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| Will, Dan, Genna, and Leo- photo by Stephen Bloch |
"Music is something sacred," declared an obviously emotional Phil Cook during the start of his "Southland Review" set looking out upon a picturesque sunny summer's day of blue skies and gently rolling clouds. "It brings us all together and in some way provides us with peace and joy." Phil's quote encapsulates the spirit of everything that is Eaux Claires.
Eaux Claires is an experience. It is a gathering of people who, deep down in the marrow of their bones, are moved by music. This goes for the artists as well as the fans. More often than you'd expect, the two groups intermingle, not in a star struck manner, but rather with deep respect for one another and their role in the greater scene. Standing watching a performance of Chicago chamber orchestral group, Eight Blackbird early on Saturday, I nonchalantly noticed that to my right and left were Bryce and Aaron Dressner of the National respectively. At the conclusion of the Eighth Blackbird performance, I shook Aaron's hand thanking him for putting this festival together. He looked me right in the eye, smiled, shook my hand and said, "no, thank you for being here." Eaux Claires is that kind of vibe-- sincere, honest... about the music.
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| photo by Dan Bayer |
Meeting one of my personal favorite artists, Phil Cook, in of all places, the goat roasting pit in the Chippewa VIP area, was a similarly humbling experience. Phil's eyes widened and his goofy grin expanded as he told me how much he was looking forward to performing his "Southland Review," when I mentioned it was on the top of my "must see show list." The joy was there for the artist and the listener- each joined together... because of the music.
While there is no tangible or tactile quality to music, believe me when I say that music is a force. It moves us to tears and causes volcanic eruptions of joy to come up from the deepest depths of our souls. Music absorbs sorrow and provides empathy for us in times of pain. It challenges our ideas, forces us to re-examine viewpoints, and can confuse us to no end. Music can embed itself into your brain and get stuck in your head in a way no other force can when you find yourself singing tunes unexpectedly and for no apparent reason while you are completing mundane tasks like taking a shower or doing the laundry.
Music unites. It forces fathers and college-aged daughters to sneak up close to be within arm's length of Justin Vernon during Bon Iver's premier of their new record,
"22, A Million." It unites old friends making many years of not seeing one another seem like mere days, if not hours. Music creates bonds and fosters new friendships-- providing a common backdrop for hours of conversations, shared stories, friendly debates and new memories.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
While music can't necessarily solve the world's problems, I'd predict that everyone would be a little happier if they listened to Mavis Staples for 10 minutes a day. Her performance was one of the best of the best of Eaux Claires, and while 77 years old, her joy and love of performing music was uproariously contagious.
Eaux Claires is about love of music in all it's glory and wonder. Like the confluence of rivers, artists at Eaux Claires joined forces, merging each others' talents regularly to create unique performances and sounds that you had to be there to hear and experience. As Aaron Dressner stated during the "Day of the Dead" set, "This is like a band camp for everyone who loves music,." I cannot agree more.
Music can reignite, reinvigorate, reunite, and renew. Thank you Eaux Claires.
Friday, August 12th:
Phosphorescent: Americana goodness wrapped with a flare for the dramatic.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Bruce Hornsby performing "The Way it Is:" Somethings will never change... Hornsby's passionate performance is one of them
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Vince Staples: The bass could be felt from across the grounds. Boom!
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
James Blake: Electronica + soul = an intimate sound even in a large venue.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Bon Iver: "22, A Million" challenges the ear to want more. Rearranged "Beth/Rest" with Hornsby was highlight.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Saturday, August 13th:
Mavis Staples: Her passion and love for the force of music is contagious, and at 77 years old she stole the show. Cover of "Slippery People" by The Talking Heads was unforgettable.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Jenny Lewis: A joyous collaboration of female vocalists with The Staves, and Lucius joining in the fun
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Phil Cook's Southland Review: A boogy-woogy collaboration of gospel, soul, Americana and humility. Goose bump inducing musical greatness featuring Justin Vernon, Bruce Hornsby, and the unforgettable Sister Lena Mae Perry of the Branchettes.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Turn it up and groove to the psychedelic funk 'n roll.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Day of the Dead: New life breathed into true classics in an innovative and creative way.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Lucius: Powerful vocal interplay allowed the band to take flight
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
William Tyler: Emotion oozes from the axe telling stories of modern country.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Erykah Badu: Late to the party and left early, bet you better call "Tyrone."
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: A full-blown, rhythm and blues explosion of joy and dancing. I hope I may never get old!
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloc |
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