Sunday Summary - Well shortly after 5:30, I met backstage with Cyril Neville. I had my friend Greg Aiello shoot stills and Arthur Shim work the Canon HD camera. The interview went well. Cyril gave me a lot of insight into the Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans neighborhoods and the relationship the community has to music. Cyril and I talked after the interview for some time and we agreed to stay in contact to continue our conversation.

Photo courtesy of Arthur Shim

Immediately after that I met up with Dr. John and we walked and talked our way over to his bus. Once inside we sat down and talked about Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. His insight into the status of Monk within his community and his influence amongst Mardi Gras Indians was revealing. Mac expressed a sense of urgency about the steady decline of New Orleans' link to the Mardi Gras Indian past, worried that large parts of their history are being threatened and destroyed.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

After that interview, I ran back to the sound board to set up my camera for the Neville Brothers. Unfortunately for me there were far to many people to get a clear shot. However, there must have been close to if not more than 3000 people there. The combination of the weather and the music brought so many people to the park. I did manage to get some amazing audio from the first three songs, but shortly after that I was out their dancing and having a good time.

The Neville Brothers set was spectacular. They opened with "Fire On The Bayou" as the sun was beginning to set on the south side of the canyon. They ran through all the classic as Cyril Neville took a commanding lead on the vocals. Aaron and Cyril are an amazing combination of passion and soul. Aaron delighted the crowd with "Tell It Like It Is", and brought tears to people's eyes with "Amazing Grace" for the encore before playing "One Love" by Bob Marley. Charles was as always destroying the Saxophone, I love his stage presence and the way he leans into his solos. Mean Willie Green of course was rocking on the drums and had an amazing percussion duet with Cyril. The brothers are truly living legends and I highly recommend that you see their tour if you have a chance.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello


After the show, the party was backstage. I met and talked with Papa Funk and Charles, as the entourage of people began lining of for autographs I took a step back to take it all in. In the unique experience that is Telluride, the raw beauty of the landscape is captivating and the people are truly special. Here in this tiny town, you can see and hear world class music and then meet the musicians that make it happen.

So this ends the live blogging. In the days and weeks ahead we will be posting more videos and interviews. You can also find us online on Facebook, Myspace and YouTube. The blog will continue through out the year and will undergo changes in design along the way. Thanks for reading and check back soon.

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5:25pm - Time to get ready for Cyril. The bus just pulled in and the boys are looking good and rested. Papa Funk is signing autographs with a big smile. The rest of the boys headed backstage. Talk to you all soon.

5:15pm - Right Place Wrong Time, hell yeah!! I hope you are all listening to WWOZ right now.

Photo courtesy of Arthur Shim

4:50pm - The band is having fun and Mac is on the attack, I like the new stuff. I'm going to have to go and pick up the album.

4:38pm - The Dream Warrior has landed!

4:15pm - Time to work on my questions for Cyril, and set up the camera for the first few songs of Dr. John. I was able to get a feed from the board which is awesome with all the wind.

4:07pm - Wow, the closing song of Dave's set was "Favorite Things" by Coltrane. Amazing, he's so good, and his group was spectacular. Coming up next the Dream Warrior, the Night Tripper, the infamous Dr. John.

3:40pm - Back in the park after going home to change. It's a beautiful day, a bit chilly, but gorgeous. Dave is doing his thing. I can say that I appreciate his ability to take his time. He is very aware of time and space in his music, it traces back I would guess to his time with Miles in the early 70's. Such an amazing progression, I like the work that he is doing with Joe and Ravi for the Saxophone Summit. They just finished a cover of Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman".

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

3:02pm - Dave Liebman's set has just started, with a great introduction by Herb Wong, one of the premiere Jazz Critics and DJ's from the late 50's to the early 90's. Herb was the artistic director for the Telluride Jazz Celebration from the beginning for five years and will always be remembered as a Jazz educator. It's great to have here today.

