Denver, The Aggie in Ft. Collins, and The Fox in Boulder. What does The Fox hold, like 700 people?

Kevin: Probably.

Jimmy: But it has a real stage, and we can fit on it. That room is big enough to contain our sound. We're in heaven. 700 people. That's perfect. That's what I take away from all of this. It's just fun, and it gets you back to what made you want to play in the first place. 

Love hearing that. Just one more thing before we wrap this up. I know it's early, and you guys all have busy schedules, but what do you see for the 5 of 7 beyond this fall? Is this a project we could see continue and evolve?

Jimmy: The idea of it was that we would play this tour and see how we all felt about it. Having played three shows, I can say that if keeps going like this, yes it's happen again. As long as everyone in the band wants it to, and they feel like doing more. From what I've experienced thus far, I want to play more. But I'm older now. This is part of the problem. I'm older, and I love to play, man. Sometimes touring can be tough. It's not really the touring though. It's that commitment you have to make a year in advance, where you see your whole life laid out on a calendar. 

It's like someone picking your clothes out for you and saying, "Here's what you're wearing on Tuesday, Wednesday..." Sometimes it's hard to make that commitment. Now that people don't buy albums like they used to, touring is a crowded place to be. I mean, we've always toured. That's our thing. We've always made records, but it's not like the records have sold enough to stay at home. We weren't Steely Dan, you know what I'm saying? 

The point being, I'm just older now. You’re at the end of a tour, and people are already looking to book dates 12 months out. I'm like, "What? Wait a minute. I just want to go fishing. I don't want to think about this right now." Sometimes I just want to hide for a little bit after a tour. If I have some time, I want to see my family, go out in the woods, and do some things I didn't get to do when I was younger. 

I'll probably be holding it back from being all it can be. If we were to tour 180 shows a year...oh my God, it might be able to get bigger if we toured that much. That's what it would take to make it really take off. You've got to be on the road all the time. I don't want to do that. I hope the other guys can be patient with me. 

Having said all of that, after this tour, if I feel like I feel right now, I'll be willing to talk about the next batch of dates within two months after we finish. I mean, I still play with Panic, and we don't tour anymore, but we will play a lot of shows. That's the number one priority. I can't do anything that gets in the way of that. Sometimes I have to wait and see what the Panic plans are before I can do anything else, and that's fine. I love those guys, and I love being in that band. I'm sure we will play more though. So far, everybody loves each other, and we're having fun.  

Watch Jimmy Herring & The 5 of 7 performing in Denver here:

Video by Coloartist


Oteil Burbridge: The Luckiest Man Alive October 9, 2018 21:00

Interview by Brett Hutchins

The rumbles of the Allman Brothers freight train and the ecstatic bliss of the Grateful Dead have had one singular common thread - low end master Oteil Burbridge. As bassist for the final edition of The Allman Brothers and now the ever-popular Dead and Company, Burbridge is well aware of his place in jam history and how lucky he is. But these gigs didn’t just happen. They’ve been stewing together since birth, immersed in a musical childhood, and pried and prodded by jam philosopher-in-chief, Col. Bruce Hampton. In front of a headlining gig at this weekend’s Suwannee Roots Revival, Burbridge dove deep with Live and Listen about Col. Bruce’s life lessons, fatherhood, the similarities of church and the Grateful Dead experience, and the importance of, at the very least, remembering to always try. If luck is when preparation meets opportunity, Oteil is its preeminent example.

You were immersed in the arts as a kid. How important was this to your future success?

Oteil: Absolutely crucial. Some of it you have to realize was necessity. It’s a good thing they looked at it that way. They were trying to keep us off the street. They threw everything at us - music, art, dance, acting, visual arts. They wanted to see what stuck and what we liked most. We were enjoying all of it. But for me and my brother Kofi, music was the strongest one. I also learned from my mom that your job was going to take up a huge chunk of your life time wise, so you should make it something you love. Mom enjoyed her work, and my dad not so much. I learned what kind of toll that can take on a person.

Were you and your brother having musical conversations as soon as you started banging on those instruments?

Oteil: He’s older than me, and it took me a while to be able to play anywhere near his level, which I’m still nowhere near. They discovered he had perfect pitch when he was seven years old, so he was someone that excelled at a really extreme rate. That was good for me because A - I thought that was normal, and B - it’s the mark I was shooting for. It helped me to push to where he was.

So it’s always been aspirational from you looking up to him?

Oteil: It still is. I’m still trying to catch up. By the time we were teenagers, we were starting to play together, so it took me a while.

Your name means explorer and wander in Egyptian. Do you ever feel like you were meant to play this type of exploratory music from the get-go?

Oteil: Oh yeah. And be on the road all the time. The African tradition is that your name has something to do with your destiny, so in my case, it was dead-on.

Talk about the Atlanta scene that got you started.

Oteil: When I moved to Atlanta with Kofi, we were just playing in cover bands, wedding bands, jazz bands. Anything to make ends meet. We had a rough time financially, but fortunately I met Col. Bruce, and my whole life took a complete left turn. I couldn’t have even begun to predict or envision how far to the left my career would go after meeting him. It was a great preparation for the Allman Brothers and Dead and Company. We had so much fun in that band mixing funk, bluegrass and blues, rock, everything. It was crazy. And more importantly, fun. That’s another lesson from Bruce - always have fun.

Was that relationship electric from the get go? He seems like the type of guy that as soon as you shook his hand, you knew something special was going.

Oteil: I’d say within 20 minutes of meeting him, I knew I was going to follow him.

What were the most important things he taught you, either in life or music?

Oteil: So many things. He taught me a new way of listening to music. I listened to music as a musician, but he taught me to listen as a human. He always stressed that in my playing. He wanted to hear all the other sides of you. He wanted music that sweats and bleeds and isn’t all dressed up and perfect. He liked that too, but you have to have both sides to really make it work.

You get that from a lot of folk , bluegrass, country, and blues. It does sweat. It does bleed. It’s like life. Sure you sometimes laugh and get all dressed up and perfumed up, but he wanted the pain, too. That’s something I now listen to in other people’s playing. A lot of the music I used to listen to doesn’t do it for me anymore, because it doesn’t sweat or bleed. I can’t smell it. I need more of the whole package.

So more feeling vs. thinking?

Oteil: Yes. I love intelligent playing, but if all I hear in someone’s music is how clever they are, it just isn’t enough for me anymore. When you’re a musician that’s just starting to play, and you came up in jazz and classical and all that, you’re focused on the mechanics and making sure you can actually play it. But that can quickly become the sole focus. When that happens, it’s a narrow vision of what music is capable of.

Watch Oteil performing w/ Col. Bruce & Aquarium Rescue Unit (1992) here:

You mention that back in those days you were super snobby about what you were listening to. What would Oteil from that era think about a pop star like John Mayer joining your band?

Oteil: I wasn’t even aware of him back then. I was deeply immersed in what happened in early recorded music. I had gone back to the mid to late 40’s and once Col Bruce came on board, we went back to the 20s and 30s and started studying classical as well. I had zero idea of what was going on on the radio.

Even at my age of 50, when I heard John Mayer was going to be a part of it, it surprised me. But I’ve learned you never know what’s going to happen and to never prejudge. Of course in being in the band with him, I was hoping people would give me, and us as a band, that same chance. If it wasn’t happening, it wasn’t happening. People can tell if the magic is there. We felt it as soon as we started rehearsing, but we didn’t know if the fans were going to buy it. Fortunately, they were feeling the same thing that we feel.

Was there a bit of a brotherhood between you, him, and Chimenti because of not being part of the core original members?

Oteil: Of course, as much because of our age than anything.

Is there a concerted effort by the three of you to inject some adrenaline into the shows sometimes?

Oteil: Yes, but it’s nothing that’s intellectually premeditated. We have a lot of energy, and that’s naturally going to happen. It’s not something we think about, in fact, it’s often times the opposite in that we have to force ourselves to reel it in or curtail it a little bit and not go off all the way too soon.

I’ve been following John for a while, and I know how excited he can get, not only when something’s clicking musically, but also how intensely he studies it.

Oteil: It’s good to have that tension. It’s good to play with cats that are older than you, and it’s good to see both sides of it with your own eyes and feel it. It’s good for us.

How intimidating were those first days of the Dead and Company experience, and how did you conquer those fears?

Oteil: You don’t. I tell my students all the time. You have to embrace doing it afraid. That’s another thing Col. Bruce used to always talk about. He called it embracing the mirror of embarrassment. You’re essentially getting naked on stage. It doesn’t matter how you feel about it. You have to be vulnerable and be willing to let the world see everything up there. I get nervous before I play. My stomach will be knotted up, but once we’re into a few songs the joy will rise up and obliterate the nerves.

Listen to John Mayer discuss playing w/ Oteil on 'Tales From The Golden Road' here:

Did you spend any time in the church growing up? Do see much of a connection between the secular musical experience and the church?

