kh1958

Sasha Masakowski, Live at the 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Victor Atkins Quintet, Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Leyla McCalla, Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Jason Marsalis, Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Pat Martino, Consciousness (Muse)

Last night, Jackie Venson at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington.

Yes, I've seen her twice, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (in the Blues Tent) and at the Big Ears Festival. She is wonderful.

Curious what the band was there? At Big Ears he had a young Indian woman on vocals, a harp, bass guitar, drums, and a guy doing something on a computer (I wasn't sure what).

Palm Court Jazz Cafe Announces Closure After 35 Years MAY 8, 2024by: OFFBEAT STAFF0 COMMENTS In a heartfelt press release issued by Nina Buck, owner of Palm Court Jazz Cafe, the iconic New Orleans establishment has announced its permanent closure on June 2, marking the end of an era in the city’s music and dining scene. Founded by Nina Buck and supported by her late husband George Buck, the Palm Court Jazz Cafe aimed to recreate the nostalgic ambiance of a bygone era, where music and dining intertwined seamlessly. George Buck’s dedication to preserving American music through the Jazzology/GHB Jazz Foundation was instrumental in the creation of Palm Court, with Jazzology/GHB residing in the same building, ensuring his legacy lives on. Over its 35-year history, Palm Court has hosted some of New Orleans’ greatest musicians and vocalists, providing a platform for their talents in a room inspired by the golden ages of the 1930s and 1940s. With its mahogany bar, Steinway piano, and historic collection of photos, the venue exuded a unique charm that captivated patrons. https://www.offbeat.com/news/palm-court-jazz-cafe-announces-closure-after-35-years/

It is overrun with pop acts, but only on the three biggest stages (Festival, Gentilly and Congo Square) and I never go to those stages, except for Congo Square as sometimes the African bands appear there. But there are ten other stages. For jazz, every year there are 10-12 National/International headliners (two of them are always Terence Blanchard and Nicholas Payton) spread over the two weekends, with the base provided by the strong New Orleans jazz scene (generally unknown to jazz fans, I've found). Usually two or three African bands appear every year (in common with the world music festival in Lafayette), and a number of bands appear from some featured Latin country (Columbia this year). Also, incredible food is in abundance at the festival (that is not an exaggeration). Lots of interesting night shows as well, if you have the energy to do that after 8 hours at the festival (I'm not as young as I used to be, so I only did that three times this year). I missed it but the Sun Ra Arkestra was in town at the reopened Dew Drop Inn (unfortunately a late show the night before an early morning flight for me). And of course Snug Harbor is one of the best jazz clubs in existence. Jazz Tent: Modern Jazz Economy Hall: Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Blues Tent. Cultural Pavillion: World music. Gospel Tent. Jazz and Heritage Stage: Brass Bands and other New Orleans bands. Lagniappe Stage: Eclectic obscure music, including jazz. Rhythmporium: Small stage for lesser known acts, including jazz. Allison MIner Stage: Interview stage, including jazz. Fais Do Do: Primarily Zydeco.

