JAZZ FEST CANNOT BE IMPROVED
I am responding to your OffBeat email [Weekly Beat] in which you make the comment regarding the Austin City Limits Music Festival: “an event our own Jazz Fest could take a cue or two from as far as creative booking.”
To that I say, Whooooaaaa!
I went to last year’s ACL Fest and I’ve been to nine Jazz Fests out of the past 11 years. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is quite literally the greatest thing (festival, event, cultural happening, etc.) in the world! I am not engaging in hyperbole when I say, In The World!
I’ve been to Oktoberfest, Pamplona’s San Fermines Festival, Chicago’s Jazz Fest, Monterey Jazz Fest, and many, many other things similar in nature.
As the voice of New Orleans music and culture and counterculture, OffBeat should speak only with pride about Jazz Fest. Sure, maybe, somehow, occasionally it could be improved (I mean, who doesn’t want to see the Pixies?). And, I guess, perhaps you’d want to be careful to ward off complacency. But to suggest that the Jazz Fest organizers should look to another festival for ideas is nothing short of madness. Madness!
Indeed, other festivals should look to Jazz Fest to make their own festivals unique and inspired. Certainly the mix of local musicians with world class jazz, rock, and pop acts at Jazz Fest is the finest line-up in the country in any given year.
I think ACL has actually done a good job of looking to their local strengths to shape their Festival. Where Jazz Fest is flavored with brass bands and trad jazz, ACL is dominated by alt.country and Southern rock. Which is perfect for Austin, Texas. But, Sweet Jesus and ever-loving Mary, Joseph and Paul, do I need to see it at Jazz Fest in New Orleans too? Let me answer as emphatically as I know how: Hell, NO!
Please don’t encourage the organizers of Jazz Fest to think otherwise: Jazz Fest, as is, rules the world!!
I remain, A New York City outpost of brass band, trad jazz, New Orleans jambalaya and gumbo loving.
—Kevin Heald, New York, NY
MAC ATTACK
As an intense fan of The Good Doctor [Dr. John] I ordered your beautiful poster right away—even though I was a bit cross about your [Bunny Matthews] review on Dis, Dat or D’Udda. The Doctor told me hisself that he was a bit upset by it after a gig in Antwerp and he does not deserve to be upset. I reserved a place for the poster above the dinner table. I hope you are so flattered, and rightfully so.
—Diana G. Stork, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
For those OffBeat readers who felt that Bunny Matthews’ recent review of Dr. John’s latest CD was a bit harsh, we refer you to a recent issue of Rolling Stone, wherein reviewer Parke Puterbaughwrites: “From a virtually unrecognizable ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ to ‘I’m Goin’ Home,’ Dr. John and company don’t let the good times roll. Instead, they somberly put them to rest.” Puterbaugh also notes that New Orleans music “has grown self-referential to the point of annoyance. One more song about Mardi Gras could send a sane person scurrying to the nearest monastery.” The latter is an observation all local songwriters should heed and respect.—Ed.
FAREWELL TO FROG
Frog [Waldren Joseph] has been really respected and admired for years among the Spanish traditional jazz lovers. An irreparable loss. Best feelings from Spain. Next September 25th at St. Louis Cemetery #3, 10 a.m., my mind and soul will be sharing the second line.
—Oscar Font Cañameras, Spain
AMAZINGLY ENTICING
Please re-send September 2004 issue, Frogman Henry Meets the Beatles. It was delivered N.S.C.F and received without contents. Not only is the cover amazingly enticing, I really need to study the “Freshman’s Guide to New Orleans.” Lesson One: Suck da Hedz, n Pinch de Tails.
—Andreas Preuss, CNN International, Atlanta, GA
I enjoy your magazine very much, and the issue with the Beatles’ story was most interesting. We have a grandson who is a freshman at Ole Miss, and I forwarded a copy to him, as I knew he would enjoy the Bunny Matthews’ article on advice to incoming freshmen. Keep up the good work.
—Allain C. Andry, III, New Orleans, LA
NOTHING EASY
Just returned from a visit to New Orleans and been catching up on the latest edition of OffBeat (Sept. 2004). I absolutely loved Prof. Bunny Matthews’ “Freshman’s Guide to New Orleans.” It was right on and fun, and I’d only wished I’d read it before I’d moved there. I fell in love with the city, and then after living there for awhile, I couldn’t wait to get out. Now, after more than a year back in St. Louis, I want nothing more than to move back to New Orleans. (I didn’t experience any voodoo either, but your city sure put a spell on me!) Will it happen? I don’t know yet, but I’m better prepared and know one thing for sure: ain’t nothing easy about the Big Easy, but it sure is beautiful. God bless both OffBeat and WWOZ!
—Cary Anthes, St. Louis, MO
NOUNS AND VERBS UNAPPRECIATED?
OffBeat is our lifeline to all of what is New Orleans. The colorful adjectives and adverbs as well as the way the articles are written, brings us back to the food and music places we visit… and we miss them.
—Robert Oborne, Millbury, MA
NOT IN BONERAMA
I would like to thank you for the coverage of the Other Planets in Michael P. Welch’s alt.n.o. column in the October [2004] issue. Mr. Welch went out of his way to mention each musician, which we all appreciate, but he failed to mention that the “psychedelic digital video” that is part of the show is created by John Worthington. He also credited me as having played with Bonerama, which is not true. As hard as it may be to believe, there are still several trombonists in New Orleans that aren’t in that band. He could have correctly noted my involvement with the Naked Orchestra, Greenhouse, Friends of Jabu, or any number of other groups that I have played with on a regular basis.
