Five years ago, former Allman Brothers bandmates Butch Trucks and Oteil Burbridge partnered with North Mississippi Allstars‘ Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson for the first annual Roots Rock Revival. Powered by Music Masters Camps, Roots Rock Revival is a four night, five day all-inclusive intensive that features master classes, jam sessions, Q&A sessions, open rehearsals and much, much more. The 2017 lineup featured sessions drummer Bernard Purdie, world-renowned keyboardist John Medeski, former ABB guitarist Jack Pearson, NOLA drummer Johnny Vidacovich, Midnight North guitarist/vocalist Grahame Lesh, pedal steel guitarist Roosevelt Collier, and DJ Logic as the camp’s masters. Also on tap were family members and musicians Vaylor Trucks, guitarist and son of Butch Trucks, Berry Oakley Jr., bassist son of Berry Oakley, as well as Ryan Montbleau, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds’ Jackson Kincheloe, Brian Graham, and Phil Rodriguez, alongside former guitarist/vocalist of Butch Trucks & The Freight Train Heather Gillis, local keyboardist Craig Keil, and guitarist James Beihn.
It’s difficult to put into words what this year’s “camp” was like, as it served both as a tribute to Butch Trucks and Col. Bruce Hampton–who was also slated to be part of the camp for the second year in a row–while also continuing their passionate vision of togetherness. With music as the centerpoint of human nature, Roots Rock Revival provided an environment of mutual education–without any separation between teacher and student. Whether a musician or not, the ~150 people between the ages of eight and 80 gathered together to share their unique adoration for the Southern Blues Rock movement, the Allman Brothers Band and the music that forms the foundation of Rock and Roll. Over the course of the week, the exploration expanded into new dimensions of jazz fusion, funked out Grateful Dead, and deep jams that lasted late into the night.
Taking the music out of the equation (which probably never happened), the 100 acres of mountains, fields, and streams at Full Moon Resort provides a rustic, yet sophisticated venue in the heart of the “Forever Wild” Catskill Mountain Forest Preserve and Hudson Valley in Big Indian, New York. Between master classes and river jams, campers are able to explore hiking trails, water falls, and each other’s musical offerings between three fabulous meals. Bountiful and fresh, the menu features many locally grown ingredients and a full spectrum of exceptional catering from the arrival Meet and Greet to the farewell breakfast.
The master classes varied for all levels of players, and included “Jam Etiquette 101,” “Listening/Developing Heightened Awareness,” “Allman Brothers Licks with Jack Pearson,” “Fingerpickin’ & New Orleans Street Beats with Luther and Johnny V,” and so many more. See the full schedule here.
To define a highlight would be impossible, because each attendee experienced completely different moments of specialty amongst theirselves–whether it was jamming with heroes, sharing a meal with the masters, or reaching musical nirvana at the yurt jams in the middle of the night. It’s the type of place where anything can happen. The phrase “Only at Roots Rock Revival” was often thrown around in unique instances, like when Bernard Purdie and John Medeski played the music of the Grateful Dead, when Roosevelt Collier taught Taz how to play the lap steel guitar, or when Grahame Lesh, Oteil Burbridge, and Johnny Vidacovich mashed up “China Cat Sunflower” and “Blue Sky” on the final night, or when everyone came together around a massive bonfire to honor their Uncle Butch. While the music of the Allman Brothers Band and the Grateful Dead were ever-prevalent, the masters collaborated every night after dinner for intimate performances of blues, funk, reggae, jazz, and everything in between. Ever-inspired by one another, it was a full circle learning experience for all–a “new high,” recalled Oteil Burbridge, who promises next year will be even better.
Roots Rock Revival and the gorgeous setting has proven time and again to be a perfect host for these inspiring and memorable events. With 2018 confirmed in the books for August 6-11, we’re already planning our next reunion. It’s a family that keeps on growing, with every year adding new tastes to the musical gumbo.
See below for a glimpse into Roots Rock Revival, with photos from Michael Bloom Photography. Visit Music Masters Camps for more offerings throughout the year.
