WOMADelaide 2018 – Worth The Distance

Most artists that perform at WOMADelaide travel a long way to get there. As Cuba’s young jazz sensation Daymé Arocena told the crowd during one of her festival sets, it was a 36 hour journey for her and her band.

Despite those gruelling travel distances performing artists are inevitably seen on WOMADelaide stages smiling and speaking genuinely of how blessed they feel to be there. And for good reasons.

Daymé Arocena live concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Daymé Arocena at WOMADelaide 2018

They are programmed to perform amongst hundreds of incredibly diverse and phenomenally-talented music, arts and dance artists from all corners of the world. Those performances are to crowds who are warm, friendly, welcoming, open-eared and super appreciative of the chance to experience them. And they happen under sunny blue skies amongst the magical trees of Adelaide’s Botanic Park.

WOMADelaide 2018

Like each festival past, WOMADelaide 2018 was a delightful 4 day feast of non-stop live music, dance, theatre, food, art installations, workshops, environmental speakers and more. Punters could take their pick of genres ranging from classical Indian, electronica, Australian hip hop, Latin fusion, contemporary psychedelic jazz, highlife from Ghana, Icelandic/Swedish folk to Malian desert blues – and lots more in between.

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LA’s tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington and his band The Next Step brought the refreshing flavours of progressive jazz to WOMADelaide.

Kamasi Washington live concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Kamasi Washington

Every single note played in this set was a joy to hear. And the obvious display of humility, respect and appreciation each musician on stage has for one another, was a pleasure to watch. Every player had their turn to shine while the others listened. And Kamasi Washington was happy to use 15 minutes of his 75 minute set to play one of his “favourite songs in the world”, written by “one of his favourite musicians in the world”, The Next Step’s keyboardist Brandon Coleman. The remaining set time was given to songs from The Epic and Washington’s more recent EP Harmony of Difference. And all of it was simply sublime.

Brandon Coleman live - WOMADelaide 2018

Brandon Coleman

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Humility by Kamasi Washington – Harmony of Difference

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In stark contrast to Kamasi Washington’s set was the main stage closing performance that followed from Havana Meets Kingston– led by Melbourne’s Jake “Mista” Savona.

With 14 or so very talented and experienced musicians in the group including long-established legends like Jamaica’s Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and Winston “Bopee” Bowen; and Cuba’s Barbarito Torres, Rolando Luna and Julito Padron, this show could have been spectacular. What it was in fact, was underwhelming.

Julito Padron - Havana Meets Kingston - WOMADelaide 2018

Julito Padron

Rolando Luna - Havana Meets Kingston - WOMADelaide 2018

Rolando Luna

 

 

 

 

 

 

The group progressively lost the crowd to other stages or home as loose, seemingly unrehearsed songs from the Havana Meets Kingston album were played; and, as Jake Savona gave directions to musicians over the microphone and delivered long-winded, narcissistic commentary in between songs about how he came up with and put the project together.

Thundercat, aka bass virtuosic, singer, songwriter and producer Stephen Bruner, was another refreshing and welcome inclusion in the WOMADelaide 2018 program. Most songs in his set were from his latest album Drunk, which he asked the crowd if they had before stating with a laugh “Isn’t it messed up?”. Thundercat fans would get why he’d say that – but I’d say kooky, humorous, musically complex and innovative, awesome and utterly unique are better descriptives.

Thundercat live concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Thundercat

Hearing Stephen Bruner, Dennis Hamm (keys) and Justin Brown (drums) play their instruments live, especially jamming out within songs, each with insane levels of musicianship and skill, was simply one of those crazy-amazing music experiences we’re all looking for.

Dennis Hamm with Thundercat - WOMADelaide 2018

Dennis Hamm

Justin Brown with Thundercat - WOMADelaide 2018

Justin Brown

Hear a sample of Thundercat’s awesomely “messed up” Drunk tracks here:

Them Changes by Thundercat Featuring Flying Lotus – Drunk

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WOMADelaide did another wonderful thing in bringing one-of-a-kind New Orleans group Tank and the Bangas to Australia for the first time. Despite the tough gig they landed in facing the burning afternoon sun they gave a stunning and energetic performance. The band played flawlessly but it was hard to take your eyes and ears off beautiful lead vocalist and poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball as she sung her heart out and bounced around the stage poking her tongue out, dancing, smiling and otherwise sharing her delightful personality and artistry.

Tank and the Bangas concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Tank and the Bangas

Having spent the past 6 months recording a new album, not playing live shows, Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela admitted to being a little nervous to start. Not surprisingly it only took them a few minutes on stage to settle back in and “remember what to do”. Individually as musicians and together as a duo, they proceeded to create that indescribable guitar magic they’re known and loved for worldwide.

