Issue Articles
The Mission of the Music: Stephen Marley’s Old Soul
Stephen Marley brings his “Old Soul Tour Unplugged” to New Orleans, featuring songs off his new album Old Soul, plus selections from his entire catalog, and Bob Marley classics. He’s a multi-Grammy winner as a solo artist, producer, and band member, as well as a key part, of course, of an iconic musical family.
From Tragedy to Triumph: The New Orleans Nightcrawlers Make 30 Years
It’s been a bittersweet year so far for groundbreaking band The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, a true all-star group. Though they didn’t win their second Grammy this year, it was still an honor to be nominated on their 30th anniversary.
The Cotton Club Meets Studio 54: Eliza Sonnenschein manifests her journey
The performer Eliza Sonnenschein was born Gabrielle Elizabeth Sonnenschein to a military family in Germany. As her career has been building, she’s on the verge of a major career step and getting her acting chops up too. We sat down at the Audubon Zoo to find out why they’re all asking for her.
You Can Call Me Al: SaxKixAve dynamic duo Albert and Alfred
At a recent Tipitina’s show, SaxKixAve, the project of rapper Alfred Banks and multi-instrumentalist Albert Allenback, converted a packed house into a fan base. They are hip hop-fluid as you haven’t heard it before. In lesser hands, this would be a recipe for a muddy mess. The high-level Al’s, though, finesse it so well. One can’t help but pause the next day with awe that what they pulled off in an exceptional way is about to thrill festival goers.
Jamal Batiste: Beatz N’ Vibez, Vol. 1 (Independent)
When you think of Jamal Batiste, what comes to mind is tight, funky, in-the-pocket drumming wrapped up with good energy and spirit. That’s exactly how Beatz N’ Vibez, Vol 1, his fourth album kicks off.
$crim: Lonely Boy (G59 Record$)
I suspect most New Orleanians don’t realize that one of the music groups most streamed and also high on the Billboard charts are the local underground hip hop duo $uicideboy$. The fame comes with the game, and even as they prepare for international touring and their upcoming album (the 4th), they recently dealt with a Three 6 Mafia copyright infringement lawsuit against them as well as one of their own against merch bootleggers.
Women in Music: Chanteuse Series features Margie Perez
The Chanteuse concert series celebrating New Orleans women in music is returning for March with a strong line-up. Included with these top-notch vocalists and performers is a well-known person around town, Margie Perez. We sat down to catch up and chat about it at Bywater Bakery.
From the Street to the Stage: Big Chief Juan Pardo at the Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Golden Comanche Big Chief Juan Pardo is also a key part of the group Tribal Gold, the union with the New Orleans Suspects, who will be playing the Congo Square Rhythms Festival. The dust had barely settled on Mardi Gras when we sat down at Rue de la Course to discuss how everything is organically coming together for him in the right way.
Barbara Hawkins & The Dixie Cups Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of “Chapel of Love”
New Orleans’ own The Dixie Cups are celebrating a big anniversary, not only for the 60th anniversary of timeless “Chapel of Love,” but all the other hits that followed. They are also the feature of this year’s radiant Jazz & Heritage Festival poster. Founding member Barbara Hawkins looked back on a time in which three teenagers were the premier girl group in the country, knocked the Beatles off the number one pedestal, and took Mardi Gras Indian music to the airwaves. Founding members Rosa Hawkins and Joan Johnson are no longer with us physically, but their spirit and legacy flourishes.
Born to Win: Britti always wore her heart outwardly
There are certain vocalists who bring you to full attention the first time you hear them. A unique signature means a lot, especially so in a world where mimicry reigns. Britti can’t help being herself, though. Her new album Hello, I’m Britti on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound is a stellar introduction, a testament to the power of strong songwriting, abiding and genuine expression enduring.
