EVERYBODY’S GOT IT
I have only one quibble with Jeff Hannusch’s fine review of the Reverend Charlie Jackson’s God’s Got It CD in the October issue of OffBeat. Mr. Hannusch mentions near the end of the review that the CD “won’t be the easiest to locate.” Not so! God’s Got It has excellent distribution through the avant-jazz label AUM Fidelity. Not only is it available through our website, http://www.aumfidelity.com/casequarter.html, Amazon.com and at a slew of other online sites, but it can also be purchased at all of the local cool New Orleans record shops, both independent and chain. I understand there’s a mess of ’em at the Louisiana Music Factory.
—Kevin Nutt, CaseQuarter Records, Montgomery, AL
ROCK GETS NO RESPECT
My letter is in response to two letters in October OffBeat. First, the one by Jody Smith. You are right in your observation of the local New Orleans rock scene. New Orleans rock bands have been overlooked here by the local media for years. Starting with the Normals who could have been as legendary as New York’s Ramones. (By the way a 1978 Normals 45 “Almost Ready” sold for $128 on eBay to someone in Japan!) Also, the Red Rockers (1979-1986) who left New Orleans for California to gain fame. So good luck to you Jody on your documentary! The second letter by Rick Williams on Cowboy Mouth. Yes, Rick you are right about them. They prove why the New Orleans rock scene coverage is a waste when they are one of the top rock bands from New Orleans (and Louisiana). They have been around for over ten years (I think?) Been dropped by more then one record company and nobody I know owns a Cowboy Mouth CD. So who really cares about them? The only talent in the band is John Thomas Griffith (Red Rockers) but why does he torture himself by being in this one-man band (Fred Leblanc) lame outfit? Just a need to pay the bills? (Well… it does beat working at K-Mart or the local mall hot dog stand I guess.) Attention needs to be turned to other rock bands in the city in a big way!
—Randy Mason, Metairie, LA
I agree 100 percent with the letter written by Jody Smith of New Orleans concerning rock music and how little attention our local rock bands receive. It’s sad.
Of course jazz is a beautiful and historic part of our city. I work in a jazz club and enjoy the music every night, but I think it’s quite obvious that we are lacking in love for our other local musicians and other cultural aspects.
Most people consider New Orleans one of the most “gothic” cities in the country, because of the history, the ghosts and the energy that resides here. Many tourists go on ghost tours, but there’s no love for those who truly connect with that part of New Orleans.
There remains much to be desired in both arenas. At least on the exposure level. These things are part of a cool thing going on around this city just beneath the surface, but no one seems to care to expose them.
I’m sure these Goth and rock and roll kids get written off as broke and inconsequential, but let me assure you this is not always the case. More attention on these types of shows and stories, on a part of New Orleans culture that remains beneath the surface can only help our economy here, not hurt it.
Let’s expose these local bands and get some A & R’s down here and get some of these talented musicians signed. Jazz will always be a celebrated part of our history. Why not put a little energy into our future? Tourism is our main industry here, which is sad. Why can’t we as a city focus on becoming more like Los Angeles and New York? Why can’t we have a huge music industry here and even create movies and things as well? Why be content with being broke and second rate? Why continue living off of others? Why not do something to change that?
And, the honest truth of it is that I don’t even think the musicians that are recognized here get the respect they truly deserve. Many (not all, probably not even one-third, but enough) of the tourists who come here are just disrespectful of New Orleans, period. It’s become a pissing ground for many. I say if people can’t respect my city then they should fuck off and go back to whatever boring little town they came from and stay there.
I know I got a little off the point, but it’s all the same really. Rock and roll bands, the gothic culture and this beautifully haunting city of New Orleans itself all deserve a hell of a lot more attention and respect, period.
I want to thank Jody Smith for writing his letter and OffBeat for publishing it. Hopefully, you’ll take him up on his offer and take this situation seriously. Do something for the locals and for the future.
—Sarah A. Cacioppo, Kill Time Productions, New Orleans, LA