Chrissie Hynde and JP Jones at Lollapalooza (photo: Frank Krolicki)
Although Lollapalooza's family-oriented stage, "Kidzapalooza," might not seem like it would make for that great of a time for people not toting little ones around, each year it seems to hold one or two gems that would be worth catching no matter what age you are. This year, the Kidzapalooza act that stood out to me as a must-see was Chrissie Hynde's new band, JP, Chrissie and the Fairground Boys.
Hynde, along with Wales-based singer songwriter JP Jones, played a short set at the stage late Saturday afternoon. The story goes that the Pretenders frontwoman began this new project with Jones, around 30 years her junior, after meeting him randomly in a bar and then deciding to collaborate musically after trading a few text messages. Despite - or maybe because of - their pronounced differences and spontaneous partnership, the two have been creating genuinely exciting music together and will release their debut record, Fidelity, later this month.
Their low-key Lolla set proved a refreshing break in a festival that can often be overwhelming. For 20 minutes or so, we simply got to hear the wonderful sweeter side of Hynde's vocals paired with Jones's impressive, gruff delivery on top of some beautiful, heartfelt songs, such as "Australia," "Fairground Luck" and the band's first single, "If You Let Me."
It was a rare opportunity to experience a relaxed, intimate performance from a rock legend and a rising talent.
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