At the first Suwannee Roots Revival since the death of Col. Bruce Hampton, longtime friend and band mate Rev. Jeff Mosier assembled an all-star team band for a “Symphony Of Gratitude” to the beloved Suwannee fixture. The passing of Hampton earlier this year left a gaping hole in the heart and soul of the jam music community. The Atlanta-based musician had been a fixture at events around the nation, but he was known to truly love the Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park and that feeling was always returned ten fold.
Hampton’s sudden loss has been making waves from the second he fell, inspiring emotional performances all around the nation. Though time might have begun to heal the wounds, the joy the Col. created will surely live on for decades to come. Thanks to the efforts of the Rev. Mosier along with Tyler Neal, Ian Newberry, Nick DiSebastian, Dante Harmon, Michael Smith, Kathie Holmes, Franher Josep, John Mailander, Fiddlin’ Faye Petree, Mark Chester, Darren Stanley, Eddie King and more, the music lived on in an emotional Sunday afternoon show.
Members of the Col.’s many recent projects, including Madrid Express, Pharaoh’s Kitchen and the Quark Alliance, packed the Suwannee Amphitheater stage with bodies and love as they played a wide range of beloved songs the Col. had made his own. Though it would be understandable if the music had turned maudlin, the sheer exuberance and joy the players showed throughout the tribute was far more fitting a remembrance. From the opening dedication to the raucous frenzy of the closing “I’m So Glad,” there was a true sense of the energy Col. Bruce had brought to the park dozens of times in the past.Â
We’re honored to share these magic moments of love and respect with you and to add our voices to the chorus in saying “Thank you Col. Bruce…we love you!”
“Cosmic Sound-There Was A Time”
“Ain’t Nothing You Can Do”
“Hate To See The Children Cry”
“Space Is The Place”
“Cry Me A River, Cry Me A Sea”
“Roll On Buddy, Roll On”
“I’m So Glad”
[Cover photo by Josh Webster]