Second Weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Second Thursday (Rolling Stones day): Ho hum the Rolling Stone are playing on the big stage, and I don't care. So it's a truncated day for me. First, Rickey Sebastian (who played with Jaco) and bassist Pat Casey presented a set of Jaco Pastorious compositions, which I enjoyed. Next, the tenor saxophonist Trevarri from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band presented his own band, in a fusion vein, but actually a pretty good set. At that point, as all but the Festival stage shuts down, I'm out of there, to hear cellist Helen Gillet at the Tigermen's Den. This proved to be a wise choice, as her set was wonderful, in the unique setting of a building built in 1830. Second Friday: The only rainy day of the festival this year, but a light, steady rain. Starting the day in the Blues Tent with Duwayne Burnside, son of R.L. Burnside. An excellent set of Mississippi Hill Country Blues, including some signature pieces of R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. Next, to the Jazz Tent for bassist Peter Harris' Firm Roots, a hard bop style group with the groove master Herlin Riley on drums, and new to me pianist Dwight Fitch. A very excellent set including a trio performance of Poinciana (enhanced by Herlin Riley having been Ahmad Jamal's drummer for 20 years) and a smoking Song for My Father (Ashlin Parker on Trumpet and Derek Douget on tenor sax). Next, to Economy Hall for a set led by 91 years old Charlie Gabriel. Also including Louis Ford on clarinet and Kyle Roussel on piano. A highly enjoyable, swing era style set. Back to the Jazz Tent for Amina Figarova Sextet with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir. Then Terence Blanchard E Collective with Turtle Island Quartet: one of the best sets I've ever heard from him. Concluding a busy day, an excellent set from Stephon Harris and Blackout (Jaleel Shaw on alto, Christian Sands on piano, Dezron Douglas on bass). Second Saturday: Starting the day with Blodie's Jazz Jam, followed by the Jesse McBride Big Band. The main interest this day were the two jazz headliners. First, before a capacity overflowing crowd, Samora Joy. Her voice is very impressive in person. I liked the opening and closing songs the best (Reincarnation of a Lovebird (she has composed lyrics) and No More Blues). Finally, I was not sure what to expect from The Wayne Shorter Legacy (Danilo Perez, John Pattituchi, Brian Blade), plus Chris Potter. What we got was an inspired, joyous set of Wayne Shorter compositions, with Chris Potter (whose playing I like) admirably filling in the difficult role of replacing Wayne Shorter. A great set of music. Sacred Sunday: Starting with the Palm Court Jazz Band in Economy Hall. This group is really good, sounding like a working band, again including Louis Ford on clarinet and the great drummer Shannon Powell. Next, the Victor Goines Quartet (Oscar Rossignoli on piano). I had seen Victor Goines before, doing a Bird with Strings set. This time, he came out very strong on tenor saxophone--Wayne Shorter's Yes or No, followed by McCoy Tyner's Contemplation. The set was stellar, way exceeding expectations. Next to the Lagniappe Stage, for Mahmoud Chouki, a Moroccan acoustic guitarist and oud player who settled in New Orleans to play jazz a few years ago. In all honesty, his set, leading a sextet that included the exciting young saxophonist Ricardo Pascal, was astounding. Good grief, Mahmoud's Blues. Brilliant playing, inspired compositions, and a group of ferocious players. Just great. Eagerly awaiting the imminent release of his first recording. Next, off to the tiny Rhythmporium to hear the last 2/3s of the duet set by Aurora Nealand and pianist Tom McDermott. These two, closing their set with a Sidney Bechet composition, are always a joy to hear. For my last set of music for the 2024 festival, I returned to the Rhythmporium for a duet of Mahmoud Chouki and Oscar Rossignoli. This was a really incredible improvised set. Mahmoud Chouki leaves me in awe.

Completely agree.

May 16, 2024: Kamasi Washington, Empire Theater, San Antonio May 17, 2024: Kamasi Washington, Empire, Austin Aurelio Martinez, Fresh Grass Festival, Bentonville, Arkansas May 18, 2024: Pt. Ronu Majumdar & Vid. Shashank Subramanyam (Flutes), Bates Recital Hall, UT, Austin Eric Mingus, Meridian Brothers, Fresh Grass Festiville, Bentonville, Arkansas Tutu Jones, The Goat, Dallas May 28, 2024: John Fedchock, Parker Jazz Club, Austin May 29, 2024: Larry McCray, Tannenhill Tavern and Music Hall, Fort Worth May 31, 2024: Samara Joy, Miller Outdoor Theater, Houston Larry McCray, Gruene Hall, New Braunfels June 1, 2024: Samara Joy, Jo Long Theater, San Antonio Vid. Ambi Subramaniam & Vid. Pravin Godkhindi, TBD, Dallas June 2, 2024: Larry McCray, Antone's, Austin June 4, 2024: Larry McCray, Lava Cantina, The Colony June 6, 2024: Bill Frisell Trio, Lowdown, Tulsa June 14, 2024: Billy Harper Quintet, Eldorado Ballroom, Houston June 15, 2024: Jugalbandi of Hindustani Flute By Praveen Godkindi and Carnatic Violin By Ambi Subramaniam - son of L Subramanian -Yashwant Vaishnav (Disciple of PT Yogesh Samsi) On Tabla, Sowmi Narayanan on Ghatam, Akshay Anthapadmanabhan on Mridamgam, Houston Billy Harper Quintet, Monk's Jazz Club, Austin June 16, 2024: Billy Harper Quintet, Stateside Theater, Austin June 21, 2024: Buddy Guy, Shreveport, Lousiana June 22, 2024: Buddy Guy, Hot Springs, Arkansas June 29, 2024: Mokoomba, Thomas Mapfumo, African Vibration Festival, McKinney\ July 3, 2024: Mokoomba, Antone's, Austin July 18, 2024: John Primer, Antone's, Austin August 24, 2024: Bobby Rush, Arlington Music Hall September 1, 2024: Cassandra Wilson, Stanley Jordan, Riverfront Jazz Festival, Dallas October 13, 2024: Branford Marsalis, UTD October 17, 2024: Buena Vista Social Orchestra, Majestic Theater, Dallas December 7, 2024: Shemekia Copeland, Kessler Theater, Dallas April 12, 2025: Hiromi's SonicWonder, UTD

