Jazz Fest on WWOZ, Saturday, April 26

I tune in to OZ at 11:51 NY time. Hearing overmodulation on the studio feed so I guess we're stuck with it.

They go live at 12:05 NY time. Lisa Barrios and Bob French. Bob will be talking with who? Bobnoxious. Perfect! Lisa doesn't mention the Ponderosa Stomp. Will that be on today?

Bob, I guess, was referring to Dr John, he later clues us in. Yes, the Ponderosa Stomp will be on, we later hear.

~ 12:45 NY time. We have the Berklee College of Music Jazz Ensemble on now. All the feeds sound a little muffled but are otherwise listenable. Quite a difference in levels and latency between them! I tried the Real - on both the latest Real Player and RealOne Players, iTunes and Windows Media - via Flip4Mac, streams.

This music is not my cup of tea...

Female vocalist comes on, we can't hear her well. Once she starts singing, it's fine.

1:38 NY time. Playing a reggae CD, low level and overmodulating.

1:43 NY time. Are they playing Burning Spear now? THEY DIDN'T INTRODUCE THEM! Damn. I missed the beginning of this good tune. Thanks OZ.

A nice set from Burning Spear! Hot, as in good music! Good mix! (Some overmodulation and nothing much at 6.3 k and nothing at 16k so it sounds dull at the high end.)

No One Knows Marcus Garvey, gtr is low in the mix.

2:20 NY time. Lisa comes on TOO LOUD! Thankfully they go back to the band soon.

Lead gtr is still low in the mix.

2:38. We go to Lisa and Bob and thankfully back to the band soon. Bob complains, "We just had Burning Spear." Sorry, Bob.

Other than these (only 2?) short breaks, the DJs haven't been barging in to do station IDs. Thank you.

(I just went to Burning Spear's website. Now that is some well-recorded loud music....)

"Watch your back going out and watch your back going in."

Bob mangles the promo. We hear someone official talking to them. Headphone leak?

3:09 NY time they go to "John McNeely". OK.

His mic is low in the mix, then they bring him up. Piano is very low in the mix and it doesn't get fixed. Are all sound people incompetent?

(Can't Stop Lovin You) Sax is good in the mix. Correction, was. McNeely's voice is very low in the mix though.

His vocal mic is TOO LOW!! Fix it! He's talking and we can't hear him.

Gtr is low too. Sax is fine.

All the vocals are low in the mix.

We hear "Fuck yeah!" Live on WWOZ. Jay's vocal mic is WAY TOO LOW. Suddenly it pops to a good level and then goes back to bad. Oh well.

Oh good, Bob's leaving. Robyn and Cousin Dimitri on next.

4:05 pm NY time. Bob says we're going to be going to the Ponderosa Stomp in a few minutes. Actually they're not scheduled to go to that for about two hours, if that is a few minutes to Bob...

Robyn: 'Everybody here is recuperating, recovering, rebirthing from Katrina...'

...John Boutte interview....

There is still a difference in levels between CDs and DJs. Poor production values, OZ. We shouldn't have to turn down our stereos when the DJs come on...

Robyn sounds adenoidal. Is this the way she always sounds?


Ponderosa Stomp Review with Tammi Lynn, Archie Bell, Roy Head, Chick Willis, Dennis Binder
It starts 6:08 NY time. Mix sounds good so far. Main vocal mic a little low. Sax solo is low but came up some and then he went off-mic. Piano was good and is now low.

It would have been nice to know who is on now but that would have been too forward-thinking of OZ.

One of the sax player's solos is too low in the mix. Piano is still too low.

Ah, it's Dennis Binder. Thanks Mr Stage Manager. Tammi Lynn on now. Sax solo is low for her.

She's singing her heart out. It's touching. She has an interesting vibrato in her voice. Sax is low.

Mojo Hanna. Interesting.

The band does Them Changes.

Roy Head on now. He's scaring the cat! Sax solo is still too low. DJ does ID. OK, haven't heard them in awhile. Just A Little Bit.

He sings Treat Her Right without getting to the main part.

I Feel Good.

Ah, this organ classic.

Archie Bell, Tighen Up intro!

They have to close down due to the rain. Hey, can you turn down Robyn's mic? Or are you aware of it? F'n amateurs.

See you tomorrow.

