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Reflecting on Double Decker I realized that it was a good time, but I really was not impressed with any of the bands playing. Taking photos of these bands was more fun than actually listening to the music. My day started off well with a Murff burger, a couple of beers, and good company from old friends. The sheer mania and volume of temporary Oxonians is mind boggling. It makes me long for the summer when there were a few people, the weather was insufferable, and the character of the town shone. I won’t turn this in to a rant, but the two places that I have lived in my life are fighting a losing battle to commercialism and money. Nashville seems to fair better because of it strong traditions are tied in with the Grand Ole Opry and the history of country music. As long as there is a profit to be made with honkey tonks, hopefully Nashville will be able to retain that what makes it great, character. Oxford is not faring so well because the main pipeline of commerce does not start with the Longshot or the forgotten Uncle Buck’s and Hot Dog Records. Condos, boutiques, and sports bars have grown on the scene and strip the soul of a beloved place one brick at a time. Hopefully there will still remain the essence of the Oxford I knew instead of this slicked up version of the Hills. Double Decker, is where these two worlds collide in a flood of families, co eds, and an has-been who descend on the square for music, food, and a good time.

The first act is saw: Afrissippi. An eclectic band let by Guelel Kumba that plays an eclectic mix of North Hill Country Blues and Kumba’s native West African music. This jam band of sorts hits its high points as Eric Deaton plays hipnotic country blues over a tribal beat. While very entertaining, I still can only listen to instrumentals for so long. As I have become older I have looked for more bite and meaning in music instead of incoherent jamming for jamming’s sake. My strong personal tastes tend to cloud my reviews. While very well intentioned and extremely talented, Afrissippi failed to catch this audience members imagination for very long.

A very positive outcome of the Afrissippi show is I think I took one of the best photos of my life. As I stood behind a dancing couple in front of the stage I had a rare moment (for me anyways) of perfect visualiztion. Luckily I was able to remain incognito for long enough to capture the still that I am the most proud of to this date.

A band that I will lump in to Afrissippi’s category of blues-based jam bands is Hill Country Blues Revue. This band features the amazing talents of Cody Dickinson, Gary Burnside, and Chris Chew. Their North Mississippi beat and guitar heroics made for interesting photos, but after a couple of songs I was guitared out. A lot of people who know me may be surprised to hear that, but again sometimes I find music based around extended solos and unending instrumentals boring. But they were hitting on all notes and were in rare form. Also, they were a very fun band to photograph. Since it was not as packed as the Avett Brothers, I was able to get closer to the stage and take some close up pick with my 50mm f1.4 Canon. The Vivitar 200mm prime also worked very well and took some great shots. My only issue with the 200mm prime that I know will only worsen with an upgrade to a Canon L telephoto is you cannot be inconspicuous with a telephoto lens and a DSLR. I think people thought I was a real photographer which makes me nervous and uncomfortable.

But, my one true surprise for the day is the local Oxford Band Colour Revolt. An extremely talented young group of musicians, I wish I had made it from the start. I would compare them too is the Secret Machines. Heavy arrangements that move toward and explosion of sound. I was impressed in short amount of time, I hope my first impression sticks over time. On my next CD buying extravaganza I hope to find their earlier EP.

Sadly, the Jubilee was not packed with throngs of coeds looking to dance their boogie at 9:00 pm. As everyone waited for the Avett Brothers to start, I went and watched the politically charged and mind blistering performance of Kill the Ego. I would not recommend their show for the meek. Max Hipp, dressed in CIA/Secret Service garb takes the stage with a commanding presence and amazing guitar skills that will amaze even the most jaded music junkie. I will personally say that Max is one of my favorite musicians not because he plays with great speed or parlor tricks, but everything he plays has a purpose and it stunningly precise. Their set began with 2001 with Matthew Smith playing the overalls and trombone. Afterwards, they continued through a blistering set with the thundering drums of Beau Bourgeois and the bottom end provided by John Kropotkin. SEE KILL THE EGO.

The Avett brothers was the last band I saw that I could really remember. I watched Blue Mountain at Proud Larry’s afterwards, but after a long day everything was a little too fuzzy to give an accurate review. And admittedly, I spent most of my time at the bar conversing with fellow Oxford expatriates. My main problem with the Avett Brothers is I don’t get it. I repeat, I don’t get it. They are interesting live and they are very passionate. But it has been a long time since I have judged a band on broken strings. Also, I don’t understand why they put down the bluegrass instruments and pick up a Guild SG (which is a pretty bad ass guitar by the way). Again, I don’t want my Pete Townsend mixed with my Bill Monroe. But they had a great performance and seeing them live I can understand the hype although if you listen to their albums you wish you were seeing them live.

As for my cynical review of the music, I am not a heartless bastard or an elitist. I have realized that events like Double Decker are more about socializing, seeing old friends, and having a good time. That I did, I wish I could become more bold about taking pictures of people not on stage. There were many times I would see a shot and hesitate and not take the photo. Why? Because people are very funny about cameras and the people behind them. But as I looked back on the photos I took, the ones of people off the stage are usually more interesting and vital than those of performers.