First weekend of New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival First Thursday: Starting off with Mokoomba from Zimbabwe in the intimate Cultural Pavilion. Great band and a thrill to hear them in good sound up close. Next, Louis Ford and His New Orleans Flairs in Economy Hall. The very fine New Orleans clarinet player and his trumpet playing compatriot, Jamil Sharif, always sound good. On to the Jazz Tent for Lakecia Benjamin making her festival debut. She is very intense and exuberant. A substantial part of the set consisted of Coltrane associated tunes, passionately performed on alto sax. She has a gospel edge to her sound, as well. My reaction was favorable. Closing out the day with the Kenny Barron Trio, with Johnathan Blake on drums. It took awhile to get the sound right, as the first part of the set was marred by sound bleed from the Festival Stage. This eventually diminished, and by the time he performed a brilliant version of Sunshower, it all fell into place for the last half of the set. First Friday: Starting out the day at the Fais Do Do stage, which is normally reserved for zydeco bands, but for this set featured Leyla McCalla and her excellent band. It was just as good as her set at Big Ears. Back to Economy Hall for Doreen's Jazz New Orleans. The crowd was huge, spilling out of the tent. I was a little surprised as she normally plays on the street, that is Royal Street, in the French Quarter. Apparently she was just featured on 60 Minutes. One could say about any one of her clarinet solos, "that was mean," to quote Roland Kirk. She makes just about any song sound good, in this case closing with When the Saints Go Marching In, and I'm not ashamed to say I really enjoyed it. Next, to the Blues Tent, for the exciting Mr. Sipp. He started out in music as a gospel singer, and so sings well; he's pretty good on guitar as well. Next up, my first time to see Oumou Sangare from Mali, at the Congo Square stage. Surprisingly (based on past experiences with this stage), this time they got the sound right. A very exciting set of music by this fantastic singer and her wonderful band. Closing out the day back at Economy Hall for the new to me, Jason Danti and the Krewe de Bechet. This was the perfect set to follow the prior two, featuring relaxed and lyrical versions of Sidney Bechet compositions. This set was quite pleasing to the ear. First Saturday: The Festival this year is featuring Columbian bands in the Cultural Pavilion. Starting out with Gaita Loop, a one man band from Columbia who plays the gaita, a flute-like instrument, using looping technology. Next, Victor Atkins Quintet in the Jazz Tent. A long-time educator and pianist in New Orleans, apparently getting his first leader set at the festival. A solid straight ahead set, also featuring Ashlin Parker on trumpet and tenor saxophonist Derek Douget. Followed by Jason Marsalis Quartet. With Jason on vibes, playing Lionel Hampton associated songs the first half of the set, then Ellis Marsalis compositions. After that, a band led by Cuban pianist Victor Campbell appears. He is an amazing pianist. Very exciting set. Then, the Charles Lloyd Quartet plays a wondrous set. One highlight, as at the Big Ears Festival, was the gorgeous Booker's Garden. This time, some classic material also surfaced, as he ended with Forest Flower and Sombrero Sam. Mr. Lloyd appeared very happy with his band throughout the set--Gerald Clayton, Larry Grenadier and Marcus Gilmore. Finally, Nicholas Payton and the Nth Power. This was a mis-fire. The Nth Power is a pedestrian fusion band. There were a couple of songs that worked (Fela) and some nice trumpet playing, but not a successful set to my ears. Night Show: At the 3 Keys, Mahmoud Chouki appears with the Noah Young Band, featuring Ricardo Pascal on saxophones. While not the nominal leader, Mahmoud Chouki dominated the proceedings with his amazing acoustic guitar and oud playing, and his compositions. An absolutely great set. The saxophonist is also impressive. First Sunday: For some reason, after three wonderful days, things were off today (or I was off). I wasn't really enjoying the bands (Yusa, followed by a jam session for the Louis Armstrong Camp, with Donald Harrison, Steve Turre and others), Trumpet Mafia and Toronzo Cannon), even ones I previously enjoyed) until the final set of the day with folk/blues singer/guitarist Joy Clark, who is quite uplifting. She definitely restored my equilibrium, which carried over to the wild Nicholas Payton show at the 3 Keys that evening, with Nicholas Payton on bass, keyboards, and trumpet, Sasha Masakowski on looping machines and vocals, and Cliff Hines on guitar and a mysterious looking black box with a whole lot of wires in it. Unlike the prior day's Nicholas Payton set, this one was very interesting and compelling. Ninety minutes quickly passed and my first weekend adventure ended.

