Go here to check out Fred Mills’ utterly comprehensive review of the 2009 edition of the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam.
It’s safe to say that nothing could top the 2008 Jam for the 20th anniversary of the event the Haynes organization mounted a two-night blowout (three, if you count the Pre-Jam, which has also become an annual tradition) featuring everyone from the Allmans, Derek Trucks Band, the Del McCoury Band andCoheed & Cambria to Steve Earle, Joan Osborne, Johnny Winter and John Paul Jones – and Haynes wisely didn’t try (see JamBase coverage of 2008 Jamhere). Instead, he simply assembled a show that, in its artistic diversity and musical eclecticism, might bear the sort of eye- and ear-opening collaborative fruit for which the Jam is known. That it did, in spades.
Unlike previous years, the 2009 installment reportedly didn’t sell out. Despite some grumblings that this year’s lineup was among the weakest in recent years, however, I suspect it was due less to the roster and more attributable to (a) the sour economy, which may have not only prevented some fans from taking the plunge but some artists as well, who would otherwise have committed to play (since the Jam is a fundraiser, musicians perform gratis); and (b) the temporal proximity of a number of other high-profile Asheville concerts, including a highly publicized New Year’s Eve show by The Avett Brothers. Regardless, a good time was had by all, and given that a nice check was presented to Habitat, it was all gravy.
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Will reviewers and fans debate, as they are prone to do, those selections at next year’s Christmas Jam, and the one after that, and the one after that? Of course they will. But if they’re smart, they’ll keep coming back for more. I’ve returned to the Christmas Jam seven times since my first one in 2002 because I never know what to expect, but I’m secure in the knowledge that I’ll always be surprised and thrilled at different points during the show no matter who appears. For longtime Jam attendees, and there are plenty of ’em both from Asheville and from around the country, that’s the reassuring constant: You’re always gonna get some surprises you can’t get any place else. Not even at Bonnaroo.