It’s the Fest of times and the worst of times for a columnist. Trying to comprehensively cover 10 days and nights of blues happenings during Jazz Fest — in the following space — is like trying to fit a rhinoceros into a Volkswagen. With that in mind, the following is a completely subjective list of blues highlights, the shows and events that I recommend without reservation. One note: if one of your favorite Louisiana performers isn’t on this list, chances are they’re one of my faves too, but the beauty of living in New Orleans is being able to catch these artists year ’round, without the crush of crowds.
Friday, April 24: Ruth Brown @ Jazz Fest, 2:20 p.m. Brown’s role in the development of rhythm and blues can’t be underestimated. While recording for the fledgling Atlantic label, Brown’s string of classic hits — including her anthem “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean” — almost single-handedly kept the label afloat, paving the way for Atlantic artists such as Ray Charles and Big Joe Turner. She’s gone on to additional success singing jazz and big band material, and is a founder of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. It’s been years since Brown’s played New Orleans, and she’ll undoubtedly play material from R&B=Ruth Brown, the stellar Crescent City-flavored CD she recorded here last year.
Saturday, April 25: John Mooney @ Jazz Fest, 3:00 p.m. One of the most anticipated sets of the Fest for New Orleans’ blues fans, as Mooney makes his first local appearance since Jazz Fest ’96. He moved out of the city and took a long break from playing, and in an October ’97 OffBeat interview said his playing skills are even better after the layoff. It’s going to be a raucous homecoming for Mooney’s mix of Delta blues and New Orleans funk.
Sunday, April 26: T-Model Ford and Spam @ Jazz Fest, 12:30 p.m. In today’s era of ongoing rampant commercialization of the genre, this Mississippi duo’s blues doesn’t give a damn about marketing, radio play or slick stage outfits. Six-stringer Ford and drummer Spam released their stomping hardcore Fat Possum CD Pee-Wee Get My Gun last year, and according to the liner notes, both men have had their difficulties staying out of Mississippi jails. It’s probably the closest you’ll come to a juke-joint set on the Fair Grounds.
Monday, April 27: WWOZ Piano Night @ Tipitina’s Uptown, 9 p.m. New Orleans’ indisputable piano legacy is honored by the city’s finest players taking turns at the ivories. Ragtime, stride, boogie-woogie, rumba and second-line rhythms fill the air, and the spirits of Professor Longhair, James Booker and Jelly Roll Morton will be in the house.
Tuesday, April 28: 8th Annual Blues Harmonica Blowout & Barbeque @ Mid-City Bowling Lanes, 9 p.m. Now that you’ve gotten your piano fill, spend a night with New Orleans’ blues harmonica heavyweights. Probable performers include J. Monque’ D., Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Ben Maygarden and Merritt Doggins and the Bloodhounds.
Wednesday, April 29: Clarence Gatemouth Brown & his Big Band plus Kermit Ruffins Big Band @ House of Blues, 9 p.m. Louisiana guitar legend Brown backs up his influential fingerpicking with a whole lot of brass, spotlighting material from his Gate Swings CD. With trumpeter Ruffins bringing his large ensemble to boot, it’s going to be a big night.
Thursday, April 30: Henry Butler @ the Maple Leaf, 10 p.m. Piano wizard Butler has been playing every Thursday night at the Maple Leaf since January, and his sets are wildly entertaining and unpredictable. What should make this night especially intriguing is the concurrent release of his new Black Top CD Blues After Sunset, which finds Butler using the 12-bar form as the springboard for his exploratory flights of improvisation.
Friday, May 1: Besides James Cotton‘s must-see set @ Jazz Fest at 3:45 p.m. (see story, p. 128), catch Kenny Neal @ Jazz Fest @12:45. Baton Rouge’s Neal always cranks it up a few notches for Jazz Fest, often playing guitar, harmonica, lap steel and bass in the course of a set, while singing a mixture of Chicago, Louisiana and Texas-flavored blues with his booming voice. Though he’s a local, Neal’s relentless touring schedule keeps him on the road, and this will be his first New Orleans appearance since his last Jazz Fest performance.
Saturday, May 2: Walter “Wolfman” Washington @ the Maple Leaf, 10 p.m. Supreme soul man, guitarist and bandleader Washington at the Leaf is a New Orleans blues tradition. With his backing band the Roadmasters supplying the funk and brass backing, Washington digs deep when he plays his second home. The length and intensity of his sets during the Fest are legendary; a few Jazz Fests ago, he played until 5:30 in the morning. He’ll be playing new songs as well, from his just-released Bullseye CD Funk Is In The House.
Sunday, May 3: Black Top Blues-A-Rama featuring Snooks Eaglin, Earl King, Tommy Ridgley, Robert Ward and Henry Butler @ House of Blues, 9 p.m. It’s the blues-lover’s time-honored show for wrapping up the festivities, as the Black Top label features the cream of its roster in a performance that runs until the wee hours of the morning. Part of the charm of the bill is the shared sets: Eaglin usually plays with Ridgley and this year he’ll sit in with Henry Butler, and there’s no telling what other combinations you’ll hear.
For daytime blues, and great music of all genres, don’t forget the in-store performances at local record stores The Louisiana Music Factory (210 Decatur St.) and Tower Records (408 N. Peters St.). Both institutions have made the presentation of live music a cornerstone of their support of the local music community, and every year these shows offer intimate sets with local and national artists. The brand-new Virgin Megastore (620 Decatur St. @ Jax Brewery) throws their hat into the ring also this year with live in-store performances. Complete schedules can be found in this issue of OffBeat.
While you’re groovin’ to the sounds, make sure you buy lots of Louisiana CDs, as the New Orleans record-retail business is a crucial link in the ongoing renaissance of New Orleans music. Whether it’s a major-label release, a self-produced local CD, or a reissue, your purchase sends a signal that you want to hear more New Orleans music.
