Live Streams: Big Sam's Easter Jam

With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Big Sam's Funky Nation

Today is Easter and while gatherings should all be restricted during these times, Big Sam has an Easter Jam set up for you to enjoy from the safety of your home:

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Thanks again for tuning in, y’all! We appreciate it! We’ll be back on #Sunday for our #Easter Jam! If y’all missed today’s livestream, head on over to Big Sam’s Funky Nation page on Facebook. Thanks again! #tellafriend #share #stayhome #livestream #neworleans #music #bam #covid19 #coronavirus #quarantine #weinthistogether #nolafunk #nola #bigsamsfunkynation #goodtimes #goodvibes

A post shared by Big Sam (@funkybigsam) on Apr 8, 2020 at 3:10pm PDT

Here is some live styling from Big Sam's Funky Nation to get ready for this afternoon:

Live Streams: Big Sam's Funky Nation

With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Big Sam's Funky Nation

Big Sam's Funky Nation has been keeping busy during lock-down with as many Live Streams as they can. Today is another:

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#bigsamsfunkynation #livestream #thursday #neworleans #BAM

A post shared by Big Sam (@funkybigsam) on Jun 15, 2020 at 4:43pm PDT

This is an earlier show so get on up and funky with the band 3pm CST.  We have a few more live streams to hype later today and you can/should watch them all.

To get ready here is Big Sam funking it up:

Full Show Friday: Big Sam's Funky Nation - Jazz Saint Javier 2018

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Big Sam's Funky Nation!

Every April we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we will focus on Big Sam's Funky Nation who will be playing Saturday May 2nd on the Congo Square Stage.

Unfortunately due to the outbreak of Covid19, Jazzfest has been rescheduled for October (no official date as of yet). Hopefully all of the scheduled acts are healthy and will be performing then, but since we crafted these posts before the outbreak, RtBE will still post them this month and will regroup/revisit things in the fall when (hopefully) things return to semi-normal 

Last year Big Sam's Funky Nation was one of the highlights of Jazzfest for RtBE, so we wanted to start this month of Full Show Friday's focusing on artists playing the festival in 2020 with them. This show is from 2018 from Jazz Saint Javier and it shows off the Nation's funky style and killer showmanship from Big Sam himself. 

The Nation are dynamite and we can't wait to catch them funking up the fairgrounds on Saturday May 2nd. Pro-shot, pro-sound, Enjoy:

Big Sam's Funky Nation New Song and Interview on Glide

With Jazzfest only two days away the excitement is peaking. Coincidentally @glidemagazine posted an interview and new song from NOLA staple, Big Sam's Funky Nation.

That song "Porkchop" can be seen below and the full interview including his up coming tour dates can be read here. The tune is a mix of P-Funk electro bass, Nola trumpet, and heaping helping of bounce, it is sure to be a hit in the Crescent City.


We dig Big Sam having seen him up here in NYC and down in NOLA and hope to catch him again when he plays the fairgrounds on May 3rd. He will also be releasing a new LP and we hope to review that as well in the near future.

To get in the mood for Jazzfest here are a few more Big Sam numbers to get you grooving and ready for the best festival in the country. 

Live Streams: Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Ogden After Hours

With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Ogden Museum of Southern Art - Ogden After Hours

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art do a weekly musical session they call Ogden After Hours.

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This week, #OgdenAfterHours at Home presents music from the OAH archive!⁣ ⁣ Tune in on Zoom or Facebook live this Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. to #heartheSouth! Join us as we journey back to 2008 with music by Big Sam Funky Nation, AM, Casandra Faulconer, Joe Krown and Chick Willis!⁣ ⁣ #OgdenAfterHoursatHome #seetheSouth #seetheSouthfromHome #VirtualConcert #OnlineMuseum

A post shared by Ogden Museum of Southern Art (@ogdenmuseum) on May 26, 2020 at 8:39am PDT

Tune in tonight to see some RtBE Personal Favorites like Big Sam Funky Nation.  To get in the spirit for the show, here is Big Sam:

New Single from Big Sam's Funky Nation "It's The Weekend (feat. Wild Wayne, Anjelika Jelly Joseph & Pell)"

New party single from New Orleans own Big Sam's Funky Nation "It's The Weekend (feat. Wild Wayne, Anjelika Jelly Joseph & Pell)"

Check it out now and get your weekend started proper!

