Issue Articles
The Spirit of Fi Yi Yi: Victor Harris, Sr. hits the streets for the last time
“For me, it’s a blessing,” declares Victor Harris on having his “given spiritual cultural anatomy” revealed to him as the Spirit of Fi Yi Yi 40 years ago. “I’m a chosen one, I’m a servant of God. I want that joy and healing to spread around the world.”
Andy Page Quartet: Mobius (Independent)
Saxophonist Andy Page assembled an A-list of “next generation” New Orleans jazz musicians, pianist Oscar Rossignoli, drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Robin Sherman, to explore his challenging original material for Mobius. Let’s just say his compositions and progressive approach aren’t your usual fare.
Sullivan Fortner: Solo Game (Artwork Records)
Pianist Sullivan is perhaps better known nationally than in his hometown of New Orleans. That’s because the pianist headed out so soon after graduating from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) to attend Ohio’s prestigious Oberlin College and Conservatory and then traveled to New York’s Manhattan School of Music.
Jazz & Heritage Concert Series: Gladney kicks off contemporary jazz series
“I’m a sixth generation native of the Lower 9 so we’ve been here a bit,” Gladney proudly offers and then laughs.
Best of the Beat: Heartbeat Award – Fred Joseph Johnson Jr.
Fred Joseph Johnson’s life has been dedicated to serving the Black community in his hometown of New Orleans. He’s excelled as a force in uplifting the spirit and outcome of people’s lives throughout his four major endeavors—as a spyboy with the Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indians, working with the Tambourine & Fan youth organization, as co-founder and president of the Black Men of Labor and heading the non-profit New Orleans Neighborhood Development Foundation.
Aaron Neville: Tell It Like It Is: My Story (Hachette Book Group)
Aaron Neville relates his life story like he sings a song; he makes it very sincere and personal.
Loving the tempo of New Orleans: Ricardo Pascal considers New Orleans the Disney World for musicians
It seems almost inevitable that Ricardo Pascal became “omnipresent” on the New Orleans music scene.
Walter “Wolfman” Washington: Feel So at Home (TIpitina’s Record Club)
The late, great guitarist and vocalist Walter “Wolfman” Washington could be accompanied by a string section, as he is on several cuts on this newly released album, I Feel So at Home, backed by a combo or alone with his guitar, his voice and style remain immediately identifiable. It’s called soulfulness.
Russell Batiste Jr. (1965-2023)
Drummer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Russell Batiste Jr. had been scheduled to lead his band, Russell Batiste & Friends, at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the recent NOLA Funk Fest. Sadly, only his powerful musical spirit emanated from the stage as an array of musicians paid tribute to their late friend, collaborator and mentor. Batiste, born David Russell Batiste Jr., passed away on September 30, 2023, at the age of 57.
