Photos by Jay Blakesberg

Last night, Daze Between New Orleans closed out its two-day jubilee in celebration of the groove, food and mood of the days between Jazz Fest weekends. The impeccable weather and melange of music fans were perfectly paired, and headliners, Goose, reflected that with a performance comprised of multiple, well thought-out and well-executed sit-ins with artists who performed throughout the day – along with some of their finest slow jams.

After a day of crab burgers, jambalaya and char-grilled oysters, an on-the-nose panel titled New Orleans Festival Express: Examining What Makes Festivals in New Orleans so Special hosted by Relix editor-in-chief Mike Greenhaus and performances by Eggy, David Shaw, Neal Francis, NOLA legend George Porter Jr. and his Runnin’ Pardners, along with local ensemble the Honey Island Swamp Band over two stages – Goose took to their posts to add their two cents on what makes festivals in New Orleans oh, so good.

They warmed up by breaking out “California Magic” with a bit more intensity and excitement than the night before and followed with “Lead Up.” Next came “Turn Clouds,” which had several in the crowd looking skyward at a cloudless dusk with a bright New Orleans moon already visible, ready to watch over its domain. However, as the Goose transitioned into Blind Melon’s hit song “No Rain” and Shaw hopped on vocals, all eyes were back on the stage. A penultimate “Thatch” followed, which was popping with percussion and had the crowd smoothly on their feet. They closed the first frame with one of their older favorites, “Hot Tea,” during which they welcomed out the Horn Section–Josh Schwartz on baritone saxophone, Greg Sanderson on tenor saxophone, and Chris Brouwers on trumpet–and Francis, who joined Peter Anspasch on keys wearing a matching striped shirt and harmonized with the band also on vocals.

The second set began with a pairing of fan favorites “Hungersite” into “Feel It Now.” The two songs allotted the band ample opportunity to not only lock into their signature sound but also dig their heels in for some sweet improvisation. The Horn Section then returned for Fat Freddy’s Drop’s “Fish In The Sea,” marking the second time the band performed the New Zealand seven-piece band’s song with horns, the first being their appearance at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville while on tour with Trey Anastasio Band. Notably, that performance saw Natalie Cressman on trombone, Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and James Casey on saxophone.

They continued with “Silver Rising,” as Rick Mitarotonda sang, “All that I am fades away/ The rage in my heart flows out thru my veins/ I’m losing my mind, but all I can do/ Is empty my lungs to the sky/ Cause I know that I’ll always belong to the moon,” eyes lifted skyward to once again marvel in the light of a bright celestial mother blessing a clear and faultless evening. The ensemble closed out the set with one more jam, “The Empress Of Organos,” and then thanked the venue, their crew, Daze Between NOLA and the crowd for their energy, love and admiration.

Goose will take a break from touring for a little while, with their next appearance set for Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, Ill., on May 26-28.

Goose
Daze Between New Orleans – Faubourg Brewery – New Orleans
May 3, 2023

Set 1: California Magic, Lead Up, Turned Clouds, No Rain^[1], Thatch, Hot Tea^[2]

Set 2: Hungersite > Feel It Now, Fish In The Sea^[3], Silver Rising, The Empress Of Organos

Coach’s Notes:
[1] Blind Melon. With David Shaw on vocals.
[2] With Neal Francis on keys and vocals, Josh Schwartz on baritone saxophone, Greg Sanderson on tenor saxophone, and Chris Brouwers on trumpet.
[3] Fat Freddy’s Drop. With Josh Schwartz on baritone saxophone, Greg Sanderson on tenor saxophone, and Chris Brouwers on trumpet.