A great story has been published on Jambase.com as a retrospect on New Orleans music and the most recent New Orleans Jazz Fest. Having been in New Orleans for about nine of those festival days, I realized I didn't miss much. I also realize how much more there was going on that I didn't even know about.
Jazz Fest is the real slice of New Orleans and it felt good to be home among fellow musicians and local residents. This Jambase viewpoint complements the wealth of music activity among all the local clubs. This year was different though with all the national press presence and the observation that perhaps Jazz Fest could jumpstart the resurrection of the city. I believe it has.
How much music is there? Never enough. From the sweet tones of Herbie Hancock on the keys to a tent full of older ladies dancing to Pete Fountain to Henry Griffin doin' his devil dance on stage with the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars. It's overwhelming to think back and ponder how rich a culture New Orleans must be to share all this with the rest of the world. New Orleans is the soul of America. New York City may be the greatest city in the world, but New Orleans is the greatest city in the United States.
If you don't believe how amazing this experience could be or how amazing it simply is every year. Buy some Jazz Fest downloads yourself and support the artists immediately!
Still not convinced? Watch any # of Jazz Fest performances on MSN Video! Come on, still don't believe me? If The Edge was there to represent the Music Rising Foundation, something good must be happening!
Just check out Jazz Fest attendees' videos on YouTube.com. Be sure to catch Bruce Springsteen's performance of "City of Ruins" with the Peete Seeger Sessions Band. It was a moment. I look forward to many more.
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