Legendary guitarist Slash stopped by the Leader Bank Pavilion, with the inaugural edition of the S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival. Joined by Robert Randolph, ZZ Ward and Keb’ Mo’, the heavy hitters’ lineup got together to celebrate the roots of rock and roll. Fans braved the heat and headed to Boston’s seaport for an evening jam packed with classics to pay tribute to the blues. Powerful ensemble Robert Randolph & the Family Band kicked off the festivities in style, including classic covers of the likes of Slim Harpo and Jimi Hendrix.
Up next was blues rocker ZZ Ward, bringing on the classic from the beginning: Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s “My Baby Left Me” and Elmore James’ “Dust My Broom”. Ward move on to briefly reference the beauty and struggles of motherhood before kicking into “Mother”. The songstress continued on with a blend of originals and covers that not only showcased her soulful vocals, but also paid a fitting tribute to the greats, with some anecdotes in between. ZZ Ward’s own “Put The Gun Down” and The Jesters’ “Cadillac Man” wrapped up the short but intense set.
Legendary blues guitarist Keb’ Mo’ would take the stage shortly after, emerging from a blend of blue lights that kept his face in a slight shadow, adding to his effortlessly cool vibe. Within the first few chords of “Somebody Hurt You”, everyone in the crowd knew we would be in for a world class performance. A blues icon all on his own, Keb’ Mo’ gave the audience a small glimpse of his career, accompanied by an equally passionate band that kept everyone in a trance. From his debut album, 1994’s Keb’ Mo’ to 2020’s Grammy winning album Oklahoma, the axeman’s devotion to the roots of rock and roll is undeniable, and the perfect addition to a festival that celebrates the blues.
A quick intermission gave way to the main act of the evening, and the excitement was vibrating through the air. Slash’s world class band was introduced, and the crowd erupted in cheers as soon as they caught a glimpse of the guitarist’s iconic top hat and curly locks. He wasted no time, and kicked off the set with a bang: Bukka White’s “Parchman Farm Blues”, closely followed by Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor”. Slash’s signature sound seeped through the classic riffs, which in turn gave us a clear look at how much blues has influenced his own style.
The evening went on as a history lesson on the origins of rock and roll, as well as the many artists that inspired many young guitarists across generations to pick up the instrument. Without too many interjections, Slash let his guitar do most of the talking, taking his time to build up the emotions and dissect every bit of the music. The audience was hooked to his every move from the get go, and many were up dancing along to The Temptations’ classic “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”. Slash gifted the crowd with an emotional snippet of Nino Rota’s “Love Theme from The Godfather” before effortlessly going into T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday”. He was later joined by Keb’ Mo’ for an explosive rendition of Booker T. and the MG’s classic “Born Under a Bad Sign”, then moved on to his own composition “Metal Chestnut”, off his first blues album Orgy Of The Damned.
As they band jokingly let the audience know they would have to wrap up before the venue’s curfew, Slash took a brief moment to thank the fans for attending, stating “you guys are awesome”. A electrifying rendition of Robert Johnson’s iconic “Cross Roads Blues” signaled the beginning of the end, and Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker” got everyone up on their feet and dancing all over, bringing the celebration to a close. The S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival serves as a reminder of where so many genres came from, and where the heart and soul of rock and roll truly lives: the blues.
Photos and words by Maria Alejandra Mata
