Take Me To The River New Orleans

We decided to skip day two of Jazzfest as the weather was rather cold and wet, instead walking around the French Quarter. When the rain came we went into a bar to escape it, only to discover that a free burlesque show was about to take place in front of about 12 customers. An interesting diversion and the sort of thing that could only happen in New Orleans.

In the evening we went to the Joy Theater for Take Me To The River New Orleans, the third such show I've seen, after London and Lafayette a few years ago. It starred three of the all time greats, but first we had an hour of NO bass player and former member of the Méters George Porter and his band Running Partners. It was high quality funk and included numbers such as "Cissy Strut', 'Sneaking Sally Through The Alley' and 'I Wanna Get Funky' but the set was too long.

After a lengthy break the show resumed with the first of a trio of legends, the ageless and irrepressible Bobby Rush. Now 88 he said he has been recording for 71 years but he still looks much the same and has the energy of a man half his age. His short but brilliant set began with one of his early songs "Chicken Heads" and an acapella version of his humorous song 'Garbage Man' on which he accompanied himself on harmonica. After an amusing monologue about his long and full life he finished with his Grammy winning 'Porcupine Meat'. It was all too short but great to see him again. Long may he continue to entertaim us as only he can. He is due to play Porretta in July. I can't wait.

Next on stage was the Soul Queen of New Orleans, the wonderful Irma Thomas. I've seen Irma dozens of times and spent many happy evenings at her former club the Lions Den. It"s always great to see her and this time was no exception. She is 82 now but her voice remains magical as she demonstrated on "You Can Have My Husband But Please Don't Mess With Man', her first hit, the exquisite 'Wish Someone Would Care', which she wrote herself, and the up tempo 'Breakaway'. Again her set was far too short.

She made way for probably the greatest living soul singer William Bell. Another age defying singer he still looks and sounds great at the age of 83. His voice is pure and soulful and after a medley which included 'Stand By Me' was quite magnificent on 'I Forgot To Be Your Lover'. What a voice and what a trio of great artists all in the same place. Wonderful.

It was back to solid funky New Orleans music from then on with the next act as the modern face of the city's music was showcased featuring Iván Neville, son of Aaron, on keyboards and Ian Neville, son of Art, and Luther Dickinson of the Mississippi All Stars on guitars. Iván is keeping the spirit of the Neville Brothers alive and was excellent on numbers such as Lee Dorsey's 'Yes We Can' and Professor Longhair's 'Hey Now Baby'. Next up was Bo Dollis Jr of the Wild Magnólia who seemed pretty good but we left at this point after a long night. It was a great night of legendary artists. Too much George Porter perhaps but definitely worth catching.