Oteil: I didn’t grow up in church. My parents were really scarred by the church, so much so that my dad was heavily against it. I had a very spiritual experience when I bottomed out at around age forty, and that caused me to investigate it. I’m sure I’d be considered a heretic now, but I do see a great correspondence between improvisational music - the dancing, the ecstatic nature of the beast - and spirituality of all kinds, whether it’s in church or not. When you get into this trance that music will get you, then your awareness is heightened. When you do it all together with a bunch of people, you achieve this group consciousness that really has a lot of what I believe is supernatural power. I do see a lot of correspondence. Probably more of the Pentecostal churches, where the music is a huge part of it, and it’s not subdued. It’s jammin’ pretty hard.

Especially in these big crowds with the Dead and Company shows. It gets stereotyped, but the energy is there. It’s palpable. You can feel it.

Oteil: It is, and it’s not like any other crowd. I’ve seen so many different bands and crowds, and this is a whole different animal. It’s a real positive time. We’re in a stadium playing a "Bird Song" or "Dark Star" that reminds me of a Miles Davis ballad for 20 or 30 minutes, and people are really listening. That’s something. People are really tuned in. It’s a different thing that I am super fortunate to experience from the stage.

How does being a new father approach either life or music?

Oteil: It’s changed everything. Every cliche is so true. He’s three and a half, and I can’t wait for him to get home from school so we can play. You always hear that you can’t imagine the quality of love that you will feel for your child. You won’t know until you have a child. It’s different than any sort of love - mom, dad, brother, sister, even your spouse. If you embrace it though, it can even deepen your love of your spouse. When we’re together, I’m like he’s part me and part her. It’s nuts. I had him late. I had him at 50, so my mind is at a better place, so I know to savor it and how quick it’s going to go.

You’re back at Suwannee Roots Revival Thursday with Oteil and Friends this weekend. Who are your friends?

Oteil: Scott Metzger (JRAD) on guitar, John Kadlecik (Further) on guitar, Jay Lane (Ratdog) on drums, Weedie Braimah on percussion, Alfreda Gerald on percussion, Jason Crosby (Phil & Friends) on keys, who used to play with me with the Peacemakers. It’s going to be smoking.

What makes the Suwannee grounds so special?

Oteil: I’ve always loved it. I’ve played there before the Allman Brothers, maybe five years before the Allman Brothers started playing there. The very last Wanee we did with the Allman Brothers, my wife and I camped there. I don’t even know if the moon was full, but the trails were so lit up even at night that we could see how to get back to the tent. All those trails were so lit up, and it was so mystical. I just remember being like “WHOA,” this is why they call it the SPIRIT of Suwannee. I could totally feel it. After all those years playing, I finally got the full taste by camping and got the whole shabang. It’s so beautiful.

In watching you play and reading your interviews, you seem like you are extremely in tune with the beauty of the world around you and how lucky you truly are. Do you have any sort of routine to keep that positivity flowing?

Oteil: It’s a constant fight on this planet. I’m trying to embrace all of it. I always say that the key to my happiness is getting closer and closer to radical acceptance. You can’t have peace all the time. It’s like the sun being out all the time. Night has to exist. I get better at not dealing with the negative stuff, but accepting it for what it is. I fail all the time. Try running through the airport with a three year old. That little guy knows he can work us. He wins sometimes, and I lose it. I try to do my best, but I’m just average.

It’s also realize easier for me. I play music for a living. I’m not driving hours to the office to a job I can’t stand. Life is going to challenge you, so just try. Trying counts for something.

Despite Hurricane Michael, this weekend’s Suwannee Roots Revival is still on at the beautiful Spirit of Suwannee Music Park.


Rev. Jeff Mosier Preaches Gospel of Col. Bruce Hampton at Suwannee October 19, 2017 13:44

Photo via YouTube

Words by Brett Hutchins: Brett on Bands

Musicians hate genres, but there may be no other festival more aptly named than Suwannee Roots Revival. The event is by all means an unrivaled collection of roots and Americana music, but it also harkens to roots of other sorts, through the twisting moss of the hallowed Spirit of Suwannee Music Park grounds where Native Americans once frolicked to the way generations of families skipped arms entangled from stage to stage.

What better way to cement that heritage than a series of musical workshops with artists themselves. These ranged from songwriting workshops with Willie Sugarcapps to mandolin playing with Mickey Abraham, but my personal highlight was a an hour of banjo and philosophy with Rev. Jeff Mosier speaking and taking questions from about 30 novice players and listeners. Longtime sidekick of cosmic prankster Col. Bruce Hampton, Mosier played three sets of music throughout the weekend, but the most heartfelt and direct mentions of Hampton came in tidbits throughout this workshop. This would be too tidy for Hampton, but let’s boil it down to the four noble truths of Col. Bruce.

  • “Listening is everything.”

Being present when you’re not playing is just as if not more important than when you aren’t. The quality players are in constant conversation when on stage, both audibly and visibly. If you;re not paying attention, you’re being left behind. Mosier went on to clue the crowd into some of those secrets, like the raising of the foot when a song’s about to end,

  • “Drop the ego”.

There should be no boundary between the stage and the audience. As a player, to think you’re more important than the listener because you run your hands over wood well is asinine. Music is above all a human experience and to cut off that connection is to cheapen it.

  • “Lighten up.”

If there’s one thing that was most clear about Col. Bruce in his time here, it’s his belief that “the worst thing in the world is a serious musician”. The constant prankster both on and off stage, Hampton made clear what Mosier demanded of the small gathered: “Have fun!”.

  • “The movie ends the same for all of us. Make it a good one.”

Mosier promised he wasn’t being downer when he mentioned this simple fact: we’re all going to die. Instead, he asked to us to recognize it for what it was and to embrace life how we intended it, to get off the fence, stand firmly, and play a tune or two.

As the crowd’s questions came to an end, something happened I’ve never seen in my time at Suwannee. A fuse was blown and power suddenly went out. Unphased, Mosier gathered his two fiddle players and acoustic guitarist for a final tune, Guy Clark’s “Dublin Blues”. Originally a lament for long lost lover, this take, with emphasis on the “day you said goodbye line”, was an obvious nod to the man who shaped Mosier so much.

Watch Rev. Jeff Mosier interview Col. Bruce Hampton in February of 2012 here:


Hampton 70: A Musical Celebration Like No Other May 4, 2017 15:45

Photos by Dave Vann  -  Words by Jordan Kirkland

When I heard that there would be a 70th birthday celebration for Col. Bruce Hampton at The Fox Theatre, I knew that I had to be there. After reading through the star-studded lineup, there was no doubt that this would be one of the most unique musical experiences of my life. With members of Widespread Panic, Phish, Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule, Blues Traveler, and so many more scheduled to perform, the possibilities for this show were endless. This lineup was a true testament to the immeasurable influence that Col. Bruce Hampton made on the world of music, and the ultimate experience was one that no one could prepare for.

The show got started just after 7:30 PM, with the evening's emcee introducing a cast featuring many frequent Col. Bruce collaborators, such as Darren Stanley, Matt Slocum, Carter Herring, and Ike Stubblefield.  The Colonel was eventually brought to the stage, wearing a blue blazer, and led the group through "There Was A Time."  The show's first featured guest was Oliver Wood, who was backed by Slocum, Darick Campbell, Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic) and others. As soon as Wood began working through two originals from The Wood Brothers catalog ("Sing About It" and "Postcards From Hell"), it became apparent that anything was fair game. Before long, Susan Tedeschi was on stage trading lines with Wood.  San Diego Padres' pitcher Jake Peavy and 14-year-old guitar prodigy Brandon “Taz” Niederauer were then introduced and led the charge through "Oh Pretty Woman" and "Shake Your Hips."

Next up was a serving a blues and jamgrass royalty, as Rev. Jeff Mosier took the stage alongside John Popper of Blues Traveler and Vince Herman and Drew Emmitt of Leftover Salmon. This combo, backed by Trucks, Kevin Scott, Emil Wrestler, Matt Slocum would eventually be joined by legendary drummer Jeff Sipe, aka Apt. Q-258 for a rousing take on "She Caught The Katy." It wasn't long before Kevin Kinney, Hardy Morris, Todd Snider, Peter Buck, Dave Schools were brought out to continue the magic. At this point, it was nearly impossible to keep up with who we had seen versus who was yet to come, but we would be quickly reminded as Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule), Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers Band / Rolling Stones), Jon Fishman (Phish), and saxophonist Karl Denson took the stage. The energy reached a new level during "Rip This Joint," and the combo of Fishman and Sipe during "Compared To What" and "Good Morning 'Lil School Girl" was as heavy as it gets. 

Duane Trucks stepped in for Sipe and joined Fishman behind the kit for "More Trouble Everyday," which would lead up to one of the evening's many highlights. The cast of Derek Trucks, Haynes, Leavell, Schools, Buck, Fishman, and (Duane) Trucks played the Allman Brothers Band's "Jessica" to absolute perfection. John Bell of Widespread Panic made his first appearance for "Time Is Free," and would stick around for "Don't Cry Not More," which would also feature Tedeschi on vocals.  

