As a music odyssey, the year 2001 in New Orleans celebrated the legacy of Louis Armstrong, mourned and joyfully remembered Ernie K-Doe and triumphed in diversity.
It wasn’t so long ago that the scarcity of performances by nationally renowned touring jazz musicians and free jazz artists was an embarrassment to this city’s otherwise rich musical scene. Thanks to venues like Snug Harbor, the Contemporary Arts Center, the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center and special projects held around the city, New Orleans’ jazz fans and musicians benefited from shots of new energy and focus that when absorbed enrich of our own spicy stew.
Recurring gigs such as the John Mahoney Big Band at Snug Harbor, Bob French’s Monday night get-togethers and David Torkanowky’s late fall Sundays at Donna’s, Kermit Ruffins’ Sunday evening jams at his, regrettably to say, now-defunct club, and Johnny Vidacovich’s swingin’ Wednesday nights at the Old Point Bar helped assure local audiences and visitors that there was fine music to be heard every night in New Orleans.
In compiling this list of some of the best shows I caught this year, I realized that the great part of looking back is that it is also looking forward. Most of the artists mentioned—both locals and visitors—will be back on New Orleans stages again. If you missed ’em the last time, well, you probably have more chances. In no particular order here are my highlights of 2001.
Kidd Jordan and Hamiet Bluiett at the Zeitgeist—The creative jazz tenorist and baritonist—two old friends—came together for a surprisingly melodically soulful session stung with rhythm by drummer Alvin Fielder that was downright danceable.
Nicholas Payton at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts – The trumpeter and his 11-piece band blew the roof off the sucker (and had his dad, bassist Walter Payton, dancing in the aisles) at this first live presentation of music from his triumphant disc Dear Louis.
David Byrne at House of Blues—You couldn’t ask for a better show with Byrne’s startling clear voice, intelligent and humorous lyrics and sense of drama set to a get-down, soul-emblazoned percussions and pumped up string section.
Howard Tate at the Circle Bar—I never thought I would get to hear one of my all-time favorite soul men sing killers like “Get It While You Can” and “I Learned It All the Hard Way” especially while standing like a foot away from him. Wow!
Dave Holland Quintet at the Contemporary Arts Center—Now this is what we’re talkin’ about—one of the world’s greatest bassists with his all-star band of instigators challenging the music, each other and the audience with a sense of glee.
Steve Lacy at Snug Harbor—The father of the modern soprano saxophone has finally become somewhat of a regular visitor to the city of one of his idols, Sidney Bechet. The brilliance of Lacy’s trio is undeniable, having the unique ability to be at once complex and compelling.
Wardell Quezergue’s “A Creole Mass” at St. Louis Cathedral—The smiling faces of literally everyone who experienced this performance—the musicians, singers and audience—revealed its truly uplifting spirit.
Greg Osby at Snug Harbor—It was marathon time for this edgy saxophonist and his band that blew non-stop for over an hour during one set—whew! Forget democracy, Osby was into intensity.
Ricky Sebastian at Snug Harbor—Drummer Sebastian is a master rhythmic explorer who found a soulmate in the always-exuberant saxophonist Clarence Johnson. Want fire? You got it. It’s The Spirit Within.
Burning Spear at House of Blues—Wisdom for the ages is Spear’s reggae mantra that rocks steady in the roots and is set loose by the horn section. Every Burning Spear show is guaranteed to be eerie.
Mark Whitfield at Sweet Lorraine’s—It had been too long since we’d seen Whitfield in town slinging his big, beautiful cherry red guitar. He stated his purpose to swing and let fly with fat chords and purposeful runs.
Lee “Scratch” Perry with the Mad Professor at House of Blues—Just having Jamaican veteran philosopher, producer, overall individualist Perry walk on stage accessorized with decorated shoes and a multitude of buttons and other sundries is enough to set an audience off. (He reminds me a bit of the Tremé Brass Band’s Uncle Lionel gone Jamaican). When he gets skankin’ it’s too much.
Los Hombres Calientes at Tipitina’s—The band was at its best turning up the intensity in front of a dancing crowd. The general atmosphere and that the show raged until the wee hours recalled Tip’s of the old days.
Danilo Perez at the Contemporary Arts Center—On any given occasion, pianist Danilo Perez is a fiery performer whose Latin jazz sizzles with energy. This night, however, Perez’s pizzazz had him jumpin’ all over the stage, even taking over on percussion.
Jazz Piano Duet Summit at the Snug Harbor—Two gleaming baby grand pianos stood face to face ready for match-ups between some of New Orleans’ finest pianists over three nights. As they say, piano players rarely ever get to play together and the results of combinations like David Torkanowsky and Ellis Marsalis and Marsalis and Peter Martin (the night I caught it) were telling.
Henry Butler, Chris Thomas King and John Carey at Snug Harbor—Butler and Thomas, certainly the dominant forces on this gig, are both such individualist in their approach to blues-based music that bringing them together made for a truly unique musical experience.
Marlon Jordan and Christian Scott at Café Brasil—The date with these two trumpeters was one stop on the very successful—and hopefully to be repeated—club crawl during the Armstrong celebration. Up-and-comer Scott shook his head in awe of Jordan’s driving runs but stood tall with his elder when it came time to team-up.
Lady BJ featuring Davell Crawford at Sweet Lorraine’s—Both having their roots solidly in gospel music, these two talents took the audience to church. That this combo descended from heaven became more apparent when Crawford abandoned the keyboards to duet with BJ.
Sunday Social Aid & Pleasure Club Parades—It’s sort of a motto of regulars of the weekly social aid and pleasure clubs that every second-line parade is good. Hats off to those clubs that keep the tradition alive and the hard workin’ brass bands like the ReBirth, New Birth, Hot 8, Lil Rascals, Lil’ Stooges, Treme, Trombone Shorty and all.
