Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington celebrates Gideon Day

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

Most Wednesday nights you can find the great guitarist and vocalist Walter “Wolfman” Washington performing with his Roadmasters at one of Frenchmen Street’s finest music clubs, d.b.a. The New Orleans legend, whose style flows and funks with a mix of late-night soul and blues, will be in the nightspot’s wonderfully intimate setting again this week though on this night, Washington will be performing with a purpose beyond entertainment. He will help celebrate Gideon Day at a show presented by d.b.a. and the Orleans Public Defenders titled “Concerts for Indigent Defense: New Orleans.” Similar events with an aim to bring further awareness to the lack of adequate council for those without resources are also being held on March 18 in Denver, Colorado and New York.

Granted, most people, even those who understand the inequities between the haves and have-nots in the legal system throughout the United States, might not be hip to the significance of March 18 — Gideon Day.

On March 18, 1963, the United States Supreme Court recognized in a unanimous decision that the Sixth Amendment guaranteed the right of a defendant to, among other aspects, be represented by a lawyer. It ruled in the case of Clarence Gideon vs Louie L. Wainwright, the secretary of the Florida Department of Correction, that states are required to provide an attorney in criminal cases for those unable to hire one.

WALTER ‘WOLFMAN’ WASHINGTON

The overload on this city’s public attorneys, which, according to the Orleans Public Defenders’ spokesperson amounted to 55 lawyers handling an amazing 25,000 cases last year, have often been the subject of news reports and have understandably led to inadequate representation and even wrongful conviction.

This Wednesday night is not a fundraiser, the cover charge remains at its usual $5.00, but rather it stands as a celebration of the Gideon decision and the fight for dignity and hope. Representatives from the OPD’s office will offer some insights on what they do and the challenges they face.

“The criminal justice system is inherently unfair and has affected so many,” says Washington, noting that often musicians have been caught up in judicial web. “I’m just happy to lend my voice to the cause,” adds the New Orleans icon who has been at the center of this city’s classic rhythm and blues scene for some 60 years.

The Saints and Sinners of Jackson Square
Voxumbilical Music/Treme Artists Collective

With the right musicians involved, it really is possible to capture the spirit of the music and artists as heard performing in front of the St. Louis Cathedral on a lovely day in New Orleans. The Saints and Sinners of Jackson Square proves that and even its amusing title hints at its in-the-know authenticity. Recorded live at the Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville, Florida, and produced in association with the Treme Artists Collective, it boasts an all-star cast of talented characters who don’t just perform a song but live it. Listening to the lively interpretation of familiar New Orleans classics, it’s easy to imagine Mark “Tuba” Smith spinning around with drummer Malcolm Morris behind him entertaining a crowd of locals and tourists gathered around the musicians by the bench in the square in the heart of the French Quarter.

While folks here love the guys and the traditional jazz that they’ve helped keep alive, the Florida audience’s joyful reaction to the band’s performance also adds to the ambiance of the album. These musical chestnuts played by our real-deal musicians, obviously hits them in the heart and soul.

Trumpeter and vocalist Kenneth Terry, who shows his knack for joking, scatting and improvising, kicks off Professor Longhair’s “Going to the Mardi Gras,” that includes Michael Ward-Bergeman on accordion, an unusual instrument in this setting — it takes a little getting used to.

One of the choice cuts includes “Stackman’s Caldonia,” that is a medley of sorts that starts off in a traditional mode and moves to rhythm and blues favorites “Flip, Flop and Fly” and “Caldonia.” As is his way, saxophonist Elliot “Stackman” Collier does a bit of stand-up much to the crowd’s delight.

What really makes this album special is the clarinet of Rickey Paulin who is ever-present and ever-inventive in his playing throughout the recording. With his effervescent vocal style and personality, Paulin, who sadly passed away on February 10, 2019, wowed listeners on the Square. His fans in New Orleans and around the world will welcome another chance to hear him blow on The Saints and Sinners of Jackson Square.

This article originally published in the March 16, 2020 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.