NOLA Jazzfest 2020, Artist Predictions

The lineup for the 2019 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

Actually no we don't...but since it is fun to predict, lets look into the crystal ball and guess who will be and who should be playing.

We will exclude the brass bands and local acts (even though they are truly the main reason we go) including nationally touring NOLA acts like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Big Sam,  Galactic, Trombone Shorty all the Brass Bands who will all be there.

Also we are obviously skipping the great jazz, blues and gospel acts who will be the foundation of the festival in their respective tents. Lets just talk about the bigger national touring artists for now....We will focus more on locals closer to the show.

To get in the southern festive NOLA mood, here is a great video done by Jeronimo Acero that my friend the fantastic Lu Brow sent north to warm me up during the winter.

a glimpse of LOUISIANA from Jeronimo Acero on Vimeo.

Now on to the predictions....

2025 New Orleans JazzFest Artist Predictions

The lineup for the 2025 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

2024 New Orleans Jazzfest Artist Predictions

The lineup for the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

2026 New Orleans JazzFest Artist Predictions

The lineup for the 2026 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced soon, but RtBE got the early scoop...

NOLA Jazzfest 2021, Artist Predictions

So... we did this back in early 2020, and got a bunch right...then Jazzfest was canceled. Let's hope this one is happens and a lot of the same artists are involved. 

The lineup for the 2021 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

Actually no we don't...but since it is fun to predict, lets look into the crystal ball and guess who will be and who should be playing.

We will exclude the brass bands and local acts (even though they are truly the main reason we go each year) including nationally touring NOLA acts like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Funky Big Sam,  Galactic, Trombone Shorty who will all be there.

Also we are obviously skipping the great jazz, blues and gospel acts who will be the foundation of the festival in their respective tents. Lets just talk about the bigger national touring artists for now....We will focus more on locals closer to the show. This is the first time the festival is being held in October so that changes things.

To get in the southern festive NOLA mood, here is a great video done by Jeronimo Acero that my friend the fantastic Lu Brow sent north to warm me up during the winter.

a glimpse of LOUISIANA from Jeronimo Acero on Vimeo.

Now on to the predictions....

NOLA 2023 Jazzfest Artist Predictions

The lineup for the 2023 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

Live Review: Instruments A' Coming Benefit 4/30/12 Tipitina's, LA

Instruments A' Comin Benefit Concert 

4/30/12 

Tipitina's, New Orleans Louisiana

Click on that flyer above to get the full version and then read the insane lineup; it is a veritable whose who of the New Orleans live music scene.  This show had it all and it was for a good cause in one of the city's most historic venue's, how could you miss it?!?!

Well Jazzfest fans who were spending the full week and NOLA locals surely didn't as the event was sold out (and then some) as bands played outside, inside, all around side on this warm southern spring night.   

Tipitina's is a classic venue, 2 floors (upstairs was for VIP only tonight) with huge bars and cheap drinks, the sound is pretty fantastic, but views can be spotty at times, and the TV's showing the action on stage look brand new...if this was 1982, an upgrade is sorely needed.  However, the location has it's own foundation and money goes to much more important needs, such as instruments for local marching bands, this is it's marquee event to raise funds. 

Due to dinner in the quarter we arrived a bit late, and missed the marching bands but thanks to youtube (and kitchy) we can catch some:

We walked up to the venue while the Honey Island Swamp Band was finishing off it's outdoor set.  Grabbing a cocktail and grooving outside was great until the funky sounds of Galactic could be heard wafting from indoors.  Walking in you have to rub the forehead of the bust of Professor Longhair...it is a must for luck. 

Like most Jazzfest's this band is everywhere, playing with everyone.  Corey Henry from Rebirth Brass Band was in tow blowing his trombone with the fellas on this night. The band ripped out a killer "You Don't Know" with Glen David Andrews supplying the vocals like he did on the fantastic Ya-Ka-May. Corey Glover popped up and sang a raucous version of "Hey Na Na" as the bands short funky set winded down, normally ready to party to the wee hours, you could tell the fellas were just getting started when they had to stop.