Rodrigo y Gabriela live concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela live concert- WOMADelaide 2018

Rodrigo y Gabriela

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nai Palm (Hiatus Kaiyote) was also a 2018 festival highlight. She performed this show on the heels of her recent solo album release Needle Paw – showcasing those songs in mesmerizing harmony with the the album’s three back-up singers as well as the Adelaide bats.

Nai Palm live concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Nai Palm

Good vibes of the musical and other sorts were created by all WOMADelaide 2018 participants. There’s no doubt they should (and do) appreciate that WOMADelaide exists in Australia to bring everyone the distance and make them smile.

Thievery Corporation concert - WOMADelaide 2018

Thievery Corporation

You can check out video footage of WOMADelaide 2018 live performances by Nai Palm, Thundercat, Kamasi Washington & The Next Step, Havana Meets Kingston, Pat Thomas and Daymé Arocena here. And find more photos from those and other WOMADelaide shows on Facebook.

New York City Music Delights

How do people living in New York City find the time to work when the music and dance experiences on offer seem endless? That’s what I asked myself daily as I struggled to fit in the bare necessities of sleeping and eating while fulfilling my one and only New York commitment: soaking up as much live music and dance as possible. 

I rose to the challenge, managing to fit 50 music and dance events into four happy weeks. Some I wouldn’t choose again if I had my time over. But any disappointments at the time didn’t matter. Knowing that the next day in New York and every one after would bring many more, is a blessed thing and a heavenly feeling for any beaver on the beats.

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Choices Choices Choices

Getting on top of the live gigs and parties on offer and selectively choosing between them is key to finding yourself the most sublime of musical experiences in whatever time you have there. Of course if you’re actually living in New York City it’s a different story. Missing out on one act because you’ve chosen another on the same night, or because you have to work, isn’t a big deal ‘cause the one that got away this time will play another show soon enough.

In The Summer Time

If you are music-holidaying then it’s best to pick a Summer-time visit. Festivals, concerts, parties, dance comps and other music events happen all year round in New York City. But like most places in the world the warmer months bring a whole lot more. And lots are free. Checking out the programs for Summerstage, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, Northside Festival and Blue Note Jazz Festival is a great start.

Kamasi Washington live concert - Northside Festival 2017

Kamasi Washington & The Next Step at Northside Festival 2017

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Plan To Be Gluttonous

So many shows you want to get to, some of them the same night and only 24 hours in a day. Yep, it’s tough. But you can fit more into one day than you think. Lots of venues have early and late shows to choose from in a night. The same artist is often playing both. Short and long term artist residencies are common so you might have multiple nights to catch them. Parties and dance comps happen at all different times of the afternoon and evening. 

Know what’s on when, be organised and you can move from one event to the next with gluttonous ease.

Cross Its Boroughs

Geographically speaking New York City isn’t actually that big. But the cultural diversity found between and within its different neighbourhoods is incredibly rich and beautiful. Getting a feel for its many flavours and discovering your favourites by checking out music events all over the city is super-rewarding.

Higher end clubs might be your thing. You’ll find plenty in hoods like the Meatpacking District. Jazz heads will find lots of choices in West Village and Greenwich Village. You can place yourself in a more uptight environment at venues like Blue Note or the Village Vanguard; or go for a friendlier, freer, less pretentious vibe at venues like Smalls or its nearly sister club Mezzrow.

Happier in outdoor music spaces? Then head to a joyous weekend party on Coney Island Boardwalk. Or hang out in Central Park and wander between African drummers and dancers, Summerstage concerts, a men’s doo wop group and dance skaters.

Robert Glasper Experiment - SummerStage 2017

Robert Glasper Experiment at SummerStage 2017

To check out hip hop’s birth place get to The Bronx for a dance competition. Party an afternoon away with Puerto Ricans in a Spanish Harlem park. And get your skanking fix at a reggae gig in Jamaica, Queens. Dress up and cross city lines for a concert at New Jersey Performing Arts Centre. Or maybe you’re brave enough to make your way through the freaky of Times Square for a live show at BB King.

If you’re comfortable amongst a privileged, hipster crowd then choose gigs in the super-gentrified Williamsburg. To experience a broader reflection of Brooklyn’s diversity get to a family friendly, good vibes concert at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival.

Bilal live concert - New York 2017

Bilal at Celebrate Brooklyn 2017

Venues Matter

Consider venues when you make your event choices. A venue and the people it brings, no matter what the band sounds like, can make the difference between a good and a bad music experience.

If you don’t want to be in a crowd of people talking so much it’s hard to hear the performance; or trying to dance on a sticky floor with alcohol spilled across it, you’ll need to give some venues a miss. I went to three frustrating gigs like that at Brooklyn Bowl before I reluctantly had to cross it off my options list despite its great program of acts.

