Written by Evan Levy, Photos by Peggy Fusco, Ed McCarthy, & James Orr
Celebrating a legend like Levon Helm is not an easy task. How do you pay proper tribute to a man who sings songs that you know by heart, and continues to rock out past his 70th birthday? Take his best work, throw in some seriously talented guest musicians, and you've got the formula for an amazing experience. And that's really what it was, a moment in rock and roll history that can only be witnessed huddled amongst your friends at a magical place like Mountain Jam.
We heard old country favorites like "Long Black Veil" sung sweetly by Teresa Williams. We sang along to "Up On Cripple Creek" performed by Sam Bush, and we were blown away by Larry Campbell's ability to take the organ solo in "Chest Fever" and turn it into a hot guitar solo that made Jackie Greene visibly jealous. There were times when everyone jamming together raised the bar for certain songs letting their combined energy flow and really winding it up again and again keeping the crowd entranced throughout their entire set.
With guests like Donald Fagen, Warren Haynes, Jackie Greene, Alison Krauss, Alison Moorer and more - there was always some new way to experience the life and the music of Levon Helm. It was a fitting tribute to the man who continues to bring us so much joy. Happy Birthday Levon!
Check out Levon's birthday cake!
Thanks to everyone for making Mountain Jam VI such an amazing experience - see you next year!
Performing with his new stage band comprised of Dub Trio, Matisyahu emerged in a white jumpsuit with the Hebrew letter "aleph" (aleph is the letter "A" in the Hebrew alphabet) on his back. Bringing his unique sound of mixing all styles of reggae, his latest album "Light" is truly something special when performed live. I spun the record quite a bit a home and it can't capture its true potential as much as when he unleashes it onto a live audience. At any Matisyahu show, you'll always get some beat-boxing and improvisation. When the spirit takes him, Matis shines brightest letting loose and along with the new backing back of Dub Trio, there's a slightly funkier edge to his music.
Matisyahu adds a something special to his brand of reggae music, it truly has a spiritual feel to it. His songs almost feel like prayers, filled with lyrics of love and praise to God. His set at MJVI this year was a great one - where Toots & The Maytals brought us the foot stomping funk we needed on Day 1, Matis delivered the deep grooves and swaying rhythm that delighted the crowd today. The highlight for me was his song "One Day" (mixed with some festive dancing from one of his friends) was truly magical.
Sure, you should pick up his albums, but the best way to experience all that is Matisyahu, be sure to check him out live when he hits your area. More coverage ahead, so keep checking back on the official Mountain Jam blog.
Written by Evan Levy, Photos by James Orr, Peggy Fusco& Lauren Armanie
Earlier we got to hear a preview of the musical goodness in store for us at the Awareness Village stage. Now, backed by his full band, Michael Franti delivered us a heavy helping of his new material while still keeping the crowd hyped up with his usual crowd pleasers. A few songs into his set, the skies opened up and dumped heavy rain and pounding wind on the crowd - a brief rain delay of the music as everyone ran for cover.
After about 20 minutes, the bad weather ended and the sun shone through again. Stagehands furiously mopped up the damage and Michael & the band were back on stage doing what they do best. The new songs from his album "The Sound of Sunshine" is not really a departure for Michael, but allows yet another way in which his music can shine. The new songs are filled with dance happy rhythms and lots of pop melodies that kept this crowd moving.
A special moment occurred when Michael talked about buying a guitar recently and had asked someone to pull a sticker off of it - midway through peeling it, Michael asked the person to stop as he claimed to see an "angel" underneath the sticker (he said that was on some heavy drugs recovering from his burst appendix operation at the time). The sticker stayed on so he could keep her spirit in the guitar. He then dedicated the song "Gloria" to the angel and all the women in the MJVI crowd. Afterwards he moved through the crowd singing songs in the thick of it, then pulling a pair of fans on stage to do some air guitar to Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Another special dedication was given to anyone to had a hard week leading up to the festival - it was another new song called "Hey Hey Hey" which he has been singing alot of his tour opening up for John Mayer. The finale commenced with a rockabilly version of his recent mainstream hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" backed up by a crowd of kids twirling towels along to the beat. It was definitely another electric set from Michael Franti & Spearhead on the Mountain Jam stage. More coverage coming up - keep checking back to the blog and be sure to watch the video from the shows here.
