Playlist: The Revivalists' Jazz Fest favorites
Ahead of their set at the historic Jazz Fest in their hometown New Orleans, the soul/rock seven-piece shares a playlist of Big Easy favorites with USA TODAY.
Listen along here:
Dr. John - Qualified
"Your socialite ain't no better than my hot dog stand. Your edu-ma-cation ain't no hipper than what you understand." This is why we love the doctor.
Beck - Dreams
After releasing a slow, relaxing, rainy day record, Beck reminded us he can still make a chart-topping hit whenever he feels like it. Only a handful made it into his last club show in New Orleans, and have been raving about it for the last year. If his past performances are any indication, you won’t want to miss his set this year.
Galactic, Juvenile - From the Corner to the Block (ft. Juvie & the Soul Rebels)
Brass Bands and Rapper are two connecting vertebrae in the musical backbone of the city. Gregory D and Mannie Fresh were pioneering new sounds that were lightyears ahead of the nation in 1989, and Galactic and Juvenile may have perfected the sound on From the Corner to the Block. These types of collaborations are uniquely New Orleans and often developed from street parade, second-lines, and onstage at Jazz Fest.
Naughty Professor - Prune Juice
Naughty Professor is one of my absolute favorite up-and-coming New Orleans acts. They're a stunning group of musicians with bold arrangements that have a tendency to turn on a dime from crisp, syncopated, funk into thick, nightmarish breakdown grooves. This song perfectly encapsulates why I'm a fan.
Val Hollie - Be A Man
New Orleans is home to a lot of different kinds of creative music beyond what traditionally comes to mind. One of the best things about Jazz Fest is the ability to find different kinds of music at the fair grounds and in the extracurricular shows that last all night.
Dr. John - Me Minus You Equals Loneliness
One of our favorite songs from one of the most iconic New Orleans artists of all time. I can’t listen to this song without it giving me goosebumps.
My Morning Jacket - Victory Dance
The slow burning freight train of a track is bigger and better live. My Morning Jacket might be the original Indie Rock Jam Band.
Rebirth Brass Band - Why You Worried 'Bout Me?
No Jazz Fest playlist is complete without a song by the Rebirth Brass Band. For over 30 years they've pushed the edges of a tradition that dates back to the early days of New Orleans. This track captures the infectious energy of their raucous Tuesday night residency at the Maple Leaf Bar.
The Neville Brothers - Yellow Moon
Widely considered the first family of funk and New Orleans music royalty, The Neville family exudes the pure essence of Jazz Fest. Rightfully so, The Neville Brothers band would traditionally close out the Acura main stage every year.
Maze, Frankie Beverly - Joy and Pain
It’s a Congo Square tradition to close out Jazz Fest with Maze and Frankie Beverly. Just practice your Electric Slide, because you’ll need it whenever they get to this track in the set. Don’t be surprised if all of Congo Square joins in.