Since there are no topless Buddhist bass-playing former porno stars coming to New Orleans this month, I figured I’d clear my desk (and computer) of urgent press releases and/or flagrant gossip so hold on. And to those of salacious tastes, fear not: a former UNO student turned Playmate of the Month has written her biography and as soon as my copy arrives, I plan to interview said Playmate and provide you with the extremely juicy details.
Let Me Chop It!
Globe-bopping bluesman Coco Robicheaux, in cahoots with veteran player Earl Stanley, has just cut "Pass Off The Hatchet 2000," an updated version of the New Orleans dance classic originally recorded by Roger and the Gypsies. In Coco’s rendition, Earl plays all the instruments except tambourine, a duty relegated to Mr. Robicheaux. After the session, Coco jetted to New York, where he performed at B.B. King’s new Times Square nightclub. Other destinations included two days at the Montreal Jazz Festival (sharing the bill with Mighty Sam McClain) and most of July touring France, where Coco is considered the greatest thing since sliced cornichons.
Mo’ Satchmo
WWNO (89.9) will commence airing "Satchmo: The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong," a l3-week tribute to New Orleans’ grandest trumpeter on Friday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. The series includes commentary and reflections from Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima and Wynton Marsalis.
In other broadcast news, Nick Spitzer’s "American Routes" weekly radio show is Public Radio International’s fastest-growing music program, syndicated on 111 stations although none of them are in the New Orleans area. It was dropped from WWOZ because, basically, Spitzer’s format–in which he plays any music as long as it’s more or less American–was too cool. Personally, we rarely listen to any radio stations for just that reason: formats suck! When somebody decides to broadcast Solex followed by the Abyssinians followed by Jean Sablon followed by the Pixies, we might consider tuning in!
Boiling Point
Producer Mark Bingham, owner of The Boiler Room studio, reports that construction on the new Bywater studio is proceeding nicely: "We’ve done demolition and made new windows to the HDLC (Historic District Landmarks Commission) standards. There’s much done but we are about to have the final building permit–all we’ve done so far are ‘repairs.’ The architect’s drawings are impressive and we are trying to do it right the first time." Among the current clients at the "old" Boiler Room are Naked Orchestra, Keb’ Mo’ (an editorial question: what is the purpose of those apostrophes on Mr. Mo’s name?), Anders Osborne, Peter Stampfel, Jeremy Lyons, Kent Jordan, Dwayne Dopsie and Leigh Harris.
Sweet Home Alabama
Eric B. (our second favorite percussionist, Sheila E. is first) will showcase a troupe of New Orleans performers at the Birmingham (Alabama) Heritage Festival August 4-6. The hometown musicians will include Bamboula 2000, Big Al Carson & the Blues Masters, Indians of the Nation, Early Brooks, Jr., & Jah Posse, Michael Ward, and Cool Riddims with Sista Teedy. Speaking of Teedy, under her given name (Tricia Boutté), she recently opened for Aretha Franklin at a private function at the Hard Rock Café in Atlanta, accompanied by the George French Trio (French, Daryl Levine and Tony Dixon). According to Teedy: "Aretha turned to me and said, ‘Girl, you can sing!’ I could’ve stopped breathing right there and then." When Aretha learned that Teedy was from New Orleans, the Queen declared: "That’s the home of my most favorite singer–Mahalia Jackson!" Meanwhile, Teedy has resumed normal respiration.
Girl Talk
Girls! Girls! Girls! OffBeat will sponsor an all-female band at the ROCKRGRL Music Conference 2000 November 2-4 in Seattle, which will feature a keynote address by Ronnie Spector (of the Ronettes). Interested totally-distaff bands should download a copy of the application form at www.rockrgrl.com or telephone (206) 275-4623 for registration information. Local girl bands seeking OffBeat sponsorship should contact Yours Truly, the Girlhood Editor, by telephoning (504) 944-4300 or by emailing me ([email protected]). No female impersonators need apply; coiffures count!
Blanque Check
New Orleans singer Bobby Blanque has released his biography, Sing, Boy, Sing! The book is filled with swell recollections and is dedicated to Seymour Weiss, former owner of the Roosevelt Hotel and close associate of Huey P. Long. The coolest chapter commences thusly: "When Bobby was performing at Pat O’Brien’s Zsa Zsa Gabor came in. Bobby sat down, had a drink with her, let her know how pretty she was, and insinuated he’d like to have her for a night. Her response was, ‘Darling, I’d love to but my money man is in town.’ This is just how Zsa Zsa Gabor always spoke. Bobby was very impressed by her." Indeed!
Boyz Will Be Boyz
Dig these lines from the South Coast Party Boyz album, Escape From New Orleans: "What? You don’t want to go to dinner? Commander’s Palace, trips to Venezuela and Dallas? Sips of my chalice?" Some people are obviously too hard to please.
Special Delivery
Extreme congratulations to trombonist Mark Mullins and his wife Kelly, who gave birth to their beautiful son Michael Petros Mullins on June 9. That sound you’re hearing is champagne corks popping all over town.
