Music festivals on the horizons…
20th March 2017 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
Happy Musical Days of the Week
“Ray Charles is the total embodiment of everything that African music is and of what it means to be a true American artist,” declares Davell Crawford. The pianist and vocalist will pay tribute to the legendary musician on Tuesday, March 21, at the new, free Washington Square Park Music Festival backed by the NOLA Big Band, a cream-of-the-crop, New Orleans all-star ensemble. The group includes drummer Herlin Riley, bassist Chris Severin, saxophonists Roderick Paulin, Roger Lewis and Khari Lee Allen, trombonist Terrance Taplin, trumpeter Glen Hall and more plus vocalists. Few of those in attendance will ever forget when Davell, a musical kindred spirit of Charles in passion, range and style, honored Charles at Tipitina’s when, in 2002, he presented a particularly classy show, “To Ray, With Love.” The performance in Washington Square Park, a peaceful, grassy area located in the bustling Frenchmen Street music district, will naturally be somewhat smaller in scope (a big, but not a 17-piece band, no tuxedos or white table cloths). It will, however, boast the heart of what made the Tip’s show so memorable — Davell’s approach to Charles’ classics like “I’m Busted” and an emotionally delivered “Georgia,” complimented by fine arrangements by Crawford and Paulin.
DAVELL CRAWFORD
The second edition of the Washington Square Park Music Festival, which organizers hope to make a regular series of events, takes place at the same locale on Tuesday, April 4. It will feature a tribute by jazz vocalist Chris Walker to the legendary vocalist Al Jarreau, who passed away on February 17, 2017. The NOLA Big Band will also be on hand for this show as well. Acts earlier that afternoon include the Glen Hall Band, Hot 8 Brass Band and DJ Captain Charles.
Tuesday might seem like an odd day of the week for a music festival but maybe it was just lonely. After all, Wednesday has Wednesdays at the Square series presented by the Young Leadership Council at Lafayette Square. This week the free show kicks off at 5 p.m. with Daria & the Hip Drops, a unique group led by steel pan player, vocalist and composer the energetic Daria Dzurik. A student of the steel pans in both high school and at Florida State University, Daria brings both the Trinidadian/Caribbean rhythmic groove to her sets as well as a modern take on the music. In other words, she’s good and fun. Fiddler and vocalist Amanda Shaw closes out the free event.
Thursday evenings will soon be when folks head to Armstrong Park for Jazz in the Park while weekends in New Orleans, well anything goes. That includes, of course, the Sunday afternoon social aid and pleasure club parades and the Nickel-A-Dance series at the Mason. This week it features drummer Frank Oxley beginning at 4 pm. Sunday’s performance will be the series’ final show until next fall when it continues its celebration of New Orleans traditional jazz. This spring, the kid-friendly, Nickel-A-Dance has presented some excellent ensembles so catch it while you can. Mondays will always remain special for its tradition of red beans and rice and music as heard by trumpeter/vocalist James Andrews at the Ooh Poo Pah Doo bar.
As Kermit Ruffins sang, “Happy Monday, happy Tuesday, happy Wednesday… We have to live life good and swing those happy weekday blues.”
David L. Harris
Blues I Felt
(DLEE Productions)
Trombonist and vocalist David L. Harris jumps off aggressively to open his debut album as leader on Blues I Felt. The tune, “Pisces’ Dream,” one of seven originals, certainly demands attention with his excellent bandmates, pianist Shea Pierre, bassist Jasen Weaver and drummer Miles Labat complimenting Harris’ enthusiasm by adding their very individual accents. Pierre, brilliant throughout the disc, makes a strong statement with a light and fleeting touch. Weaver’s bass is at once rhythmic and lyrical with Labat offering perfect support. This is just plain solid
The quartet does a good job on classics like James Moody’s and Eddie Henderson’s swinging “Moody’s Mood for Love,” on which Harris gets in the groove on vocals, improvising with rhythm and humor. It’s on Harris’ originals, however, that the trombonist and the band really shines. “DJ’s Induction” takes off flying in unison with Harris leading the soaring formation. Pierre, again, astonishes with his piano wizardry that is driven by the top-notch rhythm section. Harris demonstrates his ability to express a ballad’s inner workings – its moodiness, lightheartedness and lyrical qualities – on “The Point to See.”
The title cut, “Blues I Felt,” lives up to its name in style and spirit presented by a band that seemingly takes nothing for granted – no same old, same old. It’s a fitting way to finish off a fine album by players who should and can be experienced now and will certainly be heard from in the future.
This article originally published in the March 20, 2017 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