Jazz Fest on WWOZ, Friday, April 25

On the schedule,

» 11:30 - 12:20 p.m. (NO time)
Zion Trinity - Congo Square “My Louisiana” Stage

» 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. (NO time)
Big Sam’s Funky Nation - Congo Square “My Louisiana” Stage

I miss these two. I was out all day today.

i come in at 5:51 NY time... Sounds overmodulated but nice. A kickass heavy blues tune playing. Ending. (Levels on iTunes are good so it must be happening before that, i.e. at WWOZ's end.) Charles Burchell calls it "Leo's Plain Funk Gathering". This wasn't on the schedule... Jazz Fest site has it as "Leo's Rare Funk Gathering". OK. Are all OZ DJs morons? (Sorry I am being so ruthless but these things are so obvious...) Charles's level is low and stays low throughout. Is the engineer listening? is he on-mic? He sounds off-mic. Tom is front and center. Charles sounds like he is talking through a coffee cup, far away.

The CD tracks don't sound overmodulated, just the music from the Fairgrounds. Not the DJs.

6:16 (NY time) I come back from doing some errands outside and Eddie Bo's Hook and Sling (studio/cd vers) is on. So they're just killing time. Let's see when they start w/ Burning Spear.

Jon Cleary is finding all kinds of influences for Tipitina (contemporary Latin, others) in this cut.

DJs want to ID between every GD song. Liz Wright is next so I guess no Burning Spear (today). (Or Burning Spears, which is how it was written on their web page.)

» 5:45 - 7:00 p.m.
Lizz Wright starts 6:54 NY time. Nice voice but overmodulating. Good mix otherwise. Morning Glory.

Next song, suddenly mix changes but goes back to overmodulated.

Next song. Overmodulation appears to be better. No, still there.

I lose track of the songs but they're nice.

7:31 NY time. Still overmodulating.

Walk With Me. Nice.
7:44 NY time. Level goes down slightly after she peaks, overmodulation fixed I think.

No, I still hear some. Also, nothing at 16k, not much at 6.3k either so it sounds dull.

She ends at 7:52 NY time. Sondra's mic level is fine, the guy is low. Does the engineer listen to their own DJs?I know they're busy but what are they doing if not watching levels for their own signal?

Charles Burchell says the Ponderosa Stomp review is next week. No, it's not coming up next week. It's tomorrow, you moron. Typical New Orleans idiocy. I'm sure he meant tomorrow but he said next week. Too much (sun, drink, you name it).

Sondra says we're gonna take it back to the stage. No, you're going back to the studio. Idiots!

See you tomorrow.

WWOZ's Jazz Fest schedule for the first weekend

From their web page:

WWOZ will be broadcasting live from the Congo Square Stage, the WWOZ Jazz Tent, the Blues Tent, and the Jazz & Heritage Stage during the first weekend.

WWOZ’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Broadcast Schedule

Friday, April 25

I will be out all day so let's see what I can catch.

» 11:30 - 12:20 p.m.
Zion Trinity. Should be good.

» 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Should be good.

» 5:40 - 7:00 p.m. - (either this or the next group will be taped and broadcast tomorrow)
Burning Spears (should be Burning Spear). Should be good.

» 5:45 - 7:00 p.m.
Lizz Wright. I don't know her music.

Saturday, April 26

» 11:25 - 12:25 p.m.
Jazz 11:25 Berklee College of Music Jazz Ensemble. Might be good. Might not be.

» 2:05 - 3:05 p.m.
Big Jay McNeely with Jesse Scinto. Could be good.

» 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Ponderosa Stomp with Tammi Lynn, Archie Bell, Roy Head,Chick Willis, Dennis Binder. Could be good.

Sunday, April 27

» 11:25 - 12:15 p.m. - (either this or the next group will be broadcast in the early afternoon)
Paulin Brothers Brass Band. Could be good.

»11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Lil Freddie King Blues Band. Could be good.

» 1:40 - 2:30 p.m.
Shamarr Allen. I have no idea who this is.

» 2:55 - 4:05 p.m.
Midnite Disturbers Brass Band. Could be good. What is the current brass band scene like/

» 3:45 - 4:55 p.m.
Roy Young. I have no idea who this guy is.

» 5:30 - 6:50 p.m.
Delbert McCLinton. Well alright!

New Orleans soundmap!

Just found this on the WWOZ page, a soundmap for the city I love. Fantastic.

New Orleans mon amour.

New Orleans Jazz Fest

Jazz Fest is coming up! (4/25 -4/27 & 5/1 - 5/4). I won't be there but there are plenty of bands I'd want to see. WWOZ will (hopefully) be broadcasting taped performances from the 25th-27th. AT&T will supposedly air video of some on 5/3 & 5/4.
see http://attblueroom.com/music/New-Orleans-Jazz-and-Heritage-Festival/more-information.php

On Monday, 4/28, WWOZ will have their annual Piano Night, always a treat.
I'm looking forward to:
Marcia Ball, Eddie Bo, John Boutte, Jon Cleary, Casandra Faulconer?, John Gros, Joe Krown, Ronald Markham, Shannon Powell, David Torkanowsky

Here's who I would want to see at Jazz Fest. Most I am familiar with. Some I am only curious about since they have interesting names.

