A SLAMMIN’ TIME
I had a slammin’ time at the OffBeat Awards. A buddy from Tucson that did two stints in New Orleans as a producer at WWL and WDSU was in town to party with me and my better half. My highlight was Big Sam’s Funky Nation I did not think Eric Lindell was all that great, in fact I dumped his act when I took a wizz and heard Big Sam’s Funky Nation on the other stage. Brian Stoltz was tearing up his guitar and Bobby Rush and his booty shakers were a highlight. It was funny how he did not wanna give up the stage and played 15 minutes past when the emcee tried to get rid of him. Would love to have seen the reported booty shaking of OffBeat’s own, Mr. Bunny Matthews, but I believe I was seeing two or three of everything by then. I still say for convenience and REAL New Orleans acts, unlike those bullshit Jazz Fest acts, the OffBeat show cannot be beat. My buddy was way impressed and is bringing his better half next year.
—Mike Atlee, Atlantic Beach, FL
I just wanted to tell you [Jan Ramsey] how much I loved the OffBeat awards shows—both of them! Deb Houghton with SESAC, my girlfriend, rarely gets to take me to business functions here in New Orleans—what a treat. The Friday night event was fabulous—what a great idea for an awards show. I get so tired of all those stuffy and boring sit-down dinners I have to attend for medical-scientific award programs—very refreshing! Keep up the good work.
—Dr. Pleasant Hooper, New Orleans, LA
So when are you going to put these crazy cats [Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes] on the cover? I’ve been listening and watching bands here for over ten years, and this band is the best I’ve seen for such a young group of guys (and occasional grrl—Miss Pussycat). They have an amazing attention to the groove; no mater how fast or frenetic they play they never skip a beat. Their arrangements are complex yet simple with killer hooks sprinkled throughout. Their music is indefinable and fits into so many categories (rock, funk, hip-hop, punk, classical, pop, roots) that they truly are one of the greatest examples of the New Orleans musical mélange gumbo pot. So give da boys a break, ya heard me?
—Reid Dennis, New Orleans, LA
THANK YOU, THANK YOU
I have so many things to thank you for! Firstly, thank you for the award and letting the public voice their opinions. The party was great, too. I really enjoyed the food. Also, it was great because I made several great connections. Hope to see you next year.
—Amanda Shaw, Covington, LA
HIGH JOHN THE CONQUEROR ROOT
I was referred to OffBeat by a reliable source. I am trying to find out the meaning and correct spelling of a phrase that I have heard in several blues songs, by several blues artists over the years. I hope you can help me, and please forgive my spelling of this phrases.
It sounds like these examples: “John De Konk Arue,” “John Deconcarue,” “Jon Dee Conkarue.”
Hopefully these examples will help you. Thanks very much for your time.
—Robin Russell, Pasadena, CA
High John the Conqueror root, as referred to in numerous blues songs, is the hard woody tuber of Ipomoea jalapa, a member of the morning glory family, and a relative of the common sweet potato. Rich in alkaloids, the root is not ingested but carried in a mojo bag, guaranteeing money, luck and sexual magnetism. At least that’s what Muddy Waters thought.—Ed.
A TOTAL HUNGER
Just a quick note to tell you thanks for publishing such a fine music magazine. I look forward to receiving the OffBeat each month—it just flat out oozes New Orleans. The record reviews and Feed Me Something, Mister stir a total hunger from deep within, a hunger that will only be satisfied during my next visit. We live in the 502nd Ward, y’all.
—Rob Krumm, Urbana, IL
CHRIS OWENS TOO SHORT
What a great [Chris Owens] story about a true New Orleans legend. Many of us have never heard from her, but have seen her and her club. Who knew about the excitement of being in Cuba, and one could only imagine the stories of her with other celebrities.
Thank you for bringing the knowledge of her real estate accomplishments, and her opinions on today’s divas. The only problem was that the story was too short.
—Gordon Dumont, Metairie, LA
IS JAZZ DANCE MUSIC?
Heavens, what is wrong with Bunny Matthews that makes him continue to take wrong-headed cheap shots at the Marsalis family? In his recent New Orleans Jazz Vipers CD review he carps “these are cool musicians, fully cognizant that less is more, and that jazz, before it became the province of Marsalian prigs, is dance music.”
Hey Bunny, put on Branford’s Romare Bearden Revealed and the version of “Jungle Blues” featuring all five Marsalis musicians (plus Reginald Veal on bass) and try not to hurt yourself dancing. Your Marsalis criticism reminds me of the old “You can’t dance to it” arguments of earlier mouldy figs. Give it up.
—Joseph Blake Victoria, B.C.
FREAK OUT!
I want to apologize for taking so long to write to you. I’ve been working two jobs and putting together a small trip to Portland for my friend Reggie Houston. I’ll tell you news of that latter, but first, I want to thank you.
As you can probably tell by now, I’m not exactly the slick music industry professional. I’m just the Doorman. I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy lots of music. When I brought that material on the Freak Mountain Ramblers to the OffBeat office I just hoped to share some of my favorites with New Orleans. After four months or so, I kinda put it aside; I figured you must get bombarded with all kinds of promo packs. But last December as I was reading each review…there it was! Too cool! Robert [Fontenot], that was a real nice review. It was clear that you dug into it. I’ve never been disappointed with the sincerity or honesty of any review I’ve read in OffBeat. And this one was right with the pack.
I want to tell you about a nice thing that came out of your review. You gave mention of Jeffery Fredricks. Well, I’ve known his widow, Katherine, just casually now for a couple years. That night when I found the review, I called several friends to get Katherine’s phone number. I left her a message to check your website. That Sunday, when I went to yet another “Church” service at the Laurelthirst [a Portland brew pub] with the Freaks, I bumped into her and she said that it was still difficult to find the words to describe how it touched her to see her husband’s name in a major music magazine again. She’s been getting several of Jeffery’s old tapes re-mastered so that all the friends and fans of the Clamtones can have access to them. And seeing his name in OffBeat was just the right kind of shot to the heart to help her see it through. Y’all did a mighty good thing. The Freaks and all the family in Freakmountainramblerland saw it help her also. We all say thank you.
—Jim Adair, Portland, OR
TEENAGE CRAP
Please, no more teenage crap. Radio rock sucks and could come from anyplace! No mo’ get drunk, get high, party, party, party. This is NASCAR groove!
—Roy C. Eure, Hattiesburg, MS