Cruising around outside saw the completion of the silent auction which had some totally unique items for auction (next year gotta bring the check book) while Big Sam's Funky Nation took to the stage.  Rocking out as a 4 piece, this was the first time RtBE had a chance to catch BSFN and we were super impressed.  Running through a rock/funk medley that was tighter then a barrel of bourbon, and included "Pusher Man", Parliment-Funkadelic and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)".  
The naturally charismatic front man Sam Williams worked his stripped down group like a pack mule, owning the stage.  The group played mostly jams and covers including a fantastic rendition of "Mr. Big Stuff with Jean Knight taking over the vocals:

The low-end on this night were the superstars as the bass and drum made your head bob throughout, a party set from the get go and the band that I instantly became hip too; I will not miss the Funky Nation next time they are in town.


BIGI are funk royalty as Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr, Ian Neville and Russell Batiste threw down the sticky funk with confidence.  Playing a half hour set saw the group only play two songs but touch on a world of grooves.  Maestro's just jamming at their craft. 

As the Professor looks on

Up next turned out to be the main attraction, RtBE has looong been an admirer of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, and now he has apparently reached main event status.  His set was basically the same from the day before when he played Jazzfest, but the energy level was amped in the close quarters.  

Their pulling out of Rage Against The Machines "Bull's On Parade" via horns was just as insane the second time I saw it, but their cheesy side was also in effect with "Encore/Replay".  "Do To Me" was a better mix of styles still containing a pop edge, see for yourself:

 

Their whole set had the crowd ecstatic and an ending jam found Troy sitting behind a b3 organ grooving on the keys, adding a unique flair to things.  What was perhaps most surprising was the crowd literally clearing out post Shorty set; they had obviously been there for him. 

We stuck around though and were treated to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band cutting loose for the next hour+ celebrating the release of their new album Twenty Dozen.  The legends in the field were joined by Corey Henry (he's everywhere) as the band blew out the night and closed things on a high note of elegant horns and funky ass grooves.  Knowing that school kids will reap the benefits from this night make things that much sweeter...until next year.

Thanks again to youtube uploader kitchy for the perfect videos, great stuff!  Until next year....

Nola Jazzfest 2022 Artist Predections

 So... we did this back in early 2020, and got a bunch right...then Jazzfest was canceled. Then tried again for a special October 2021 edition of Jazzfest and that was canceled as well...third times a charm for 2022? 

The lineup for the 2022 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be announced tomorrow but RtBE got the early scoop...

Actually no we don't...but since it is fun to predict, lets look into the crystal ball and guess who will be and who should be playing.

We will exclude the brass bands and local acts (even though they are truly the main reason we go each year) including nationally touring NOLA acts like Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Funky Big Sam,  Galactic, Trombone Shorty who will all definitely be there.

Also we are obviously skipping the great jazz, blues and gospel acts who will be the foundation of the festival in their respective tents. Lets just talk about the bigger national touring artists for now....We will focus more on locals closer to the show. 

To get in the southern festive NOLA mood, here is a great video done by Jeronimo Acero that my friend the fantastic Lu Brow sent north to warm me up during the winter.

a glimpse of LOUISIANA from Jeronimo Acero on Vimeo.

Now on to the predictions....

Sazerwrap Part 2: The Music

The Sazerwrap has been the @RockBodyElec way of rounding up all the amazing things that happen down at our annual trip to Jazzfest in New Orleans.  We will breaking the review up into two parts, Food and Music, today is the Music.  Only 11 Months until next years festival!

It has been a few years, but RtBE is bringing back the Sazerwrap for the 50th Anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This is our 11th straight year of catching the fest and needless to say each year is magic. The trips keep evolving as does the festival and city which hosts it. Today we will chat about the tunes we heard and shows we saw.

Live Streams: WWOZ New Orleans

With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past.

Today we will highlight: WWOZ New Orleans

The guardians of the groove WWOZ is the best radio station on the planet.  They are providing daily updates for live streams from amazing local artists and you can donate to help support that cities robust live music scene. New Orleans is literally a second home to RtBE so we want to support the unique town every way we can.

