June 7, 2007

Mountain Jam Review & Photos - Day 1 - 06/01/07

Start the morning driving up from Newark, beautiful day about 80 degrees and anxiously awaiting another weekend of outdoor music. Drop off our luggage and head over to Hunter Mountain as the clouds are rolling in (please not another Friday like Jazzfest). As we grab our tickets and head for the entrance there is a long line of campers waiting to get in with ice chests, tents and some with kids in little red wagons.

Finally the entrance is let open and I peruse around the place while I listen to the Felice Brothers, a local band from New York that is a bit unkempt with the look but smooth with the music. I would put them in the alt-rock genre but hit a bit of country with "T For Texas"(no, I did not stand up and salute). Their vocals are a bit worn but energy level is certainly high.

Felice Brothers MusicRoadMan.com

The Louisiana influence comes to Yankee territory as Papi Mali starting out on the Main Stage with Cass Faulk on bass and Robb Kidd on drums. The dreadlocked grandfather of swamp funk starts out with "Do Your Thing" off of his new album of same name and "Firewater". The new stuff continues with "Girls In Bossier City", a step back to his younger days living in Shreveport before he closes out his set with John Lee Hooker song, "Bottle Up And Go".

Papa Mali with Robb Kidd on drums, Cass Faulk on bass MusicRoadMan.com

The high humidity certainly had the New Orleans Social Club feeling at home as the sun was setting and a cool breeze blowing in. All the guys were great as each one took turns showing off his craft on their respective instrument and Ivan Neville was having a bit of trouble with the sound man. Growing up with his Dad and uncles makes him a perfectionist as most musicians are and makes for a great show whether he with these guys, the Neville Brothers or his band, Dumpstafunk. Leo Nocentilli was his usual masterful self on guitar and Henry Butler worked the piano to get the crowd into the funky groove. After "Walking to New Orleans", Warren Haynes makes an appearance to a much delighted crowd for "Fortunate Son".

George Porter Jr. & Ivan Neville MusicRoadMan.com

George Porter Jr. & Warren Haynes MusicRoadMan.com

Leo Nocentelli MusicRoadMan.com

The faithful are gathered tight in front of the stage as Gov’t Mule finally makes an appearance and starts out with "Creep’ and the peeps are screaming and neon sticks are flying through the air. This is my first time seeing Mule and I was helped along by Tom and his son Tommy from Bar Harbor Blues Authority as they are huge Muleheads and gave me guidance on song titles, lyrics and general knowledge of the band. I only stayed till toward the end of the 1st set and was jamming to "Blind Man" as I was heading out to the gate. Look forward to the two sets tomorrow though. I apologize for the night pictures being a bit blurry as I am a bit of novice with a new digital camera.