"All Aboard!"
I've always found travel by train to be a romantic notion. But tomorrow . . . bound for a port that, in many ways, was a first Love . . . it will be even more so. "It was like coming home... only to no home I'd ever known" explained Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin to an inquisitive Doctor Marcia Fieldstone. Those words echoed in my heart the very first time I crossed Lake Ponchartrain. It wasn't like moving away to a strange place. It was like coming home. After being gone for far too long. You could say that the city was a soul mate.
“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.
A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.
A soul mate's purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life."
writes Elizabeth Gilbert
And so it was. The city that taught me to stand on my own two feet, the city where I was never a stranger - least of all to myself, the city that broke my heart, the city that made me long for crawfish bread and snowballs, the city where time stands still (at Snake & Jake's Christmas Club Lounge) the city that swallowed my fears, where I learned to Love . . . became the city that I left behind.
So tomorrow, I'll be home again. To hear those four words that put a smile on my face and a song in my heart:
"How ya gonna clap?"
My Jazz Fest 4/27/2013 Picks
Robin Barnes
Robin has had the honor of performing with New Orleans’ greats, such as Kermit Ruffins, Delfeayo Marsalis and Deacon John. Named New Orleans’ Songbird by Nola.com, Robin attributes her passion and inspiration to the city, having performed all over New Orleans in a variety of genres and venues. With inspiration that encompasses the soulful and insightful musings of Etta James, the fierce stage presence of Irma Thomas, and the earnest heartbreak of Adele, Robin is on path of musical rejuvenation.
Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band
At 101 years of age, Ferbos stands as the oldest active musician on New Orleans’ jazz scene. He continues to play trumpet and sing every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in the French Quarter.
Classie Ballou & The Family Band
Classie Ballou made his recording debut as the guitarist on Boozoo Chavis' first single, "Paper In My Shoe," the record that literally put zydeco music on the map. Ballou's live shows are the kind of take no prisoners affairs where-unlike so many of his contemporaries--he's guaranteed to play 'em all, throwing in his amazing versions of "Jambalaya", "Mathilda," "Guitar Rhumbo," "Honky Tonk" and "Sweet Home Alabama."
Alex McMurray
If Alex McMurray’s songwriting seems a bit dour at times—okay, most of the time—well then that’s totally intentional. “Like Blanche DuBois in Streetcar,” he says, "I find sorrow to be quite a beautiful emotion. Loneliness can be nice.” And he’d know. A New Orleans fixture since the ‘80s, the guitar slinger is now widely recognized as the embodiment of the downtown New Orleans lifestyle: sketchy bars, cracked sidewalks, fallen-down houses, tattered hearts, broken spirits, discarded chicken bones. He’s often compared to Tom Waits; they both have whiskey-throated voices and share a curious ability to find inspiration in the degenerate, not to mention an obsession with the Ninth Ward. Except McMurray actually lives there.
John Michael Rouchell
New Orleans-based John Michael Rouchell has earned notable praise from both critics and live audiences. JMs vibrant and energetic live performance has garnered attention from SPIN and Paste and earned them slots at major festivals, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Jazzfest, and Voodoo.
Herbert Hardesty & the Dukes
R&B Saxophonist Herbert Hardesty has worked with B.B. King, Frank Sinatra and more superstars. He is probably most known for performing with Fats Domino, often as a featured soloist.
Jason Marsalis
Jason Marsalis is an American jazz drummer and youngest member of the famous Marsalis musical family of New Orleans. Marsalis has been an active and visible part of the New Orleans jazz scene for years, and his impressive range spans traditional styles, funky second lines, African and even Latin music. He’s noted for his creative and intelligent compositions.
Lil' Buck Sinegal
Lil' Buck Sinegal, "Master of the Stratocaster," from Lafayette, Louisiana, is the guy Eric Clapton says is the best blues guitarist alive. His career has spanned more than five decades, with over 300 recordings, having played and recorded with Clifton Chenier, Henry Gray, Rockin' Dopsie, Buckwheat Zydeco, and other blues artists, including Grammy-winning efforts with Paul Simon's 1987 album "Graceland."
Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars
A Legendary Louisiana Musical Lineup, Grammy Nominee Louisiana’s #1 roots music export and Grammy Nominee Tab Benoit has assembled a stellar ensemble of fellow New Orleans musicians (including N.O. Legends, The Meters and Neville Brothers, Cyril Neville, fiddler Waylon Thibodeaux, influential New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich, harmonica/accordion player Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, and New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux to forge a musical plea for the fragile eco-system that is the increasingly depleted wetlands surrounding their hometown.
Bonerama
Even in a city that doesn't play by the rules, New Orleans' Bonerama is something different. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song. Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as "the ultimate in brass balls" (2005) and praised for their "...crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls" (2007). Bonerama carries the brass-band concept to places unknown.
Deacon John
In a career that spans more than fifty years, Deacon John Moore has endured as one of New Orleans’ most talented and most adaptive performers. “If New Orleans has such a thing as a musical chameleon, it is certainly Deacon John,” says music writer Jeff Hannusch.
Allen Toussaint
73 year-old composer, producer, pianist and singer Allen Toussaint can, without hesitation, be called a living legend; his work as composer, producer, arranger and performer, especially in the 60s and 70s, helped shape the sound of R&B, soul, and funk as we know it today.