In the middle of Michael Franti's set, the skies grew dark and pouring rain and wind sent everyone running for cover. After 10 minutes, it quickly died down and the sun came out again...looks like it's going to be one of those unpredictable weather days here on the mountain. Enjoy the pictures of everyone scrambling for shelter....
Written by Evan Levy, Photos by Doug Potoksky & Peggy Fusco
The first time I heard ALO was at Bonnaroo a few years back. They were one of the "baby bands" at that time, and few people knew them. I settled in for a set of amazing music that day in the fields in Tennessee and today at MJVI, I saw another great set by a band that has fully matured and is ready for their time in the spotlight. Bringing their signature blend of pop, rock, & folk to the crowd and kept everyone swaying to the laid back rhythms. After a great set of some new stuff as well as some classics from the guys - they put a contest to the audience to create a "label" for their music as people keep trying to come up with a definitive way of describing their sound (and aren't succeeding at it apparently). After a crowd pleasing "Barbeque", Jackie Greene was invited to perform one last song with the band - it was ALO's "Roses & Clover" complemented with a long harmonica solo by Jackie. Another great musical nugget was the guys doing a spirited version of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger". This could be the big year for ALO to break out - their sound is tight and sure to please. Keep checking back all day for more coverage of MJVI.
After rocking us out in the broadcast booth, Michael Franti made his way to the Awareness Village stage to do some acoustic songs for the large crowd that was patiently waiting for him. "The Sound Of Sunshine" which is the title track for his upcoming new album, was sung under cloudy skies - but when Michael and the crowd took up the chorus, the sun broke through and shone brightly from that moment on. Here's a few pictures from his intimate set - they'll be more of Michael after his set on the East stage today. Be sure to check out the live webcast of all the music here and keep checking back all day for more coverage from Mountain Jam VI right here on the official Mountain Jam blog!
We all woke to some soggy ground today and a light rain pouring on our heads. As we shook off the cobwebs and got set for the day, Michael Franti stopped by the broadcast booth for WDST and told us all about his new album "The Sound of Sunshine" which was written while he was recovering from a burst appendix. He performed a song called "Shake It" and then the title track acoustically for us before heading out to do his 2 sets on 2 different Mountain Jam stages. The first band to take the stage is The Bridge - here's a few pictures of the action...
And so another night of Gov't Mule lay ahead of us. It would be hard to top last night, with an amazing second set opener like Pink Floyd's "Fearless" you wondered what would be the song everyone would be talking about the next day. There was an air of suspense before the music began and the tension was mounting with whispered rumors or artists who might join in "Dave Matthews might show up..." said one festival goer as he passed me. Highly unlikely since he's playing in Saratoga tonight, but it was a fun thought. After a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" and a down and dirty version of "Broke Down On The Brazos" from their newest album "By A Thread", it would be hard to choose. Guest Derek Trucks joined the guys for an elongated jam session. What could be in store in set 2? Scroll below to see...
Set 2 exploded with a trip to Jamaica for a reggae version of "The Joker" with special guest Matisyahu. Then the jam continued with the guys busting out a soulful island version of Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er". Next, Warren picked up the pace with Neal Young's "Rockin' In The Free World", which left some space for a few mind bending solos. The horn section from Lettuce sat in with a tasty jam for bit until I noticed that Jackie Greene was lurking around backstage and figured that he would joining Warren and the guys on stage. Sure enough he emerged - "It's a party from here on out" Warren exclaimed. The Rolling Stones "Ventilator Blues" was the perfect vehicle for Jackie to showcase his amazing harmonica skills. But the Stones tribute didn't end there as "Monkey Man" came screaming though. For the encore, Pearl Jam's "Black" got everyone dancing faster again and revved the crowd up a second time with Aerosmith's "Train Kept A Rollin". It was just another one of those amazing Mule performances that keeps you coming back every year. We'll be back with more coverage of Mountain Jam VI tomorrow!
