As with most bands, the more people dance, the better the Hot 8 play. “St. James Infirmary” took it down to a low drag, then back up to a second-line party; so did “Sexual Healing.” Before the encore, there was also a plea for awareness of the ongoing post-Katrina mayhem — “not just New Orleans, but the whole Gulf Coast.” Then it was back to dancing. On the way out, one of the MFA’s uniformed security guards said, “This is the most fun I’ve had at work — I mean, I love my job, but that was fun!”
EMPIRICAL | JVC Jazz Festival–Newport | Fort Adams State Park, Newport | August 10 | 877.655.4TIX or www.festivalnetwork.com
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