Watch the performance of "Jessica" here:

 

As the show proceeded into its third hour, the Colonel returned to the stage for the evening's final performances. After leading the way through "Yield Not To Temptation," Hampton took the microphone for one of his long-time staples, "Fixin' To Die."  Watching the Colonel turning, pointing, and singing those words to so many of his oldest friends and collaborators will forever be a surreal memory.  He would remain on stage for the final three songs of the nearly four hour set: "Don't Go In The Room," "Space Is The Place," and a cover of Cream's "I'm So Glad" that had an especially spiritual feel to it.

After the stage briefly cleared, nearly forty performers returned to the stage for one last nod to the godfather of jam. The encore began with in classic fashion, as ARU drummer Jeff Sipe led the massive group through "Zambi Military Ensemble," creating the feel of am early 90's Aquarium Rescue Unit Show. This epic celebration would end with none other than "Turn On Your Lovelight," with Tedeschi, Wood, and Hampton rotating verses.

As Colonel walked over to young Taz (Brandon Niederauer) and signaled him to solo, we would all witness the unthinkable. Col. Bruce appeared to take a knee, as if giving praise to the young prodigy, and proceeded to slowly, peacefully lay down behind him (with an arm propped onto a monitor). This was a man known for his wild theatrics, giving no reason for initial concern as he lied motionless on the stage. Video footage shows those surrounding him smiling and laughing at each other, waiting for his dramatic rise for the song's conclusion. But as several minutes passed with no movement, a feeling of concern was felt throughout the theatre, and it became evident that this was no joke. Several people rushed from the side stage to check on Hampton, the music abruptly stopped, and Billy Bob Thornton quickly addressed the crowd as the curtains were frantically closed.  

Those closer to the stage could see the immediate medical attention being applied to Col. Bruce, as the majority of us exited the building in total shock and confusion. Multiple ambulances were on the scene within minutes, and many witnessed Hampton being taken away in a frenzy to the hospital. Within the next two hours, the news began to spread that world had lost Col. Bruce Hampton. I can honestly say that this was a wave of emotions that I'd never dreamed of experiencing. The entire evening was surreal; witnessing so many musical heroes on stage together.

Watching the Colonel get carried off stage is an image that I'll never forget. But as the tributes and memoirs have piled in this week, this ending does seem beautifully poetic in many ways. Col. Bruce left this earthly life during the closing moments of his own musical celebration. His final act was showcasing and praising one of music's brightest young stars, while surrounded by 30+ world class musicians who considered him one of their greatest influences. Hampton 70 was truly a celebration like no other; honoring one of the most unique souls to ever walk this planet. While his presence will be missed by so many, we should all take comfort in knowing that his influence will be felt across the musical spectrum far beyond our time.

Setlist: Hampton 70 - A Celebration of Col. Bruce Hampton - 05.01.17

Set: There Was A Time, Postcards From Hell, Sing About It, Feelin’ Good, Oh Pretty Woman, Shake Your Hips, She Caught The Katy, Working On A Building, Put Down That Cane, Play A Train Song, Stupid Preoccupations, When You Come Back, Rip This Joint, Compared To What, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl > Trouble Every Day, Jessica, Time Is Free, Trondossa, Smokestack Lightning > Cry Cry Cry, Basically Frightened, Fixin’ To Die, Space Is The Place, I’m So Glad

Encore: Zambi > Turn On Your Lovelight

 


Listen To Trey Anastasio Honor Col. Bruce Hampton In Tulsa May 3, 2017 17:58

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Phish frontman Trey Anastasio continued his highly praised tour with the Trey Anastasio Band on Tuesday night, as the band rolled through Tulsa for a performance at Cain's Ballroom. Trey wasted no time paying tribute to the late Col. Bruce Hampton, who tragically passed away on stage at his 70th birthday celebration in Atlanta on Monday night.  The show opened up with a cover of Hampton's "Basically Frightened," one of the Colonel's signature tunes. Trey and his Phish bandmates have a long history with Hampton, dating back to the inaugural H.O.R.D.E. Tour in 1992 with the Aquarium Rescue Unit. Following the tribute, he mentioned Colonel's passing and stated, "God bless you Bruce. Have a beautiful journey, and thank you so much."  Tuesday night's show also included covers of the late Leon Russell's "Delta Lady," as well as the late J.J. Cale's "Call Me The Breeze" and "Cocaine," the latter of which were part of a massive "Push On 'Til The Day" encore.  See below to view the complete setlist and listen to "Basically Frightened."

Trey Anastasio Band - Cain's Ballroom - Tulsa, OK - 05.02.17

Set One: Basically Frightened, Sometime After Sunset, Cayman Review, Magilla, Small Axe, Sand, Feel It Still, Curlew’s Call, Soul Rebel, Money Love and Change, Delta Lady, Valentine, First Tube

Set Two: Night Speaks To A Woman, Alive Again, Dark And Down, Gotta Jibboo, 49 Bye Byes, Burlap Sack And Pumps, Clint Eastwood, Dazed And Confused

Encore: Push On ‘Til The Day > Call Me The Breeze > Push On ‘Til The Day > Cocaine > Push On ‘Til The Day

Click Here: Listen to "Basically Frightened" via Trey Anastasio's Facebook Page

Listen to TAB performing Col. Bruce Hampton's "Basically Frightened" here:

 


Nugs.tv Will Webcast Tonight's Col. Bruce Hampton Tribute In Atlanta May 1, 2017 12:41

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

The godfather of the jam scene, Col. Bruce Hampton, will be honored tonight at Atlanta's Fox Theatre  in honor of his 70th birthday. This is a serious cast of musicians getting together to pay tribute to a man who's impact on the music scene cannot be overstated.  This concert will benefit The Fox Theatre Institute and other musician focused charities. Fortunately, those who can't make the sold out show can tune in to an HD webcast via nugs.tv.  Click here for further details on the webcast.

Scheduled to appear at Hampton 70: A Celebration of Col. Bruce Hampton’s are Widespread Panic members John Bell, Dave Schools, Duane Trucks and Jimmy Herring, Peter Buck of R.E.M, steel-guitar-man Darick Campbell, renowned saxophone player Karl Denson, Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, Jon Fishman of Phish, banjo-shredder Rev. Jeff Mosier, guitarist Warren Haynes, Drivin’ N Cryin’ front man Kevn Kinney, Atlanta jazz-staple Johnny Knapp, Chuck Leavell of The Allman Brothers Band and The Rolling Stones, Athens rock-troubadour T. Hardy Morris, 13-year old guitar prodigy Brandon Niederauer, John Popper of Blues Traveler, funk bassist Kevin Scott, keyboardist Matt Slocum, Denny Walley of Frank Zappa fame, gypsymetal guitarist Emil Werstler, Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, the Colonel’s Sling Blade costar and Oscar- award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton plus Cy Young winner Jake Peavy, and other special guests.


'Hampton 70' Will Feature All-Star Tribute To Col. Bruce Hampton March 14, 2017 11:16

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

The godfather of the jam scene, Col. Bruce Hampton, will be honored at Atlanta's Fox Theatre on May 1st in honor of his 70th birthday.  This is a serious cast of musicians getting together to pay tribute to a man who's impact on the music scene cannot be overstated.  This concert will benefit The Fox Theatre Institute and other musician focused charities.

Scheduled to appear at Hampton 70: A Celebration of Col. Bruce Hampton’s are Widespread Panic members John Bell, Dave Schools, Duane Trucks and Jimmy Herring, Peter Buck of R.E.M, steel-guitar-man Darick Campbell, renowned saxophone player Karl Denson, Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, Jon Fishman of Phish, banjo-shredder Rev. Jeff Mosier, guitarist Warren Haynes, Drivin’ N Cryin’ front man Kevn Kinney, Atlanta jazz-staple Johnny Knapp, Chuck Leavell of The Allman Brothers Band and The Rolling Stones, Athens rock-troubadour T. Hardy Morris, 13-year old guitar prodigy Brandon Niederauer, John Popper of Blues Traveler, funk bassist Kevin Scott, keyboardist Matt Slocum, Denny Walley of Frank Zappa fame, gypsymetal guitarist Emil Werstler, Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, the Colonel’s Sling Blade costar and Oscar- award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton plus Cy Young winner Jake Peavy, and other special guests.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m. ET via the venue’s website.


CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival Reveals 2017 SpringFest Lineup February 1, 2017 02:41

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Photo by Paul Hosier: Jack Straw Photography
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Festival organizers have revealed the initial lineup for CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival, which returns Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL for the fourth consecutive year on May 5th - 7th. The bi-annual, grassroots music and arts festival has seen tremendous growth with each year, and 2017 looks to be no exception.  SpringFest will feature CukoRakko veterans Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express, as well as Zach Deputy, The Funky Knuckles, Broccoli Samurai, Soul Mechanic, Little Raine BandPermagrooveImperial BlendVoodoo VisionaryDirk Quinn BandRoxy RocaSupatight, and Rescue Dogs.  
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The festivities will kick off on Thursday, May 4th with a pre-party featuring Rescue Dogs, Imperial Blend, and Voodoo Visionary (Presented by JSP Rocks).  The festival officially begins on Friday, March 5th with performances from Zach Deputy, Voodoo Visionary, Imperial Blend, and Supatight. Saturday's performers include Broccoli Samurai, Little Raine Band, Permagroove, Soul Mechanic, Funky Knuckles, and Roxy Roca.  The festival will conclude on Sunday, May 7th with a second set from Funky Knuckles, as well as Dirk Quinn Band and the legendary Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express.  A very limited amount of early bird tickets can be purchased today by clicking here.  VIP ticket packages and advance general admission tickets can also be found at CukoRakko.com.  Stay tuned for future updates, exclusive artist interviews, and everything you need to know about CukoRakko!
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Purchase tickets to CukoRakko SpringFest!

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Watch the official CukoRakko 2016 SpringFest recap video here:
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Get To Know This Year's Lineup

Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express

Col. Bruce Hampton has been making music since he formed his first band in 1963. Col. Bruce has been in constant motion ever since leaving a trail of memorable live performances with his many bands, including The Late Bronze Age and Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit.  Along the way he appeared in the movie "Sling Blade" as the poet and band manager Morris and starred in Mike Gordon's cult classic "Outside Out" as a mystical guitar 'out'structor. Since 2006, The Colonel has been playing a unique blend of blues and jazz with his band Col. Bruce & The Quark Alliance. Still rolling down the road, Col. Bruce continues his quest for the tonal center at each exit #6.

Hampton helped start the 1990s seminal H.O.R.D.E. tours. The best known of his bands to play H.O.R.D.E. is the jazz-rock outfit Aquarium Rescue Unit, which featured improvisational music all-stars Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Matt Mundy and Jeff Sipe.

Watch an entire set from Col Bruce & The Madrid Express here:

Zach Deputy

Zach Deputy is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Savannah, GA and best known for his live looping shows. Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound.

To bring this sound to the stage, the big, impossibly upbeat South Carolinian with the infectious smile puts on a solo show– enhanced by looping technology– that is essentially a one man dance party offering up what he calls “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” to the enthusiastic crowds of dancers who flock to clubs from coast-to-coast. It is these late night dance parties— more than 250 per year– that have made Zach Deputy one of the hottest up-and-coming performers on the camping festival circuit and “jam band” scene. For Zach, most days begin in a hotel room and end a couple of hours after walking off stage.
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Watch Zach Deputy perform "Put It In The Boogie" here:
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The Funky Knuckles

The inevitable result of a talent-soaked soul and jazz community, The Funky Knuckles are taking the sound of Dallas to an entirely different level. They have been together six years and have held a weekly residency since the beginning. The band is comprised of sidemen from some of the most respected acts in the music industry (Beyonce, Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle, Talib Kweli, P. Diddy, The Polyphonic Spree, etc.), yet possesses a sound distinctly separate from any of their individual projects.

The Funky Knuckles move together musically as a school of fish, never complacent and always stretching the boundaries of improvisation and composition. Whether performing original music or standards, they draw from each member’s musical experiences to create their unique genre-bending sound. After the release of their debut album on GroundUP Music, As of Lately, The Knuckles added a full-time horn section and began touring nationally.

Meta-Musica (also on GroundUP), climbed the iTunes Jazz Charts to become the #1 selling record in the United States the day it was released.

Watch The Funky Knuckles' official music video for "Arise" here:

Broccoli Samurai

Since forming in the Rustbelt of Cleveland, OH in 2010, Broccoli Samurai has been taking the club and festival scene by storm. The band's synth-laden, drum and bass influenced, progressive electronica has been thrilling audiences throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast markets, winning them a massive and fiercely loyal fanbase. Eager fans pack dance floors and late-night festival sets with smiles across their faces, waiting to get lost in the band’s ambient soundscapes, anticipating every bass drop that will force them to move with reckless abandon. Broccoli Samurai’s line-up includes founding member Ryan “Bruce” Hodson on keys and synth, Cameron Bickley on drums and percussion, accomplished bassist Zach Wolfe anchors the rhythm section, while guitarist Michael Vincent weaves in and out, exploring new sonic territory.
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The band has played countless festivals such as Peach Music Festival, Electric Forest, Catskill Chill Music Festival, Aura Music and Art Festival, The Werk Out, BIG What?!, Domefest, Paradise Music and Art Festival, Rootwire, The Mad Tea Party Jam, The Ville, SummerDance, Disc Jam, Night Lights Fall Music Festival, The Gathering At Chaffee’s, Utica Music and Art Festival, and Hyperion Fest. Broccoli Samurai has directly supported and toured with many known bands including Dopapod, Papadosio, Lotus, Conspirator, The Werks, Ozric Tentacles, BoomBOX, Big Gigantic, Rusted Root, O.A.R., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Aqueous, and BIG Something. Broccoli Samurai’s extensive tour schedule has them playing high profile venues and major cities regularly, and the band will be increasing the number of performances and expanding their reach into the West Coast and Southern markets. This band is making big moves and the time to take notice is now.

Watch an entire set from Broccoli Samurai at Asheville Music Hall here:

  Soul Mechanic

Soul Mechanic is a progressive funk group hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Soul Mechanic have been honing their unique sound through a relentless tour regime. Soul Mechanic is William English-Guitar, Jessica Nunn-Viola, Marcus White-Keyboard, Parrish Gabriel-Bass, and Devonte Hutchins-Drums.  Soul Mechanic brings a progressive rock sound with influences from all across the board. Keeping you groovin' for an entire set with an innovative soul sound, heavy on the bass and light on the heart. Soul Mechanic's main focus is having a good time with our crowd, and dancin' the night away with them.

Watch Soul Mechanic perform "Senseless" at Rhythm & Brews in Chattanooga here:

Little Raine Band

Little Raine Band is a band truly on the rise, and is quickly becoming known as the hottest act in the Southeast. With an ever-evolving sound and fan base reaching all over the Southeast these young musicians have pledged their lives to master the art of live performance and creating a one of a kind live show. Little Raine Band is a four-piece band from Birmingham, AL that craft their sound from their unique musical backgrounds and an intense passion to follow their dream. Elements of progressive rock, funk, jazz fusion, electronic music, R&B, and energetic improvisations can be heard in a Little Raine Band show along with covers to cater to any crowd.

Watch Little Raine Band perform "New Beginnings" at Exit/In in Nashville here:

Permagroove

Permagroove is a Rock-n-Roll band originally from Fort Payne, AL currently touring regionally in support of their new album, “Perfectly Broken Machine.” With a lot of momentum behind them, the band is seeing a surge of new fans coming to their shows to hear the eclectic sounds blended from many genres. Permagroove’s tight grooves, spacious jams are delivered by top notch musicianship and classic southern taste. This, combined with crafty songwriting and memorable lyrics makes Permagroove a relevant up-and-coming act on the music scene.

Watch Permagroove perform Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved" at Zydeco in Birmingham here:

 Imperial Blend

Imperial Blend is a four piece Electronic/Rock group based out of Greensboro, NC. Their live shows are filled with captivating ambiance and sonic textures. Having soft guitar mixing with tantalizing keys, and tempered percussion propelling heavy dropping bass lines, Imperial Blend will keep you moving during the entire show. Since they began playing shows in March 2011 they have gained a steady following and a lot of love. They have shared the stage with such bands as Zoogma, Dopapod, The Mantras, The Heavy Pets, Jimkata, BIG Something as well as having the privilege to play sets at Camp Barefoot, Gnarnia, Mantrabash, and many others

Watch Imperial Blend perform "Starship" at The Blind Tiger here:

 Voodoo Visionary

Voodoo Visionary hails from the dirty south musical mecca of Atlanta. Their improvisational funk dance music delicately balances a tight, grooving rhythm section with diverse and dexterous keys and masterful guitar licks to create a sound the group calls psychofunk. Influenced by a wide array of artists such as Parliament Funkadelic, the Meters, the Grateful Dead, and Talking Heads, Voodoo Visionary has a uniquely blended sound that’s guaranteed to put the 'oogie in yo boogie.

The band is made up of Dennis Dowd (keys), Jimmy Lynch (bass), Scott MacDonald (vocals), Mac Schmitz (drums), and Mike Wilson (guitar). Wilson, Schmitz and Lynch have been playing together for over 8 years, during which time they built a unique chemistry that allows for exceptional improvisation during live shows. MacDonald joined the group in July 2013 as the lead vocalist and Voodoo Visionary began writing new music and playing shows immediately. Dowd was added to the band in March 2014 providing a missing link that enhanced the band’s distinctive sound, and the group has since taken off in the Atlanta music scene. Jose Rivera (percussion), Martin Anderson (saxophone), and Ben Otieno (trumpet) are regular additions to the live show and are featured on Voodoo Visionary's sophomore album.

