This Thursday night, Chickie Wah Wah will present a very special show organized by the most peripatetic musician in New Orleans. Keyboardist Charlie Dennard has assembled an all-star cast of musicians to pay tribute to the late, great keyboardist and composer who passed away on September 12, 2014.
Joe Sample was a groundbreaking Houston native who led the bebop-oriented, Art Blakey-inspired Jazz Crusaders to critical acclaim. He became a popular stylist when the group relocated to Los Angeles, shortened their name to the Crusaders, and began pursuing a more original approach which merged soul and jazz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi-U-lzvhgo
Charlie Dennard was a well-known member of the New Orleans musical community in the 1990s before literally running off to join the circus. He has been a keyboardist and musical director for Cirque du Soleil for twelve years. This is his second return to New Orleans before he finally retires from the world-famous troupe to devote his energies to New Orleans.
The band includes drummer Doug Belote, guitarist Todd Duke, bassist Pat Casey, and saxophonist Jason Mingledorff. Special guests are expected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGYqPukILSk
Todd Duke is best known for his long running collaboration with vocalist John Boutte, but his resume runs deep into all manner of styles. Doug Belote is a drummer’s drummer who has played with a who’s who of New Orleans musicians. Pat Casey is the new kid on the block. He leads his own band in a regular gig at the Spotted Cat and performs with a wide variety of other musicians. Jason Mingledorff recently ended his 13-year run with Papa Grows Funk when that band went on indefinite hiatus. He is a monster player welcome on any stage in New Orleans.