2:34 - Simone leaves the stage to a standing ovation after a blazing rendition of "Feeling Good". For those of you in NY, she has a show June 21st at the Village Gate. August 10th she'll be at Lincoln Center.

2:14 - Just met up with Dr. John's manager and the interview is set! Heard from the Neville camp and I'm going to meet up with Cyril around 5:30pm.

2:07 - Talking about her mother, she tells the audience a secret. She recalls that her mother never considered herself a singer, that instead she thought of herself as classical musician, and that is why her mother was shocked when she told her that she wanted to become a singer.

Photo courtesy of Arthur Shim.

1:37 - Simone breaks into "Keeper Of The Flame" after the band runs the opening number. After the song she speaks to the crowd that she is the keeper of her mother's legacy, and that the song reminds her of the wonder and beauty of her mother.

1:25 - Simone takes the stage and the sun is shinning, the wind is up and the air is cool. The last day of the festival is called New Orleans day, last night in town there was nice second line. Coming up later today of course will be Dr. John and The Neville Brothers. Yeah you right, we gonna have a good time!

2:40am - Done with work and just in time, turns out we are hosting a house party. See you all in the morning.

1:35am - Just got a text that the Moon is going off. Maelstrom Trio plus members from Grupo Fantasma and Stebmo jamming down on some New Orleans classics.

12:15am - The Opera House is rocking a good crowd. Saw Joe and Francisco kicking it in the audience. Time to head home and work on the interviews, although I heard that the Maelstrom Trio is bringing in special guests at the Moon for their second set.

11:35pm - On my way to the Sheridan Opera House to listen to Dave Liebman.

11:15pm - Backstage to say goodnight. Simone invited be to see her in NY on June 21st at the Gate.

10:45pm - Simone brings the show to a close with a song she wrote, that addresses her feelings as a child dealing with the absence of her mother as she traveled to perform. Each note climbs into your soul and rips your heart to shreds. The raw beauty and passion is in sharp contrast to her playful nature and warm presence through out the night.

10:10pm - Simone absolutely graces the stage. Her songs are interwoven with stories of her mother and her childhood. At 46 she is full life and confidence. Her personal tribute to her mother takes you on a journey through time.

9:20pm - Out the door with Greg, Louise, Morgan, Travis and company. We are heading to the Palm Theater to see Simone. I'm going to film the first few songs.

8:30pm - The computer is importing all of the shots from today, time to take a disco nap.

8:15pm - Back at the house. I stopped by the merch tent to buy the Grupo album. Whoof, soooooo good.

8:00pm - Duty calls or there is no way in hell I would leave this show! Grupo is killing it right now. Seriously check them out online. Anyhow, after our interview, Simone invited me to film her show tonight at the Palm. I'm getting a camera from RSN that records right off the board, and then I'll be filming from the front with the HD camera.

Alright, I'm going to dance for one more song and then I'm out of here. I'll see later tonight. Check out the site in the morning for some hot video action.

7:45pm - Ok kids, the word of the day is called Cumbia, learn it, know it, do it! From what I can tell Austin, TX has to be pretty freaking cool if this band is from there.

Grupo Fantasma Website.

7:25pm - Wow, you know what happens when you run home to get cleaned up so you can just roll with the party when you get back? Uncontrollable Funk, that's what!! Damn Grupo Fantasma is the shit, I'll say that again the shit. If you like this music, you will like the Pimps Of Joytime, just remember who told you about it.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Aiello

6:42pm - Jovan Jackson has left the stage. Great to have him here in leu of McCoy Tyner. I'm going to make a quick run to the house and then back for Grupo. I'm only going to make a few updates for Grupo, I'm going to be dancing for that one after I get done filming. There will be some more updates this evening beginning again at 8:00pm.

6:37pm - Joe Lovano is world class, that's all I can say. The interview went well and we have some nice background music courtesy of Jovan Jackson and Les McCann. Jovan is rocking his encore right now. I would love to know more about him. Perhaps next time. Grupo Fantasma is coming up next, I'm excited to see them. I feel some booty shaking coming on!

