2009 Telluride Jazz Festival – June 5th- 7th

Been off doing the working thing and not doing any updates since my last trip to Telluride, but here I am again for the Telluride Jazz Celebration.

Since I left the “Cubicle From Hell” at the end of 2008, my intention was to take a few months off, eat well, gain a few pounds and work a bit on this website and a few other ideas I have in my head. About a week went by and had a phone call from somebody I worked with a long time ago inquiring about my availability.  I was initially reluctant but said he was looking for people to work from home.

Long story short, I moved from the “CFH” to the “Man Cave” and it is a much happier place to be….  but my original intentions went totally down the toilet.  Well, I have gained a few pounds.

So I am back in the mountains for a little time away and here is what I have to offer as far as pics.  My camera abilities seemed to have went to hell on Friday watching On The One and Ozomatli so that is why no photos of them, my bad…

I am a little partial to the bands from New Orleans ( ok, a lot partial) so that is why I have a few more shots of them vs. other bands.  I first saw Christian play with Donald Harrison several years ago and caught him with his own band at Voodoo Fest in 2007.  A huge talent and if he is ever near you, make sure to catch a performance.

Whatever butts where not out of the seats for Christian’s set, Rebirth Brass Band unearthed the rest of them.  I can’t count how many times I have seen these guys over the years and even with a revolving crew of musicians they still are always a crowd favorite.

A great way to end Saturday with the funk of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.  Met him last year at JazzFest and was  not only nice but extremely funny.

The Balloon Festival was also going on this weekend and Rebirth did a 2nd line down Main St after the fest with the Balloon Glow.  Wind was up a bit so the balloons were not out but they did have a few people letting off a little gas.

The Donald Harrison Quintet started off playing straight jazz but toward the end of the set had the peep’s on their feet with New Orleans standards such as  ”Iko Iko” and “Hey Pocky Way”.  Huge kudos to the piano player who came down with altitude sickness but never missed a beat inhaling oxygen from a bottle the whole set.  And for all the trivia buffs out there, I did not know that Christian is Donald’s nephew.

Hands down my favorite performance of the weekend was Lizz Wright.  Not sure why she has not crossed my radar before but will be on my list as a must see in the DFW area or elsewhere.  Not only great with her band but her voice certainly was fantastic a cappella.

The weekend ended with the Jimmy Herring Band with just straight up instrumental.  Super tight band but after a few songs with the wind picking up and the sun going down, it was back to the hotel.  Another great weekend in the Rocky Mountains….