Issue Articles — Features
Wynton Marsalis on Louis Armstrong, New Orleans, and America
When Louis Armstrong was only age 21 at the dawn of the Jazz Age, he left his hometown of New Orleans to seek his fortune. By 1928, he’d become the […]
The Shotgun Jazz Band Moves on Up
After three albums, myriad roster changes, and the steady transformation from a ragtag street band to dependable club and festival performers, the Shotgun Jazz Band has found its niche. Even […]
New Mosaic Records Box Set Redefines Louis Armstrong’s Legacy
Forty-three years after his death, Louis Armstrong’s later career is undergoing a serious reevaluation. Historians are re-examining the critical consensus that Armstrong’s brilliance was confined to his early career. […]
Tim Laughlin’s Open Letter to Pete Fountain
Dear Pete, when you announced your retirement a few months ago, the bitter-sweetness of such a difficult decision weighed on so many who know and love you. When I spoke […]
Louis Ford Plays Old-Time New Orleans Jazz
Louis Ford has spent his entire life around some of New Orleans’ finest musicians—first and foremost his father, the late, great clarinetist and saxophonist Clarence Ford. With the sounds of […]
Preservation Hall Drummer Joe Lastie Has Music in his Genes
It’s not a stretch to say that music—and especially drumming—is in Joe Lastie’s genes. As a child, he heard his maternal grandfather playing drums in church and his paternal grandfather, […]
Drummer Lawrence Batiste Recalls Growing up in Louis Armstrong’s Neighborhood
Not unlike many New Orleanians, 75-year-old drummer Lawrence Batiste had pre-birth experiences with the music of the Crescent City. Sitting in a coffee shop on Oak Street in the heat […]
“Quiet Storm” Warren Battiste has Inspired Generations
One of the most tasteful guitarists around is the remarkable Warren Battiste. Still swinging at the age of 88 (he’ll be 89 in November), Battiste is universally admired among local […]
Bittermens Bitters Lives the Sweet Life in New Orleans
Avery and Janet Glasser just bought a new, shiny toy for their workshop in Harahan. It’s a custom-built bottling and labeling machine. Empty, blue bottles are loaded up (by Avery) […]
New Orleans Distillery Atelier Vie Gains Recognition
For all of its cocktail history, history-making drinking and bartender-rock stars, New Orleans has been a bit out of the loop when it comes to the production of alcoholic beverages. […]
