As we enter into the last Jazz Fest of the twentieth century, it is impossible not to think of New Orleans one hundred years ago, when the city was nine months pregnant with the artform the world now calls jazz. Perhaps things do run in cycles, for not since that time has there been such a burgeoning of music as is currently taking place in the Crescent City.
New Orleans is known as the “Cradle of Jazz,” but for long stretches it has also functioned as the “Womb and Tomb” of jazz, where countless masters have labored away in obscurity. There seems to be good reason for optimism these days, however. The club scene is flourishing, with The Funky Butt and Snug Harbor committed to modern jazz, Preservation Hall and The Palm Court concentrating on trad-jazz, Donna’s devoted to indigenous brass bands, and the new Storyville venue presenting the entire spectrum. Stimulating young artists are emerging from exemplary programs at University of New Orleans, Loyola and Southern. And, at last, there are a few local indie record labels working hard to provide an outlet and to expose our wellspring of music to the outside world.
At the forefront of this trend is Basin Street Records. In the last year, Basin Street has released outstanding records from Kermit Ruffins, Los Hombres Calientes and Jason Marsalis. The later two continue to rise in the national Gavin radio charts, and the Los Hombres Calientes record was cited in a recent New York Times article as an example of the indie-jazz ethic at its best. This Jazz Fest, the label celebrates stellar new releases from Irvin Mayfield and Ruffins (see reviews).
Likewise, STR Digital Records is picking up momentum, and this Jazz Fest they unveil I Would Give All My Love from Kim Prevost & Bill Solley, the vocal/guitar duo which recently won the 1999 B.E.T. “Jazz Discovery Competition” with their romantic brand of Brazilian, R&B, gospel and pop flavored jazz. The label is trying get another record out in time for the Fest: Such Sweet Thunder, A New Orleans Tribute to Duke Ellington, from a live concert by The Irvin Mayfield Jazz Orchestra.
Louisiana Red Hot Records is hoping to make waves with the release of Perdido Street Parade by The New Orleans All Star Stompers, which includes acclaimed trumpeter Nicholas Payton, banjoist Don Vappie and bassist Lloyd Lambert. Also, look for volume four of the label’s compilation series, Trad Jazz: The Language of New Orleans, as well as a new Leroy Jones record, City of Sounds, which was recorded a year ago in New Orleans, but was previously only available in Denmark due to the trumpeter’s now-defunct Sony contract.
Jazz Fest season offers innumerable chances to hear some of the stunning jazz artists currently emerging in the Crescent City, many of them still flying way below national radar. Here’s a few gigs which should reside on your “Can’t Miss” short list:
John Bouttè (LMNOP Jazz Vocalist Showcase, Storyville, April 27, 11pm) This is a voice that stops you in your tracks, high pitched like Little Jimmy Scott and tinged with the same kind of precious heartache, but also with the gospel flavored soul of Sam Cooke. A proud member of New Orleans’ great singing family (sister Lillian Bouttè is a famous singer in Europe, niece Tricia Bouttè is a rising local star), his new, self-produced CD, At the Foot of Canal Street, showcases his versatility and songwriting skills. He hosts this LMNOP showcase, which also features Sharon Martin, Cynthia Dewberry, Kaye Dorian and others.
Clarence Johnson III (WWOZ Jazz Tent, April 25, 12:55pm) A young dynamo on the tenor sax, Johnson plays with intense spirituality, even as he dazzles you with his explosive technique and affinity for wild excursions. His tasty debut, Dedicated To You, is on STR Digital Records.
Moore & More (Dream Palace, April 21; Mermaid Lounge, April 27; Tipitina’s Uptown, May 2, late show) This is the amplified groove-jazz group lead by Stanton Moore, the drummer for popular funk/jam band Galactic. As last year’s All Kooked Out (Fog City Records) displayed, Moore can create a seductive and unique sound. For these dates, he will once again be joined by West Coast “freak-funk” saxophonist Skerik. Their collaboration during Jazz Fest last year made for one of the hottest club shows.
Rebecca Barry (WWOZ Jazz Tent, April 23, 11:45am) Barry has quickly become one of the most consistently impressive tenor sax players on the local scene. On her exceptional, self-produced debut, And Then Some, she is joined by some of the best rhythm players in town, such as Bill Huntington, John Vidacovich and Victor Atkins. Expect at least one of those gentlemen to join her in the Jazz Tent.
Roland Guerin Quintet (WWOZ Jazz Tent, April 23, 1:10pm) This young acoustic bassist has deep intensity and compelling nuance. He tours with pianist Marcus Roberts, and his own Live at the Blue Note record is due out in May.
Astral Project (WWOZ Jazz Tent, April 30, 2:25pm; Funky Butt, April 25; Snug Harbor, May 2) This mind-expanding quintet is the leading modern jazz group in New Orleans. With a twenty year history and a new record just out, VoodooBop (see Reviews), these performances promise transcendence.
Irvin Mayfield vs. Kermit Ruffins, “Battle of the Bands II” (Margaritaville, April 26th, 11pm) Back by popular demand, this is the classic confrontation of two trumpeters, one an intrepid modernist (Mayfield), the other a charismatic, retro-swinger, steeped in Crescent City funk.
Michael Foster Project (Donna’s, April 25, 7pm; May 2, 9:30pm) This hot new brass band out of Baton Rouge can play as funky as Rebirth, as tight as The Dirty Dozen, and still breath fresh life into the traditional tunes. Their debut, Kick Some Brass, was the first release on Donna’s new in-house record label, Rampart Records.
Superjam featuring Michael Ray, John Medeski, Marc Ribot, Stanton Moore, Karl Denson and Jim Singleton. (Howlin’ Wolf, May 1) This is what Jazz Fest is all about, diverse artists, both local and national, together for the first time in an unrehearsed setting. Let the sparks fly.
