Issue Articles
Smiling Drummers: A Benefit for Shannon Powell presented by Herlin Riley
When Shannon Powell walked up the back stairs to the stage at the recent Treme Fall Festival, he wore a golden crown on his head. The drummer, singer, tambourine man and regaled “King of Treme,” had been scheduled to lead his band, the Traditional Jazz All Stars. Most in the crowd, however, didn’t expect Powell to perform on this day as it was widely known that in early August the drummer had suffered both a stroke and a heart attack.
Review, 2024 NOLA Funk Fest: New Orleans Jazz Museum
To invoke the name of another popular festival, the NOLA Funk Fest was hardly strictly funk. True, there was plenty of uncut funk in the weekend lineup—but with the weekend’s headliners including the wildly eclectic Tank & the Bangas and the diva of bounce Big Freedia, it mostly honored funk as a cornerstone of the wider realm of New Orleans music. And with an audience including a fair share of out-of-town visitors, it also served as a mid-season Jazz Fest fix for the faithful.
Vintage vinyl treasures (Episode 44)
Another five vintage vinyl gems from 1969 that I believe might just be favorites of my favorite big sister currently residing over Texas way. We both make our way back to New Orleans whenever possible with our one set annual pilgrimage etched in November stone. She brings the wit and intelligence, and I bring the records, plenty of them. I have listed this month’s five in chronological release date order, and I am betting that one or if you are an aficionado, then several below will bring more fond memories of special days gone by all too soon just like the proverbial winds on the plains.
The Deezle Chronicles: Part II
Darius “Deezle” Harrison is not only a multi-Grammy-winning producer who is now shaping the best and brightest musicians at The Throne, but he is also a great storyteller. His history is as New Orleans as it gets, and is a testament to focus, determination, and following what fulfills you. This is the second part in a series.
From Classical to Cajun: The LPO invites back the Lost Bayou Ramblers and Sweet Crude
Louis Michot, fiddler and singer with the Grammy award-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers, eagerly anticipates the Cajun band’s encore appearance with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The LPO’s and Ramblers’ first collaborative concert at the Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans, released last year as Live: Orpheum Theatre NOLA, won both a Best of the Beat Award in January and a Grammy award in February for best regional roots music album.
Evolution of Rebelution: Soul Rebels “Walkin’ round in the 6th Ward…”
The highly successful and internationally renowned Soul Rebels have been around the world and, as they say, back again. The progressive, innovative, horn-heavy, eight-piece band that first caused a commotion on the brass band scene in 1991 and killed with its socially conscious, jamming anthem “Let Your Mind Be Free”—“free your mind with education, help build a better nation”—has faithfully returned to perform in its hometown of New Orleans and in particular at its long time gig at Le Bon Temps Roule.
Cosmic Traveling to Tomorrow: Yizracyah’s creative spirit is infectious
Yah’el Yizracyah Yisrael is a breath of fresh air on the New Orleans music scene. His expansive album Sunlight was released earlier this year, and another album is slated for 2025.
Walking to New Orleans: The golden anniversary for John Broven’s groundbreaking book
John Broven’s Walking to New Orleans, the first comprehensive book about the golden age of rhythm and blues in New Orleans, was published 50 years ago. Following its original publication in the United Kingdom in 1974, Pelican Publishing Company in Gretna issued the first American edition in 1978, retitled Rhythm and Blues in New Orleans.
David Shaw Talks Back
David Shaw, singer and songwriter with the Revivalists, reached national fame with the New Orleans band’s 2015 single, “Wish I Knew You.” A number one hit, the song was certified three-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Tell It To The Wind: Joy Clark is no longer a guest in her own life
Joy Clark is on a ride as her career continues to grow, born of paying her dues with steady hard work. She has a new album, Tell it to the Wind, that promises to expand her fan base while engaging those who’ve been devoted for years. Her story is a good curious one, familiar yet unique, with the strong sensibility of remaining true to herself.