Written by Evan Levy, Pics by Peggy Fusco & Ed McCarthy
Some of us only know Dave Mason from his time in the band Traffic - others still know him as just a prolific musician who has done great work which got him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But for the crowd here at Mountain Jam, Dave was allowed to put all that aside and rock the mountain for a killer set filled with a smooth 70's sound that kept the crowd swaying along. One of the best moments was Dave announcing "I wrote this song" and then playing the hit "Feelin' Alright" that was one of the songs that made Joe Cocker a household name. See? You can learn interesting things at festivals. Also in the set were rare gems "Only You Know And I Know" and "You And Me We Just Disagree".
Amidst all the flavors that MJVI has served up so far this weekend, there was a really warm feeling (and that's not just the sunburn) that Dave radiated with his music. To see a living legend show us why he is a master of his craft is always a wonderful thing to experience at a festival and I'm just glad I was there to see it. For more info on where Dave will strike next, click here and see him now. Keep checking back for more coverage of all the action right here on the official Mountain Jam blog.
Review by Alex Lubinsky & Kieran Prasch, Photos by Doug Potoksky
The Yonder Mountain String Band switched gears and went from funk filled jams into a full blown bluegrass vibe. The dueling sounds of the banjos and mandolin were as fascinating as these masters of their craft took us back to a simpler time while still improvising in a new way. This four-piece played upbeat, super-danceable music that reminds one of traditional bluegrass/country/folk music, that experienced a revival in the feature film "O' Brother Where Art Thou?".
All of the country-bluegrass-folkies donned straw hats and took to the dirt covered dance floor doing self-contained two-step/square-dance improvisation kicking up what the band referred to as the best dust clouds they've seen in a long time. The bouncy and present bass lines played on a modified stand up bass, carried the triple-time banjo solos in-between verses.
After a football-field sized cloud of dust rose into the air, almost blocking view of both stages, frontman Jeff Austin jokingly said,"Mountain Jam, the only festival you can taste". There was a really special moment at the end of the show when Warren Haynes stepped out to perform a killer version of Iggy Pop & The Stooges classic "Death Trip". It's true that there is the feeling of nostalgia when listening to the band, but you also get a real serving of a lost art being brought back into the forefront.
LETTUCE - REVIEW & PICS Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:16:00 +0000 Review by James Laffin, Pictures by Lauren Armanie & Doug Potoksky
If you happened to hear that Lettuce was up next on the West stage, and you were expecting another amazing rock band like the past several acts, you were at least partially right. The group wasted no time opening with two back-to-back lengthy instrumental pieces that automatically induced an infectious bop n' sway into all who heard it. I found myself motionless for a good while, laying back on a grassy slope with eyes closed just taking it all in. What I learned was that this band is tight. Really, really tight. Dual horn players effortlessly hitting funky solos in perfect synchronicity, a lead guitarist that truly knows how to speak through his instrument... The bass kept the rhythm rock solid absolutely without fail, accompanied by exquisite drum lines, and the keys added the perfect final touch of drones and feeling, rounding out the act to a well-oiled musical machine lacking nothing, in my humble opinion.
And as you can see from the pictures above - they also had some special guests sit in on their performance. First up, Derek Trucks made an appearance to jam with band soon followed by Susan Tedeschi, & Oteil Burbridge who busted out a supercharged version of Curtis Mayfield's "Movin' On Up". Nigel Hall also lent his mean set of pipes to the mix for a song or two. With a late night set planned with these guys tonight, stop by for a smooth blend of funky, jazzy rock from Lettuce. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Seriously, the Drive-By Truckers are now a part of the necessary lexicon of rock and roll...their music is amazing...What I knew of my years listening to the Truckers as an ironic and wry band who were always doing tongue-in-cheek musical masterpieces has been destroyed, these guys have come into their own since the last time they came to the Jam. The sweet southern ramble of sonic assaults that these characters perpetrated pierced my music bone in a very serious way....
Their down home and comfortable demeanor won me over with sincerity and bad ass, full driving rock!... Mercy Buckets - a great play on words - and an even greater song topped their set which is off their new album and it showed the band's true talent for being poignant and solid. The tie in with with Patterson Hood inviting his father David Hood (the famous session player) to join the set was an especially great moment! I love those moments unexpected guest performances. Their set brought their legacy full circle even tempting me to leave the mountain for Levon's Ramble which is where they are going to be next. But, I can't leave the Jam just yet and I will just have to wait until Sunday when Levon and Friends will all be playing together in what will be an amazing and undoubtedly stellar performance and a true moment in rock and roll history. I can't wait!!!
