Musssssic

You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of music he/she listens to. It speaks volume about their nature and true character. For me, it's difficult to go a day without it. When the music is ALL right, I feel it in my bones and it resonates hard.

That's what drew me most towards taking this trip to Nawlins. Brandon and I had never been. Playing Funk and Jazz for a living and having never been, the trip for him was necessary and to be a part of his life, THIS life that is music, (to me) is extraordinary. I had to partake and I had to push him to go to this yearly music Mecca that is Jazz Fest.  

 While we were out at the fairgrounds to witness the music,  It rained. HARD. Then the sun came out, and the rain just kept on comin. Thunder and lightning came next. 

Thanking the Universe for these music tents

 The constant change of weather felt so good for some odd reason. As if no one seemed to care that they were dirty wet deep. It just felt too good to be pissed off by bad weather when your surrounded by the best of music

and the sweet strolls of Second Line Marching bands and Mardi Gras Indians to liven up the crowds.

This trip was awe inspiring for us both. It's different down there. The musicians are so intertwined with the people and the city. They hardly seem like celebrities. Just everyday people really, playing music for the town they love.

I don't know how Brandon does it sometimes. Play music that is. To do it for a living. To love what you do and to constantly put yourself out there, in front of hundreds of thousands and give every part of yourself through your instrument. There's nothing more real then that. It's one of the most beautiful things to ever witness and it keeps my soul growing, humble and inspired. 

Eyes are beginning to shut. I'm tired. But Before I go, I want to hit you with the good stuff. Below are two videos I recorded via Galaxy S3. The first is my favorite from all the nights of music. It was truly an awakening experience. Gracing you on stage is Dr. Lonnie Smith and accompanying him is Wil Blades (brotha from anotha motha) on the Hammond B3 organs. The sultry horns played by The Chief himself, Mr. Donald Harrison. On drums is the powerful rhythms of Mr. Herlin Riley and Will Bernard on the geetar. 

The second video is a another night at the infamous Blue Nile located in the French Quarter. Brandon on drums. Nawlins' own Corey Henry on trombone. Joe Cohen on Sax and Wil n Will hitting the stage.

Apologizing in advance for the shaky hands as I tried my best to keep still. Just close your eyes and listen. Music is always better that way.