Voodoo Visionary released their debut album, Spirit of the Groove in March 2015. Over the past two years, while playing across the southeast, the band has shared the stage with acts such as Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Jimmy Herring, TAUK, Col. Bruce Hampton, Zach Deputy, Earphunk, Roosevelt Collier, Jerry Joseph, The Main Squeeze, and Futurebirds. The band has been performing at venues like Variety Payhouse, Terminal West, the Georgia Theatre, Barrelhouse South, Ringside Cafe, and Crowbar, as well as major festivals such as Counterpoint Music and Arts Festival and Sweetwater 420 Fest. The band has made live radio appearances on WUGA's It's Friday program, WMNF's In the Groove, and WPRK's Green Eggs and Jams. In 2016, they have excelled further into the regional and national music scene with festival performances at Sweetwater 420 Fest, Purple Hatters Ball, Great Outdoors Jam, Imagine Festival, Hookahville, and Backwoods Music Festival. They are scheduled to release their second studio album, “Off The Ground,” in February 2017.

Watch Voodoo Visionary perform "Hold TIght" at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta here:

Dirk Quinn Band

Dirk Quinn is the guitarist for a high energy funk/jazz band based out of Philadelphia that travels extensively throughout the US and Canada. Utilizing over a decade of steady performing, Quinn has developed a unique and progressive style - one that appeals to a wide variety of music listeners with fans ranging from the jam band hippies to the jazz snobs.

Surrounding himself with a group of extremely talented and like-minded musicians, Quinn has been playing shows across North America while receiving an ever increasing amount of media attention. His music has now been featured on over 100+ radio stations worldwide and gets regular airplay in his hometown of Philadelphia. Notable spins include the "Pick of the Day" on WXPN in Philadelphia as well as on the nationally syndicated "Keller's Cellar" broadcast hosted by Keller Williams.

The band’s infectious energy and musical interplay routinely attract listeners that are admittedly more accustomed to lyric-based music. With great melodic sensibilities, rhythmic experimentation and an accessible modern edge, the Dirk Quinn Band is jazz/funk improvisation at its most exciting!

Watch Dirk Quinn Band perform "Easy Comes Easy" at Pub Down Under here: 

Roxy Roca

No one leaves a Roxy Roca show dissatisfied. A sonic shot to the arm of Texas infused, powerhouse-southern soul and funk complete with a certain tightness only achievable after playing an average of more than 220 shows a year. Roxy Roca shows are like stepping into a tent-revival somewhere in the Deep South, and crooner Taye Cannon is here to speak the gospel. Each tune flows over with hooky guitar riffs, funky backbeats, slammin’ horn lines, and lyrics of love, heartache, and a message of choosing happiness above all else sung with a conviction and sincerity as only Roxy Roca’s green-eyed Soul-Cannon can deliver.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band has come a long way in the short time it has existed. 2015 brought with it the release of Roxy Roca’s latest album, Ain’t Nothin’ Fancy, on Stag Records. Recorded at EAR Studio in Austin with producer Lars Goransson at the helm, the record captures the classic sounds reminiscent of Stax, Motown, and Domino Records. One might say the band wears its influences on its sleeve, and any member of the six-piece soul outfit would happily list off the forefathers of soul and funk.

Now two albums deep, and hundreds of shows later, Roxy Roca has had the good fortune to share the stage with some incredible acts ranging from outright classics such as B.B. King, Tom Jones, and Lee Fields to more modern acts like Fitz and The Tantrums, Mayer Hawthorne, Trombone Shorty, and Vintage Trouble. The future looks bright for Roxy Roca, and there is no end in sight.

Watch Roxy Roca's official music video for "Love Maker DeVille" here:

Supatight

Currently out of Asheville, NC, Supatight delivers a high energy live performance that is funk driven and appeals to a wide variety of audiences. While specializing in hard-hitting funk, their music incorporates elements of reggae, soul, jazz, and comedic country. Supatight blends intricately timed grooves with improvisational components resulting in an authentic, full sound, drawing diverse styles from every member of the band.

Supatight formed in Durham, NC in 2008 with the original lineup consisting of Tyler Mack (Vocals/Bass/Trumpet), Mikey Domanico (Rhythm Guitar), Max Palmer (Drums), Nigel Kher (Saxophone), and Torrey Beek (Lead Guitar). The original members were spread out at different Universities across NC, allowing the band to build a following from the mountains to the coast. The band relocated to Boone, NC in 2011 where they added Matt Powers (Keys), Will Miller (Drums), and Charlie Evans (Lead Guitar). While sticking to the fundamental funk orientation the band was founded on, Supatight continues to evolve, producing fresh new grooves that have audiences dancing up and down the east coast.

Watch SupaTight's official music video for "Kick Rox" here:

Rescue Dogs

Rescue Dogs was formed in September of 2009 by Birmingham musicians Andy Gathings, Daniel Belk, Bobby Bruner, Derek Nolin, Clifford Smith and Daniel Long. Combining raw and earthen tones from Classic Rock and Roll, the smooth and funky sounds of Southern Soul, a generous dose of down-home Americana, and compelling traditional Rhythms from around the globe, Rescue Dogs forge an energetic and eclectic sonance accompanied by an express invitation to move!

Watch Rescue Dogs perform "Driving Song" at Stillwater Pub here:

 

Click Here: Purchase Your CukoRakko Tickets Today!


CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival Reveals Final Lineup For Fall Fest August 15, 2016 11:53

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Share this post directly from our Facebook page and tag a friend for a chance to win two weekend passes to CukoRakko.  We will announce a winner via Facebook on Monday, August 22nd at 12:00 PM CST.

CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival is pleased to reveal it's phase three artist announcement and final artist lineup for the 2016 Fall Fest at Horse Pens 40 on October 6th - 9th.  The phase three artist announcement includes a very special reunion performance from Mama's Love (Athens, GA), Dank & Friends (Atlanta, GA), Winston Ramble (Birmingham, AL), Bird Dog Jubilee (Atlanta, GA), and Seeds? (Huntsville, AL).  A variety of single-day and weekend passes to the festival can be purchased by clicking here.  CukoRakko is a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event located at one of the South's best kept secrets, Horse Pens 40.  Kids ages 10 and under are admitted for free.  Stay tuned for details on Live & Listen's official pre-party at Horse Pens 40 on Thursday, October 6th.  

CukoRakko's Fall Fest will be held at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL from Thursday, October 6th - Sunday, October 9th.  The lineup this fall will feature as diverse and exciting of a lineup as we have seen from the festival, including the likes of The Heavy Pets, Funk You, Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express feat. Carter Herring, Backup PlanetWinston RambleDank & Friends, The Captain Midnight Band (x2), Maradeen, Mama's Love, The Stolen Faces, Jason Bailey Band, Boy Named Banjo, Royal & Toulouse, Bird Dog Jubilee, Seeds?and Harkestra's Grateful Gospel Jamboree.

Click Here: Purchase your CukoRakko tickets today!

In preparation for the October festivities, we have included video or audio footage from each of this year's performers below.  This lineup features a variety of amazing talent from across the Southeast, including many of the regions top up-and-coming acts.  Stay tuned for future coverage and exclusive content, including our annual interview series, "The Road To CukoRakko," which will be released in early October.

The Heavy Pets

"Dewpoint" - Live at The Georgia Theatre

"Keep Me Running" - Live at The Georgia Theatre

 Funk You

"Lets Dance" - Live at Terminal West

Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express w/ Carter Herring

Entire set from Echo Mountain Studios

Backup Planet

Official music video for "The Road"

Winston Ramble

"Free State of Mind" - Live at Muscle Shoals Studio

Dank

Official music video for "Get Up"

The Captain Midnight Band

"Common Law Hussy"

Maradeen

Official Music Video - "She Treat Me Like a Real Man"

Mama's Love

Listen to "Catch a Feelin'" here:

Listen to "Wake Up Woes" here:

 The Stolen Faces (Grateful Dead Tribute)

Official Music Video - "U.S. Blues"

Boy Named Banjo

Listen to "Blue Hole Bridge" here:

Jason Bailey Band

"Adventures of Shannon Ceili"

Royal & Toulouse

Official music video - "One Direction"

Bird Dog Jubilee

Covering Twiddle's "Lost In The Cold"

Seeds?

