All Your Jazz » new orleans jazz

Wynton Marsalis’ Call To New Orleans Jazz: What’s missing from contemporary jazz?

drumminfabe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:14:50 +0000

Wynton Marsalis describes the layout for upcoming shows at Jazz At The Lincoln Center, laying out that they will be doing his music for three days. Elements of jazz that he remembers back in New Orleans were to be added to the music (choirs, singing, jazz tap) that he said were not a part of modern jazz. Here, a short discussion about bringing these elements back to “modern jazz.”

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About The Video

In a recently posted YouTube video, jazz trumpeter – and now artistic director of Jazz At The Lincoln Center – Wynton Marsalis mentioned the lineup to be presented October 29th-31st, 2009. In his description of the songs to be performed, he pointed out that they would be playing music that he has written in the past for this three day period.

Jazz At The Lincoln Center has always performed music of all artists and styles, but when you’re the artistic director, I guess you have the say in what gets played. That’s a great idea, and Marsalis’ music sure does bring in the crowds.

What was interesting about the YouTube video presentation was that toward the end, Marsalis talks about the different elements that he wanted to put into the shows – elements or choirs and jazz tap. He mentioned that this was similar to what he group up with in New Orleans, and he wanted to bring these elements – things that you don’t typically have in modern jazz – back into view.

Commentary

That got me to thinking about a couple different questions:

(1) When and why did these things begin to disappear?
(2) Is it right to try to “get those elements back into modern music”?

Marsalis commented that he remembers these things as being crucial parts of the jazz scene when he was growing up in New Orleans. Maybe it was just jazz at the time, and it’s something that is not done as much any more. Or maybe this is purely unique to New Orleans jazz. After all, while we can put the label of “jazz” on a lot of music, there are still different categories – and even subcategories – of jazz. But he’s right, these elements have seemed to sneak out of the mainstream.

As for “getting those elements back into modern music,” well that’s something a little different. If there are different categories of jazz, and these types of elements happen to be unique to New Orleans jazz, why try to infuse them into “modern jazz.” Don’t get me wrong, I like New Orleans jazz, and I love Wynton Marsalis’ compositions, but is he trying to force something that should be left alone?

If we are not talking about elements unique to New Orleans jazz, then might we be talking about the direction that jazz has taken in its natural evolution? I really like the idea of bringing back some of these elements, especially for sentimental reasons, but the idea of bringing them back to modern jazz caught my attention, and I had to comment on it. It doesn’t seem like the elements mentioned by Marsalis are conducive to “modern jazz” – whatever may fall under this loosely defined category. I guess it just doesn’t seem natural. Your thoughts?

Original Video at jalc.org

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Woody Allen jazzes It Up In Warsaw

jazzman — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:46:44 +0000

An audience of almost 3,000 clapped and cheered as Woody Allen and his jazz band gave their first ever concert in Poland on Sunday. The filmmaker, playing the clarinet, was accompanied by his New Orleans Jazz Band for a performance of traditional jazz.

“We will do our best to entertain you,” Allen told the audience at Warsaw’s biggest concert hall, Sala Kongresowa, at the beginning of the two-hour concert.

Allen’s solo parts, as well as those of other band members, were welcomed with applause. He received a standing ovation at the end.

Video:
Woody Allen Plays his Clarinet at the Carlyle, NYC (11/06/2006)

The Bombay Club In New Orleans

jazzman — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:31:49 +0000

The Bombay Club, a lovely candlelit spot tucked away in the heart of the French Quarter at 830 Conti Street. Although the club is located just a short half-block from the infamous Bourbon Street, its ambiance is miles away.

The Bombay Club is decorated in a plush British theme, with overstuffed leather wingback chairs, rich wood, and fine portraits, and features a lovely small courtyard. It feels like a living room—albeit a slightly finer living room than most of us are lucky enough to experience. In one corner of the small club, live music is played nightly.

The Bombay Club is also beloved for the delicious Nouveau Creole food prepared by Executive Chef Nick Gile. Chef Gile’s food has received accolades from local reviewer Tom Fitzmorris, as well as from national sources such as Sante Magazine and MSNBC.com. It’s a pleasure to find food as well crafted as this, even in a city renowned for its food.

A leather bound martini list contains over 100 different specialty martinis, each stirred—not shaken—to perfection by veteran bartenders. An extensive selection of single malt scotches, cordials and cognacs, ports, single barrel bourbons, and even grappas can be found behind the handsome wooden bar. Several quality wines are offered by the glass as well.

In short, the Bombay Club is exactly the sort of place that many people dream of enjoying in New Orleans but cannot seem to find. It’s decadent, but tasteful—delicious, but not stuffy—filled with great music, but never deafening. This local treasure should be on every visitor’s “must see list” in the Crescent City!

Upcoming Events:

For information about their featured artists, please visit their Calendar of Events.

Dinner Hours:
Monday – Sunday (5:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
Late Night Dining:
Thursday – Saturday (10:30 pm – 1:30 am)

Live Piano Entertainment:
Sunday – Thursday (8:30 pm)

Special Events:
For details, visit their Events page.

