Category Archives: TVD New Orleans

Alhough the album won’t be out until July 9, the venerable New Orleans institution has offered up a glimpse of the release for fans to preview. They are the first new songs to be recorded by the “Hall” in decades. 

That’s It! was produced by My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and PHJB’s Ben Jaffe and recorded at The Preservation Hall in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans.

Band members Ben Jaffe, Charlie Gabriel, Rickie Monie, and Clint Maedgen wrote for the album and collaborated with Paul Williams, Dan Wilson, and Chris Stapleton on several songs.

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When it comes to bands who have helped define New Orleans music at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century, Papa Grows Funk is at the top of the list.

Their Monday night gigs at the Maple Leaf Bar are legendary. They have also spread the gospel of Noveau funk beyond New Orleans and they have a wide fan base across the country.

As most readers know, the band is taking an indefinite hiatus after thirteen years of playing together. The Mondays at the Leaf are a memory now, though there is still some touring to do, and one final show in New Orleans, before the musicians go their separate ways.

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The singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, producer, and gospel choir leader releases his first album in over a decade on Basin Street Records.

My Gift to You is a tour de force that features new songs, creative arrangements of classic cover tunes, compelling singing, and the deep Louisiana piano work that Crawford has been known for since he was a child.

The album features a slew of special guests from all over the musical map including Big Freedia, Donald Harrison, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Dr. John, Nicholas Payton, and Steve Riley.

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Tipitina’s is the place to be Saturday night when Kermit celebrates the release of his new album We Partyin’ Traditional Style! The show starts at 9:45 PM. Read on for some special news about the performance.

Ruffins has had a lot of musicians go through his band over the years. However, most of the musicians that record on his albums do not play in his band. They are the studio pros that producer Tracey Freeman and executive producer and Basin Street Records owner Mark Samuels use to create his sonically stunning releases.

We Partyin’ Traditional Style! goes one step further. Instead of the usual studio studs, it features the cream of the crop of local traditional jazz players. Read More »

This afternoon (6/6) and next Thursday (6/13) are the last two concerts in Armstrong Park for the spring season. The Brass-A-Holics headline today and Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers close the event out on June 13, 2013.

In keeping with the concert series’ high standards, the opening act today, the Joe Krown Trio with Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Russell Batiste could easily be the headliner. Next week, Mike “Soulman” Baptiste opens for Ruffins.

The Marketplace at Armstrong Park, an open-air farmers and arts market produced by The Institute of Community Development, opens to the public at 3PM.

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As anticipation grows leading up to the roots music festival on October 3-5, 2013, the organizers are adding to the hype by releasing a short film that features the legendary garage bands that will be appearing—the Standells, Ty Wagner, the Sloths, and Gaunga Dyns.

Over the years, the Ponderosa Stomp has proudly presented the greats of rock n’ roll, from Link Wray and the Flamin’ Groovies, to The Trashmen, Green Fuz, The Seeds, The Alarm Clocks, and Dr. Specs Optical Illusion.

Unhinged pioneers of raw fury, these bands ignited teenage raves and rebellious rioting on stages across the US, becoming icons of a movement that continues to flower. 2013 is no exception, as stars of the Sunset Strip scene The Sloths, Ty Wagner and The Standells perform with proto-punk New Orleans rockers the Gaunga Dyns.

Dale Triguero of Chickie Wah Wah and John Driver of Family Fish Productions have had numerous successful music projects. Their newest may end up being their most fruitful thus far.

The indie pop duo comprised of Alexis Marceaux and Sam Craft are poised to bring their music to the next level. They will be presenting the full range of their talents during the month of June with a Monday night residency at the intimate roots music venue Chickie Wah Wah.

Both musicians are already well known in New Orleans. You may have caught a glimpse of Alexis & the Samurai’s exploits on HBO’s Treme and NBC’s The Voice.

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Next Tuesday is a big day for Kermit Ruffins and Terence Blanchard. It is national release day for both Ruffins’ We Partyin’ Traditional Style! and Blanchard’s Magnetic. 

Ruffins has never been shy about his affection for traditional New Orleans jazz. However, his music has moved beyond the style that was the motivating force behind him leaving the Rebirth Brass Band to develop his solo act.

His new record returns him to his trad roots with a collection of tunes that could have appeared on his debut record, World On A String. Favorites include “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South,” “Jeepers Creepers,” and “Careless Love.”

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