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Post by elmorejames on May 23, 2014 9:48:53 GMT -5
(Sorry for the lateness, Memorial Day Weekend already got me throwed. In the interest of theme, let's pretend this was posted a day earlier.)
Big Sam's Funky Nation
Friday - What 1:45 - 2:45
Bio: Big Sam’s Funky Nation is a driving force of urban funk. Ryan White, of the Oregonian, says the band is “tight enough (and hot enough) to turn coal into a diamond!” The band is led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the top man on the slide trombone in the birthplace of jazz.” Big Sam refuses to let the audience sit still. Between the band’s solos, Big Sam’s signature dance moves and his distinctive trombone riffs, the energy level is high voltage when this band takes the stage!
The Funky Nation is a stellar group of world-class musicians who meet the challenges of their funky band leader. BSFN’s signature Noladelic Powerfunk sound masterfully combines a rock sensibility with improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that’s the hallmark of big band funk.Big Sam began playing with the Dirty Dozen at the tender age of 19 before striking out on his own and creating the Funky Nation. Big Sam powered-up the horn section on the critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated, “River in Reverse” and is prominently featured in "Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade" the concert tour DVD. While touring with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, in the Fall of 2006 and Summer of 2007, he earned consistent reviews as a musical force and star soloist. Big Sam has played with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, and Widespread Panic. He has also shared the stage with U2 and Green Day for the emotional and energetic re-opening of the Superdome which was broadcast live on Monday Night Football.BSFN is a festival favorite across North America and their contagious tunes and memorable live performances have attracted fans far and wide, ranging from France, to the United Kingdom, to Greece, to Brazil, to Canada. BSFN is a favorite on the festival circuit and has sealed its mark on the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Gathering of the Vibes, Telluride Blues & Brews, Doheny Blues Festival, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival, Wakarusa, Voodoo Music Experience, Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival, LEAF & many more.
My take: On Friday, May 22, 2009, I took a pretty redhead out on a first date, and we went dancing to the music of an ultra groovy New Orleans band called Big Sam's Funky Nation. Today, she's my wife. That's the magic of Big Sam.
Some might remember when Big Sam played Bonnaroo in 2010 and basically stole the festival. He played a ridiculous seven shows in four days: on the What Stage, roving through the campground, Sunday morning gospel on the Sonic Stage, in the VIP tent, an impromptu second-line through Centeroo, and two more I can't recall. Basically, he lives to play funk music. His tour schedule won't allow him to be quite as busy this year, but he's nonetheless the type of guy who will make the most of every second.
Like almost all of the New Orleans diaspora who frequent Bonnaroo, Big Sam's set weaves in a lot of off-the-wall covers. I've seen him play great renditions of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" and Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison", though you'll see in the videos at the bottom that he's recently brought a lot more hard rock to his set. It's going to be hot and unforgiving at the main stage during his set, and that's a time I generally try to avoid the What altogether, but I'm making a rare exception for him.