Son Little live concert - New York 2017

Son Little with Soulive at Brooklyn Bowl

If you’d rather be in a space where people around you are there to actually listen and appreciate the music; where it’s simply understood or you’re expressly asked not to use your phone, you’ll find joy at venues like Smalls, the Village Vanguard and Blue Note.  For a totally unique experience of that kind, check out regular open mic nights like All That Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz at Nuyorican Poets Cafe.


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The Seasoned and The Fresh

Long-beloved artists who’ve been making and performing music for many decades won’t be around to do so much longer. You might want to prioritise their shows over those of younger acts while you still can. Sometimes those choices will pay off. Sometimes not.

Making the mission to Only In Queens Summer Festival to be amongst all corners of the world hearing George Clinton and the all-ages members of Parliament Funkadelic kill it on stage again, was the perfect choice.

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic live concert

Paying dearly to sit through the tackiness and cheese of tassled, sparkly, bikini-clad dancers fawning over Ronald and Ernie Isley as they performed at The Isley Brothers concert was not.

The Isley Brothers live concert New York 

It’s Your Thing by The Isley Brothers

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Turns out after all that my most rewarding New York event choices were to check out the fresh sounds, many of them improvised, being created by more contemporary acts – especially the ones playing in more informal, laid-back venues. Kris BowersJoel Ross Good VibesKeyon Harrold, Robert Glasper Experiment, Taylor McFerrin with Marcus Gilmore and revered Tiny Desk winners Tank and the Bangas were amongst them.

 

4 Am by Taylor McFerrinEarly Riser

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Tank and the Bangas live concert - New York

Tank and the Bangas at Blue Note

Party Picks

Parties put on in bars and clubs. Neighbourhood block parties. Rooftop parties. Parties on Coney Island Boardwalk. Parties in city parks. Vinyl Parties amongst the neon lights of Times Square. New York City is a music and dance lovers’ delight for its choices of dope parties. One of your best chances for finding them is to regularly check events posted on DanceDeets. And of course when you find a DJ you’re into, follow him or her to their next gig.

Visual arts lovers could wisely choose to start their Tuesday night at the Delancey for Collage NYC. There you can dance to killer DJs as New York City artists create musically-themed artworks before your eyes.

Collage NYC Live Art Tribute to 2Pac 2017

Inbox Full

Discover all your choices by keeping a check on social media sites for upcoming shows by your beloved artists; and subscribing to venue and event mailing lists until your inbox can’t take no more. 

These here sites will give music-holidayers a heap of choices to start filling their New York City Summer days and nights: Governors Ball FestivalNorthside FestivalSummerStageBlue Note Jazz FestivalBRIC Celebrate BrooklynHot 97 Summer JamBrooklyn Academy of MusicAfroPunkBrooklyn BasedNew York Live ArtsBrooklyn Bazaar –  Do NYCThe Joyce TheatreJazz at Lincoln Centre92yLe Poisson RougeSmoke Jazz ClubSmalls LiveMezzrowRed RoosterZinc BarThe McKittrick Hotel –  Fat Cat – 55 BarArlene’s GroceryBowery ElectricNuyorican Poets CafeThe KitchenBB King BluesMinton’sNational SawdustBirdland Jazz ClubSymphony Space –  Brooklyn Bowl Blue Note Jazz ClubHighline BallroomCielo – DanceDeets.

“The Music Capital of the World”

One time in Colombia a musicologist told me that Bogota is the music capital of the world. Now for sure Bogota has a rich and thriving music scene. But I had to doubt his statement in light of what New York City is famous for offering.

I’ve now been music-holidaying in both cities and am sure he was wrong. Even if there is such a thing as “the music capital of the world” New York City must trump Bogota and most, if not all world cities as being It, surely? Every scene, every music genres and every type of event is available for the taking in New York – seven days and nights. So I’ll never figure out how its music loving residents find the time to work. But I know it’s a heavenly-sublime city for any beaver on the beats to live in or visit.  

Breakdance battles - Brooklyn, New York 2017

 

Get your glimpse here of a tiny handful of the countless New York City music events that went down in Summer 2017.


Check out more videos by clicking on the artist/event name:

George Clinton & Parliament FunkadelicThe WhispersKamasi Washington – Keyon HarroldBen Williams bass soloTalib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch & The Soul Rebels  – Alice SmithBilalKris BowersSon Little with SouliveGriz with SouliveCover Story Doo WopThe Isley Brothers  – Taylor McFerrin & Marcus GilmoreRobert Glasper ExperimentKarl Denson with SouliveTank and the Bangas  – Joel Ross Good Vibes – Lesedi Ntsane  – Break 4 Justice Dance BattlesFinal Dance Battle – LGNDS: The Return