NOD TO HIS ELDERS
The Shamarr review in OffBeat of his CD was a real snub and after he took out a full page ad in the magazine as well. If I recall, Alex Rawls seemed merely to lament what the album was not, rather than the homage that it was. Saying it’s just another trad jazz CD is like saying these red beans and rice sure make ya gassy! I’m not even a huge fan of trad jazz personally, but I understand that his CD was a nod to his elders, influences and a peek at where his talent will take him and where his heart lies. Not bad for a first record.
Lisa Parent, Tecumseh, Canada
After writing ”Let‘s be clear — the album is a good album,” Rawls lamented Allen‘s choice of material: ”It‘s almost impossible to hear Allen‘s musical voice in such oft-covered standards as ‘When You‘re Smilin‘,‘ ‘Millenberg Joy,‘ ‘It‘s Only a Paper Moon,‘ ‘Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans‘ and ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.”’ That‘s not the same thing as dismissing it for being traditional jazz.
As for the perceived snub, the Editorial and Advertising departments operate separately, and Editorial only finds out what ads are in the magazine when the magazine comes out. The separation helps OffBeat maintain an independent voice when commenting on Louisiana music and culture.–ED.
A STRONG COMMITMENT
Ouch! I can take Brett Milano’s criticism of the new Amanda Shaw album in stride. However, it seems unfair of him to use his review as a platform for his ill-informed comments about Rounder Records, or to suggest that we tailored Amanda’s record to fit some corporate agenda.
I agree–Rounder is not the same label it was in the ’90s. The record business is not the same today, either, and we have to be able to sell enough of any given title to fund the recording sessions and pay for some basic marketing. Record retail is essentially gone. Yet, in the face of great challenge, we have maintained a strong commitment to roots music and especially to Louisiana music. We signed Amanda Shaw for same reason we signed Beau Jocque–here is an artist who is energizing audiences, and making music that we love. We’re currently making a new Irma Thomas album and we’re hanging tough with great bands such as Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas.
So give us a break, Brett! Nothing stays the same. If you can figure a better way to market roots music, please let us know.
Scott Billington, Rounder Records, Burlington, MA
TERRIFIC PARTY
Yet again, you hosted a terrific OffBeat awards party. Your donation to our music industry is inspiring and appreciated by everyone! It is our annual reminder of why the past, present and future of New Orleans music is not to be denied. In the Wardell Quezergue tribute video, Nick Spitzer said, “Beethoven was the Germanic version of Wardell;” well, the Grammys are the West Coast’s version of the Best of the Beat Awards. Yeah, you rite.
Beth Fisher, New Orleans Musician’s Clinic, New Orleans, LA
VIOLIN/FIDDLE CATEGORY
Once again, [regarding the Best of the Beat Awards] violin/fiddle is relegated to ”Other Instrument.” Quite a let down for one of the mainstay instruments in Louisiana’s traditional music.
Neti Vaan, New Orleans, LA
You‘re right, Neti. We issued a collective ”D‘oh!” when we read your email and immediately planned to institute a Violin/Fiddle category next year.–ED.