Reservations:
Reservations are encourage and can be made online.

Dress:
Jackets for gentlemen preferred.
Dress casual accepted.

Location:
The Bombay Club
830 Conti Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Local Phone: (504) 586-0972
Toll-free: 1-800-699-7711
www.thebombayclub.com

Palm Court Jazz Cafe In New Orleans

jazzman — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:50:44 +0000

The Palm Court Jazz Cafe is housed in a fully restored early 19th century historic building on Decatur Street in the French Quarter. Decatur Street is where it is happening these days and the Palm Court Jazz Cafe is the focal center for live traditional jazz in the French Quarter.

Nina Buck opened the Palm Court in 1989, to provide an enjoyable and interesting atmosphere where one can listen to live traditional jazz while dining on fine Creole cuisine. Since its inception the Palm Court has become a Mecca for jazz greets and their fans.

The decor and theme of the Jazz Cafe reflects the elegance of old New Orleans with, high ceilings, a classic mahogany bar, mosaic tiled floor, Steinway grand piano, ceiling fans, and the Bistro area which is decorated with a wide selection of compact discs and LP’s of famous and not so famous jazz artists.

The musicians appearing at the Palm Court include some of the Legends of New Orleans Traditional Jazz who continue to play with equal vigor and enthusiasm in their seventies and eighties. We have a different jazz band performing every evening, each bringing their interpretation of true New Orleans style jazz. Records from the GHB family of labels are available and can be played on request. A magnificent collection of jazz photographs, by celebrated photographers, grace the old brick walls.

Upcoming Events:

For a list of performing artists, please contact them by calling (504) 525-0200.

Hours:
Wed – Sun: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Available 7 nights/week for private parties/groups

Other Details:
Full service bar, Casual elegant dress.
Serving dinner only (see menu)

Location:
Palm Court Jazz Cafe
1204 Decatur Street
New Orleans 70116
(The French Quarter)
(504) 525-0200
www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com

Preservation Hall In New Orleans: Where the jazz started

jazzman — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:24:32 +0000

Preservation Hall is located in the French Quarter, just three blocks from the Mississippi River. The Hall has served many functions over the years. Originally built as a private residence in 1750, the hall has evolved into a tavern, inn, photo studio and an art gallery. The inside of the hall contains portraits of the musicians who first filled it with the beautiful sounds of New Orleans Jazz.

The hall welcomes visitors of all ages. Reviews and comments consistently point out the very family-friendly environment, making it ideal not only for a great musical experience, no matter if you show up with a date of with your family. A very respectable and distinguished establishment, they have been bringing visitors a true sense of New Orleans Jazz for almost 50 years. If you are in New Orleans, you need to pay a visit here.

History:

Preservation Hall opened its doors in 1961. The hall was created as a sanctuary, to protect and honor New Orleans Jazz which had lost much of its popularity to modern jazz and rock n roll. Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the hall’s founders, wanted a place where New Orleans musicians could play New Orleans Jazz, a style, they believed, should not disappear.

Today, over 40 years later, the hall is still going strong. On any given night, the hall is filled to capacity with people eager to hear New Orleans jazz played by veteran musicians in their 70’s and 80’s and younger musicians learning and embracing music that is both sweet and very beautiful.

The Band:

Founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (PHJB) has traveled worldwide spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Under the auspices of current director, Ben Jaffe, the son of founders Allan and Sandra, Preservation Hall continues with a deep reverence and consciousness of its greatest attributes in the modern day as a venue, band, and record label.

The PHJB began touring in 1963 and for many years there were several bands successfully touring under the name Preservation Hall. Many of the band’s charter members performed with the pioneers who invented jazz in the early twentieth century including Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bunk Johnson.

Information about the band’s tour schedule.

Upcoming Events:

For a list of upcoming events, please visit their Performance Schedule online.

Hours:
Open 7 days/week
(8:00 pm – 11:00 pm)

Show Times:
Music starts at 8:15 pm

Pricing:
$10 per person

Special Events:
Preservation Hall is available for all types of private events in New Orleans.
For details, please visit their Private Events page.

Location:
Preservation Hall
726 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504)522-2841
www.preservationhall.com

New Orleans Drum Legend Passes: Looking back at the work of Earl Palmer

jazzman — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:48:36 +0000

Friday, September 20th marks a rather gloomy day in the drumming world, announcing the passing of drum legend Earl Palmer. Over his 40+ year career, Palmer appeared along side some of the greats, including Ritchie Valens, Little Richard, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Neil Young, to mention merely a few. His scope of music was so large, utilizing his talents in many areas of music and bringing joy to so many listeners.

With his contributions to New Orleans jazz, funk, rhythm & blues, as well as rock ‘n roll, he provided a solid foundation, upon which later drummers modeled themselves. Drummers like Johnny Vidacovich and Dave Bartholomew add he was not only a complete drummer, but also a complete musician.

Palmer fans around the world will say their farewells to a great drummer,
musician, and inspiration. He will, indeed, be missed by many.