A HOT TIME IN THE ECONOMY HALL TENT

Had a great time at Jazzfest today. Our New Orleans Legacy Band got a nice reception from the packed house in the Economy Hall tent. Thanks to Clive Wilson, Lars Edegran, Lucien Barbarin, Kerry Lewis, and Jason Marsalis for their stellar performances.  Apart from our own heady moment onstage, I particularly enjoyed the sets of the Shotgun Jazz Band, Don Vappie's Creole Serenaders, Bob Wilbur with Wendell Brunious, and the Tremé Brass Band. There was incredible energy in the tent today, good vibes from the audience, and a lot of hot music from the bands. Standout performances that stick in my mind: Tom Fischer's clarinet solo on the haunting waltz "Abandon," Marla Dixon's vocal on the Buddy Holly ballad "Raining in my Heart," Gregg Stafford's hot trumpet on "Lord, Lord, Lord." Can't wait to return next Friday with Clive Wilson's Serenaders. Keep the faith, y'all!

THE CLASSIC JAZZ TRIO DOES THE OGDEN

The Classic Jazz Trio played at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Thursday, November 17, as part of the museum's "After Hours" music series. John Rankin (guitar), Tom Fischer (clarinet and tenor sax) and myself (clarinet) played selections from our "Classic Jazz Trio" CD and talked about our group andour music with WWOZ d.j. Sally Young. The turnout was good and the setting, the majestic entrance hall of the Ogden, was inspiring if a bit echoey (not sure that's a word). An extra treat was the excellent gumbo served by Linda Green, a.k.a. "the Ya-Ka-Mein Lady" of Jazzfest fame.