Bluesfest 2013 – Day Two
DAY 2
Taj Mahal Trio
Taj Mahal, donning an awesome Hawaiian shirt, came out and delivered as flowing set of slow Orleans tunes. Sarah was hanging out for ‘Cheatin’ On You’ (being a big fan of the Jon Cleary cover) but by 2/3rds through it all became a bit sameish. We went off to catch the remainder of the uke prodigy Jake Shimabukuro’s set.
Jake Shimabukuro
We scooted into the APRA tent mid-way through Jake’s rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which was simply incredible. The crowd watched in complete silence, not one person casually talking to the person next to them. His set included some percussive rhythms on his ukulele which spun the crowd into a frenzy. It’s hard to describe just how perfect his tone and control on an often unforgiving and small instrument was. He is undoubtedly the best ukulele player in the world! (both now and for a long while to come, I’d say)
Steve Miller Band
With so many big hits one would be easily be guilty for unfairly expecting to much from Steve Milller Band. They good news is: they deliver to your highest expectations! One of our main reasons for coming to Bluesfest, Steve Miller pleased the crowd with hit after hit, which made you realise just how extensive his catalogue is. From the first note the sound was full, focused and dynamic. The über experienced Kenny Lee Lewis on bass, Joseph Wooten (yes, of the legendary musical Wooten family!) on keys and the smooth vocals (and moves) of Sonny Charles lifted Miller’s songs to the highs at which they belong. Miller also threw in a few acoustic songs which were distinct and brilliant. Although the band was also brilliant, this showed that he has no trouble holding his own in an intimate acoustic setting. The only complaint for the set? We wanted MORE MORE MORE! (there was still a little time for ‘Living in the USA’!)
Santana
With Santana making his guitar talk, three different sets of percussive instruments and a horns duet – they were hardly ever going to lose. An instantly cinematic and upbeat sound filed the tent. It was hard not to get excited upon hearing Santana’s signature guitar sound. Of my particular liking was “Foo Foo’ off the Shaman album, which I wasn’t expecting they’d play. It was played with the intensity and flair the recording testifies to. The slap/pop exploits of the bass player were expert and highly impressive – the best bass player for the festival). The worldly sounding set also contained an insane conga solo which even got to the point of including elbows!