You can go to their daily updates page for live shows each day.  Last Saturday we caught Kermit Ruffins at the empty Mother In Law Lounge and hope to support him against this weekend, but there are loads of RtBE favorites including Big Sam, Samantha Fish, John Cleary and others doing live sets which you can support by watching and donating. 

To get in the mood here are some live tunes from big easy artists.

Sazerwrap Part 2: The Music

The Sazerwrap has been the @RockBodyElec way of rounding up all the amazing things that happen down at our annual trip to Jazzfest in New Orleans.  We will breaking the review up into two parts, Food and Music, today is the Music.  Only 11 Months until next years festival!

While the food rightfully deserves its own post, the music is the real star at the end of April/beginning of May in the Crescent City. We will look into some of the real highlights so click that read more and join us for a recap...

Album Review: The Breaks - Self-Titled

The Breaks

S/T

***and1/2 out of *****

Three great modern day funk-soul-jazz artists come together to form The Breaks, a new organ/guitar/drum trio that instantly hits the ground running on their infectiously joyful debut full length. 

Live Streams: Wild Heart Monday's: Charlie Wooton

With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Wild Heart Monday's Presented By Samantha Fish

Samantha Fish is going to be producing an ongoing Monday series showcasing artist on her Wild Hearts Record Label's Facebook Page:

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TONIGHT! Don’t miss Wild Heart Records Artist, @CharlieWooton! ...Samantha Fish’s Wild Heart Records Presents WILD HEART MONDAYS, an Intimate Concert Series Live on Samantha’s Facebook, every other Monday at 7pm CT beginning May 18th featuring the artists from Samantha Fish‘s Wild Heart Records label: Charlie Wooton, Jonathon Long, and Nicholas David! RSVP!! TONIGHT WE FEATURE CHARLIE WOOTON! 🙌 Spread the word!! MORE ABOUT CHARLIE WOOTON: Charlie Wooton was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, with his four older brothers, who were all exceptional musicians, including Dr. John Wooton, head of percussion at USM. As a teen, music was Charlie’s life; studying Classical and Jazz during the day, then playing gigs at night with his brother David, or Bobby Brooks, or spending 6 straight hours playing Zydeco at the LaLa with Grammy winner Chubby Carrier. Charlie soaked it all in, learning how to put on a show, manage a business, and continue to hone his craft. At 20 years of age, he moved to Los Angeles and worked as a sound engineer at 3rd Encore Studios. It was there he met and played with Kim Stone, bassist for Spyro Gyro, who gave Charlie his signature blue bass. Soon, Charlie felt it was time to move back to the south, and make Atlanta home. Getting back to his Louisiana roots, Charlie formed Zydefunk. This energetic cross-pollinated band took Atlanta by storm, playing sold-out gigs and parties all over the Southeast. Zydefunk has even been featured multiple times on CNN. Charlie also began to feature his other influences of jazz, classical, blues and world music with Charlie Wooton Project (CWP). Charlie had the opportunity to play with artists like Count M’Butu, Oliver Wood, Donny McCormick, Sean Costello, Grant Green Jr., Jeff Sipe, Dick Smith, Rev. Jeff Moser, Doug Belote and Willie Green. In 2010 Charlie moved back to his home state of Louisiana. Since then, he has played with some of the best acts in New Orleans: Bonerama, Sonny Landreth, Zigaboo Modeliste, Johnny Vidacovich, Cyril Neville, Chief Monk Boudreaux, New Orleans Suspects, Big Sam's Funky Nation and many more. As a member of Royal Southern Brotherhood for 4 years..

A post shared by Samantha Fish (@samanthafishmusic) on May 18, 2020 at 9:55am PDT

To get ready for the show here is some Charlie Wooten:

Artists Jazz Fest Memories on Glide

Over on Glide, Leslie Michele Derrough posted this excellent piece interviewing past artists about their feelings on playing Jazz Fest as the festival is so close to starting (it begins on Friday).

She talks with a wide range of past artists and highlights some of our favorites as 'must see's' (Look for more on Big Sam here on RtBE later today). Leslie does a hell of a job giving an over/preview of the festival and as always her pictures are fantsatic.

Below are some videos to get you ready for the two weekend event all chosen from Glide's selected artists playing the Fest, who RtBE are looing forward to seeing as well: