Stomping in New Orleans, 2009 Edition

I was down at The Ponderosa Stomp in New Orleans this year. So many highlights: the New Orleans Revue ranging from swamp pop to hard-bitten funk; Wanda Jackson's great sense of humor and voice; Cyril and Roy from the Flamin' Groovies tearing it up onstage w/ the A-Bones; Otis Clay roaring out a soul set w/ the Hi Rhythm Section; the Bo-Keys w/ Skip Pitts; and Dale Hawkins w/ James Burton and Deke Dickerson & the Ecco-phonics.

Jon Pareles captured the scene at night one very well -- and outlasted me. I can't wait to see what he writes about night two.

Here's the newest inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, "the sweet lady with the nasty voice," Wanda Jackson on stage:



Here's me w/ original Flamin' Groovies frontman Roy Loney. He may look like a high school science teacher, but dude packs a wallop!



The Ponderosa Stomp exhibition at the Louisiana State Museum was stunning, encompassing Louisiana's rock and roll roots. It even reframes the argument over where rock and roll originated.



Howard Tate, whose 2001 Stomp set catapulted him back into the limelight, sings to the crowd:



Dale Hawkins and James Burton seemed like they were having more fun than just about anybody, with huge smiles on their faces. The P-Stomp has been the site of their only reunion shows since recording together in 1957. "Suzie Q" was a revelation:



I'm exhausted but musically sated.