New Orleans is the cultural capitol of the Deep South, and November proves that the Crescent City’s commitment to the arts is still flourishing, despite hard economic times.
The resurgence of the New Orleans Symphony, the opera and the ballet companies tells the tale with more than great attendance: we’re talking sold-out houses. A recent performance of the New Orleans City Ballet’s “Carmina Burana” and Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Concerto” was mind-blowing, to say the least. So New Orleans music is more than just Dixieland jazz and rhythm and blues. We gotta lotta “cultcha,” as they say down here.
Speaking of mind-blowing, the meteoric rise of Harry Connick, Jr. is wondrous to behold. There’s an innovation in his combination of the jazz-pop genres that’s creating an excitement like we haven’t seen for a long, long time. Rolling Stone calls him “a consummate showman, synthesizing the swagger of Sinatra and the debonair style of Astaire.” We agree…and then some. Rolling Stone also gave his album a 3 1/2 star rating, just about perfect. Harry’s interview by Camille Barker this month reveals the personality of a new major star who’s dedicated to spreading the New Orleans jazz gospel to a much wider audience.
Rolling Stone also recently gave a four-star rating to a new RCA compilation of rockabilly tunes, “Hot Stuff.” Louisianians were a seminal part of rockabilly, with C.J. Cheramie being one of the leaders. Cheramie, who’s known locally and on record as Joe Clay, has had a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story that’s been bought by Lorimar for a movie production. Seems Clay was hot stuff himself back in the late fifties when he played on Louisiana Hayride and with the likes of Elvis himself. He faded into obscurity until 1986, when (unbeknown to him) he became a major star in England. Clay’s about to begin his first U.S. tour since the late 1950s in Nashville on November 13, with local guitarists Dave and Cranston Clements and drummer Gary Reiger.
Southlake Recording Studio’s the proud recipient of its first gold record for Spike, Elvis Costello’s last album…Ultrasonic Studio is finishing up The Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s new album for CBS and one for The Shepherd Band. We hear that Linda Ronstadt’s newest album that features Aaron Neville of the Neville Brothers will soon be followed up by a new one…
Check out Pete Fountain’s young prodigy and student, Tim Laughlin, who plays Kabby’s (at the Hilton downtown) jazz brunch every Sunday. Tim also plays at Mahogany Hall on Bourbon Street from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursday afternoons. Like Harry Connick, Jr., Laughlin was raised on New Orleans traditional jazz and swing music, and his playing mirrors the influences of Fountain and Benny Goodman.
Plans for the New Orleans Blues and Gospel Facility on Bourbon Street are in full swing. Marketing coordinator Dawn Hebert says the place will be open by December 1, in time for the “Rejoice on the River” gospel extravaganza planned for December 10. Hebert says that the club will feature the city’s best gospel music from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly with a modest $3 cover charge per person, then will switch over to full-blown blues from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. At press time, Hebert told OffBeat that there was negotiation underway for some “major talent” to fill the 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. slot. Yes, it will be possible to buy wine and beer there during the gospel performances, with specialty drinks available after 10 p.m.
If you love the Jazz Fest’s Gospel tent, look for OffBeat‘s special Christmas issue next month, with info on where to hear gospel music in the city, the best in gospel recordings and performers.
The Hard Rock Cafe’s first annual French Quarter 3K Rock ‘N’ Roll Run to benefit the Ozanam Inn, the city’s refuge for the homeless, will take place on Saturday, November 18, with a pre-run party on Friday evening. Proceeds from the entrance fees of $10 ($8 for New Orleans Track Club members) will be donated to the Ozanam Inn along with a $5000 donation from the Hard Rock Cafe. The Shepherd Band will play at the 3K run’s award ceremony, to be hosted by Mayor Sidney Barthelemy and Charles Neville. Runners will be treated to Hard Rock chili, Miller beer, Coke and Kentwood 10K. Winners of the race will be awarded those coveted Hard Rock Cafe denim jackets. Call Steve Borg at the Hard Rock at 529-5617 for more info.
Spencer Taylor and Billy Bob Barnett, who are still trying to get city approval on the Rivergate “entertainment emporium” plan to open a new club at 710 Bourbon Street. The new club is the Cat’s Meow and it’s a Pat O’Brien’s clone with specialty drinks and a sing-along piano bar. Cat’s will open with a bang on New Year’s Eve. We’ve been told that this will be the place for local piano players to strut their stuff. So all you piano players looking for a steady gig, call 581-5111 for more info. Jaxfest, atop the Jax Brewery, will open in December with a one-price admission charge for an entertainment complex with dance and live music clubs overlooking the river.
Clubland Tours, the brainchild of Julie Ebel, now offers “offbeat” tours of music clubs throughout the city. So get your friends together and book a limo for the evening to barhop to some of New Orleans’ better music clubs. Julie says a minimum of four people is required per tour, with private limousine service, a minimum of three clubs per evening (including cover charges) and complimentary champagne and bar in the limo. Call Julie at 897-3188 for a unique evening out on the town.