I will post more on all this when it starts happening.


Friday, April 25
Buckwheat Zydeco, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Burning Spear, Ozomatli, Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Terence Simien & Zydeco Experience, Leo Nocentelli’s “Rare Gathering” feat. Bernie Worrell, The Iguanas, The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Twangorama, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Zydepunks, Zion Trinity, Bonsoir Catin...

Saturday, April 26
The Count Basie Orchestra, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, NewBirth Brass Band, Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys, Eddie Bo, Big Chief Peppy & the Golden Arrows, The Original Last Straws, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Nine Times and Single Men SAPCs, The Electrifying Crown Seekers, Golden Comanche and Chief Iron Horse & the Black Seminole Mardi Gras Indians, The RRAAMS Drum and Dance, Lady Jetsetters...

Sunday, April 27
Irma Thomas, Al Green, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson, Delbert McClinton, Del McCoury, Pete Fountain, Hot 8 Brass Band, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Dolemite, Jo “Cool” Davis, Mamadou Diabate of Mali, Jambalaya, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Wilberforce University Choir, Midnite Disturbers, Lars Edegran’s New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Furious Five, Carrollton Hunters and Flaming Arrows Mardi Gras Indians, AsheSon, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Percussion Inc., Percussion Inc., Ninth Ward Navajo and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians...

Thursday, May 1
Randy Newman, Tower of Power, Deacon John, Luther Kent & Trickbag, Porter- Batiste-Stoltz, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Creole Zydeco Farmers, Walter Payton & Filé Gumbo, Hot Club of New Orleans, Topsy Chapman’s Tribute to Dinah Washington, New Orleans Rhythm Conspiracy, Panorama Jazz Band, Mighty Chariots of Fire, Joe Torregano, Billy Iuso & the Restless Natives, The Melody Clouds, TBC Brass Band, Small Souljas Brass Band, The Golden Wings, Red Hawk and Geronimo Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Company...

Friday, May 2
Art Neville, Stevie Wonder, Richard Thompson, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Marva Wright & the BMWs, Papa Grows Funk, Sunpie’s Tribute to Clifton Chenier, Zigaboo Modeliste, Bonerama, John Boutté, Soul Rebels, Coco Robicheaux & Spiritland, Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Bluerunners, Wanda Rouzan, Ann Savoy’s Sleepless Knights, Butch Thompson, New Wave Brass Band, Tuba Woodshed, Belton Richard & the Musical Aces, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pinettes Brass Band, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, New Orleans Mardi Gras Rhythm Indian Section,

Saturday, May 3
Marcia Ball, Steel Pulse, Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Henry Butler (only if he doesn't sing), Aaron Neville’s Gospel Soul, John Mooney & Bluesiana, the subdudes, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Charmaine Neville, The Dixie Cups, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, James Andrews, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Pine Leaf Boys, Treme Brass Band, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Feufollet, Pinstripe Brass Band, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Young Guardians of the Flame, Westbank Steppers, Valley of the Silent Men and Pigeon Town Steppers SAPCs, Golden Blade and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians…

Sunday, May 4
The Neville Brothers, Santana, The Radiators, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Snooks Eaglin, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tribute to Mahalia Jackson feat. Irma Thomas, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Lost Bayou Ramblers, New Orleans Spiritualettes, Zulu Male Ensemble, Tribute to Tuba Fats, Highsteppers Brass Band, Black Eagles, Hardhead Hunters and Apache Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Lady Rollers and CTC Steppers SAPCs, Young Traditional New Orleans Brass Band, Young Magnolias and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Original Prince of Wales and the Original New Orleans Lady Buckjumpers SAPCs, Tornado Brass Band...

Stopping feeding the birds

I am having a hard time stopping feeding the birds. I have a suet
feeder. (I don't feed them year-round because the fallen seed will
attract rats.) The suet ran out today and hearing what seemed to be
some plaintive cries, I gave in and put some more out. I know they
can survive without it but it just seemed that some were upset that
my supply wasn't there, their songs sounding just a little bit
worried/upset.

Things are greening up slowly here and I've started to see some moths
at night, so insects are becoming available for the birds and I guess
seed and other goodies are available all year-round. Still, I don't
want to disappoint them. I will miss their songs when I stop feeding
them since most will move away.