Happy record releases, Happy Birthday and Happy Jazz Fest poster!

6th February 2012   ·   0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

Leroy Jones has released a couple of sweet singles that have the right temperament to satisfy the Carnival mood. The trumpeter and vocalist penned the lilting I’m Talkin’ Bout New Orleans giving it a bright Caribbean flavor. It may not state Mardi Gras in its lyrics but it does in its rhythm—think “Mardi Gras Mambo” or “Tipi­tina”—as it celebrates the city’s romance, charm and enduring allure—“It’s the land of dreams…”

It’s fun to hear Jones step out of his usual role playing traditional jazz with a modern twist. As always, his trumpet work is exceptional with its pure tone and wonderful range. The ensemble on this project, which was obviously in the vault for some time, includes trombonist Craig Klein, saxophonist Alonzo Bowens, guitarist Todd Duke, bassist Nobu Ozaki and the late Bernard “Bunchy” Johnson. Beyond the compelling reggae riddums, the sheer musicality of the ensemble makes this single ready to slip into the Mardi Gras or just plain New Orleans repertoire.

The question that could be asked about Jones’ other offering is do we need another version of Professor Longhair’s “Go to the Mardi Gras.” Okay there’s nothing that can top the original version of the song but the answer to that question is, “Yes, the more the merrier.” That, after all, is a Carnival philosophy. Solid musicianship led by Jones’ trumpet makes this version a fit addition to the Mardi Gras staples. After some fine blowing by trombonist Katja Toivala, Jones sparks the tune hitting in the upper register and Meghan Swartz shows she knows what it’s all about on piano. Drummer Gerald French is the strong groove leading the parade. Most of the musicians join in on the vocals, including bassist Mitchell Player.

Jones and company will be celebrating these releases, the Carnival season and jazz in general at the Palm Court on Thursday, February 9. In keeping with what seems to be a trend toward earlier start times, the music at Palm Court now begins at 7:30 p.m. rather than 8 p.m. for all of its shows.

Sweet Lorraine’s Swings and Celebrates

Sweet Lorraine’s, “the club with a silver lining” on St. Claude Avenue, is the place to be this weekend. On Friday night, February 10, the much-beloved vocalist Lady B.J. makes a rare appearance.

The New Orleans-born jazz singer, who made her mark nationally working in theatrical productions and was forced to take time out from her career after suffering a stroke in 2008, will be backed by the Sweet Lorraine’s All-Star Band. Aptly named, the group includes bassist Donald Ramsey, guitarist Anthony Brown, keyboardist Kendrick Marshall and drummer John Jones. Just to make things that much hotter, electric violinist extraordinaire, Michael Ward, will make a special appearance. Showtimes are 10 p.m. and midnight.

Everybody’s favorite uncle, Tremé Brass Band bass drummer and vocalist Uncle Lionel Batiste turns 80 on Saturday, February 11, and will celebrate the date at Sweet Lorraine’s. The Tremé band will naturally show up for the party and perform a few numbers with DJ Shorty providing the entertainment for most of the night. The gala gets going early at 9 p.m.

On the previous Friday night, February 10, Batiste heads to his Tremé neighborhood as the honoree at the Candle Light Lounge, a spot where he and the Tremé Brass Band hold court on Wednesday nights. Born, raised and inspired by the neighborhood, Batiste got his start on these very streets marching with his family and neighbors in the Dirty Dozen Kazoo Band, a precursor of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. This night Action Jackson will lay down the grooves as deejay with, of course, the Tremé Brass Band paying tribute to its much-loved member.

In the spirit of welcoming everyone who wants to wish Uncle Lionel happy birthday, there will be no cover charge at either the Sweet Lorraine’s or Candle Light festivities. They’re just a party y’all.

Jazz Fest Hails Shorty

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews has been on a super roll with his back-to-back, internationally acclaimed albums Backatown and his latest For True. In other words, the New Orleans born trombonist, trumpeter, vocalist and bandleader is way hot. Thus, Andrews was a logical choice to don this year’s Jazz & Heritage Festival’s poster. At 26, he’s the young­est artist to achieve such a high honor that is often re­served for such legends as Pro­fessor Longhair, Dr. John and the Neville Bro­thers. The 2012 edition, dubbed “Porch Song: A Portrait of Trom­bone Shorty,” was created by local artist Terrance Osborne. It shows Andrews in a typical pose leaning back as his muscular arms work the ‘bone.

The Congo Square poster, which Andrews was the subject of just a few years ago, back in 2009, celebrates trumpe­ter/ vocalist Shamarr Allen. Beyond his playing and recording and extending the boundaries leading his group the Underdawgs, Allen generously gives his time to reach out to young musicians at weekly music clinics presented by Silence Is Violence at the Sound Café.

The day-by-day of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Friday, April 27, thru Sunday, May 9, 2012 is now available online. Highlights include the legendary pianist Herbie Hancock on Saturday, May 5, bassist Esperanza Spalding on Thursday, May 3, the return of Maze, Terence Blanchard with Poncho Sanchez, Bunny Wailer and so much more. Go to www.nojazzfest.com.

This article was originally published in the February 6, 2012 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper