There are few things more intimidating than opening a door and facing the giant bulk of Derwin “Big D” Perkins. I find myself contemplating this reality as I enter the artist trailer behind the Sprint PCS Stage at Jazz Fest to meet up with Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen.

Anxiety melts almost immediately as Big D flashes a warm smile and shakes my dwarfed hand, making his way around the cramped backstage quarters. The atmosphere is what one would expect from a band that has...