—Jeff Albert, Mandeville, LA
KERRY ENDORSES TONY GREEN
On March 31, 2003, my group Tony Green and Gypsy Jazz were hired to perform at Latrobe’s On Royal for a fund raising dinner for a then unknown candidate seeking the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Latrobe’s is located cattycorner to the 8th District Police Headquarters in the French Quarter. Ironically, the building was named after Benjamin Latrobe, the architect who not only designed this Royal Street landmark but was also responsible for the renovations done on the White House in Washington, D.C. back in 1824. All this wonderful history was lost on me at the time as my interests were primarily focused getting to the gig on time, setting up and hoping that the rest of the musicians will show up.
While I was in the process of assembling the sound system, etc., a well dressed man in your standard issue gray business suit, burgundy tie and shiny shoes comes up to me to inquire about the odd looking guitar resting against my chair. This is most unusual as normally in these situations the musicians are treated as musical wallpaper, not to be noticed and especially not to be talked to!
I explained to this kind fellow who expressed a genuine interest in my instrument, that this handmade guitar was created by a French luthier named Maurice Dupont. It is a copy of the original Selmer Maccaferri, the archetype of the acoustic jazz guitar and utterly associated with the playing of Django Reinhardt. I explained that this instrument is forever linked with Django’s style and with the movement that has come to be known as gypsy jazz.
Our conversation straddled many musical subjects until the gentleman was summoned by someone across the room. I commented to the other musicians (who had finally showed up) about what a nice person that guy was.
After finishing with our first set of gypsy jazz music, all attention was focused on the front of the room where the very same guy who was chatting so amicably with me was now standing on a very wobbly wooden chair about to give a speech.
“Wow!” I said. “What is that guy’s name?” “John Kerry” said my friend.
After the senator delivered a rousing burst of political eloquence to his captive audience, I tried to get close enough to congratulate him and give the man a free Tony Green CD but he was unfortunately swarmed by a thick mass of Democratic groupies.
I inquired to the powers that be as to what is the normal procedure for mailing a Tony Green/Gypsy Jazz CD to Senator John F. Kerry in Washington D.C. I figured that my chances were probably slim to none, especially with all the anthrax scares that were going on back then that the man would ever receive my gift. Well, he did receive the CD, and here’s an excerpt from that letter:
I apologize for the delay of this letter. However, I have only recently received the wonderful CD you sent me. As a security measure, all items sent to the Senate have to go through a lengthy screening and irradiation process and quite often items never make it through in one piece. However, I am very happy to report that Gypsy Jazz survived!
I very much enjoyed your performance in New Orleans and I look forward to hearing you play live again. Meanwhile, thanks again for your thoughtful memento of my trip. Sincerely, John F. Kerry.
—Tony Green, New Orleans, LA
HELPING MARCIA BALL
Just in case Marcia Ball didn’t dare to steal the September 2002 copy of OffBeat from the doctor’s office in Austin, or if someone has stolen it before she tried to, or in case you aren’t able to help her with her need, I’d be happy to send her one of my two copies of that issue.
—Hans Ewert, Brunnen, Switzerland
HONEST GUY
This is a follow-up to a letter I wrote that appeared in the August 2004 OffBeat. It was regarding the honest guy at the Louisiana Music Factory who reunited me with my purse (with everything intact) that I had left behind in the bathroom. As it turns out, he did read my letter and subsequently contacted me! Interestingly, he and his wife, Maggie, live in a town not far from our home. I thought it would be appropriate to reveal his identity. It’s Mick Brereton. We’re formulating plans to see ReBirth when they pay in Austin in September and then later in the month we’re planning to get together out at their place! He lives in Texas, but for sure his heart is in New Orleans! That goes for me, too!
—Meredith Murray, San Marcos, TX
MERCI UN TAS
From all of the Lost Bayou Ramblers, we’d like to thank you all very much for including information about our recent loss of equipment in the Weekly Beat. We’ve already had people respond to your mailing and we can’t thank you enough for your generosity in making it possible. We feel blessed to come from such a tightly knit cultural community where people are quick to come to the aid of those in time of crisis.
—Christopher B. Courville, New Orleans, LA
Louis Michot of the Lost Bayou Ramblers reported to OffBeat that their van has been fully recovered with all their possessions intact. Nothing was missing. The only damage was to the van’s inverter.—Ed.
NUMBER ONE
Here’s my check for two more years of your excellent magazine. Your publication is Number One with this household. Great guide for record reviews of local releases. The best though are the stories of musicians and artists—alive and past.
—Thomas H. Lantz, Jr., Shoreline, WA
TROLSEN’S LULLABY
Just wanted to give you a big thanks for the publicity. I believe it drew a lot of attention. I really appreciate it! Our first show was sold out in advance, and the second show was, by any definition, full. We sold a bunch of CDs as well.
I’m going back into the studio this week to start a new project. It’s going to be called New Orleans Lullaby. It’ll be a collection of the prettier songs that come from the traditional standards. It will be out in the fall.
—Rick Trolsen, New Orleans, L
LYRICAL
I wanted to ask if you know where I can obtain the lyrics of several songs of musicians of New Orleans. Songs like “Ruler Of My Heart,” “Mardi Gras In New Orleans,” “I Cried My Last Tear,” “You Can Give But You Can’t Take” and more. I have looked for on the Internet but they don’t appear. Perhaps, you know where I can find it.
—Adolf Sugrañes, Barcelona, Spain
Perhaps you should refine your Internet search: Type in the song title (in quotation marks) followed by the world “lyrics.” If you don’t enter the correct song title, your search will prove fruitless. Also be aware that there are many different songs that bear the exact same title.—Ed.
