Thursday, June 30, 2011

06/19/08 Medeski Martin & Wood/Ceramic Dog/Taylor McFerrin @ Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, NY

Having formed in Brooklyn, my favorite trio returned to its stomping grounds for this free Celebrate Brooklyn gig.

The lax security at Prospect Park allowed us to smuggle in a bag of wine so the night became slightly hazy.

Opener McFerrin was enjoyable if forgetable.

Ribot was skronky if not especially melodic. For his stylistic elasticity in a studio gig, he often seems apt to the polar opposite in many of his solo endeavors.

The headliners played a danceable improv-heavy set highlighted by a Ribot sit-in.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

06/13/08 Mavis Staples @ Central Park SummerStage, New York, NY

Mavis Staples is best known for "I'll Take You There" and her collaboration with The Band on "The Weight" at The Last Waltz.

Both songs were highlights of this free show in the park.