SCHOOLED BY NEW ORLEANS

Great article on the great soul known as Ed Blackwell.

I first heard Blackwell play in New York City in the late ’70s and not knowing his background, my first thought was that he sounded like a “Caribbean street parade.”

It wasn’t until 25 years later when I finally got to New Orleans that I realized Blackwell was part of the great tradition of New Orleans drumming.

You mention the influence Ornette Coleman had on Blackwell’s playing. Equally important and not well known is the influence New Orleans had on Ornette. Stranded on the road, Ornette was taken in by Melvin Lastie and the Lastie family and lived with them in the Lower Ninth Ward before he moved to Los Angeles. Ornette told me specifically that it was through his experiences in the Sanctified Church that he realized he could play like himself and find acceptance for his style.

Note there’s no organ in Sanctified Church music and Ornette has mostly eschewed keyboards in his groups, a radical practice at the time when he emerged in 1959. Coincidence?

So New Orleans deserves no small amount of credit not only for Ray Charles’ development (aided by Blackwell’s drumming), but also for Ornette Coleman’s unfolding as an artist.

While we’re on the subject of the “secret” history of New Orleans’ impact on jazz, I wonder how many jazz fans realize that while Lester Young was born in Mississippi and associated with Kansas City, he spent his formative childhood years in Algiers and took the ferry over to the city frequently. New Orleans seems oblivious to the fact he’s one of the city’s many creative sons. Louis Armstrong, Lester Young, Ornette Coleman… there’s no jazz without these cats and they were well schooled in one way or another by New Orleans.

—Ken McCarthy, Tivoli, NY

DONNA’S

It is with sincere regret I learned of the closing of Donna’s. Many good memories from way back. I hung out at that location when I moved here in 1962.

Donna made it a brass band hang-out and helped so many young musicians, including Trombone Shorty.

When I was hired to hire the brass bands for French Quarter Festival, Donna’s sponsored at least four of the bands. Because of Donna’s dedication, that stage remains important for the fest.

—Donald Marquis, New Orleans, LA

DELICIOUS

Just wanted to send “props” on the delicious food issue. The cover was perfect. I had always dreamed about the rocker chick underneath Susan Spicer’s chef’s whites— wow! She is a great cook, a very professional restaurateur and a very gracious human being—’bout the nicest chef I ever met.

Next, I turned the page to see Dean [Pigeon] schlepping his fine chow to the world’s greatest football team. Another great New Orleans food family that has worked really hard to share South Louisiana culinary culture.

Food and music—it’s what makes the world go round. Thanks for reminding me.

—Dudley Passman, Director of Food Service for Zatarain’s, Metairie, LA

DISAPPOINTING REVIEW

Regarding the CD review of Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns by Zachary Young, I am disappointed not only in the review, but that you shot far too low by not featuring her on the cover. It is interesting that the eclecticism of Shamarr Allen and Helen Gillet has been trumpeted as it should be, but in the case of Lake, this is termed as “more interested in the theatrical trappings.” I think that very few who have seen her live on Royal Street or in a club performing would say that she is play-acting or not purely into the music. It is unfortunate that someone with the talent and, shall I say it, apparent and obvious star power of Lake is seemingly underappreciated by the pre-eminent musical periodical in her adopted hometown. I expect that OffBeat will have some negative reviews, but perhaps they should be saved for the groups truly deserving of them, as there are definitely some who are riding irony, NOLA family background, or heartfelt-but-horrible all the way to the, albeit small, bank.

—Michael Zell, New Orleans, LA

NOT SICK OF KATRINA

I don’t live in Louisiana and I’m not sick of hearing about Katrina.

My wife and I were scheduled to visit Metairie a few weeks after Katrina. I didn’t realize how bad things were for at least a day. I guess I was in denial, 300 plus miles away. I tried to call my hotel (a chain) and there was no answer. So I called the number for the hotel’s headquarters and they told me they hadn’t been able to contact them either.

Needless to say, we didn’t visit Metairie then. When I saw scenes on TV of people standing on the freeway, I wondered how close they were to our hotel.

I flew into Baton Rouge some weeks later and much of the damage across the state was visible, and yet other areas looked fine. Weird.

We finally returned to New Orleans last fall for a long weekend. We asked several locals about their experiences. We didn’t want to seem like ghoulish tourists, but we were interested in people’s stories. No one seemed insulted and all seemed eager to share. The unanimous opinion was that business is still down since Katrina. We walked through the Quarter and many places seemed to be permanently closed.

For example, there was a stone/jewelry shop that I had visited for many years and I thought my wife would like it. It was closed, presumably for good. I never thought that place would close.

I don’t expect Katrina to leave the Louisiana vocabulary for a very long time, nor should it.

—David Swanger, Auburn, AL

SENSATIONAL

I was fortunate to get to New Orleans with a group of fellow Aussie music fans for this year’s Jazz Fest. This was my first trip overseas and it was a dream come true to travel down from Memphis then onto Clarksdale and finish in New Orleans for two weeks. I loved every minute of my time in your incredible city. I always look forward to getting the email updates and reading about what is happening brings back many fond memories. I just can’t stop thinking about all your city has to offer and can’t wait to get back someday. With all the troubles you have had over many years I marvel at your city’s citizens’ resilience and I think this is due in no small way to the sensational music and musicians that call New Orleans home.

I am the President of a Roots music club in Williamstown, Melbourne (Victoria) Australia and extend a warm invitation for any travelers from Louisiana and Tennessee who may come our way to come down and enjoy some Aussie Blues and roots music.

—Rob Rowe, Williamstown, Australia