One of the oldest jazz bands in the country welcomes a new leader for only the fifth time in its 101-year history. Gerald French will officially take the reins in a ceremony at 7 PM at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse.
The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band has been in the French family for decades. Gerald French (pictured) takes over from his uncle Bob who stepped down this past summer from his leadership position. Bob’s father led the band for the better part of the 20th century.
Outgoing bandleader Bob French will be honored for his 34-year reign. The City of New Orleans will celebrate this milestone in jazz history with a proclamation. A per-concert reception precedes the performance at 8 PM.
This video from an in-store performance at the Louisiana Music Factory shows Gerald in fine form.
The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band is Gerald French on drums, pianist Larry Sieberth, trumpeter Andrew Baham, vocalist Yolanda Windsay, bassist Richard Moten, trombonist Lucien Barbarin, banjoist Detroit Brooks, and clarinetist Tom Fischer.