Review by Kieran Prasch & Evan Levy, Pics by Doug Potoksky
Into the second day of the festivities, I decided to go take a look at a band I've never heard of before called The London Souls. And I'm glad I did because they were seriously impressive. To describe this band in one word, it would undoubtedly be "groovy." This fresh rocking three-piece had great style; each of them also had an interesting look, from frontman Tash Neal's white rimmed UK-style sunglasses and the drummers serious Robert Plant haircut (his drum solos also had a Led Zeppelin feel to them as well). This power trio sported the gear consisting of a convertible red hollow body guitar, an edgy sounding Vox amp, a vintange styled Ampeg bass cab, and a huge minimalist Ludwig drum kit.
Some notable songs included a elongated jammy cover of AC/DC 's"Long Way To The Top" and an original of theirs called "I Don't Need Nobody." Despite their bold rocking sound, and following a noisy feedback riddled guitar solo, The London Souls even dropped some surprisingly good reggae tracks as well. These guys might have even been having more fun than the audience, as the set ended with a simple "Well, I guess that's it" when they ran out of set time! London Souls are a MUST SEE, and you can find out more about them here.
Written by Evan Levy, Pics by James Laffin & Lauren Armanie
It can be tough to be one of the first bands on after a really amazing late night of music. Most people are still stirring in their tents, and usually need some time to ease into the day. Zach Deputy wasn't having any of that - he burst onto the stage with a furious whirlwind of funk that got this weary crowd into high gear. I had never seem him before, but after his performance at Mountain Jam, I won't forget him. Arising just one hour before his set as he shook off the cobwebs from last night's musical madness, Zach is a one man band utilizing loop pedals, electronic drum pedals and an arsenal of effects that will make you wonder if there's a band backstage helping him out.
He literally makes full use of each finger on each hand, each foot working different pedal boards in perfect synchronicity. It's truly a mind blowing experience to watch him work.
The wall of funk he created was amazing - be sure to check this guy out if he comes to rock your town. Click here to get the details on where he'll be next.
What?!!..Are you kidding me. Stop. Redefine the meaning of the word "awesome". Les Claypool rocked the late night set and was the biggest treat so far for us here at MJVI. I also safely say that this would have to be the best first night of Mountain Jam I've seen in all my years here. Hands down...Jaw dropping. I want to nominate Les Claypool for President of the United States of Fun. Do you know why?...No, not because of the Xylophone. Not because he executed flawlessly incredibly crafted tunes. It is because he not only played for us...he played WITH us! From his vast catalog of cherished tunes and favorites he pulled from all eras and DESTROYED our concept of music and threw at the audience who enjoyed every tasty little musical morsel. They brought out such amazing renditions of South Bound Pachyderm which was off the hook plain and simple...Buzzards of the Green Hills...Up on the Roof...Cosmic Highway....Les took us through a musical journey busting out classic songs we haven't heard from him in years.
Stunning and conversational musicianship was displayed with the rare genius that is Les Claypool. I just cant tell you how many heads were spinning when yet another moment of great legendary music happened when Warren Haynes hit the stage and the crowd flipped as they both teamed up together and made us rethink what fun could actually be. The facility which was displayed was not only a musical conversation, but actually a mind bending portal into a mystical dimension that Les led us into... This Pied Piper open up the Mountain and led us inside. Undoubtedly this has raised the bar for all the rest of MJVI...it doesn't get any more epic than this...and this is was just the first day!
Written by Kieran Prasch & Evan Levy, Photos by Ed McCarthy& Peggy Fusco
Gov't Mule’s presence is welcome once again on the mountain. Every square inch was now covered in people; just dancing and throwing glow sticks that lit up the night sky. A huge steam was rising from the heat of the crowd, as spectators added to the already spectacular smoke and lighting display, with green lasers shining over the sea of people that is mountain jam. After a full day baking in the sun, this crowd was ready to cut loose.
