Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid For Day Three of all things Pitchfork 2022- Have to say yet again Pitchfork knows how to blend things eclectic, and following some kind of theme (in my opinion), making usually the final day a somewhat "chill" event in regards to the bookings. All fine and dandy- it's music and performing artists covering the map globally, and musical styles and fashion reflecting that mood. Two things happened when I arrived early before the gates even opened- first- while prepping and getting my gear together for the interview session with Elia Einhorn of Pitchfork with none other than George Clinton, inside the press tent was another interview happening with Xenia Rubinos, a unique artist and multi instrumentalist whose heritage covers the map from Cuban and Puerto Rican descent, reflecting passion and conviction to performance, so I heard with her interviewer. And on her right arm, she was wearing a bright fire engine red up to her elbow glove, with half of it reflected with a mirror. Cool as all get out, even for an interview at noon. All that did was amp up my curiosity for her set at the Blue Stage later in the afternoon- which by the way, was a performance with some hiccups tech wise before her show, and then more than made up during her show, with saran wrap coverings, musicians shrouded in white veils when setting up onstage, and Xenia herself knowing full well how to use props to full effect, such as a bright red cloth, which horizontally from stage left to stage right, acted as a barrier from her desires of trying to reach out to her audience, and yet held back by the barrier of cloth. For such an intimate stage, a maximum use to full effect of making this performance so memorable, even at 5:30 in the afternoon. And then of course the said interview session with Elia and George Clinton, which in and of itself was so intriguing and informative and downright fun to be a part of. These two cats- Elia and George- God bless the both of them- for maintaining the spirit of music discovery, and acting as wise old souls who still have that bit of kid in them. Plusses throughout Day Three, From the hypnotic meditations with L' Rain, let alone intricate musicianship and compositions that are delicate, and yet complex, reflecting the chill mood throughout for Day Three. This mood persists, as eclectic as all get out, from Chicago rapper Noname, looking ever so confident in her delivery and relaxed mood- even stopping her set for a bit to let paramedics come in the main floor grounds in front of her stage to attend to a patron in need of hydration. Noname speaks volumes in care and judgement, reflected also in her writings and delivery- ever keeping front and center that the message can still be delivered with a modicum of understanding and empathy combined. Same holds true for singer / songwriter Kaina, also hailing from Chicago, with her soft and savory voice and gentle vibe, even on an overcast day. And even the experimental hip hop group of Injury Reserve- even though their beats and message are a bit more amped than the other artists performing on Day Three- their mood is not all crazed indifference- their message is still strong, but just more with a dialed down delivery, which is memorable in my opinion. And of course there's Earl Sweatshirt, equally fitting the overall mood of the day, a bit late to start his set, and stopping after the second song to take in the gigantic mud pit from the rains stage right / audience left. He didn't rush things- he needed some time to take that all in, the mud covered crowd, the mud covered lawn in that section of real estate. He's again chill as all get out, with a message that runs deep, but with no big splash and amped up attitude. Makes you stand and pay attention- Earl's words are equally important to the overall presentation. And again, same holds true with Toro Y Moi, who certainly knows how to pivot in musical direction, let alone taste in clothing reflecting whichever mood he's in. A vibe for Pitchfork and performance? Looking like he could easily fit in with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak of Silk Sonic, what with the chill and sophisticated instrumentation, let alone a suit and coloring that looks like he came out of the late seventies. This by no means is a knock- it's just a reflection on songwriting and attitude that in my opinion reflects inspirations that encompass chill wave, with dollops of ambient electronica thrown in for good measure. And then off we go to catch Welsh musician Cate Le Bon's set who has eclectic and sophisticated style sense, along with her keen songwriting and performance productions aesthetics, which she certainly knows a thing or two about, to match her moods and tastes. She's a riveting to watch kind of performer, and equally astounding musician as well. A very underrated guitar player in my opinion, with a sense of when and where to strike a single chord that's suspenseful and yet so heartfelt. One of the best performances from Day Three. Followed at last with the headliner The Roots- a band that knows a thing or two about all things "Late night party", even on a Sunday evening in Union Park Chicago. They can fill a stage with musicianship, that's for sure, even when doing house band duties with Jimmy Fallon on late night NBC. Too many musicians to name here, and you already know most of them anyway. If you don't - start discovering. Can't think of another band that can bash out "Jungle Boogie" from Kool & the Gang, and make it their own, then trail blaze off in another direction with "Got My Mind Made Up" from 2Pac, and also make it their own. That's the definition of bad ass folks. Their own songs- and cover songs...they have their hearts in the right place. Doesn't matter. They have musical knowledge that expands outwards to the great beyond. What a day, for all things Day Three of Pitchfork- all plusses, all of the above. The minuses? Just the rain man. Even a soaking drizzle off and on in the late afternoon on Sunday puts a damper on things. But that's not Pitchfork's fault. It is what is. But covering camera gear off an on, let alone your person...just slows everything down a bit. Having said that- no matter. It's a chill kinda day and evening anyway. Loved receiving the Pitchfork text at the end of the evening stating "That's a wrap folks! Looking forward to seeing everyone at Pitchfork 2023!". Guess what- I am too. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago
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