Stomping 2010 - 4

Wednesday in New Orleans was a quieter day with just a free concert in Lafayette Square by Marcia Ball in terms of music. I caught up with Pierre, a soul DJ from Melbourne and great photographer, who I first met a couple of years ago and went for a few tinnies.
Yesterday was the first day of Jazzfest second weekend and what looked like a mediocre line up proved to be pretty good. Highlight, for me, was Elvis Costello, who played a varied set with perhaps a few too many weakish newer numbers, but who was in fine voice and had an excellent band. There was plenty of good zydeco, with C J Chenier, Geno Delafose and Joe Hall, some blues from Bernard Allison, an interesting interview with Dee Dee Bridgewater (plus dog), some brilliant gospel from the Inspirational Souls of Chicago and some N'Awlins stuff from Classie Ballou, so a decent day overall.
In the evening we went to the House of Blues to see L'il Band of Gold do a tribute to Bobby Charles and what a night that proved to be. As well as some great renditions of Charles numbers from members of this Cajun supergroup (Warren Storm, C C Adcock, Steve Riley and David Egan), there was a string of high quality guests making appearances during the show, including Dr John, Tommy McLain, Jon Cleary, Shannon McNally and, memorably, Elvis Costello, who duetted on Before I Grow Too Old with Tommy. All the great Bobby Charles numbers were there, including Jealous Kind and But I Do and finishing of with See You Later Alligator. A great night.