Issue Articles
Vibes and Wisdom: The Eye of Ben E. Hunter
Ben E. Hunter is back with Cross Roads, his ninth album, continuing down his unique lane with “New Orleans Afro-Caribbean Folk Music.” Though his story is quintessentially New Orleans, it’s also far different from that of most musicians. As expected, it was a no-holds-barred talk with insight and perspective.
The Deezle Chronicles: Part I
Darius “Deezle” Harrison is not only a multi-Grammy-winning producer 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 first in a series:
Stand Up—Can You Hear Me?: ÌFÉ makes a different musical offering
The usual reaction upon hearing ÌFÉ for the first time is incredulous joy. You can simply enjoy it for the sake of unique organic electronic music that showcases Afro-Cuban rhythms, dancehall beats, Yoruban lyrics, and a charismatic front man who brings the love (for people) and the loathing (for inequality) into an experience unlike any other. You will also find in it the layers of roots, identity, and consciousness.
Elite on the Beat: A Conversation with Jamal Batiste
Jamal Batiste has steadily become as in-demand a drummer as it gets. Whether with his own group or enhancing others, he has unlocked the code to playing parts that let you know he means business while highlighting the presence of others. It’s a unique skill, which makes sense coming from a talented young man who is part of Louisiana’s most musical family.
Automatic For The People: The Building and Bounce Back of Juvenile and Mannie Fresh
We are on the verge of a Hot Boys summer and upcoming year like no other. Essence features the Cash Money Records 30th Anniversary celebration on July 5. Two days later, the Donna Color Explosion will showcase Juvenile and Hot Boy Turk, among others. Only a few weeks ago, Juvenile, along with Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne, was honored with a proclamation from the city for the 25th anniversary of “Back That Azz Up.”
The Zydeco Sweetheart Makes 30 Years: Rosie Ledet at the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival
In any field, longevity isn’t guaranteed. This is doubly so in the music industry, which is often pushing the new, and less concerned about building careers. Respect to Rosie Ledet for being in the zydeco game for 30 years.
It’s Time For Sozi
Rapper Sozi has an ambitious new album out June 12 called Revenge of the Time, launching at Couches on June 15. Not only that, but there is also a short film and videos to accompany it.
Where the Wild Seed Grows: Amina Scott Mines Her Mind
Those in the packed WWOZ Jazz Tent were thrilled to hear an exceptional performance by bassist Amina Scott and her stellar band on the last day of Jazz Fest. The set also marked the public debut of “Wild Seed” and “Praise” from Scott’s first album Where The Wild Seed Grows, which was released that same day. Scott’s been making a name for herself, and it’s great to see her own nuanced and innovative compositions come to the forefront. Think of an expansive sort of jazz as a touchstone for where to begin. It was time to learn her story.
From Visual Art to Musical Freedom: Indys Blu is a rising vocal star
During Indys Blu’s recent set at the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Chanteuse Series, she nonchalantly took hold of a full room mostly unfamiliar with her music and, step by step, made them feel her and wanting more. This is what can happen when songwriting shines, delivery glows, and energy reciprocates. The fact that she pulled it off with slower-tempo songs made her sheer talent and studied style even more striking.
New Orleans Klezmer All Stars: Celebrating Over Three Decades Together
The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars are celebrating 33 years together. When one thinks of Klezmer and the Crescent City, they’re solely the ones who come to mind, and in doing so they’ve expanded the New Orleans sound in turn. They have the musical chops and vision to pull Yiddish dance music in a modern age while being wryly respectful of tradition. Befitting a multi-talented band with in-demand members, getting them all in a room is not an easy task, but lo and behold, they’re playing shows in support of Tipish, their new album, just in time for Jazz Fest. I hiked the Maple Street construction zone along with Glenn Hartman and Jonathan Freilich to discuss the new album and more.
