New Orleans Music live in 2014
29th December 2014 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wykcoff
Contributing Writer
One of the best aspects of live music in New Orleans is that so much of it is free. With no cover charges at a myriad of events presented by such entities as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, French Quarter Festivals Inc. and People United for Armstrong Park, live performances are accessible to all no matter their financial means. Most welcome children too. That’s an important aspect as early exposure to music is vital to a well-rounded education and can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment.
Even on New Year’s Eve, a night that can be pricey, two super solid bands – Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience – perform for free as part of the Crescent City Countdown at Jackson Square. Decatur Street becomes a dance floor when trombonist Sammie “Big Sam” Williams starts the festivities of at 9:15 p.m. Williams, who’s renowned for his smooth footwork, and the Funky Nation have been celebrating the release of its latest album, Evolution, that brings it on with some funkin’ rock.
Highly influenced by New Orleans rhythm and blues, zydeco accordionist and vocalist Terrance Simien regularly mixes in tunes like “Hey Pockyway” to his play list. His vocal prowess allows him to easily move among genres including frequent stops in reggae. Simien and his band take the stage at 10:45 p.m. and end the set just before the sparkling fleur de lis descends the 25 foot pole atop of the Jax Brewery building and the fireworks fill the sky to greet the arrival of 2015.
Happy New Year!
Here is a list of a few of the best live music shows in 2014 starting with several of the free ones.
Kenny Garrett – Dillard University’s Lawless Chapel. Before this performance at the third annual Martin Luther King Jr. Jazz Journey Concert, the last time the brilliant, Grammy-winning alto saxophonist played in New Orleans was in1986 when he was a member of trumpet legend Miles Davis’ band. Thus, the free event was highly anticipated by jazz fans who, beyond Jazz Fest, rarely get to hear nationally renowned artists of his esteem. Unlike many artists who tend to warm up an audience with a tune that’s familiar and/or melodic, Garrett began his set with some of his most challenging music. A visually enthusiastic artist, Garrett, by the end, had everyone in the Chapel on their feet and in the aisles dancing to Dionne Warwick’s hit, “I Say a Little Prayer.”
Bobby Rush and Walter “Wolfman” Washington – Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. Louisiana, especially New Orleans, boasts its own style of blues. It’s as distinctive of the area as Chicago blues is to the Windy City or the hill country style is to Mississippi. You could tell Rush and Washington were from here – Rush with his humor and energetic stage presence; guitarist Washington playing at his very best in his late-night urban style.
New Birth Brass Band – Dumaine Street Gang Parade. The New Birth boasting the great rhythm section of bass drummer Tanio Hingle and snare drummer Kerry “Fatman” Hunter expanded its ranks to include musicians like trombonist Corey Henry and up-and-coming trumpeter Glen Hall (of the Baby Boyz). Everyone on the street, on the sidewalks, in the band and in the club seemed to know each other at this very neighborhood parade.
Cork Poppas – Krewe of Cork Parade. Trombonist Freddie Lonzo organizes this band every year and he sure knows how to put a trumpet section together. The front line included Gregg Stafford, Wendell Brunious, Leroy Jones and Kevin Louis. Unfortunately Lonzo was out with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band so didn’t hear the results of his creation – or play with it.
Here are a few highlights of shows at New Orleans’ clubs and venues in 2014.
Jimmy Cliff – House of Blues. The reggae master bounded on stage without any warm-up tunes by his band and began with the spiritually lifting and politically moving “Bongo Man” accompanied solely by a chorus of drums and background vocals. From there it was non-stop hits for almost two hours with Cliff energetically dancing across the stage. There was a huge response for “Johnny You’re Too Bad” from a joyful crowd that often sang along to their favs throughout the night.
Guitar Extravaganza – Sweet Lorraine’s and Snug Harbor. The shows that were part of the Guitar Extravaganza series, which were presented to raise enthusiasm and funds for the first annual Danny Barker’s Banjo and Guitar Festival (January 17, 18, 19, 2015) were real ear-openers and obviously great fun for the participants. Organized by guitarist/banjoist Detroit Brooks, highlights included a night at Sweet Lorraine’s when June Yamagishi, whose guitar is usually kicking with funk bands, showed off his jazz chops. Also special was having the opportunity to hear jazz guitarist Steve Masakowski play with bluesman Walter “Wolfman” Washington at Snug Harbor.
Omar Sosa – Snug Harbor. New Orleans was fortunate to enjoy quite an influx of renowned Cuba-born musicians performing here in 2014. Multiple Grammy-winning pianist Omar Sosa brought in his excellent New AfroCuban Quartet that included longtime bandmates, saxophonist Leandro Saint-Hill and drummer Ernesto Simpson who both hail from his hometown, of Camaguey, Cuba. Talk about tight. On another evening, Cuban pianist, Roberto Carcasses, led a trio that grew in number when members of his group, Interactivo, joined in at his Snug Harbor set. The place became unusually abuzz with enthusiasm and folks up dancing.
Herlin Riley and Ike Stubblefield – The Prime Example. Okay, it’s exciting anytime Herlin Riley picks up a drum stick. Every gig is a must-see. What made this night particularly special was that he was teamed in a duo setting with the soulful organist Ike Stubblefield. With just the two of them, they took advantage of the space and freedom to go, well, a little (wonderfully) wild. The crowd in the intimate club dug it.
Davell Crawford and Ivan Neville – WWOZ anniversary party at Tipitina’s. Two New Orleans musical icons, keyboardist/vocalist Davell Crawford and keyboardist/vocalist Ivan Neville paid tribute to two New Orleans musical icons, pianist/vocalist James Booker and the Neville Brothers, respectively at the iconic club to celebrate the iconic radio station. Just an incredibly wonderful New Orleans night. Kudos to Neville’s guest David Shaw, best known with the Revivalists, for fitting in so remarkably well singing – in his own style – material from the Neville Brothers repertoire.
This article originally published in the December 29, 2014 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