The music was non-stop, deliberate, and continuously progressing through a set that consisted of originals, and well-known covers (Beatles, Nirvana's "My Girl", even touching on some Led Zeppelin). Gov't Mule provides the faithful fans with a unique ‘perspective’ on music when experienced live. This year at the fest, fire dancers were twirling flaming batons and balls in the air to the rhythm of Jimi Hendrix's "And The Wind Cries Mary".
The second set exploded with Pink Floyd - a cover of their song "Fearless" is the perfect way to get things going. Les Claypool is invited to the stage to throw down with the band doing a extra jammy version of "Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy Pt. 2". Drummer Matt Abts gave everyone a thrill with an elongated solo drum session. Another special treat of the set was Grace Potter joining the band for a killer rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Gold Dust Woman". After busting out so many great songs, we can only wonder what they will bring out for the second night.
Anything can happen at Mountain Jam. While walking around the festival, I ran into Kraig and Annmarie Kallmeyer, who couldn't stay away, as they have VERY special memories of their time here last year's Jam. This year they brought along their baby, Karson Hunter Kallmeyer, who is just about three months old. Yup, that's right - three months old. You do the math. Welcome back Kallmeyers!
As the previous act came to a close, a hush came over all present; we knew who was coming on next. As the WDST announced The Avett Brothers, an explosive wave of applause rocked the hill. The band wasted no time, stepping right up to their instruments and launching into the first number, with Scott's vocals having a captivating effect on everybody.
The cello sang with a voice of it's own; the bass was slapped out in perfect accompaniment to the solid drum lines; the guitar kept the rhythm and the banjo lent it's twang. Most numbers were upbeat and incredibly energetic. I actually had a bit of trouble standing still enough to snap these pictures due to a curiously strong desire to dance (as literally everybody else was doing). According to a lovely woman named Audrey: 'They've swept us away'. The numbers the piano was brought out for slowed the tempo and put even more feeling behind the act, and the brothers' vocal harmonies effortlessly took us off our feet.
The Avett Brothers have once again shown us their array of talents. Solid playing, great lyrics, and an infectious set of smiles that never seemed to leave the performers' faces. They're making great music, and they know it.
Written by Kieran Prasch & Alex Lubinsky, Pictures by James Orr
Another real burst of positive energy radiated off the Mountain Jam crowd as Toots & the Maytals started their set. The smiles spread, and the mountain really started to fill up to witness the founding father of the word "reggae". The crowd began dancing to the rhythm as the rising dust got so thick I could barley see the stage as the band performed "Higher." Toots enjoyed winding up the tempo which in turn produced even more dust as they raged into double-time ska.
As the band played one of their most recognized songs "Reggae Got Soul", the mountain began to rock 'on its dancing feet'. You couldn't look anywhere and not find someone at least slightly bobbing their heads - it's truly one of those kind of songs. Gospel-style harmonies had the mid-forties hippie mother to my left dancing like she was in her early twenties.
Today they also performed the infamous "54-46 Was My Number" which when heard live still rings true as it had in its original era.
When the band was in their last five minutes of playing, we met Toot's brother at the top of the hill, and we all agreed that (without any bias) Toots is one of the greatest live reggae performers we've ever seen.
Written by Evan Levy, Photos by James Laffin & Diane Colello
Roses decorated the stage for Grace's arrival. Standing just stage right, she is excitedly banging her tambourine and stomping her heels and the band took the stage. Grace is pretty proud of her new self-titled album which comes out on Tuesday. After hearing the songs live on the mountain - I noticed something different in Grace. I spoke with her briefly before she went on and she mentioned that there is a new sound coming from them in the new album, and it blends a wider variety of genres than we're used to hearing from them. Their producer Mark Batson allowed them alot of freedom "to do what they do best" and with the addition of Catherine Popper & Benny Yurco to the group, there's a very organic feel to the writing process.
Grace took us through some of the new songs and delighted the crowd with her hit "Nothing But The Water" as well as an electric version of "White Rabbit" which she leant to the Alice in Wonderland soundtrack. People keep comparing her to Janis Joplin - "maybe it's my hair", but it's Grace Slick that she should be compared to more than any other artist. If you get the chance, click here to see where Grace will strike next and be sure to get her new self-titled album when it hits stores on Tuesday. Keep checking back, there's more coverage coming up here on the official Mountain Jam blog.
