Jammin' at the Jumbalaya Jam

March 5, 1997

When a festival such as a Jumbalaya Jam is produced, you have to wonder how they do it. So much has to be going on at the same time all over the place. Yet the crew, for the first Jam in the Orlando area, pulled it off very well. Probably the most important aspect of a festival like this is the quality of the bands. Obviously, the planners knew who to get because for three full days, nonstop, top notch, foot-stompin' music filled the air. Of course, some bands stood out.

The band Porch Chops was one of my favorites. They played a nice variety of blues, Zydeco and country with a small dash of rock and roll, in a predictable but well blended mix through their sets. They were musically tight and seemed to be having too much fun. They almost had people dancing, which in the O'Town area seems a real challenge.

Another great band, Smokehouse, practically engulfed the crowd with its own customized powerful blues. From the great Muddy Waters to most of the King's (B.B., Albert, and Freddie to name a few), Smokehouse's repertoire covered the gamut. Their originals were also smokin'. Instead of rehashed standard blues chords, they took the blues and made their own statement. It's hard to find new ways to play the same chords, but these guys figured out how. Check them out if you get a chance.

The Zydeco Playboys also highlighted the Jam, but unfortunately I missed their show. Everyone I spoke to about them said they were smashing. Supposedly, they are the bomb when it comes to Cajun/Zydeco music. Great music combined with an enthusiastic stage show are staple ingredients for an honestly solid band. I'll keep my eye out for them.

Throughout the event, the Bayou Stompers caroused around the park area, hammering out loads of Dixieland, bluegrass and other standards. With only a trumpet, a banjo and a sousaphone, the Bayou Stompers drew crowds instantly, enhancing the entire mood with traditional N'awlins music - a must for this type of event. You can catch the Stompers at Universal Studios, taking their Mardi Gras party to new heights.

Eric Levy
My main focus in life is my music. I have been writing and playing music for over a decade, and it has been my labour of love. My main instrument is 6-string guitar, lead and rythym. I listen and play everything from low-down, dirty blues (B. Guy, BB, Howlin' Wolf, J. Winter, SRV, etc.) to more aggressive and heavier stuff (Soundgarden, A.I.C.,Pantera, Sacred Reich, etc.) to many that are somewhere in the middle, (Black Crowes, Stones, STP, Allman bros.) Bottom line is that I love music more than life itself. Well, almost.