Music community’s tributes to Trumpet Black Hill: Outpourings of love and respect

18th May 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

When vocalist/trombonist Glen David Andrews and the New Breed Brass Band perform at this Thursday’s (May 21) edition of the Jazz in the Park series, the show will stand as a natural continuum of the over two-weeks of celebrating the life of Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill. Hill, who died on May 4, 2015 at the age of 28 and will be interred at Mt. Olivet’s Musicians Mausoleum on Saturday, May 23, 2015, was Andrews’ cousin. Hill also mentored and often played with the upcoming New Breed Brass Band.

The free, week­ly Jazz in the Park programs are presented at Arm­strong Park. For this edition the New Breed kicks off at 5 p.m. followed by the always energized Glen David Andrews.

The New Breed, which was formed in 2013, has been a major participant in the nightly second lines that have weaved through the Tremé streets since the announcement of Hill’s tragic death. Trumpeter James Andrews, whose son, Jenard Andrews, plays drums in the band, has been tireless in leading and organizing the parades and other events presented in remembrance of Hill. The New Breed also includes other members of New Orleans musical families including tuba player Desmond Provost who is the nephew of banjoist/guitarist Carl LeBlanc and trumpeter Aurelien Barnes, the son of accordionist/vocalist Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes.

The New Breed was one of the many brass bands and musicians from all over town who participated in the Monday, May11 Trumpet Black Fest held on a big, outdoor stage erected next to Orleans Avenue’s Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar. Trumpeter Derrick “Kabuki” Shezbie, who recently resigned from the Rebirth Brass Band, sat in with the group — one of many mix and matches of musicians during a concert that lasted more than four hours. For instance, guitarist/vocalist Walter “Wolfman” Wash­ing­ton’s rhythm section included drum master Herlin Riley, who is also kin to Hill through the Lastie family tree, and Wolf­man’s longtime bassist Jack Cruz. From smiling glances, it was obvious that Washington and Cruz were digging Riley’s intricate stick work.

Naturally brass bands were there in force including the Hot 8 with whom Hill performed as a youngster. Downtown was well represented with acts such as trumpeter/vocalist Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers and trombonist/vocalist Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet of which Hill was a member. Both bands and leaders played their hearts out in honor of Trumpet Black.

The outpouring of love and respect for Hill and the Andrews family came from all over the City. Uptown turned out too including vocalist/percussionist Cyril Neville who always enjoyed close ties with the Andrews clan. That’s also true of vocalist/rubboard player Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. who has danced at center stage with many of his downtown musical friends.

“It has always been embedded in us to play music,” Hill once said of his musical family that included his grandfather Jessie “Ooh Poo Pah Doo” Hill plus the Andrews, Lastie and Nelson clans. That statement also rings true in the way — particularly in the Tremé neighborhood — that New Orleans musicians respond to learning of the death of one of their own. It is “embedded” in them to pick up their horns, their drums, their guitars and play.

James Andrews, who gave a very young Travis Hill his nickname Trumpet Black, has announced that on Monday, March 18, 2015, Hill’s body will arrive at Louis Armstrong International Airport from, presumably, Japan where he died. It will then be taken directly to the Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar, the very nightspot the trumpeter performed at every Monday night. Further remembrances and music will ensue beginning, James estimates, at around 8 pm. On Tuesday night, yet even more musicians including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, organist/vocalist Ivan Neville, guitarist June Yamagishi, the Wild Magnolias Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and other great names from the New Orleans music community will perform at Tipitina’s to raise money for a Trumpet Black Memorial Fund that is in the making. Music begins at 8 p.m.

On Friday night, May 22, a memorial will be held at the Carver Theater, 2101 Orleans Avenue at 5 p.m. The following day, Saturday, May 23, 2015 a musical tribute (rather than a formal funeral service) will be held in honor of Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill beginning at 10 a.m. Following the internment, there will be a repast at the Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar.

Because Travis Hill left us so suddenly, at the young age of 28 and when he was so far away, it’s been especially important to New Orleans’ close-knit musical community to keep his spirit close by until we have a chance to say goodbye. His smile, talent and passion for the music will always be with those he mentored, performed with and entertained. James Andrews even announced that the Trumpet Black Fest will become an annual event on Orleans Avenue. It will be held each May right next door to the club that celebrates Travis Hill’s grandfather, the great Jessie Hill, that is named after his biggest hit, “Ooh Poo Pah Doo.” Jessie and Travis — two of New Orleans’ great — memorialized side-by-side.

Times of events and performers may change so check for updates.

This article originally published in the May 18, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.