Mike Dillon is the new Warren Haynes.

I come to this conclusion after listening to the recording of Ani's set I picked up at the Fairgrounds. He arrived here the week before the French Quarter Fest and I think I saw him nearly every day or night since then, usually several times. I remember the days when Warren would be seen scurrying across Canal, guitar in hand, with roadies and and amp in tow, from the Saenger to the Orpheum to sit in with someone while his own band was taking a setbreak. Sadly, both theaters were dark this Jazzfest, but did Dillon ever step up this year.

He played the small sessions, like several appearances with Johnny V.'s duo. He played big time sessions like with Ani at the Fairgrounds. He played in his own bands, Hairy Apes BMX and what my be the most exciting Garage A.. iteration with Garage A Medeski on the riverboat. He's neck and neck with Skerik this year for the most sit-ins with Galactic. And he's been here, playing out, since the French Quarter Festival, where a good friend of mine visiting town for the first time from Omaha was amazed at his skills with multiple mallets.

Mike Dillon, I hereby crown you prince of Jazzfest 2006.