6:05pm - Alright, Joe's set we are just going to run a quick interview backstage, there is no time to go anywhere. Greg Aiello is working the camera for me.

5:50pm - Waited in line for dinner. The Staff eats after our patrons. RT from WWOZ just pulled me on air for a quick interview, had me talking about my time in New Orleans. So twice in one month I've been on WWOZ, I'd say things are going well. So I have to give a shout out to Byrce Nice, check out the Block Party on WWOZ and my boy DJ Concerned. You can hear our radio show, the Soulatomic Radio Show every Thursday from 11 - 2pm on Radio Johnson(http://www.radiojohnson.net).

Alright, time to check out Joe, although Javan Jackson is killing it right now, doing an Eddie Harris cover of "Freedom Jazz Dance", if you ask me, nobody plays that song better than Dr. Lonnie Smith. Sitting in with him of course is the amazing and talented Less McCann. They such a good sound together, it's great to finally be able to see them both live.

Photos Courtesy of Greg Aiello

5:25pm - Getting ready for the interview, what do I ask? Here's what I'm thinking:

1.) What are your influences Joe, as an ice breaker, yes, no, maybe.

2.) What's the legacy of Michael Brecker, what's their friendship? How was the decision made to replace him with Ravi Coltrane?

3.) Is there anyone he hasn't been able to play with yet?

4.) What young musicians is he excited about?

Alright, I think I know what I want to ask. Time to eat.

5:18pm - Just spoke with Joe and he's agreed to an interview after dinner. Great, because I'm starving. Stevie Wonder is blasting on the PA. The celebration is now on auto-pilot and folks are in full on party mode. Damn, what a great decision to move the celebration to this new time in June. I'm loving life right now.

5:08pm - Joe has left the building and wow, it will never be the same. The crowd is on fire, the weather is amazing, the festival is kicking into high gear. I have a feeling that tonight it is going to be off the hook around town. Ok, I need to try and catch up with Joe.

4:57pm - Joe Lovano KILLED IT!! The crowd is on their feet screaming "Encore..Encore" Wow, that last tuned was called "Viva Curuso". Just before that they played Coltrane's "Spiritual" and an amazing tune called "Dawn Of Time".

Joe is visibly excited from the reaction of the crowd. The band is taking the stage again for an encore.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Aiello

4:21pm - Just got back from the Hotel Telluride where I filmed Plum TV's interview of Simone. So much to write about there. I'm going to go back update the blog in a min. Right now Joe Lovano drummer Francisco Mela is settling into an amazing solo. He's truly destined to become one of the greatest jazz drummers ever.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Aiello

4:00pm - Simone is great, I have a crush on her indeed. She almost made me cry during the interview. The spoiler surprise of the interview is...yeah right. You'll have to see it in the morning. You will be surprised.

3:30pm - Simone's on her way down.

3:21pm - Time for sound check and to clear the lobby.

3:15pm - Just heard from the RSN network, they are having camera troubles, I might just get my wish after all. I still have to work out with Cyril's people when and where the interview will go down tomorrow. Its starting to come together nicely.

3:00pm - Talked to Simone's manager the interview will go down at 3:30pm, I really want to get back for Joe Lovano's set at 4:15. Hopefully I can get the second interview done quickly.

2:55pm - I'm at the Hotel...way to early...I thought it was further away. I missed lunch.

2:14pm - The show is over, a long pause of silence, with an honest but brief strong round of applause from the audience. I think some people secretly loved it, but were afraid to go there in public.

Alright, I have to pack up and drive up to the Hotel Telluride to meet up with Plum TV and RSN, we are going to interview Simone, I hope to make it back in time to catch the end of Joe Lovano's set and grab an interview with him.

2:04pm - What was that?! The sun is out and I want to crawl into a hole inside my mind. The contrast between the surrounding beauty and the esoteric sounds on stage is really testing my limits. RT from WWOZ thinks they are just doing it all, "this is something the audience has to want work for".

