Many of the uptown projects in New Orleans have been torn down and replaced by modern-looking townhomes, but the residents still poured out onto front porches and lawns to see the second-line as it passed down LaSalle Avenue. Over to my left I spied the legendary Dew Drop Inn, an African-American nightclub and hotel that launched the careers of many great musicians and singers. Although closed since Katrina, the sturdy building survived the monster storm, and there is talk of renovation and reopening. Turning onto Louisiana Avenue, we came to Big Man Lounge, apparently a known gathering spot for brass bands and second-liners. Here the bands actually came to a stop, and the members of the Young Men Olympian disappeared inside the lounge for a rest and a refreshment. Hearing my name called, I turned around to see Edward Jackson, the trombonist with To Be Continued who was marching today with the Hot 8, who gathered out in the neutral ground of Louisiana Avenue near the lounge.
entertainment
Urban Music Showcases at @CuttingEdgeNOLA
My friend Rico Brooks, who manages Gorilla Zoe, was in New Orleans for the Cutting Edge conference, and after we ate dinner at the Steak Knife, we headed over to Le Roux on Louisiana Avenue for the conference’s rap and R & B showcases. The hip-hop performances upstairs had ended early due to some artists on the line-up that failed to appear, but the R & B/soul showcases were still going on downstairs, including the Austin-based band Neckbone.
TBC Brass band Live at Canal and Bourbon, New Orleans, September 2011
When I checked into my room at the Holiday Inn on Royal at Canal in New Orleans, I could hear a brass band playing in the distance, so before driving out to the Hi-Ho Lounge, I walked up to Bourbon Street at Canal, where the music was coming from. The band proved to be the To Be Continued Brass Band, a famous young band that I had first encountered last year when they challenged the Stooges at the latter band’s regular weekly gig at the Hi-Ho Lounge. The resulting battle in the street corner was one of those serendipities that make me love New Orleans. On this particular night I met Edward Jackson, a trombonist who also handles the business affairs for TBC, and we arranged to have a business meeting about music distribution before I left the city.
North Mississippi Allstars Featuring @LutherDickinson @CodyDickinson at the Jim Dickinson Folk Fest
Last night was also my first time hearing the North Mississippi All-Stars in person. Luther Dickinson has clearly absorbed the North Mississippi hill country blues tradition in his playing, while brother Cody’s drumming shows the influence of African-American fife-and-drum bands. Their enjoyable set was followed by Mojo Nixon and the Yalobushwackers.
Jim Dickinson Folk Festival at the @LevittShell, Overton Park, Memphis, 2011
Monday night September 19, 2011 was the occasion for a remarkable Memphis music concert at the Levitt Shell in honor of the late legendary Memphis producer and musician Jim Dickinson. The threat of rain didn’t deter anyone, and the event got underway with a set from Son of Mudboy, the successor to Memphis’ legendary Mudboy and the Neutrons.
Tennessee Mass Choir at the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival 2011
The Tennessee Mass Choir is one of Memphis’ finest gospel choirs, and their performance at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival was especially noteworthy, with legendary drummer Edward “Hot” Cleveland and bassist Jackie Clark backing them up. The rain could not dampen their enthusiasm, and it was a masterful performance.
James Sexton-Drum Solo at Memphis Music and Heritage Festival 2011
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Memphis drummer James Sexton takes a solo during the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival September 3, 2011
DJ Paul Vol. 16 Tape Release Party Flyer, 1994
DJ Paul Vol. 16 Release Party @ Juicy J’s Place, 1994
Gravel Springs Picnic With The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band
#52 The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
At the Otha Turner Picnic, Gravel Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 2011
The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band at Gravel Springs, MS
#51 The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band.MOV (by jdoggtn7)
At the Otha Turner Picnic, Gravel Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 2011