On the way home from the festival grounds, I stopped the car so my girls could go the bathroom. Like most modern day tech slaved fools, I used the opportunity to check my phone…
The DBT Facebook group I participate in had already started howling about the still “hot as fresh roadside kill” reunion of ex-Drive By Truckers guitar and songman Jason Isbell and founding Drive-leadman Patterson Hood.
The 2013 Great Hudson River Revival at Croton Point Park 20 miles north of NYC right on the water…keeps getting better every year.
It has become a wonderful annual Father’s Day event for my gang!
For the Sunday show, I was able to set up our day’s blanket HQ in time to catch the opening of the Jason Isbell set at 1:50 on the Hudson Stage right alongside the riverfront.
(See some pics I snapped throughout this story).
While I was watching from stage right, a fedora-clad Patterson Hood comes strolling off the dirt path that leads from the artists trailer. He says hi and proceeds to stand right in front of me to get a good close look at his old bandmate.
Me pictures below capture the moment well. Lots of good vibes in the air due to the quality crowd, locale, weather, sound and of course songs.
I am not sure if this was planned (it seemed spontaneous), but Patterson Hood joined Jason Isbell on stage for “Outfit”.
Isbell showed off his 5-tool talents and raised the bar for all the other musicians that follow this great music-filled summer day.
Immediately following on the main stage, Hood took the stage with his Americana-curated Patterson Hood Band.
Hood was his usual fun outgoing self and entertained the audience with his rambling as well as songs. The man seems to wear his feelings on his sleeve…today looked like a big bouncy happy day for Hood (although he did mention that he missed his family that day) I’m glad I had mine.
Thanks Patterson for the show. We’ll be back.
Jason Isbell then joined Hood on stage to complete the favor. Delightful dynamics. Very cool, and obviously just two old bandmates having fun (no sense that a reunion is planned).
See video (available on YouTube/not mine) and some pics (mine)…
Unfortunately, the rule of “you can’t see everything” struck again…Levon Helm’s Dirt Farmer Band was playing on the Hudson stage at the same time as Hood.
After Patterson Hood Band on the Rainbow Stage…out strolled out acoustic warriors Hot Tuna and Steve Kimock for a vibrant set. Next was Kris Kristofferson (yes he is alive and well).
Living legend Kris was a delight to see in person so close-up. After his show he took pictures, shook hands and drank lots of beer (a common theme that was allowed me have one of those “right place/right time” moments later that day).
Here are some more pictures I took:
During Kristofferson’s set I hiked over to see Keller Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys play a smoking tight Garcia staple “Candyman”. Keller Williams high-energy performances are always a nice late afternoon addition to music festivals.
I would have also liked to see Floodwood (who took the Hudson Stage after Keller Williams) but the headliner Son Volt show started at 7pm on the main Rainbow Stage.
After a refreshing of my T and G at our hillside camp area (thanks Keith B!), I settled in to my familiar stage right position to see Jay Farrar and Son Volt, whose latest album complements this festival like a glove.
Once again from the path leading away from the artists area emerges Patterson Hood… looking to get a close eye on Son Volt. (He even posted snaps on Facebook….see below)
After chatting a bit between songs over a beer, I found out Hood is as big a fan of Farrar as I am.
By the way…Hood took this cool picture with my friend’s son — aptly named Patterson too!
Very cool little Patterson. One for your bedroom wall. One day you will thank your dad for taking this picture.
In a no-nonsense manner, Jay Farrar and Son Volt started belting out both old and new songs.
Their very specific blend of Americana rock and roll was a bit edgier (to my delight) than expected. Their performance of “Medication” was masterful and captured attention of the many musicians (Isbell and Hood included) standing by.
Can’t wait for next year.
Until then…I continue to flap your wings.
Leave a Reply