Issue Articles — BackTalk
Ellis Marsalis
One of the ironies of pianist Ellis Marsalis’ musical career is that two of his sons—trumpeter Wynton and saxophonist Branford—were world-famous before most music followers had ever heard of their […]
Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter’s first million-seller was “Patches” in 1968. He made a million dollars. His first wife got the money. Clarence Carter’s second million-seller was “Slip Away” in 1970. He made […]
Ike Turner
The Holy Bible and Ike Turner agree on one thing:“Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Judicious blues lovers are advised to check out “Here and Now,” Ike’s sizzling new album. […]
Jimmy Scott
Jimmy Scott is the most overlooked ballad singer in jazz, a veteran whose comeback from hard times inspires as much as his voice. With two Jazz Fest shows scheduled, he […]
Mem Shannon
Mem Shannon, whose latest CD hits the proverbial streets on May 8, is a New Orleans blues fixture. Until the Old Absinthe House in the French Quarter closed a few […]
Olu Dara
“Your lips…your lips…your lips…your lips… are juicy!” If your ears (and radio) were tuned into WWOZ during the last two years, it would’ve been virtually impossible not to hear Olu […]
Al “Carnival Time” Johnson
For diehard Mardi Gras traditionalists—those of the rhythm and blues camp, at least, there are but four songs that truly matter: Professor Longhair’s “Go To The Mardi Gras” and “Big […]
Kidd Jordan
Saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan, a native of Crowley, Louisiana, is the recipient of OffBeat’s first Lifetime Achievement Award for Music Education. Jordan is the Associate Professor of Music at Southern […]
