As a nerdy guy, I place most of Ben Folds in the line of nerd rock with They Might Be Giants and Barenaked Ladies, however, Ben Folds Five is more poppy. Their set was good, though rough at times from not playing together for 12 years. Their hit “Brick” was good, but the audience was not behind them. However, when they cracked out “My Philosophy,” the crowd rose and they all hit together. Next time, though I will see him for his stuff.
The Punch Brothers were in great form. They were out there to have fun and the crowd was with them. I came to their show as they started Beck’s Sexx Laws, the first of three covers. Their light fun style swept me in and made me a big fan.
The Roots, now the show band of Jimmy Fallon, were incredible. The band mixes funk, blues, R&B, and a roving sousaphone player to make a memorable show. The overall effect was that ?uestlove shone and the band rocked.
On a very busy night, the Super Jam appeared. For those of you who don’t know, the Super Jam is a Bonnaroo tradition. One musician is selected to build a band to play a set. The honor this year went to ?uestlove, who selected a band that existed between Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. The set was indeed funky.
THE SETLIST:
Intro >
Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland) [Jimi Hendrix] (including Go Back 2 The Thing & Superman Lover [Johnny Guitar Watson] teases) >
Pride And Vanity [Ohio Players] >
Players Balling (Players Doin’ Their Own Thing) [Ohio Players]
Funky Dollar Bill [Funkadelic] >
Hit It And Quit It [Funkadelic] >
What Is And What Should Never Be [Led Zeppelin]
Babies Making Babies [Sly & The Family Stone] >
Hollywood Squares [Bootsy Collins] >
Mother’s Son [Curtis Mayfield] (including Chicken Grease tease)
Power of Soul [Band of Gypsys]
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window [The Beatles]
My Summertime Thang [The Time] >
Jam (including Fire [Ohio Players] & other teases)
THE BAND:
?uestlove – drums
Kirk Douglas – guitar
James Poyser – keys
Frank Knuckles – percussion
Pino Palladino – bass
Eric Leeds – saxophone
Jesse Johnson – guitar
Kendra Foster – vocals
D’Angelo – vocals, guitar, keys