I think people are getting scared. It's to diaphanous...sheer, it's not good for the daytime. I'll be curious to see how people respond later. Without the bottom you are missing a piece of the puzzle that is Telluride.

1:22pm - A daytime reprise from last night's show at the moon. the punk jazz sounds of the Maelstrom Trio with special guest "Stebmo" have just begun.

1:00pm - Heading into the park with Kathleen, missed the All Stars, the weather is spectacular, albeit the wind is high and makes for extra work setting up cameras, mics, tents, etc..

12:45pm - One of the unsung heroes of the celebration is Lucy, who is our Director of Communications. She keeps the radios working and the conversations flowing. She upgraded by radio status to secret service.

12:15pm - Time to pack up and hit the office and catch the rest of the Telluride Student All Star Jazz Ensemble. Tune into WWOZ and get your groove on.

11:50am - A phone call to Morgan and the Moon will be unlocked in a few minutes. Steve's alright, he has an album out called "Stebmo" that dropped in April. You should really check it out.

11:40am - Steve Moore is at the house drinking some coffee. He's suppose to sit is with Skerik and the Maelstrom Trio today, however his trombone is still locked up at Fly Me To The Moon.

11:15am - I'm working on cleaning out the camera and getting ready for today. I'm hoping to interview Joe Lovano today along with my interview with Simone. Computer is downloading slow, I need to get a move on.

10:30am - I'm being shaken awake, and I hear a voice asking me if I would like coffee, bacon and eggs with blueberry pancakes. Thank god for friends, and boy what a night. We called it quits are around 4:30am.

1:00am - Finally, Simon Lott just started off the second set with a nice beat, Coogan's coming in on the bottom nice and slow, and Skerik is toying with with top. I feel a dance party coming! See you all tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

11:45pm - Late night at the Moon, The Maelstrom Trio is starting off with an abstract set. It's not going over well with the crowd.

9:15pm - What a great show, the whole day was amazing. The biggest surprise was the weather. Hot, sunny, not a cloud in the sky all day. Day one is down, it's time to get ready for the night.

8:55pm - "Pass The Peas" - Encore!!!

8:49pm - "Funky Good Time" into "What You Know About Funk", the chorus dropped in with "We Come To Drop The Funk"

8:40pm - Maceo invites his backup singer Marva Wright, who use to sing in the James Brown Show, to come up front on the mic. Damn, she just laid into a sick cover of Lyn Collins' "Think"!

8:35pm - Maceo is still holding it down and going strong. Just got word that I will definitely be interviewing Cyril Neville on Sunday. I have the Simone interview tomorrow and the one I'm really excited about is of course Dr. John, also on Sunday.

8:18pm - The sun has finally set behind the ridge, Maceo just dropped into a nice groove and the crowd hasn't let up once. Maceo, just called out the crowd, telling them to get on up on the dance floor.

8:10pm - "Pass The Peas"...into "Papa Don't Take No Mess"...wait for it, back into "Just Give Me Some More", Hey now.

8:04pm - "Just Give Me Some More"...hell yeah!!

7:40pm - Maceo just launched into a killer version of "Make It Funky"

7:25pm - Grabbed the first few songs, time to see Rube again, for another Gin & Tonic.

7:15pm - Maceo is taking the stage, and I'm going to film the first few songs.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

7:05pm - Ok, I said it before and I'll say it again Bettye LaVette is a sexy sexy woman, with so much class and style it hurts. That was the best interview of the day. Greg Aiello stepped in and took some shots as well. Looking forward to seeing the photos.

6:50pm - Hooked up with Romona from Plum TV, we are heading backstage to meet Robert and Bettye.

6:45pm - It looks like Bettye is wrapping up her set...hey now, just heard from Robert her manager that she will let us interview her back stage in 10min., this is coming together nicely.

6:40pm - Time to see Rube in the tent, I need a Gin & Tonic.

