I used to work in a building that also held a local jazz club. It was so cool to be heading out to lunch and bump into Arturo Sandoval or Taj Mahal, or any number of other greats just standing around outside smoking or catching some sun before setting up for their show that night. More than a few homeless in that area too, and often hard to tell them apart -David Binney carries his own sax btw.

Twas a spur of the moment kinda thing.  I was waiting for the next load of artists/volunteers to head to site, and out the hotel door walks Neko and Kelly.  Not being a shy guy that day, I approached them with a big 'ol grin.  Heh.

And at a different festival, short notice driving duties for Branford Marsalis and Chick Corea were pretty fun too.

Working festivals is a pretty good gig.  In addition to catching all or most of the shows, you can get to meet some pretty cool artists.   Like a couple years ago when Jimmy Cobb walked with me as we headed to the festival hospitality suite, through a wedding party that had spilled out into a hallway at our host hotel - none in the party were aware of this legend in their presence.  Jazz artists are mostly invisible to the average person.  So cool.

Oh yeah.  I've met her, shook her hand one fine morning, and had the pleasure of driving her to her sound check prior to the show.  And wanna do it all again.   

Indeed.

I love the song "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth"...  Neko is awesome...

 

Need a few minutes alone?

You should listen to her more...

 

Years later I still get off on the jangly guitar and her vocal reverb.