PRAISE, THANKS & MONEY

I just had to break down and write a few lines of “thanks” to the wonderful staff at OffBeat. I look forward to getting it every month. If it’s more than a couple of days late, I’m ready to accuse my postal carrier of having purloined it. As a matter of fact, this past August, I experienced what I can only describe as a mild “anxiety attack.” You see, there was a glitch in my subscription and it appeared to have ended prematurely. And, to make matters worse, this occurred during the very month that I was due to visit New Orleans after a two-year hiatus—2 years 2 long, I might add. But, thanks to the lovely Lolette and Joe (“Just Joe in subscriptions”), I received my August issue two days prior to my trip.

Thanks to you guys, I arrived at the International Toastmasters convention with issue in hand (literally). As a result, I was able to catch some of my all-time favorites like Rebirth Brass Band, the Soul Rebels and Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. I was in town at the end of the month, so, of course, all the free copies of OffBeat were long gone and the Lagniappe doesn’t come out until the end of the week. If I hadn’t brought my copy from Virginia with me, I would’ve missed out on what were for me events! Happily, my roommates did not have to listen to me whine about what I missed all the way back to Norfolk.

I’d also like to say that I’ve really enjoyed your covers of late, especially Cyril Neville (June) and Coolbone (July). Admittedly, there have been times in which I looked at the cover and thought, “Naw, I doubt there’s anyone in this issue that I’m interested in reading about,” only to find myself pleasantly surprised, entertained and enlightened by articles on bands that I never would’ve listened to or read about in another magazine. “Ick and bleck” turned to “Hmmm…”

So, once again, good work and a good job done by all. To the great folks at OffBeat, keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll keep getting what you’re getting: My praise, my thanks and my money.”

Sincerely,
Vanetta Covel
Norfolk, Virginia

Besides being sent, Vanetta’s letter was scented as well.-Ed.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

My apologies to Jeff Hannusch for not thanking him sooner for the kind words he wrote about my late friend, Ronnie Baron (OffBeat, May ‘97). Grief is a tough emotion to deal with and frankly I couldn’t bring myself to write about Ronnie until now.

Our friendship lasted over 25 years. He was my closest friend, my musical mentor, my big brother and, for 15 of those years, he was my boss.

Unfortunately, most people in New Orleans are unaware of his work. He was one of the most profound musicians ever to come out of our great city. He was a great writer, arranger, singer, pianist and performer. I have the tapes to prove it!

Playing drums for Ronnie and being his friend has been the greatest honor of my life. I miss him every day,

Thank you Jeff,
Harry Ravin
Rayne, LA

Harry tells us that he’s currently in the studio producing the latest from G.G. Shinn.—Ed.

QUESTIONING THE “SECOND LINE”

At the risk of sounding stupid (or just uninformed), what does the term “second line” mean? I read it a lot in OffBeat—second line music, second line photography, etc. I kind of get the gist of it but exactly what does it mean?

Thanks,
Libby Gates
North Carolina

No question is stupid—folks who are afraid to ask are those who stay uninformed. The term “second line” refers to those folks who join the parade. This can be a neighborhood gathering of people who decided to make music and march down the street (for the hell of it) or a formal jazz funeral. The jazz funeral began as a way to pay tribute to local musicians who had passed on. Band members and other musicians who had the opportunity to play and learn from the dearly departed came to pay their respects. After the church or memorial service, the musicians gather to play what are called funeral dirges (slow music that is “swaggered” to) such as “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” or “In the Sweet By and By.” These are performed as the deceased is escorted to the burial site. When burial services are completed (the term used here is “cut the body loose”), the musicians start the celebration of the departed’s life with something like “When the Saints Go Marching In” or ‘‘Be Glad That You’re Gone, You Rascal.”

If you witness a jazz funeral, you will also see several folks who came to pay their respects or who happened to hear about it and showed up for the parade. These people are the “second line.” They follow the musicians (the first line) through the streets, stop at the departed’s favorite hangouts, his or her home, for a toast in front of the departed’s favorite bar, etc. it’s a celebration of his/her life.—Little Crow.