(c/o Jambase)
Words by: Scott Schinder | Images by: Jacob Blickenstaff
Ponderosa Stomp :: 04.28.09 & 04.29.09 :: House of Blues :: New Orleans, LA
But, the Stomp's mission remains the same: To honor the cult legends, unsung heroes and forgotten visionaries who first put rock 'n' roll on the map, and to showcase these still-vital survivors in an appropriate, respectful and fun manner. In contrast to the purist vibe that undermines so many roots-oriented music fests, the Stomp presents a stylistically diverse array of artists whose common thread is their musical and emotional authenticity. Those qualities were out in force in the Stomp's 2009 installment, which featured the fest's most impressive lineup yet, with more than 50 acts on two stages over the course of two marathon nights, which ran from 6:00 p.m. to around four in the morning.
Nowhere is the Stomp's commitment to quality more apparent than in the consistently first-rate house bands that provide backup for most of the performers, and which provided a powerful contrast to the inept and/or unsympathetic pickup combos that are an occupational hazard for veteran performers. The versatile roots-rock guitarist Deke Dickerson and his Eccofonics provided stellar support for several rockabilly and blues acts. Equally noteworthy was another Stomp backup mainstay, veteran Louisiana blues guitarist Lil' Buck Sinegal and his band, The Topcats, including Stanley Dural (aka Buckwheat Zydeco) on soulful Hammond organ. Sinegal, Dural and company were the backbone of a New Orleans-themed mini-revue that included "Barefootin'" originator Robert Parker and Mardi Gras poet laureate Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. And the legendary studio band of Memphis' Hi Records label memorably reunited with Otis Clay, to revisit some of the triumphant soul sides they cut together in the '70s.
The two-night sonic orgy finally wound down on an appropriately delirious note, with an extended set by Chicano garage-rock pioneers Question Mark & the Mysterians. Ever-flamboyant frontman Question Mark's over-the-top antics left the hardy late-night throng exhausted, elated and ready for Ponderosa Stomp 2010.
Continue reading for more pics of the Ponderosa Stomp...
Alton Lott | |
Johnny Powers | |
Carl Mann | |
Cowboy Jack Clement | |
Teenie Hodges | |
Otis Clay with the Hi-Rhythm Section | |
James 'Blood' Ulmer | |
Texas Johnny Brown | |
Dale Hawkins with James Burton | |
The Remains | |
Howard Tate | |
The Legendary Stardust Cowboy | |
Dr. Ike | |
Ray Sharpe | |
Kenny and the Casuals | |
Lady Bo |
Lil' Buck Sinegal | |
Jerry McCain | |
Lazy Lester | |
Lazy Lester with James Burton | |
Warren Storm with Lazy Lester and James Burton | |
Robert Parker | |
Ernie Vincent | |
Tony Owens | |
Skip Easterling | |
Earl Stanley (center) with Mike Hurtt | |
David Batiste | |
LC Ulmer | |
Dan Penn and Bobby Emmons | |
Roy Loney and Cyril Jordan with the A-Bones | |
Roy Loney and Cyril Jordan with the A-Bones | |
Roy Loney and Cyril Jordan with the A-Bones |
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