6:35pm - Maceo is the man! Wow, wait until tomorrow when you can see the interview. I asked him three questions and then sneaked in a fourth. Can you guess what they are?

6:25pm - Got word from Natasha, Maceo's manager, that I can interview him on his bus in FIVE MINUTES, holy crap!!

6:10pm - Just finished shooting the first few songs of Bettye's set. Great stuff all around, she sounds better then ever.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

5:40pm - Wow, 47 years in music and Bettye LaVette is still one the best female vocalist alive. She is so sexy!

5:05pm - Just confirmed an interview with Simone for tomorrow afternoon. That's so exciting, I'm really looking forward to her set. Right now we are still listening to Joe play in front of the Crescent Super Band. Working the angles to get an interview with Bettye LaVette tonight.

Caleb Chapmen the band leader for the Crescent Super Band getting interviewed by RT on WWOZ.

4:54pm - Joe Lovano is ripping it up side by side with the Crescent Super Band!

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

4:20pm - The Crescent Super Band from Utah is blazing away. They are all high school kids from Utah. Word is that Joe Lovano is going to sit in with them later in their set.

3:45pm - Son Como Son just finished their set, so good. We are working on getting the video online in few minutes. Up next the Crescent Super Band is set to hit at 4:15.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

3:23pm This is what I see from the WWOZ Tent. They were kind of enough to let us plug into their wireless. TR who hosts the show Jazz From The Market which airs every Tuesday from 4-7pm on WWOZ is hosting our live broadcast from Telluride.

3:14pm - Cezar Bauvallet is killing it, OMG!! The weather is amazing.

Photo courtesy of Greg Aiello

2:45pm - Son Como Son takes the stage.

2:30pm - Opening Ceremonies & Sponsor Reception begin!

9:20pm - Having made back to town we are heading over to Los Montanas to see the Telluride Jazz All Stars rip it up some more. These kids can lay it down!

8:30pm - WE ARE OUT!! I'm leaving with an insanely huge group of people, if the shuttle driver doesn't return soon, we are stealing the bus. At the very least I hope he doesn't mind our dance party in the back.

7:50pm - Ok, still no food. The chef they hired is to slow. She was personally cooking individual pasta dishes that looked and smelled great. At the bar tenders know how to make a stiff drink.

The people here are great. I've met a ton of patrons and some of the musicians. Everyone has a story and a reason why they love Telluride. For the most it's the beauty. It seems to me that most of the locals have had the same experience, they came to Telluride unexpectedly, fell in love and never left.

6:40pm - Arrived at the lodge, the All-Stars are killing it! The line for food is way to long. While waiting for a drink, I met Joe Lovano. He's was in my opinion the smoothest cat in the room. Nothing but style, I'm looking forward to hearing him play. I hit him up for an interview on Saturday, we'll see.

6:10pm - Heading to the gondola with Morgan, Travis and Jereb.

5:50pm - Back to the house to get dressed for the Patrons Dinner at Mountain Village.

4:10pm - The gallery is cool, I'm hanging at Elinoff & Co. the manager Deane is dropping the knowledge about the art and folks in town. I finally get to meet up with Ramona from Plum TV. They are teaming up with us on some of the interviews. Turns out Romona is also a kick as snowboarder. We have a lot in common.

3:40pm - Back in the office, things are hectic as usual but right on track. To much going on for me, I'm going over to check out the art opening and do an interview with Plum TV.

3:25pm - True to their word, the stage crew was well on their way to being done by 4:00. The production this year is a huge step up. Full lights, back line, the works. Really excited to see it all in action. Brown Note Productions is a top notch group, and they know how to have fun. Stopped in to check out John Gerona from F&B Catering. Mmmm Hmmm, I can't wait to eat!

3:15pm - With the footage downloaded on the computer it's time to check out the box office. It's sprinkling outside, not raining, just a little sprinkle. I picked up my credentials and headed out to check the progress on the main stage.