Denver's AT&T LoDo Music Festival - Page 2

Moving on to a funky, jazzy band that gets it right all the time...

Medeski, Martin, & Wood - a long-time favorite - took the stage in the evening. Andy has been a long-time fan of the band and the way they use a standup bass, keys, and drums to take jazz to new levels. Given the way that they improvise and expand upon the thematic elements of each song, we'd be hardpressed to provide a reliable setlist. Well, that and the fact that we were just as caught up as the rest of the crowd as MM&W disassembled songs into near-punk chaos before collapsing back into a tight, melodic groove. Whereas Matt would be more of a fan if they would incorporate vocals into their compositions, Andy thinks the music stands well on its own. And, of course, he's right.

Next up was the Rebirth Brass Band, who certainly had enough energy to carry an entire concert. Three trumpets, a tenor sax (maybe a baritone?), a tuba, a trombone, a snare, a bass drum, and some cymbals. They played a never-slowing medley of popular and original melodies filled with shouts, screams, and call-and-response vocals. This was one band that demanded the crowd get involved, and get involved they did, with singing and dancing all around us. By the end of their set, we were worn out just from watching and listening - and holding up a cell phone so a friend who couldn't be there could enjoy one of her personal faves almost live.

We would have liked to have seen BoDeans and Blind Boys of Alabama, but a sudden deluge struck and drove the masses indoors. While we like the Party of Five theme song and outstanding gospel renditions as much as the next person, after a full day of festival fun, we decided to pack it in and be well-rested for the next day.

Day 2

Night two of the festival was, in our opinion, the highpoint - even though the acts
we particularly wanted to see didn't have "main stage" status, they put on a terrific show.

Article Author: Andybud

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