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 John Mayer |
 Gary Clarke, Jr. |
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Review and photos by Mary Andrews The New Orleans Jazz Fest is a lot like sex - the worst I ever had was wonderful" and 2013's fest is no exception! The only thing that can put a damper on it is torrential rains. So far, the first weekend we've been lucky with great weather!First stop was the blues tent for some Guitar Slim and Allen Toussaint. It's a good start to a fest with 11 stages and you need to orient yourself to the many offerings looking delicious on your plate and then decide who to see and who to miss. Slim and Toussaint were dressed to the nines and ready to let the good times roll with their heady mix of jazz and blues. Next up was Anders Osborne! This was an hour of righteous rock music played the way its supposed to be played - by taking no prisoners. As one audience member said "it doesn't get any better than this!" My favorite tune was "I Almost Cut My Hair." David Crosby never played it better! The next treat was Gary Clarke, Jr! His reputation has grown very rapidly as the next guitar hero. His guitar chops rival Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix. However, he stands almost entirely still, and his default facial expression appears to be a sort of stoic. Still, as he portends in his song, "Bright Lights"... "you gonna know my name." I caught the last two songs from Dr. John. His new band was cooking, too! I wanted to see more, but Jazz Fest is choke full of SO many choices! From Dr. John, John Mayer hit the stage having all the stage presence Gary Clarke, Jr. was missing. Mayer has everything. He is studly, has showmanship, and a guitar virtuoso! He had to cancel his appearance last year due to throat surgery. I could not hear the difference in his voice. He had his "mojo working" to say the least. His guitar licks appeared effortless as he leaned more toward a bluesier style filled with grit laced mud. |
 Gary Clarke, Jr. |
 Guitar Slim |
 John Mayer |
 Dr. John |
 John Mayer |
 Anders Osborne |
 Guitar Slim & Allen Toussaint |