It's 3AM in Seattle-ish right now, but it's TIME to bring you the final four bands from my Day Two at Seattle's annual Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival! What a day it was, starting out with Sharon Jones and Tony Bennett, and then The Young Evils, The Dirtbombs, and Mudhoney. No time to slow down, music fans...time to run over to the Tunein Stage for Lee Fields & The Expressions! Mr. Fields was giving me major deja-vu as I photographed him...it was exactly a year prior that I had been shooting Charles Bradley on the very same stage, singing a similar blend of retro soul review, James Brown swagger, touches of gospel, and early rock n' roll, too. He was a way cool cat! (Click on the photos to enlarge and click on the Flickr links for more!)
(Lee Fields & The Expressions Bumbershoot Flickr set)
Performing at the exact same time on the Starbucks Stage was Ian Hunter & The Rant Band, so that's where I headed next. I definitely wanted to see Ian, the legendary leader of '70s glam band Mott The Hoople. Unfortunately, at the time I arrived, some technical difficulties with feedback was proving frustrating for Mr. Hunter, but it all got worked out. I shot for a bit and then went over and got some awesome FREE Starbucks drinks from the fastest and nicest baristas around, and watched a few more minutes of the show. Ian has a brand-new album out this week with the highly-topically-titled "When I'm President."
(Ian Hunter and the Rant Band Bumbershoot Flickr set)
I've seen Portland, Oregon's Blitzen Trapper once before, at a KEXP concert at the Mural (which, locals know, is the Starbucks Stage for the duration of Bumbershoot), and really enjoyed them. This time, the band was on the Sub Pop Stage playing their unique blend of Americana/Indie/Country/Rock to a large and devoted crowd. There were beards, cigarettes, and very very very very bright lights.
(Blitzen Trapper Bumbershoot Flickr set)
I can't think of a better way to end an amazing day than to finally be able to see legendary rock n' roll pioneer, Wanda Jackson, and her backing band The Dusty 45s. Itty bitty teeny 'lil Wanda is like nothin'-ft. tall, but with some heels, high hair, and a great big personality, she is larger than life onstage and is truly the "Queen of Rock." In her mid-70s now, Wanda is clearly delighted to be performing once more, and the crowd just loved the heck out of her, and with good reason. What a treasure she is! The Dusty 45s seemed just as excited as the audience to be hangin' out with Ms. Jackson, and added great, authentic musical chops to the mix.
And with that, I packed up mah gear and went home to catch a little sleep before Day Three of Bumbershoot, and with THIS, I'm going off to bed NOW. See ya tomorrow!
© Copyright 2008- Marianne Spellman