Live at Lowe Mill in Huntsville, AL

Harkestra's Grateful Gospel Jamboree

Live from CukoRakko SpringFest 2015


Watch Gregg Allman & Luther Dickinson Sit-In with Tedeschi Trucks Band in Charlotte July 25, 2016 15:03

Tedeschi Trucks Band continued it's Wheels of Soul summer tour over the weekend, bringing their world class live performance to both Atlanta and Charlotte.  With both Los Lobos and North Mississippi Allstars currently on tour with TTB, the collaborations have come early and often this tour.  Saturday night in Alpharetta saw the likes of Col. Bruce Hampton and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) join TTB for a cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Spoonful," before Hampton exited and left Dickinson on stage for both "Leaving Trunk" and "Midnight in Harlem."

Shortly after, Widespread Panic (and Aquarium Rescue Unit) guitarist Jimmy Herring took to the stage and traded licks with Trucks on "I Want More." Dave Idalgo, Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), and Cody Dickinson (NMA) would then help TTB close out the set with "The Storm."  Luther (Dickinson) would appear once more in the encore for a cover of Joe Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends."

The epic sit-ins would continue on Sunday night at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre.  Gregg Allman would unite with his Allman Brothers bandmate Derek Trucks (with a little help from Dickinson) for a powerful performance of the Allman Brothers Band classic, "One Way Out."  Thankfully, youtube user Josh Daniel was there to capture the magic.

Watch Tedeschi Trucks Band perform "One Way Out" with Gregg Allman & Luther Dickinson here:

Setlist: Tedeschi Trucks Band at Uptown Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC - 07.24.16

Set: It Ain't Easy, Don't Know What > The Letter, Something, Within You Without You > Just As Strange, One Way Out*, Color of the Blues, Keep On Growing#, That Did It, I Want More, Let Me Get By

Encore: Going Down To Mexico, Let's Go Get Stoned

* = w/ Gregg Allman and Luther Dickinson
# = w/ David Hidalgo

[Setlist via Tedeschi Trucks Band Fans Post]


CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival Reveals Phase 1 Lineup For FallFest July 8, 2016 16:30

CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival has revealed it's phase one artist announcement for this October's FallFest. The first phase includes The Heavy Pets, Funk You, Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express w/ Carter Herring, Backup Planet, and Jason Bailey Band.  Early bird ticket packages will go on sale on Tuesday, July 12th at 10:00 AM CST.  Stay tuned for future announcements and lineup additions.

That “magic feeling on the mountain” continues like nowhere else in the Southeast.  Held at the beautiful Horse Pens 40 in Steele, Alabama, this friends and family event features 3 days of music and mixed media arts. Enjoy yoga, rock climbing, glass blowing, blacksmithing, disc golf with a PDGA tourney, camping, hiking, kid’s activities, food and drinks, crafts and more.

CukoRakko is the Creek Indian word for ceremonial ground, stomp ground, big house and dance ground. This perfectly describes the phenomenal energy that can be felt at this historic outdoor nature park. Horse Pens 40 is a natural wonderland of unique rock formations nestled atop Chandler Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians. Located on top of the third highest mountain in Alabama, the stone formations here are said to be among the oldest naturally exposed stones in the world, dating from 600 million to 1.3 billion years old. This sacred ground has a vivid history. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this incredible natural amphitheater.

Click Here: Official Website - CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival

Watch McLovins perform at CukoRakko SpringFest in May of 2016 here:


The Road to CukoRakko: A Conversation With Col. Bruce Hampton September 25, 2015 09:19

 

Interview and Photos by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Earlier this week, we had a chance to sit down with the godfather of jam rock, Col. Bruce Hampton. Born as Gustav Valentine Bergland III in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on April 30, 1947, Bruce was given the nickname “colonel” at a young age.  The colonel’s music knows no boundaries, which falls in line with his quirky, intelligent, zen-like personality.  We are excited to work with our friends at CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival, held at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, Alabama next weekend (Oct 2nd – October 4th).  Hampton’s latest project, The Madrid Express, is set to play CukoRakko w/ special guest Carter Herring at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 4th.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival

You've been at it in this music scene since the 60's, dating back to the days with the Hampton Grease Band.  What are some of your earliest memories from learning to play the guitar?  Can you share any good stories from some of your earliest gigs?

Col. Bruce:  Well I think it was either the 2nd or 3rd gig, we were playing a frat party at the University of Georgia.  I certainly had no idea what I was doing.  I was 16-years-old. I wanted to go learn and see what the world was like and learn everything about it.  We opened at about 4:00 PM.  There were about five bands that night.  The headliner came on at about 9:00 PM and his name was Otis Redding, and I said "Oh, that’s how it's done."  I got to see just about everybody I wanted to see growing up.  I was very, very, very lucky.  I mean, I got to see the blues masters, Bukka White, Son House, Freddie King, Albert King, Miles (Davis) back in the 60's, and just about everybody I wanted to see.  I was very lucky.  And certainly every Rock act; just about everybody.  

I was really fortunate.  And I feel so sorry for your generation. You guys just don't get to see the quality that was there at one time.  The tonality, the intent, and the desperation of urgency...you know, it was just another world back then.  People played music for the cause.  You had to do it, you know?  It's not something you chose you do.  You had to.  I say that's my number one thing of intent: you either play for the cause, or you don't.  Either money comes your way, or it doesn't, or fame or whatever you think will make you happy.  But you continue doing it.  I don't know what the cause is, but I know you should play for it.

Just like you're doing...you're playing for the cause.  You're intent isn't to be famous or rich, but if it comes your way...great.  You're doing it, and I'm telling you man...the world needs music, and it's in a poor spot right now.  It's the worst that I've ever seen it.  It's almost like a soft drink commercial. There's still great stuff out there, but it's a little scary, you know?  Especially country music, where there was such soulfulness from about 1955 to 1975.  Now it just sounds like 80's Vegas Rock, you know?  It's a shame.  And I love the real country music, but it's all the same to me.  It's either pure or it's not.  The great music of the 50's and 60's...it holds up with Muddy Watters, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, jazz, or whatever.  It's all the same, as long as it's from the heart and pure.  

Photo by Live & Listen

Who were some of your earliest musical inspirations?  Can you point to anyone in particular who truly drove you towards being a full time musician?

Col. Bruce: Oh my god...I could go for 300 pages.  When I was about 9-years-old, I told people I wanted to be Little Richard, and I failed miserably.  I still think he is the greatest rock-and-roll singer that ever lived.  Just hearing that great music of Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis...I mean rock-and-roll, begat the 50's, you know the 50's were about the most boring decade there ever was. Everything was just boring, and then all of the sudden, that music, rock-and-roll, was like an atomic bomb. It sort of changed the world; the way people thought and everything.  

I like all of the real blues guys: Fred McDonald, Son House, Bukka White, and on and on and on.  The electric blue guys, all of the Kings: Albert, Freddie, and B.B.  Two or three hundred jazz guys, from Count Casie to 'Trane (John Coltrane) to Monk (Thelonious Monk) to Miles (Davis), on and on and on.  And classical...Stravinsky and a composer named Krzysztof Penderecki.  Those are my two favorites in that field.  I like Latin too.  I like it all...as long as it's pure...and doesn't have much cheese in it.  That’s my enemy, cheese.

I'm sure you've answered this a million times, but I've always wanted to ask.  What's the real story behind you becoming "The Colonel?"

Col Bruce: (laughs) I've never been asked that!  Sixteen times an hour!  There's a nine hour version and then there's a 47 hour version.  Let me say real quickly.  That is my real name.  I am a real Colonel. I'm not a part of any military anymore, and I want to spell it "k-e-r-n-e-l."  But I went to military school and I become a colonel.   But I came from a long line of military officers, and I was the first male child not to follow in their footsteps to West Point.  My grandfather and uncle starting calling me "Colonel" at a young age.  It's a personal and professional nickname, like "Duke Ellingston" or Sargeant Slaughter."  The entire story is too long to explain; therefore it's basically a moniker.  Let me say that and I'll avoid trouble.  I did do some stuff, you know.  And I want to spell it "k-e-r-n-e-l."

Photo by Live & Listen

We can certainly try to help you get the word out on that.

Col. Bruce: (laughs) It's just funny.  I get asked that a lot.  That and, "Where did Aquarium Rescue Unit come from?"  Those two questions seem to be leading the way.  I'll answer the Aquarium Rescue Unit question too.  It was a job I had; to rescue aquariums in the middle of the night.  I was a young man. They would break, and we would go rescue them.  It was very hard and very nerve-racking.  We'd have a ten foot aquarium, and they were cracking.  We'd repair them.  I'm glad I did it while I was young!

You were a key figure in the formation of the H.O.R.D.E tours during the early 90s.  How did you become involved and what stands out the most when looking back on that experience?

Col. Bruce: It was in the early 90's, and we were touring up North a lot with Phish and Blues Traveler.  No one was really drawing anybody, and they came up to me and said, "You're the old guy.  What was it like in the 60's?"  And I said, "Well, we all got together and did big group gigs, because they would draw 1,000 people, instead of 100."  And Phish really was starting to have a great thing, along with John Popper, John Bell.  I was certainly not a major player, by any such.  It just sort of took on a life of itself.  We tried out the whole deal and only charged $10 a ticket.  

