Music
Dr. John: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 (Omnivore)
As if anyone can forget the singular genius of Dr. John, a new collection of his Atco singles reminds us of his mos’ scocious musical medicine.
Louisiana Super Group the River Road Collective Leaves a Legacy Album
Louisiana’s River Parishes traditionally encompass the Mississippi River-bordering parishes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In 2016, singer, guitarist and songwriter Joe Tullos suggested to Radiators singer-guitarist Dave Malone that they collaborate for an album featuring themselves and their fellow River Parishes musicians.
Professor Longhair, Rugged and Funky: A Long-Awaited Documentary
Two recent New Orleans screenings of Professor Longhair, Rugged and Funky, the marvelous full-length documentary about the New Orleans singer-pianist who inspired generations of musicians, raised funds to cover music licensing fees for the nearly complete project. Even though family-members of Henry Roeland Byrd, a.k.a. Professor Longhair, appear in the film, they can’t grant permission for use of his music because they don’t possess the rights.
Ani DiFranco talks back
Ani DiFranco knows what it means to miss New Orleans. She’s been away from the city since January. Performing eight shows a week on Broadway, singing, dancing and acting the role of Persephone in the Tony and Grammy winning musical Hadestown.
Unique and Energetic: André Bohren is busy with a multi-tiered career
Last year at the Jazz Fest Kids’ Tent, André Bohren and the Electric Yat Quartet performed Peter and the Wolf, Sergei Prokofiev’s symphonic work for children. This year Bohren and the string quartet will present an encore of Peter and the Wolf as well as a new segment, music trivia for youngsters. The trivia part of the show will include music from the animated feature film Toy Story, the Beatles’ children’s song, “Yellow Submarine,” and more melodies plucked from pop culture.
Cajunize: 50 Years of BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
In February, the world’s most famous Cajun band celebrated its 50th anniversary year with two nights of concerts. The Grammy-winning BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet invited a stage full of friends and collaborators to the hometown party at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette. Guests included Sonny Landreth, Don Vappie, Dickie Landry, Steve Conn, Tiff Lamson, Annick Colbert, Gary Newman, Chad Viator and former BeauSoleil members Tommy Alesi and Jimmy Breaux.
Your Very Own Dream: Clay Parker and Jodi James go electric
Clay Parker and Jodi James are making their third Jazz Fest appearance this year. The Baton Rouge singer-songwriters first performed at the Festival in 2018, a memorable debut for the musical duo that’s a couple in real life.
Susanne Ortner: From Germany to New Orleans to Brazil
Susanne Ortner, a clarinetist from Germany who’s lived in New Orleans since 2017, makes her Jazz Fest debut. She’s performing with Susanne Ortner’s Macumba, a small ensemble that plays Brazilian choro music. A distinctive musical style that emerged from Rio de Janeiro in the late 19th century, choro is considered the father of samba and grandfather of bossa nova.
A Tribute to Allen Toussaint’s Legacy: New Orleans Ballet Association presents Whirlaway
On May 10, 2014, Parsons Dance and the Allen Toussaint Orchestra will premiere Whirlaway. Commissioned by the New Orleans Ballet Association, the work paired David Parsons’ contemporary dance choreography with music by the beloved New Orleans songwriter, pianist and producer Allen Toussaint.
Ledisi Talks Back
Ledisi’s Good Life tour is bringing her home to New Orleans. Even though the Grammy-winning singing star and actress was just 10 years old when she moved to Oakland, California, she carries the city of her birth with her everywhere she goes.