Rebirth Brass Band
Simply put, The Rebirth Brass Band is a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now infamous Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world.
Jon Cleary & the Diabolical Fandangos
New Orleans singer, songwriter and pianist Jon Cleary plays unique funk with a salty-sweet acapella voice that fan Bonnie Raitt dubbed “the ninth wonder of the world.” Originally from England, Cleary has made New Orleans his home for more than three decades, prompted by his love and respect for the city’s music culture.
Robin has had the honor of performing with New Orleans’ greats, such as Kermit Ruffins, Delfeayo Marsalis and Deacon John. Named New Orleans’ Songbird by Nola.com, Robin attributes her passion and inspiration to the city, having performed all over New Orleans in a variety of genres and venues. With inspiration that encompasses the soulful and insightful musings of Etta James, the fierce stage presence of Irma Thomas, and the earnest heartbreak of Adele, Robin is on path of musical rejuvenation.
Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band
At 101 years of age, Ferbos stands as the oldest active musician on New Orleans’ jazz scene. He continues to play trumpet and sing every Saturday night at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe in the French Quarter.
Classie Ballou & The Family Band
Classie Ballou made his recording debut as the guitarist on Boozoo Chavis' first single, "Paper In My Shoe," the record that literally put zydeco music on the map. Ballou's live shows are the kind of take no prisoners affairs where-unlike so many of his contemporaries--he's guaranteed to play 'em all, throwing in his amazing versions of "Jambalaya", "Mathilda," "Guitar Rhumbo," "Honky Tonk" and "Sweet Home Alabama."
Alex McMurray
If Alex McMurray’s songwriting seems a bit dour at times—okay, most of the time—well then that’s totally intentional. “Like Blanche DuBois in Streetcar,” he says, "I find sorrow to be quite a beautiful emotion. Loneliness can be nice.” And he’d know. A New Orleans fixture since the ‘80s, the guitar slinger is now widely recognized as the embodiment of the downtown New Orleans lifestyle: sketchy bars, cracked sidewalks, fallen-down houses, tattered hearts, broken spirits, discarded chicken bones. He’s often compared to Tom Waits; they both have whiskey-throated voices and share a curious ability to find inspiration in the degenerate, not to mention an obsession with the Ninth Ward. Except McMurray actually lives there.
John Michael Rouchell
New Orleans-based John Michael Rouchell has earned notable praise from both critics and live audiences. JMs vibrant and energetic live performance has garnered attention from SPIN and Paste and earned them slots at major festivals, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Jazzfest, and Voodoo.
Herbert Hardesty & the Dukes
R&B Saxophonist Herbert Hardesty has worked with B.B. King, Frank Sinatra and more superstars. He is probably most known for performing with Fats Domino, often as a featured soloist.
Jason Marsalis
Jason Marsalis is an American jazz drummer and youngest member of the famous Marsalis musical family of New Orleans. Marsalis has been an active and visible part of the New Orleans jazz scene for years, and his impressive range spans traditional styles, funky second lines, African and even Latin music. He’s noted for his creative and intelligent compositions.
Lil' Buck Sinegal
Lil' Buck Sinegal, "Master of the Stratocaster," from Lafayette, Louisiana, is the guy Eric Clapton says is the best blues guitarist alive. His career has spanned more than five decades, with over 300 recordings, having played and recorded with Clifton Chenier, Henry Gray, Rockin' Dopsie, Buckwheat Zydeco, and other blues artists, including Grammy-winning efforts with Paul Simon's 1987 album "Graceland."
Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars
A Legendary Louisiana Musical Lineup, Grammy Nominee Louisiana’s #1 roots music export and Grammy Nominee Tab Benoit has assembled a stellar ensemble of fellow New Orleans musicians (including N.O. Legends, The Meters and Neville Brothers, Cyril Neville, fiddler Waylon Thibodeaux, influential New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich, harmonica/accordion player Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, and New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux to forge a musical plea for the fragile eco-system that is the increasingly depleted wetlands surrounding their hometown.
Bonerama
Even in a city that doesn't play by the rules, New Orleans' Bonerama is something different. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song. Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as "the ultimate in brass balls" (2005) and praised for their "...crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls" (2007). Bonerama carries the brass-band concept to places unknown.
Deacon John
In a career that spans more than fifty years, Deacon John Moore has endured as one of New Orleans’ most talented and most adaptive performers. “If New Orleans has such a thing as a musical chameleon, it is certainly Deacon John,” says music writer Jeff Hannusch.
Allen Toussaint
73 year-old composer, producer, pianist and singer Allen Toussaint can, without hesitation, be called a living legend; his work as composer, producer, arranger and performer, especially in the 60s and 70s, helped shape the sound of R&B, soul, and funk as we know it today.
Rebirth Brass Band
Simply put, The Rebirth Brass Band is a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now infamous Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world.
Jon Cleary & the Diabolical Fandangos
New Orleans singer, songwriter and pianist Jon Cleary plays unique funk with a salty-sweet acapella voice that fan Bonnie Raitt dubbed “the ninth wonder of the world.” Originally from England, Cleary has made New Orleans his home for more than three decades, prompted by his love and respect for the city’s music culture.
And then there's Billy Joel! Word.
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