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June 15, 2005

All That JazzFest (Sunday)

Sunday in New Orleans arrives, and my New York pals are going home. I have one more day of the fest and then off for an evening in Houston to see my niece before I head back to the big city. Unlike most people I know, I am really looking forward to being on vacation all by myself. One day at JazzFest just for me.

Most people might think my desire to be without companionship a little odd. What can I say? I really like taking it all in on my own terms... Without the pressures of compromise and coexistence. I need at least a bit of the adventure alone, so that I can really hear and understand what I think of such-and-such or whoze-it. The only kind of pioneering available to most people these days, is the journey in one's soul. I covet those opportunities and I'm loathe to give them up when they arise. I blame my father,really. He has the same wanderlust.

So goodbye to my "expat buddies" and on to JazzFest solo. Some of the best music I heard at JazzFest was on this day. Despite my glee at taking my independent adventure, I did feel sorry for my friends that didn't get to experience this day, sunny and with air sweetened by music.

I heard Aaron Neville in the Gospel Tent. The tent was filled to bursting. I never thought myself a huge fan of the Nevilles, especially Aaron. I've always thought his vibrato disturbing. If a little odd, his voice is still lovely and it's perfectly suited to Gospel music. I do like a Gospel revival now and again. It was a little bizarre that he sang karoake-style- that is, with cd accompaniment (There was no screen with a dot bouncing over the words I assure you.) I got to the tent midway through the set so I don't know if the canned music was planned or a MacGyver-type solution to a mix up. In any event, I left the tent with a new appreciation for Aaron Neville and a resolve to listen to more Gospel.

My first band of the day though was at the Acura Stage. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe was arguably the best set of my JazzFest experience. He was funky and soulful and a really good time. The sun was out and soon I had the certain knowledge that I would be killing skin cells if I didn't do something. Many thanks to the guy who took pity on my reddening shoulders and shared his sunscreen. I took my big camera on this day and entertained myself with taking pictures of Karl and the Universe, while dancing in the sun and soaking up the sound. There's a live cd of this set that I am looking forward to adding to my IPOD. Karl Denson and his Tiny Universe are the epitome of GROOVY.

I spent a few moments listening to Steel Pulse at the Congo Tent. Again, I just didn't get into the groove at this tent. Steel Pulse seemed a little formulaic and repititious and uninteresting. Maybe it was the acoustics or something. I left the Congo Tent and caught the last half of Jamil Sharif in the Economy Tent. This guy was great! A really good trumpeter with a lush, playful voice. He played one of my favorite old jazz songs, "Caldonia". I later learned he was the musical coordinator for the movie, Ray, and also played a bit part as one of the musicians Ray played with in his early career. True to form in this Economy Tent, he and the rest of band led a procession of dancing umbrellas through and around the tent.

My final stop, only because Jamil Sharif was finished and I just couldn't make myself leave yet was in the Jazz tent to catch a few minutes of Terence Blanchard. Some more great improvisational Jazz followed. I found a seat and relished my exhaustion while listening to the upright bass and piano tell me secrets. All too soon, I had to leave and make my way towards the airport.

So that was my first JazzFest. It was most certainly not my last...(well, not if I have anything to say about it.)

I spent an overnight in Houston since I couldn't get an affordable direct flight home. (It was JazzFest after all.) This turned out to be a blessing as Jen agreed to take Magda to Houston for the weekend so she could re-learn her Tia's face. Lord, I do love that girl. I know motherhood is a different animal all together. I don't want to be her mother. It's a gorgeous thing to be her Tia. I sort of feel guilty that Jen doesn't yet have that opportunity; to be someone's Tia. But it's not just my fault; Danny need's to get on the ball too! Jenny and Magda's weekend turned out really well I am told. She was pampered, and revered...not Magda, but Jenny. It's always nice to hear people coo over your baby but it's also nice to have people look after you when you are wrecked from late nights and the new responsibilities of raising a daughter. My understanding is that Jenny left we the firm resolve to spend more weekends in Houston. She may eventually have to have more babies to maintain the level of doting on this particular visit so I'm not complaining. Besides, I owe our family a debt of gratitude myself. Thanks to all who helped me get to Kathleen's from the airport. That was cool.

My favorite Magda moment of this weekend happened shortly after I arrived. Magda was on the floor showing me how she could sit up while I was in the recliner. Suddenly, I was moved to sing her a tune. I started out with Rosemary Clooney's "Hey There". Magda got the brightest smile the moment I opened my mouth and proceeded to giggle throughout my entire makeshift lullaby. It's such a joy to illicit such a response from her. And a relief to know she has such a good ear for talent. ;-)

Posted by mermu at June 15, 2005 04:27 PM

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