"Another night at Sullivan Hall in NYC (Formerly the Lion's Den) and I was surrounded by down to earth, smart people who know their music. The line stretched down the street with people waiting to see the first time pairing of four veteran NYC musicians: Eric Krasno (Soulive) on guitar, Joe Russo (Benevento/Russo Duo, American Babies) on drums, Andy Hess (ex-Gov't Mule and Black Crowes) on bass and Erik Deutsch (Charlie Hunter Trio) on keys. This expanded circle of players is part of the new generation of jazz-funk and experimental musicians in NYC, following in the tradition of Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock and Medeski Martin & Wood. This lineup brought back memories of the many collaborations I witnessed at the Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival last November, which featured combinations of Lettuce, Soulive and a host of NOLA bands. Sullivan Hall is known for showcasing the top NYC funk-jazz artists while also being a regular stop for the best New Orleans bands, such as anyone with the last name Neville, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Papa Grows Funk."

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