Issue Articles
Interview with Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville, born January 24, 1941, is “the” voice of New Orleans. In a city that has a long history of diverse song stylists—from the early originators such as Louis Armstrong in jazz and Mahalia Jackson in gospel, to distinctive and influential R&B shouters such as Professor Longhair and Fats Domino, to generations of major movers on the pop scene such as Dr. John and the new heir apparent, Harry Connick, Jr.—it’s saying a lot to say that anyone singer is “the” voice, but Aaron Neville has certainly earned the honor.
Whither Jazzfest? A Look Back at the Origins of the World’s Most Successful Music Festival and Its Impact on New Orleans’ Culture
Every spring for nearly one third of the 20th century, New Orleans has celebrated the music and culture of this region. What started off as a small gathering in Congo […]
Guarding the Flame of Life: The Funeral Of Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr.
It was a summer day in December. We crowded into St. Augustine Catholic Church to send off Big Chief Donald Harrison. Inside the church Fr. LeDeaux had said, there is […]
A Mystic Among Us: My Brother Harold Battiste
I am the oldest of three boys. I never had a big brother. A wise one to consult, an experienced person to give me tips on life, love and negotiating […]
Dave Bartholomew: Music Legend
History is made every moment, but often we miss significant moments because at the time the events seem to be commonplace and nothing special. Dave Bartholomew is the progenitor of […]
Interview with Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville, born January 24, 1941, is “the” voice of New Orleans. In a city that has a long history of diverse song stylists—from the early originators such as Louis […]
Big Easy Grammys
Now that America’s music industry is once again paying attention to New Orleans music, the question is when will New Orleans pay attention? At the 32nd annual Grammy Awards, New […]
Modern Jazz: Big Easy Beat
Although most people do not associate New Orleans with modern jazz, there is a modern jazz scene here. Thanks to the ascendency of Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and, to […]
Brass Band Jazz, Part Three
(The final of a three part series on Modern Brass Band music. Read parts one and two.) By the late 80s three distinct schools of modem brass band music had […]
Brass Band Jazz, Part Two: A Modern Tradition
(The second of a three part series on Modern Brass Band music. Read parts one and three.) Jazz historian and clarinetist Dr. Michael White is the author of “The New […]