New Orleans Revival

[White Lightning]

I'm not talking George Lewis and Bunk Johnson (Not even Al Hirt ), but the 80s renaissance of musicians from New Orleans: First it was Branford and Wynton in Bu's Messangers, then - Donald Duck Harrison and Terrence Blanchard in their stead - all hailing from New Orleans.

What happened down there, that caused such an explosion of talent in the 80s?

Are there any other good musicians that came fom New Orleans?

THNX?

[jazzbo]

You mean like Kermit Ruffin and Irwin Mayfilield (well those may be nineties continuations). . . ? That trend contined: Nick Payton is a Crescent City man, isn't he? etc.

I would think that University courses and private instruction played a part (dare I mention Ellis Marsalis?), not to mention the fact that there was actually a jazz scene there in that city (go figure) at that time and that isn't something you really find in every city! Having a scene to play in really HELPS!

Edited August 6, 2004 by jazzbo

[Christiern]

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival may have been inspiring. It had been around for a while but in 1970, when George Wein took it over, this festival started featuring some of the biggest names in jazz. It's just a thought I had--New Orleans never ceased to be a jazz permeated city, but Wein's input gave the festival an international flair that just might have inspired young local, budding musicians.

[kenny weir]

It's been a while since I read up on stuff like this, but my recollectionis that guitarist/coolcat Danny Barker played a major role in re-introducing the city's youngsters to the music and their heritage.

[catesta]

I've seen and enjoyed hearing trumpet player Wendell Brunious live a couple of times. I believe he is a native of New Orleans. He used to lead the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Edited August 6, 2004 by catesta

[Christiern]

Danny was always a walking jazz history book, but I don't think he played a special role in sparking interest in post bop among young musicians--remember, N.O. was/is a city in which one could not live without being keenly aware of jazz and its history. Black kids, especially, grew up with the sounds of jazz. So, it is not interest in jazz, per se that this is about, rather a post-disco interest in modern jazz and the perceived cool image of being a contemporary non-local performer.

[chris olivarez]

Is there anybody coming up who could keep building on this momentum or has this influx of musicians slowed?

[JohnJ]

Not exactly relevant I guess, but I love the fact that the long time District Attorney of New Orleans was Harry Connick Snr., 'The Singing D.A.' Kind of sums up that wonderful city for me. B-)

[Christiern]

Not exactly relevant I guess, but I love the fact that the long time District Attorney of New Orleans was Harry Connick Snr., 'The Singing D.A.' Kind of sums up that wonderful city for me. B-)

Sad to say, if you check Sr.'s record as DA, you will find that he is not such a desirable person. I don't recall the details, but there was a decidedly racist incident. BTW, I think Jr.'s music is a rather large yawn.

[freddydwight]

dang! you are hittin' freddy where he lives, m8s! Clarence Johnson, III

Sample cuts from Clarence Johnson, III, freddy's fav young sax player in New Orleans. First cut is from Love for Sale. Last six cuts are from his 1998 debut album, Dedicated to You. Professor freddy hangs out with Clarence and has followed his career closely. Expect better things from him in the future. You will need RealPlayer One software to play these online cuts. This is just an introduction.

http://www.strdigital.com/johnson.htm

Download Real Player

http://www.real.com/freeplayer/?rppr=rnwk

Tracks No Name Struttin' Rose's Rainbow Appeal Watchagondoo How Great Thou Art Musicians on No Name Vahag Petian, piano Clarence Johnson III, saxophone Musicians on Dedicated to You Clarence Johnson III, saxophone Jim Pryor, piano Vahag Petian, piano Bill Huntigton, bass Ed Wise, bass Leon Alexander, drums Jesse Boyd, bass John Vidacovich, drums Henry Butler, piano

http://www.strdigital.com/noname.ram

http://www.strdigital.com/Struttin.ram

http://www.strdigital.com/roses.ram

http://www.strdigital.com/appeal.ram

http://www.strdigital.com/appeal.ram

http://www.strdigital.com/watcha.ram

http://www.strdigital.com/howgreat.ram

B-) freddy