Green River Festival 7/17/11 Greenfield MA

Emmylou Harris, JJ Grey and Mofro, Grupo Fantasma, Eilen Jewell, Locos Por Juana, Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited, Wanda Jackson, Patty Larkin.

Entered the festival to the strains of Regrooving the Dream and Stranger's World two of my most favorite Patty Larkin recordings. Patty, from Wellfleet continues to pump out excellent recordings. Next up was the 73-yr young Wanda Jackson. Produced by Jack White, Wanda's new album covers Amy Winehouse and Elvis Presley. Wanda growled her way through Heartbreak Hotel, god bless her for getting on stage with her 1950's sweater in 90 degree heat. African ex-pat Thomas Mapfumo brought some highlife music to the second stage. Highlife, the guitar-percussion precursor of afro-beat has a very distinctive danceable cadence. Boston local and Greenriver staple Eilen Jewell gave the honkytonk americana treatment to the main stage. Locos por Juana a latin trio with a monstrous trombone player brought some high energy to the dance tent. Festival highlight JJ Grey and Mofro were fantastic! Swampy vocals and searing guitar leads were the reason to be here. Mofro played Brighter Days, Lochloosa, Ho Cake, an Otis Redding cover, Orange Blossom Special, and several cuts off the recent (and excellent) Georgia Warhorse release. Festival closer Emmylou Harris has been at it for years. Wrecking Ball, one of my favorite EH records was heavily tasted. Her version of Gillian Welch's Orphan Girl was a great way to cap a hot and fun day