I’m all about Dr. John and enjoyed him wildly recently in New Orleans and at Prospect Park so I was relishing the chance to see him in a venue with acoustics as opposed to outside. The circumstances were special – a three week residency (consecutive Thursday through Saturday engagements) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with a tribute to Louis Armstrong the first week, material from his new album Locked Down the second, and a New Orleans bit the third.

I made it to a show on the first and second week and, against my expectations, the first was a lot better.

The Louis Armstrong tribute boasted a ridiculously talented rotating crew of A list talent including my favorite two trumpet players in the world Roy Hargrove (review of another Roy Hargove show)and Arturo Sandoval. That would have been plenty but it was only the tip of the iceberg as The Blind Boys of Alabama and Rickie Lee Jones were involved among many others. The latter singing Makin’ Whoopee and the former most memorably singing Wonderful World. The love and respect the musicians showed to Armstrong’s legacy were the launching pad for a magnificent evening in which Dr. John shone brightly while, as he said, performing his duty to pass on the music of the man who turned the whole world on to Jazz.

Coming off that performance, I was determined to hear his new material especially joined by Dan Auerbach who produced and played on Locked Down. Imagine the horror of Auerbach being so low in the mix that he was inaudible when the band was playing. Dr. John’s piano – fine, drums – fine, bass – fine, TWO Cowbells – fine, could even differentiate them but could not hear Dan Auerbach. Unbelievably frustrating. Unlike the week prior when 10 musicians on stage seemed perfect, this time ten (full horn section too) was too many by half the material the botched mix notwithstanding. Even when DA took solos, there was no sound of loud and his tone wasn’t near his usual dirty and muscular delight. It’s a fine album but this night was a missed opportunity.

Fortunately Howler rolled into the Mercury Lounge soon after to provide the grit and riffs I was craving. Howler is the best young rock band I’ve seen in years. I was well impressed when they did a few tunes for The Alternate Side but in the bonafide rock club confines of the Merc, I was knocked out. In the interview, front-man Jordan revealed his love of the Replacements whereas guitarist Ian grew up a Nirvana man. It’s even better than that sounds though as they’ve got other hip influences and stitch them into their tunes with such skill that what comes through the most is foot-stomping attitude. It was immense.

Before Rod y Gab did their show this past Friday at Radio City Music Hall I spoke to Gabriela for WFUV who broadcast the show live. She was lovely and I had to work a little to hold it together as she is beautiful, loves Black Sabbath, and is one of the most innovative guitar players in the world. Rodrigo and Gabriela’s breathtaking chops are being supplemented on this tour by a Cuban band and it was truly an embarrassment of riches. The supplemental sounds provided some great moments without overshadowing the mighty duo whose names were on the tickets. The interview with Gab will be edited with the concert and air down the line on WFUV.

Recently I had the chance to interview Umphrey’s McGee – the Chicago stalwarts and ballsy newcomers Howler.  It was the same day – Friday, January 20, 2012 and UM turned up in the late morning before the first of their two gigs at Best Buy Theater. Unlike the usual sessions, these guys wanted to play all of their music without interruption as opposed to the regular play & chat, play & chat format. The reason was Studio A was getting crowded with their full 6 member compliment and gear set up. They played a very unhurried and compelling four song set of tunes from Death by Stereo released this past September. The very tough Domino Theory, the sexy Booth Love , Hajimemashite which dates back to Bayliss & Stasik’s pre UM band Tashi Station and Search 4 a pleasing template improvisation including blistering guitar work. I chatted the with three original members and confirmed that Rodney Dangerfield did indeed give them their name and suggested, based on their fondness for Zappa, that they cover Cozmik Debris and change the lyric to Who You Jivin’ with that Umphrey’s McGee.

Howler is a very young band out of Minneapolis and they impressed with their set of tunes from their debut America Give Up. They remind me of the Replacements and their frontman Jordan Gatesmith copped to them being his favorite band. Guitarist Ian Nygaard professed to being more of a Nirvana man. Those are two excellent cornerstone influences says I.

Also caught the private WFUV Nada Surf show at the intimate Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side which was spectacularly great. If you’re not on the Nada Surf train, resign your New York rock credibility immediately. (He said provocatively…)

Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band seemed a misnomer as they played a fair amount of blues but with Junior Mack fronting, hardly complaining. They did get around to some tunes that could have been played by Al Di Meola and peaked the Gramercy Theater’s audience with Allmans material.

Lastly I witnessed Paquito D’Rivera holding court at the Mayo Performing Arts Center this past Friday, February 3rd. He regaled those intrepid enough to travel to Morristown, NJ from NYC and the locals with entertaining tales like one featuring Dizzy Gillespie dressed like a gaucho performing with a tuxedoed house band in Buenos Aires. His playing was characteristically fluid.

Catch the great session that Howler played as well as the interview on WFUV on Monday, February 20th at 9p. Get a taste of Howler on Friday of that same week (the 24th) in the Take Five segment at 7:40 AM and 4:45 PM. Later this week, I’ll interview Boston’s legendary Del Fuegos who are reunited and touring after 21 years of silence.

Brendan Bayliss, Ryan Stasik, Joel Cummins of UM

Jordan Gatesmith and Ian Nygaard of Howler – they grow ’em big in “Minnieapolis”

Nada Surf: Matthew Caws, Daniel Lorca, Ira Elliot w/ Doug Gillard

Juinor Mack & Jaimoes Jasssz Band

Paquito Rivera & pals