Ry Cooder And David Lindley

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Not long ago I wrote a special post about the musicians we’ve lost recently. It seems that we’re at the point of a high rate of attrition in the world of Southern Rock and Classic Rock.

I don’t like having to feature too many obituary/RIP type posts. It get a little too morbid for me, when what we really enjoy doing is just celebrating the awesome music that we love.

So I was very happy to see this video show up that reminded me of a show from many years ago, and brought back some great memories.

New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival

Back in the 1990’s I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival a few times. Along with a couple times spent in the French Quarter during Mardis Gras.

Back then, N’awlins was pretty much my favorite place in the whole world. Despite the passage of time, and some less than favorable life circumstances throughout the years, it still is.

Both of these world renowned events tend to get a little crazier than I prefer, it turns out. But believe me when I tell you, a less than perfect day in NOLA is still a hell of a lot better day than just about anywhere else.

Having just spent some time just thinking about the musicians and heroes we’ve lost recently, I was beyond happy to see this video pop up. I’m about 98% certain this is the show I was at all those years ago.

It was the perfect timing for this video to find me. And I wanted to share it with you all too.

The Gospel Tent

We had been at the festival site for a little while that day, taking some time to absorb the small stages featuring indigenous cultural artists they had setup under the grandstands.

We closely watched our programs outlining all of the musical acts performing at each stage throughout the the day. Turns out there were two of particular interest that had sets back-to-back, at locations very close to each other.

We made our way to the Gospel Tent where the Staple Singers were performing. Pops Staples was still with us back then, and they put on a remarkable performance.

That is to say, they had church!!

The Ray-Ban Stage

At that time the Gospel Tent was positioned at one end of the track, behind the Ray-Ban Stage. And the next show that we wanted to catch was coming on right after The Staples.

Ry Cooder and David Lindley were about to take the stage so we hurried along. We took our place, what little place we could find, amidst the mass of humanity in front of the stage.

I don’t like being in the middle of a crowd, I prefer to be up on stage. But this particular occasion was an exception. The opportunity to see two of my favorite artists live, together is one of the best memories that I have.

The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is an iconic event with a long and extensive history. It’s been a long time since I’ve been, and it seems that some of types of music have changed rather dramatically. I suppose that is to be expected.

But if you are a music lover and you don’t mind being in the middle of huge crowds, it is definitely worth the experience.

Laissez les bon temps rouler.