Leo Nocentelli and Trombone Shorty
Saturday night was Leo Nocentelli at BB Kings. BB Kings is actually a way better venue than it gets credit for, and that its location suggests. I had never heard of Nocentelli before, but I went on the recommedation of a trusted source to see ‘arguably the greatest living guitarist’. He hails from New Orleans, was part of the legendary Meters set-up, and is steeped in southern blues rock music tradition.
And he definitely lived up to the billing, performing some of the craziest riffs I have ever heard. He is a big draw in his home town, and had persuaded some up and coming Nola favorites to join him on stage, including an awesome piano player who’s name I sadly missed.
He also had Trombone Shorty on stage for his entire set. The guy played both the trombone and trumpet interchangable, often times in the same section of the same tune, and injected some undeniably soul into the proceedings. Definitely someone to watch out for, and I will be looking out for him next time I head down south.
Great times all round really - it was even pretty cool taking a late night walk through Times Square.
