Issue Articles
Kerry “Fatman” Hunter (1970-2024)
The devastating news of the tragic death of the beloved snare drummer Kerry “Fatman” Hunter profoundly impacted those in the New Orleans music and Black cultural communities, family, friends and all of those who loved and respected him as an artist and a beautiful person. A New Orleans native, Kerry “Fatman” Hunter, died on February 13, 2024, at the age of 53.
Donald Harrison: The Art of Passion (Ropeadope Records)
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Donald Harrison, who was recently voted as New Orleans’ top saxophonist in OffBeat Magazine‘s annual Best of the Beat Awards, presents a three-cut […]
The Spirit of Fi Yi Yi: Victor Harris, Sr. hits the streets for the last time
“For me, it’s a blessing,” declares Victor Harris on having his “given spiritual cultural anatomy” revealed to him as the Spirit of Fi Yi Yi 40 years ago. “I’m a chosen one, I’m a servant of God. I want that joy and healing to spread around the world.”
Andy Page Quartet: Mobius (Independent)
Saxophonist Andy Page assembled an A-list of “next generation” New Orleans jazz musicians, pianist Oscar Rossignoli, drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Robin Sherman, to explore his challenging original material for Mobius. Let’s just say his compositions and progressive approach aren’t your usual fare.
Sullivan Fortner: Solo Game (Artwork Records)
Pianist Sullivan is perhaps better known nationally than in his hometown of New Orleans. That’s because the pianist headed out so soon after graduating from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) to attend Ohio’s prestigious Oberlin College and Conservatory and then traveled to New York’s Manhattan School of Music.
Jazz & Heritage Concert Series: Gladney kicks off contemporary jazz series
“I’m a sixth generation native of the Lower 9 so we’ve been here a bit,” Gladney proudly offers and then laughs.
Best of the Beat: Heartbeat Award – Fred Joseph Johnson Jr.
Fred Joseph Johnson’s life has been dedicated to serving the Black community in his hometown of New Orleans. He’s excelled as a force in uplifting the spirit and outcome of people’s lives throughout his four major endeavors—as a spyboy with the Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indians, working with the Tambourine & Fan youth organization, as co-founder and president of the Black Men of Labor and heading the non-profit New Orleans Neighborhood Development Foundation.
Aaron Neville: Tell It Like It Is: My Story (Hachette Book Group)
Aaron Neville relates his life story like he sings a song; he makes it very sincere and personal.
Loving the tempo of New Orleans: Ricardo Pascal considers New Orleans the Disney World for musicians
It seems almost inevitable that Ricardo Pascal became “omnipresent” on the New Orleans music scene.
