| August 12, 2007 | Shows | Recipe Calendar | Archives |
At Newport last weekend wandering around, I heard strains of Alejandro Escovedo from the main stage and thought "spectral apocalyptica, punk sinatra, satiric retro orchestral". Later sitting center eight rows back in the Harbor stage tent I felt that my ears should be flying back like the dog in that speakers ad from the power of the music.  Two cellos, two guitars and a violin made up the band and those churning cellos cranked up an emotional intensity into which his spare lyrics fit like prophecy. I knew I was hearing one of the great ones. We also heard great sets by Rani Arbo, Amos Lee, the John Butler Trio, and the North Mississippi Allstars. The big acts (Allman Brothers, EmmyLou, Allison Krauss) seem like museum pieces to me; Derek Trucks seemed confined in that old setting; I prefer seeing him stretching out to world music and jazz. A Jerry Douglas solo on dobro was the best thing about Allison Krauss.
Returning to town in a water taxi, we had a drink at one of the many outdoor restaurants on the docks. Sweet.
The Greencards played here last night, bluegrass plus, I'd say. As usual, Melissa cooked up a simple summer feast for the band and the volunteers. Very busy August, we have 3 shows in the next 10 days, including Mem Shannon, the great New Orleans blues guitarist and existentialist. As the year passes More Stripes are added. |