Issue Articles
A “Baron” of Philadelphia: Pianist Kenny Barron loves to play in New Orleans
Pianist and composer, the hugely talented Kenny Barron, 80, jumped into the jazz scene when he was still in high school and through circumstances met and performed with the legendary and progressive saxophonist Yusef Lateef. Lateef would become a major influence in his life.
A Flower of the Forest: Saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s spiritual pilgrimage
It can hardly be denied that saxophone master Charles Lloyd has long been most widely recognized for his composition, “Forest Flower” that appears on his 1966 release Forest Flower—Live at Monterey. It was one of the rare jewels that shined beyond jazz realms and into the popular mainstream. With so much great jazz out there, why did this beauty break the genre barrier?
Take A Chance: Brian Blade behind the drums
Shreveport, Louisiana native Brian Blade, who folks in New Orleans nonetheless like to call their own, is simply just a spiritually-attuned, monster drummer with a wonderfully infectious laugh.
Danilo Pérez: Musician, social activist and teacher
“When we play together we feel Wayne is with us on the stage,” says Danilo Pérez of the late, legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.
Sharing Gospel’s Joy
In Louisiana, musical families prevail throughout many genres and enjoy the inclusion of multiple generations in their harmonic journeys. Gospel music is, of course, no exception. Two outstanding examples performing in the Gospel Tent at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as they’ve done for many years, are the Dynamic Smooth Family and The Bester Singers.
Charles Lloyd: The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow (Blue Note Records)
Saxophone giant Charles Lloyd’s new album, The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow, his 11th on the Blue Note label, opens dramatically with just the mellow, tonally plush sounds of drums provided by “our own,” Shreveport, Louisiana native Brian Blade.
Erica Falls & Vintage Soul: Emotions (Independent)
Without a doubt, Erica Falls has the vocal range, modulation and passionate delivery to really belt out a song. Her New Orleans background, that style that leans towards old-school rhythm and blues and soul rather than contemporary, makes her very accessible to wide audiences especially those who enjoy hitting a dance floor.
Ben Fox: Wrong Impressions (Independent)
Bassist and leader Ben Fox, a long time New Orleans transplant, changes musical eras from the modern rhythms of last year’s release, the aptly titled Ben’s Bop, and looks back to traditional jazz flavors on Wrong Impressions.
Kerry “Fatman” Hunter (1970-2024)
The devastating news of the tragic death of the beloved snare drummer Kerry “Fatman” Hunter profoundly impacted those in the New Orleans music and Black cultural communities, family, friends and all of those who loved and respected him as an artist and a beautiful person. A New Orleans native, Kerry “Fatman” Hunter, died on February 13, 2024, at the age of 53.
Donald Harrison: The Art of Passion (Ropeadope Records)
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Donald Harrison, who was recently voted as New Orleans’ top saxophonist in OffBeat Magazine‘s annual Best of the Beat Awards, presents a three-cut […]
