While many people think of jazz strictly in terms of brilliant soloists, the heart of jazz remains essentially an ensemble music of collective improvisation that swings and employs “blue notes.” King Oliver’s band, even with Armstrong’s brilliant solos, was widely known for their ensemble work—the Armstrong and Oliver-improvised duet cornet breaks mystified musical sleuths who [...]
New Orleans is internationally famous as the birthplace of jazz. From jazz’s birth at the turn of the century to its diverse manifestations in contemporary times, our congressionally-declared “national treasure” is recognized worldwide as America’s most distinctive contribution to world culture. But although literally million of people can recognize it when they hear it, few [...]
“Wheee!” grinned a delighted new fan, marveling at the beautiful bundle of human sound and motion. “You make me tired just looking at you.” Charmaine Anita Neville is a multi-talented, impressive entertainer. Actually, she’s overwhelming. Charmaine takes the stage like a precocious four-year-old commanding a lump of silly putty to be first a dinosaur, then [...]
