Quad City Roots

There were some new faces at the Thursday night jam session at The Muddy Waters – a funk trio with a cool sound and long-time local drummer Don O’Dette.  Powerful artist Joshua “Slim” Kane dropped by to play and sing a few songs. And Randall Ketelson rocked the stage with his own style. This Thursday, The Muddy Waters has a special feature show, so there will be no Jam. But be sure to jam with us again next week.

 

 

 

Friday night I hit Leclaire park for the River Roots Live festival. The opening act was none other than Jason Carl and the Whole Damn Band, who I just saw last week for the first time. The Carl band’s original music fits in well with the Roots theme. They have a bit of the folk rock sound that seems to strike a chord these days. Jason Carl’s energetic lead brings the band alive and infects the audience.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the north stage was the site of the next band, Low Down. I recognized keyboardist Nick Vasquez right away. This was another local band that I had not yet heard. Low Down is a newer band, and they have a great, fun funk sound. I’m looking forward to hearing more of their work.

 

 

Next up on the main stage was Maps and Atlases. The Chicago-based band has a unique sound and employs a variety of instruments to produce it. I’ll be checking out their EPs and new long-play “Perch Patchwork” soon. Maps and Atlases had the distinct honor of playing during a glorious sunset…

 

 

 

 

…and The Nighthawks finished the sunset and took over the night.  Founded in the D.C. area in 1972, this band has been working hard for a long, long time. In a lineup heavy with young bands, these old-timers are more the influencers than the influenced. With a little blues, some rock and a dash of rockabilly, the young crowd didn’t seem to mind that in some cases these guys were old enough to be their grandparents. Unlike last year’s festival, there was breathing room in the area to the front of the north stage, and people had room to dance. And dance they did!

 

 

The night’s headlining band was Keller Williams and the Travelin McCoureys.  What an amazing sound a handful of acoustic musicians can create. The bluegrass/folk sound has obviously become extremely popular, as was evidenced by the mass of people crowding the stage. For a brief time, I held my camera aloft, taking pictures over Alan Sweet’s head as he stood in the front row directly in front of me. At some point, he turned around, smiled and said…. “Would you like to be in front?” Would I ever! It was a great opportunity for some awesome photos. Check out my Flickr page for more photos from River Roots Live Friday night.

Family Groove Company was scheduled at “clean up band”. I call this slot clean up because it’s not a headline slot, is located on the smaller stage, and usually draws just enough of the crowd to slow down the number of people leaving the festival at one time.  (And avoid traffic jams) Apparently it’s not an unusual thing – I saw the same recently at an out-of-town touring festival as well.  I’m glad I stayed to check out this band though. They have a great jazz/funk sound – and produce a fun show. I was awed by yet another amazing female bass player in Janis Wallin. Not only does she play exceptionally well, but she puts on a show of her own, not far off from TUF’s Danielle Schneleben or Este Haim. Bass players – you would do well to pay attention to the ladies. They rock the house and bring it down!

Saturday I took off on an adventure, and I have no tales to tell. Stay tuned though for next week’s blog to hear about some mid-week revelry.

This week:

Remember! The Muddy Waters has a special show Thursday night, so hang on to your hats, Jam night will be back next week. The Creekside Jam has moved to Sunday night, so if you want to jam Thursday, Rascals is the place to be. Tuesday nights the Harris Collection is jamming at Brady Street Pub, and you can often find Two Peace and members of bands like the Mississippi Misfits or The Candymakers in attendance. Wednesday nights find open mic nights at the RME and Boozies.

Friday: Sunflower Slim is opening for Two Peace at Cool Beanz, Smooth Groove is at the Edje club, North of 40 is playing at Mulligans, and the Tailfins are at the Rusty Nail. The Candymakers will bring sweet sugar blues to RIBCO and the RME is hosting a CD party for two local bands: Jim the Mule and the Dawn.

Saturday: There’s a CD Release party for Eleven Fifty-two at Rascals, 1^st Impression is playing Paddle Fest at the Paddlewheel in Bettendorf with Borrowed Time, Lee Blackmon is at Bleyarts in the Village, Cosmic is at Mound street Landing, the Muddy Waters has O.S.G.