We had Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Widespread...I can't even remember everybody.  By the end of it, I bet we had over 150 people that played it.  We tried to put it back together again, but its impossible now for many reasons.  It was amazing.  You got to see six bands for 10 bucks.  Nobody really knew who anybody was.  I guess Dave Matthews was the first to really become known, in probably 1993 or so.  You could go see all six of those bands for 10 bucks. That was hard to beat.  And it was sort of new generation coming then, you know?  

We tried to do like the old Motown tours.  Back in the day, they'd have eight acts in four hours.  Stevie Wonder would to 20 minutes, Marvin Gaye would do 20 minutes, and it was amazing.  But that was sort of what it was based on.  There were things called "revue," like the James Brown Revue.  He'd have six opening acts.  They would come out and play four tunes.  Those things just aren't there anymore.  Sometimes, you have an opening act.  The great thing about those things was that everybody was a quality group, you know? The opening act would be Albert King or somebody of that nature, just incredible quality.  I'd love to see that again.  It's hard to find quality in anything. 

I hate that I missed out on the H.O.R.D.E. tours.  Being 28-years-old, I was just a little too young to be a part of that era. 

Col. Bruce: Right...yeah you were 8-years-old.  No, you were three!  Good god, was that 25 years ago or what?  Jesus Christ!  That hurts.  Damn I'm old!  You've just made me feel 300-years-old.  No, I'm glad to be here.  It's better than the alternative...that's for sure.

You're fresh off of the big Aquarium Rescue Reunion Tour, which brought about 14 shows for the band, spanning from Denver down to Alabama and Georgia and up to Brooklyn.  How did this tour ultimately come together, and do you see it as something that could happen more often when the schedules allow?

Col. Bruce: I think we're going to try to do it again next summer.  There is talk about teaming up with John McLaughlin and doing a co-bill.  Our manager, Souvik Dutta, really put it all together.  He has a lot of great musicians in his fold.  He's a manager for many.  I give him most of the credit.  What's funny is that I thought that was a pretty hard tour, and then that day I went to Mobile, Alabama for 5 weeks in 100 degree weather and filmed a movie for 16 hours a day, which is just insane. Thankfully, my friend William Barnes saved my life down there!  So, I finally got home. I'm starting to get a little rest.  It was a really great, busy summer.  I think I left on June 29th and got home a week ago.  

Any details you can share on the movie?

Col. Bruce: Yeah, it's called Here Comes Rusty, and I think it'll be out in April on 2016.  I think there is a trailer out on it now.  I play a drunken, volatile dog track owner.  We've got some great people in the cast, like Fred Willard, who's probably my favorite actor of all time.  Mrs. Jolie Adams, who was in Chasing Amy...she's unbelievable.  Also, a guy named Pauly Litt, who was huge about 15-years-ago.  He was with Regis and Cathy Lee and was on her show.  He's making a comeback.  He's 20-years-old, and he's making a comeback.  It looks good man, but you can't ever tell by the edits.  We've got our fingers crossed, you know? I can't wait to see it.  It's either gonna be really good, or it' gonna be good.  

 Watch the official trailer for 'Here Comes Rusty' here:

I've heard a lot about ARU's "freestyle" approach to each live show.  How much true rehearsing goes on behind the scenes?  Does each set list evolve as the show progresses?

Col. Bruce: Wow!  We had our first rehearsal ever, in 30 years, about four months ago.  We had never had one.  Right before we went on, we just ran through all of the tunes, because everybody had forgotten them.  So that was our first rehearsal ever, dating back to 1988. The setlist...I can't even remember man.  It was such a whirl wind.  Then I went right to the movie in Mobile, and my brain is just fried.  I can't remember a thing from the whole tour.  We were moving so fast, and we weren't an active group, so everything is new every day, you know?  Everything logistically...you don't really know what to do.  So is this going to work...not musically...but from point a to point b?  The logistics of it all.  It sure was fun, and it was pretty hard on everybody, I think.  Especially, Jeff...he plays drums like he's possessed, and he's over 50.  I know he and I were probably the two that hurt the most.  We're in the "formula grey club." Is that called Grecian Formula or something?  Yeah, yeah I think it is.

You have been a major influence on the band Widespread Panic.  I know it's been special to watch those guys evolve as musicians and as a collective band.  You're now seeing Jimmy Herring's son, Carter, come into his own, often next to you on stage.  How special has that experience been?

Col. Bruce:  I've known Carter since he was a kid, and he's playing with us for the next month. He's doing Birmingham, and he's doing CukoRakko next weekend too.  I don't know many guitar players that are better than Carter.  He's only 20-years-old, and he's unbelievable.  Seriously...he's as good as anybody, man.  He is really somethin'.  And I really like his playing. But yeah, now the grandkids are coming soon (laughs).  I knew Duane Trucks since he was one year old.  We used to have him play with us on stage when he was four years old.  So it's really amazing man.  Carter, especially, such a nice fella, and so is Duane.  Carter's gonna be the salt of the earth pretty soon.  He already is.  He can play...that's for sure.

Photo by Live & Listen

It's amazing to see the collective family that seems to have started with the Allman Brothers and now seems to revolve around Widespread Panic.

Col. Bruce: They're as good of people as there are, man.  I would not be working the last twenty years if it wasn't for them.  I wouldn't have been working.  They have been dear friends since '82.  Great organization of folks, man.  Hopefully they keep going.  It's unbelievable what they have done for everybody.  And they do nothing but great things for the community.  They donate instruments to the children of Georgia.  They do benefits all of the time.  They really aren't recognized for it.  They do so many positive things, and they're just great people. 

Your latest project, The Madrid Express, is set to headline CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival at Horse Pens 40 in Alabama next weekend.  How do you feel this group differs from your past projects?  What would you tell those who haven't seen the Madrid Express to expect?

Col. Bruce:  I'll let you answer (laughs).  I really don't know if we are much different.  Like I say, we keep an open channel, as long it's pure.  Pure American music...pure from the heart.  That's all I care about.  I don't think we're any different.  Just different players playing the same thing. I'd like to get it down to one song and just do it for two or three days, which is impossible, whether it be "20,000 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," or "Old Wisconsin" or whatever.  Just take it everywhere it could possibly go, but you'd have to really be listening.  We'll have two great guitarists with us, Jacob Deaton and Carter Herring.  We'll have our drummer, Darren Stanley, and our great bass player named Billy Thornton, who we call Billy V. Thornton instead of Billy Bob Thornton.  They've gotta be related somehow.  

Jacob Deaton of The Madrid Express

Photo by Live & Listen

I'd feel crazy if I didn't ask you about your cameo appearance with Vic Chestnut in the movie Sling Blade. Can you tell me how that came to be?  Any good stories from behind the scenes with Billy Bob?

Col. Bruce:  Oh, a millon stories…that I shouldn’t tell.  Nah man, that cat is like China; every 50 miles there’s a different thing going on.  To me, he’s one of the greatest actors/writers of all time.  He’s probably got 20 scripts that need to be out in the world, and certainly Hollywood won’t let him.  He’s as talented as they get.  The thing with Sling Blade, we were doing it, and it was his first movie he’d ever done, so his life was on the line, you know.  I mean, there was a lot of pressure on it, so he had to do pretty good.  He constantly went around the the janitors, the actors, the cooks, everybody…and made sure everybody was comfortable.  You never see that on a movie set.  It’s usually more like a spring football drill at the University of Alabama. 

He wasn’t ever thinking of himself, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.  It was such a gas to work with him.  He said that he wrote it for me, that it was written in my language.  Also, behind the scenes, Vic (Chestnut) was supposed to have a balsa wood door, but it was still oak, and he cut his head!  He was laughing about it.  He was supposed to go right through the door, and they never replaced it. So everybody was laughing about it, even Vic, but (John) Ritter got mad.  He got really mad.  Vic was ok.  He said he wasn’t hurt, but it was supposed to be balsa wood, and he was supposed to come out the other side.  And there were at least 30 other amazing things that happened behind the scenes during that movie.  I do not think we even did three takes on anything.  It just flew, you know?  Two takes at most, and Robert Duvall said that that room was about 105 degrees when he was saying he was his father.  That’s just one of the greatest scenes in cinematic history, I think.  That was just amazing. 

The cast was just unbelievable.  Dwight (Yoakam) was always unbelievable.  Ritter was great, and Billy Bob…my god, that was fantastic.  So I had a blast and certainly thanked him for having me in the film.  He had come in ’85 to write the Otis Redding story.  Phil Walden, the president of Capricorn, was his manager, and he was also my manager.  There’s so much to tell about Billy Bob, but I can’t say it in print!  He is the king of mythocracy. 

I've heard you're a huge baseball fan.  I know you're also an Atlanta resident.  It's been one hell of a tough year for the Braves.   What's your take on the current state of the team? 