He should be as Buddy and the Juniors is an excellent recording.

Jonathan Fisher Quartet with Shelley Carrol, last night the Balcony Club. Highlight for me was the performance of Mingus' Duke Ellington Sound of Love.

Kayhan Kalhor and Toumai Diabate, The Sky is the Same Colour Everywhere (Real World)

I also pre-ordered the CD from Resonance, along with the Sonny Rollins set from 1959.

Clark Terry, Duke with a Difference (Riverside/OJC)

Melissa Aldana, Echoes of the Inner Prophet (Blue Note)

"It's just music. It's playing clean and looking for the pretty notes." C. Parker

Yes, Andre 3000 stole my seat. But seriously, the Shabaka concert at Big Ears was a great concert, one of the very best I heard at the Festival.

At the Shabaka Big Ears concert, my preferred seating at the Bijou Theater (a balcony above the right side of the stage) was blocked off and reserved for some "VIPs." So I went to the Balcony on the other side. I assume it was for Andre 3000 and his entourage, who also was performing at the Festival. The theater was kept very dark throughout the concert, so you could not see who it was, and at the end of the concert when the lights came up, the VIPs had been safely escorted away (whew!). Up with Donald Byrd (Verve) Lou Donaldson, Musty Rusty (Cadet) Don Byas, MIdnight at Minton's (Onyx)

Zimbo Trio My copy is supposed to arrive today.

Phineas Newborn, Fabulous Phineas (RCA Living Stereo)

Nicole Glover Plays (Savant)

The Festival has not fundamentally changed. There is still the Jazz Tent, which is all Modern Jazz, with ten to twelve National/International headliners spread out over the course of the festival (this year including Kenny Barron, Charles Lloyd, Lakecia Benjamin, Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, Samara Joy, Stephon Harris, Legacy of Wayne Shorter, and Amina Figarova). There is also Economy Hall, which is all New Orleans traditional jazz. There is a Blues stage, a Gospel stage, a World music stage (this year they have three African bands and twenty (!) bands from Columbia), a stage that is mostly modern brass bands, a stage that is mostly zydeco, an interview stage (some jazz artists), a diverse obscure music stage including some jazz (Lagniappe Stage). Then three large stages that feature (though not exclusively) pop bands. The latter three are very easy to ignore, as I do. (The exception is the egomaniacal Rolling Stones, who this year are appearing and requiring all other stages to shut down when they perform.) You only need one stage at a time.

Jim Alfredson - Upcoming Spring 2024 shows April 12 - Austin, TX C-Boys Heart and Soul with Janiva Magness April 13 - Humble, TX Charles Bender Performing Arts Center with Janiva Magness April 14 - Houston, TX Dan Electro's Guitar Bar with Janiva Magness