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A Study in Blues and Jazz A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch Marcia Ball is a pianist, singer and songwriter who has developed her own signature sound by blending blues, boogie woogie and zydeco in songs that run the gamut from traditional to trendy. She spans a wide range of topics from party to pertinent.
 Marcia Ball and Don Bennett onstage in Ringwood, NJ. Ball grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at age five. As a youngster, Marcia was interested in New Orleans style piano playing and has melded that with the blues to craft her music and her muse. Ball and her band are touring in 2009 in support of her most recent record Peace, Love & BBQ. Marcia Ball performed two sold-out shows at Ringwood's New Legacy Concert Series (celebrating its eighth year at the library) on Sunday, March 01, 2009. The stage was set with a back drop of the outdoor Reading Garden and stacks of books - a colorful setting for the lady of the bayou blues. Known by fans as "Her Tallness", Ball and her band were given a rousing welcome and responded with an up-tempo jazzy version of "Havin' a Natural Ball" with Marcia center stage singing and clapping her hands. In the middle of the song, she moved to the Roland RD700SX to add animation to the musical meanderings. After joking about Martha Stewart, Marcia stewed "Red Beans" a brisk brew peppered with peppy piano and saucy sax. It was followed by "Just Kiss Me" - a soulful slower song allowing Ball's rich, robust voice to rise to the top of the mix.
 Andrew Nafziger added hot licks and cool riffs to the festivities. "Thank you all, peace and love with both hands and hearts and BBQ up to your elbows," stated Marcia before performing the title track from her most recent record Peace, Love & BBQ. The song was a festive funky foray about a grand gathering that was a good time tune - as were a number of selections that were contrasted with other styles such as soulful blues and jaunting jazz. "Ain't libraries wonderful, this is really what I'm supposed to be doing," Ball continued joking about an overdue book before describing herself as a storyteller. "We're from Austin (TX), where there is a high level of songwriting, which is inspiring." "Because of books and libraries, I'm a storyteller," the former college English major stated. "I'm supposed to be a librarian, no joke, make my mamma so happy." "A couple of years ago we were on a boat, there's lots of water and one duck flying," Marcia began when telling her first extended story of the show - which in addition to her quality tales also included a high level of musicianship from Ball and her band. Marcia mentioned that somehow the bird hit the boat and, "I thought, ain't that like married life". "Married Life" - with its catchy chords and giddy guitar patterns - was followed by the bluesy ballad "Falling Back In Love With You". This number was sentimental, sexy and seductive with Corey's smooth drumming and subtle strokes. He was precise without being overpowering throughout the set. The song also featured a stellar guitar solo from Andrew who was constant and concise. "Party Town" from the new record was a feisty, flavorful gumbo of New Orleans grooves. It was at this point that we noticed a lady dancing by a stack of books. Later she was joined by another enthusiastic fan who was wearing carnival beads as were others in the crowd. People were clearly having fun and enjoying the medley of music and the spirit of Mardi Gras. "The Right Tool For The Job" reminded us of Little Feat with its Dixie-rock-blues format. Ball was bold on the piano and Bennett was beguiling on bass.
 Thad Scott provided a sultry sax for the Sunday show. A song penned for her husband was light and lilting and followed by "Crawfishin'" - a foot stomping piece with pounding piano and potent rhythms. This raucous rocker got a standing ovation and was countered with the contemplative "Louisiana 1927". The song was sad and sweet, showcasing a soulful sax solo from Scott whose contribution throughout was solid and succulent. Nafziger added slide guitar and Keller's snare was a rallying cry to the chorus "they are trying to wash us away". Mentioning that it is still kind of carnival time the band moved into a joyful jaunt that featured harmonizing refrains and a snappy snare drum. Marcia Ball and her band closed with "Let Me Play With Your Poodle" - an up-beat blues piece that featured an energized percussion piano exchange. For the encore, Marcia returned for a solo on the piano and played "Ride It Out", galvanized by the story of a guy who decided to ride out Hurricane Katrina. The storytelling was vivid and filled with visual imagery of storms and holding steady. After the brave ballad the band returned for a smoking "Red Hot" with sizzling solos. Thus ending the set on a high note and everybody in the library was having a ball. Afterwards, "Her Tallness" was available to sign CDs before preparing for her second show of the day.
THE BAND:
 Marcia Ball and band rocked the Andrea Cahoon Musical Hall. Related Links: For more information on MARCIA BALL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- MarciaBall.com | Buy Peace, Love & BBQ | Ringwood Public Library | Dar Williams/RPL
 (Originally Published on March 03, 2009) |
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