Col. Bruce:  Well, I think it’s actually been great, if we look at the whole without the fragment.  What they’re doing is getting ready for 2017, when they move into the new stadium, which I still think is the dumbest thing since Hitler invaded Russia in the winter.  Everybody in this town in furious, man.  Why you would put the stadium in the most traffic ridden neighborhood that there is?  And there is no parking, no public transportation so to speak of.  It just makes no sense at all.  None…it makes no sense.  What a waste.  Turner Field is still brand new in my mind.  I just don’t get it.  I say tear down the stadium in two years and just build another one.  Let’s build a stadium every two years!   It’s the same thing with the Falcons’ stadium.  I mean, it was a white elephant, but my god…a billion and a half dollars?  I could live with that.  People are insane!  But with the organization, there’s just no reason to carry that salary around when you’re playing .500 ball.  So they’re getting ready for 2017.  I think they’ll do well.  They’ve got the minor league built back up and some really good young pitchers coming up.

I go to one game a year.  I’m always gone during the summer, so I tend to get to one game each year.  I used to go to thirty, but I’d rather watch on TV.  It’s such a hassle.  It’s a long walk  and usually really hot.  I’d rather go to a Montgomery Biscuits game.  I really like that place.  I love minor league games, and I’d rather go to them.   I’ve been to a lot: Asheville Tourists, Chattanooga Lookouts, Nashville Sounds.  Those games are just great to go to. 

Who’s your pick for the World Series?

Col. Bruce: Toronto against either the Cubs or the Mets.  That’s what I think it’ll be.  I’ve had a feeling since probably May that the Cubs are just gonna miraculously do it.  It makes no sense, but I picked them back in May.  They’re young, and they’re on 10 right now.  So they’re doing it.  I spent an afternoon at Wrigley back in July when they played the Miami Marlins when the Grateful Dead was playing.  They really ran that whole thing so well.  It went off with no hitch.  It was amazing.  And now they’re playing again in October!  Oteil (Burbridge) is even in the band now.  That’s hilarious.  He went from the Aquarium Rescue Unit to the Grateful Dead.  I’m really happy for him. 

That was a truly an amazing weekend.   I grew up listening to The Dead, and I’m also a big Phish fan, so getting to see Trey step into that role was really special.  I’m convinced that there is not a more opinionated group of people in the world than the Dead fans.  I feel like he silenced the critics.  

Col. Bruce: They’re horrible man!  They’re like the jazz police.  Enjoy it.  Fuck it.  Let it go.  It is what it is.  They’re like the police man.  Trey did such a great job.  I congratulate him.  He did a really great job.  I mean, the Grateful Dead and Phish is not my cup of tea, but they nail what they nail.  I respect the hell out of them, and they’re great at what they do.  Trey got up there and he wailed ass.  I’m just too old.  I was from another world.  All of my music is from 1937 to 1957. 

 


Col. Bruce Hampton and the ARU: A Family Affair in Atlanta August 20, 2015 12:33

Written by Taylor Pack - Live & Listen Contributing Writer
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Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit’s homecoming at The Buckhead Theater was a family and friends affair of outstanding proportions. The guys blew through a two night run in their home-state of Georgia that featured a Friday night show in Atlanta and a Saturday show in Athens at the acclaimed Georgia Theater as part of their first extended tour in 18 years. Kofi Burbridge, Carter Herring, Efram Townes, and Kebbi Williams all made appearances and celebrated in the spirit of making damn fun music.

The tour was part of the 26th anniversary celebration of when Col. Bruce originally formed Aquarium Rescue Unit in Atlanta back in 1988. Col. Bruce had already established himself on the Atlanta music scene befriending and sharing the stage with the likes of Frank Zappa, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, and many more. Known for his out-of-this-galaxy performances and erratic free spirit, The Col. had been spreading his mad influence across Atlanta for the better part of two decades. He linked up with musicians Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Sipe at the Little Five Points Pub and when the newly created band needed a lead guitar they reached out to their friend Jimmy Herring. They played in clubs around Georgia and the Southeast and built a reputation for their outward performances and unpredictable on stage antics, as well as respect for their impeccable chops and world-class style. In 1991, Hampton and ARU teamed up with other notable jam bands, including Phish, Widespread Panic, and Blues Traveler, to join forces on a mega tour along the eastern seaboard. They named it The H.O.R.D.E. Tour and it allowed the bands to break into large venues such as amphitheaters and arenas as well as grow their fan bases in new regions of the country. Over the years ARU came to embody the essence of The H.O.R.D.E Tour through their spirited playing, respect for the music and musician, and incredible skills. Col Bruce continued to influence many young musicians while on the tour, earning himself a reputation as the godfather of jam bands. ARU would eventually disband and the members would go on to continue their journey as musicians in even bigger acts but their inspiration was never forgotten.  

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Packing into a sold-out show in the heart of Buckhead, the collective anticipation of the audience was manifesting itself in eager grins on what seemed to be EVERYONES’ faces. It was as if everyone knew each other, not personally, but in the sense that everyone shared in knowing that what was about to take place on stage tonight would not only be one of the greatest demonstrations of musical skill and talent, but also the highest understanding of what it truly means to communicate using music and improvisation.  

“Phantom on the Curb” kicked things off, giving Matt Slocum and Herring an early chance to speak their minds. Herrings voice would be prominent throughout the night, and rightfully so. The man is a true guitar master and was really feeling it from the get-go, offering up dazzling guitar play and perfect timing. The classic Hampton cover tune “Fixin to Die” was followed by another in “Yield Not to Temptation” which featured Efram Townes of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band delivering a warm golden solo on trumpet. The band ran through Hampton songs “Elevator to The Moon” and “Jack the Rabbit” as well as “Another Man” before Oteil stopped and welcomed his older brother Kofi (from The Tedeschi Trucks Band) to the stage. Next they kicked off “Rampage” giving the audience their first taste of some new material for the evening. This tune, featuring a slick baseline by Oteil, is an awesome jam vehicle that allowed everyone to chip in and add to the conversation… including Kofi whose flute swayed tastefully along as the musical discussion ebbed and flowed.  The classic ARU ballad “Time Is Free” would close the set as Jeff Sipe fiercely drove this jam on as the guys got a few more things off their chest. Col. Bruce preached and to the audiences delight managed to channel the spirit of the jam through himself as he regurgitated his signature nonsense rap into the microphone. Herring and Oteil responded assuring The Col. they were on the same page delivering impeccable solos featuring immaculate taste and control. When these men play together they exhibit an obvious intent to share positive energy with each other and the audience.

Photos © Ian Rawn Photography - PlayinDead.org  

The second set commenced with “Brothers House” and then “Isles of Langerhan”, before the guys stopped to welcome Herrings son Carter to the stage. They moved into the Bobby Bland cover “Heartache”. Carter delivered a VERY refined solo and showed great patience during his jam not rushing his notes and allowing his voice to develop over time. Whether he was shaking off the nerves or not, it was impressive enough for Col. Bruce to tease the elder Herring that he had no chance of topping his son. In a show of tough love Jimmy reminded everyone who the man of the house was by rattling off a sweltering solo before playfully trading licks with Carter. Another Hampton staple “I’m so glad” followed. This Skip James cover really gave Col. Bruce’s abilities as a soul and blues singer a chance to shine as he baptized the audience in its joyous melody. Carter took the first solo in this number and did not hold back in the least, demonstrating superb technique and touch. Looking from face to face of the band members, hearing father and son trading licks on stage, Oteil had not stopped smiling all night, Sipe hammering away gloriously on his kit, and Hampton just basking in the freedom - I was really “so glad” I could be there to witness it. “Space is the Place” came next, followed by the super catchy ARU song “Working on the Building” featuring Oteil on vocals. Two new songs surfaced next as the band broke into a particularly hard hitting “1911” and hot blues number “The Dragon” to close the set. The encore featured a jam featuring Kofi, Sipe, Oteil and Kebbi Williams of The Tedeschi Trucks Band that segued into a resounding “Compared to What”

Photo © Ian Rawn Photography - PlayinDead.org  

When speaking of Hampton’s impact on others, John Bell of Widespread Panic said that “he knows there is something more… other folks catch the wave off of his movement through this world”. ARU is truly the product of “The Hampton Effect”. Not only do these guys physically kick your ass with amazing technicality and ability, but they are in touch with that “something more”, giving them the freedom to channel energy from different sources and put spirit in a room full of bodies. As we all filed out of the Buckhead Theater into the Georgia summer night, I certainly left a richer person because of my experience with The Aquarium Rescue Unit. Experiencing organic musical synergy, with no barriers or restrictions, featuring some of the greatest musicians of our generation will put a little pep in anyone’s step. Now I know why bands like Phish, Widespread Panic, and Blues Traveler were willing to split their H.O.R.D.E. Tour profits evenly with this little crazy band from Atlanta: because they wanted in on the magic too.