The four-day Strawberry Music Festival near the western edge of Yosemite National Park is one of my favorite places to check out new music. The spring version of the festival wrapped up last weekend (there’s also a fall Strawberry each Labor Day weekend) and it was a beauty.
Regular Strawberry attendees breathed a huge sigh of relief as the weather was perfectly sunny and warm. Last spring, four days of cold rain pretty much drenched every one’s spirits.
Attendance was noticeably down at the festival (it typically sells out), but for those who came, the lower numbers made for an easier, more tranquil time (easy to park and set up camp, plenty of good places to sit). The chatter was that the recession was the culprit. I’m sure last spring’s rain didn’t help, and neither did a rise in ticket prices — adult four-day passes are now $200.
In my opinion, that ticket is still a pretty good bargin for 21 bands and four nights of camping.
Anyway, I didn’t see every act, but of the ones I caught, here’s who really stood out for me:
The Devil Makes Three
There are several young groups out there playing old-timey music. This is one of the best I’ve seen — totally unique sound, great groove jammers, excellent, creative lyrics, mysterious style. I’d been listening to the group’s music a bit, but they were even better live than the recording I have. Some of the sound reminded me of early Dylan.
Mike Farris & the Roseland Rhythm Revue
Oh my gosh, this is an over-the-top gospel/soul group led by a guy who has enough energy to power a small city for a month. Farris has a huge voice and kind of looks like a cross between Jack White and Johnny Depp. What a performer he is — almost like old-school gospel preacher. His backup band (including two of the most amazing singers I’ve ever heard, the McCrary Sisters) creates this huge wall of sound that builds and builds. Testify! I’ve been hit by the Spirit of the Lord!
The Flatlanders
What an incredible trio of songwriters Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock are. Their new album, “Hills and Valleys,” is a total gem. I’m going to see them again tonight at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room (I’m a groupie). Not a wasted word and true Texas soul.
Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives
Marty can continue to wear the big hair and leather pants, because he’s one of the best pickers in the entire world. He’s off the charts on mandolin and he played a lot of great electric guitar as well. I liked the set that went from high-energy electric country to more traditional bluegrass.
Eilen Jewell
Didn’t know anything about her coming in, but she has a sweet voice with a little edge to it, great songs (gotta love “Codeine Arms”) and a terrific band. Her excellent new album “Sea of Tears” is well worth the download. Genre? Kind of alt-country with some rockabilly and straight-ahead rock.
The Red Stick Ramblers
Loved the showmanship and energy of this great group out of Louisiana playing Cajun tunes with twin fiddle, country swing and more. I think they were really loving the beautiful people of NorCal.
Other shout outs:
I’ve seen Michael Franti a bunch, but he deserves his status as a star and he’s great with kids. The Greencards were mighty fine pickers. Ruthie Foster with her own band was incredible (the woman can flat out sing). Ron Thomason from the Dry Branch Fire Squad continues to be a hoot.
