BOB Profile: Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk
August 30, 2013
Le Petit comedy deals with Youth’s rebellion
August 30, 2013
We’ve all had the experience of seeing a favorite or familiar act live and noticed a relative dead space when the artist says, “This here’s one from our new album – hope you like it.” Rare is the song that grabs you upon first listen, so weeks later after you have heard those new songs three or four times you retroactively “enjoy them” at the show.
Well, here’s your chance to latch on to several of the BoB Fest headliners’ “new ones” now. Buy them, listen to them and enjoy them at the Fest (while the more clueless folk standing next to you try to process them on the spot).
ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND headline BoB’s Saturday night closing slot, and they are certainly up to the task. Their new one, LICKETY SPLIT, is the closest thing to a live album recorded in the studio that I’ve ever heard. Check out Randolph’s last album if you want some nuance and dynamics; this one’s all about the party. With titles like “Amped Up”, “Take the Party”, and “Get Ready”, the album’s mission statement is quite clear. Besides those roof-raisers, there’s a gospel-tinged rave-up (“Born Again”), a slow-burning tall tale (“Blacky Joe”) and two guest appearances – “Brand New Wayo”, featuring Carlos Santana, while Trombone Shorty blows on “Take the Party.” Two covers spice up the mix: “Love Rollercoaster” and The Rascals’ “Good Lovin”, destined to be crowd favorites.
Randolph even throws in some social messaging when he greets returning war veterans (“Welcome Home”) and gets a little testy with the one percent in the title track. Throughout, Randolph’s pedal steel works its magic on the grounded funk numbers and skywrites when he lets it take flight. It’s hard to listen to this one without busting a few moves, and there will be plenty of that action when he plays this thing live for us Saturday night.
ANDERS OSBORNE sits in with Randolph for several songs. He’s been quite busy putting out music with last year’s BLACK EYE GALAXY, and this year’s EP, THREE FREE AMIGOS. He’s got a brand new one coming out the week after BoB Fest so we’ll have more Osborne to check out after the show.
Osborne seems to be on a quest to eradicate all boundaries between himself and his audience. His well-documented struggles with addiction fuel some of the darkest-night-of-the-sole blues stompers ever recorded. Galaxy features several cuts in this vein but Osborne always leavens the darkness with the light. The contrast is startling and the more effective for being so drastic. Amigos shows off his quieter, less intense side and lets the listener know that Osborne has a balance at his core that will ultimately vanquish his demons. (Bonus Tip: If you want to see my nominee for the best album cover of 2013, check out Osborne’s website for his new album, (“Peace”).
JASON ISBELL is a confessed voracious reader who can’t help working in literary themes and techniques into his songs. Think more Larry Brown than Barry Hannah. His detailed sketches and vignettes are delivered with naked truth-telling.
These traits have never been more evident than on his new one, SOUTHEASTERN. Recently cleaned up and re-married (to the very talented singer/violinist Amanda Shires), Isbell proves that his muse was not fueled by the bottle. Gorgeous melodies and sympathetic varied arrangements keep the listener’s attention riveted on his vivid storytelling. While these personal changes have coincided with his most quiet and contemplative album, there is never a dull or trite moment. This is an album you can live with as a trusted companion. To listen to it is to know Isbell’s a grown-ass man who fearlessly confronts his past while looking with some optimism to the future.
Don’t worry about the BoB Fest, however. I’m sure he’ll please the crowd with the entirety of his catalog, which features rockers and even some spritely R&B. But when he plays some of these new cuts, prepare to be touched at your core.
IVAN NEVILLE AND DUMPSTAPHUNK
After just releasing their second album, DIRTY WORD, the sound here is massive, with two bass players (one of them, Tony Hall, is a native son) and a new drummer, Nikki Glaspie, who also is blessed with serious lungs. This is an album, much like Randolph’s, that demands to be played loud and preferably at a house party. You’ll hear strains of George Clinton and his Parliament/Funkadelic armada, along with the slapping base groove that Larry Graham perfected. (See Graham’s “Water” for Dumpstaphunk’s tribute to him.)
Neville and crew also work in some social commentary and spiritual uplift. Their special brand of rocking funk provides the sugar to help that medicine go down. Of special note are the push-and-pull stuttering of the title cut and a remake of Betty Davis’ acid R&B rocker, “If I’m In Luck”, where Glaspie spits out the lyrics like a woman with retribution on her mind.
HONEY ISLAND SWAMP BAND was born in Katrina’s wake when the NOLA natives were sheltering in San Francisco (because Cleveland was full?). They continue with their winning formula of heartland roots rock spiced with our never-duplicated gris gris on their latest, CANE SUGAR. A true group effort, the album finds the members trading songwriting and singing chores. They also give each other ample space to solo, slide guitars and keyboards taking the lion’s share. You’ll hear echoes of classic Little Feat, Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead, but you’ll hear them done in the service of Honey Island’s own SoLa groove. Several numbers are strictly or mostly acoustic with a front porch vibe—mandolins and harmonicas are prominent. The rhythm section is deceptively swinging, not letting you forget their origins. This one goes down smooth, with a lasting finish.
Other acts with new or newish product out are Kermit Ruffins (We Partyin’ Traditional Style), Marcia Ball (Roadside Attractions), Eric Lindell (West Country Drifter), Susan Cowsill (The Hobart Brothers with Lil’ Sis) and our own Baby Bee (The Shaker), among others. All are worthy of your time and yes, your purchase.
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Anders Osborne
Anders Osborne
Jason Isbell
Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk
Honey Island Swamp Band
