Aaron Neville and his Quintet at House of Blues

“These songs have always been with me. They have helped me through some rough times. When I felt like I had nothing, I still had these songs.”

-- Aaron Neville

NEW ORLEANS | Sunday Night I rang in the Christmas Season New Orleans Style to the unmistakable sweet delectable voice of Mr. Aaron Neville. This is my idea of a New Orleans Christmas as much as "Mr. Bingle" and "Christmas In the Oaks."

The Aaron Neville Quintet featuring Charles Neville put on a great show on Sunday night at the House of Blues, but what else would expected from a Crescent City music royal family like the Nevilles?

Aaron Neville came onto the R&B scene in 1966 with the now classic "Tell It Like It Is" and has been topping charts since then, both on his own as a solo artist and as part of the Neville Brothers band.

The crowd at House of Blues on Sunday was very mixed, including a lot of older folks in suits and Christmas like attire as well as many young college age fans. I also kept hearing a lot of French being spoken throughout the night. My guess is a convention was in town and the vocal stylings of Mr. Neville are appreciated all over the world.

• Click here to see photos from the show!

The show began promptly at 8:20 with an instrumental, the bass and drums leading in to showcase Charles Neville's sax. The first vocals began as Aaron Neville walked on stage to the refrain of "It's alright, have a good time cuz it's alright." The audience welcomed Aaron, clapping along in time.

"Clap your hands, YOU got soul and everybody knows that it's alright," Aaron Neville pronounced. I must say I thought at that very moment that I'm glad I got soul to enjoy awesome music like this.

The band swung seamlessly into "Voodoo," which is one of my favorite Neville Brothers songs and one of their most popular hits. I sang along loudly as I made my way to the best spot in House of Blues, the right-hand side bar by the stage. You can usually get a pretty good visual on the stage and hear all the sounds very clearly. "You must of put Voodoo on me, you must of cast a spell, the way you got me loving girl...."

This song featured a really great keyboard solo towards the end and flowed right into a cover of The Main Ingredients' "Everybody Plays the Fool," which was a Top 10 hit for Aaron in 1991.

This was the first time during the night I thought about how much I absolutely love Aaron Neville's voice and believe he was put on this Earth to sing and entertain. This thought would cross my mind plenty more times as I marveled at this man's voice but in the meantime I sang along some more "Now you cry but next time around someone cries for you..Everybody plays the fool, Sometimes-- use your heart just like a tool..."

Once again the audience clapped along to the rhythm of the popular love song.

I was just anxious to hear what was next when I looked below me to the floor level. I spotted two dear friends: James "12" Andrews (brother to Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews) and Chief Doucette. I called them over to me and they and joined my one-person party with their entourage.

One of the many reasons I love New Orleans is because I know I can go somewhere alone and always find friends. I must say from that moment on they truly added to my experience, dancing second line style as Chief played his tambourine along to Aaron Neville's music. It was quite a spectacle in the crowd on the right hand side of the stage and I enjoyed being part of it as much as the I enjoyed the music.

The next lyrics I heard were "It's your thang, do whatcha wanna do," which set the group off in a dance frenzy.

The two songs that followed were both classic soul Christmas ballads. A cover of "Please Come Home for Christmas," originally done by Charles Brown in 1960 on the King Label, had the biggest crowd response since the beginning of the night and set the Christmas tone for the show. This led into "Merry Christmas Baby," and I couldn't help but sing along again. "I'm feeling fine, got good music on the radio/I'm all lit up like a Christmas tree." Charles Neville chimed in with his saxophone and delivered an impressive solo in the middle of the song.

A few songs after these soul Christmas tunes, Aaron and his son Jason did a great version of Bill Wither's classic "Ain't No Sunshine." Father and son harmonized beautifully. In midsong, it went into a reggae beat which led to a moving guitar solo.

At one point in the tune Jason Neville took over the lead vocals as Aaron sang falsetto impeccably. The set turned back to Christmas music as Aaron Neville sang a “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” medley.

The best Christmas song of the evening was "Go Tell it on the Mountain." I watched the crowd singing and clapping along boisterously. The song started in a doo-wop style that combined the available Neville voices in a beautiful display of tone and control. Charles Neville once again delivered a beautiful sax solo and played a few notes of "When the Saints go Marching In," much to the crowd's delight as every single New Orleanian is cruising through Saints heaven right now. I was sure this would be a pre-cursor to the 'Who Dat" song that without a doubt had to be part of the set list, but it would not come until later.

The two-hour set was filled with Neville classics intermingled with songs of the season, providing a wonderful mixture of music. Aaron's version of Johnny Mathis' "I Can See Cleary Now" is always very fitting to our New Orleans experience as we know all about torrential rains of various hurricanes and smiling through the clouds and looking forward to a "bright, bright, bright sunshiny day"

And then, with the crowd still on a high after the Saints' win over the Washington Redskins hours before, the band kicked into the "Who Dat" song. It started with Aaron's sweet, sweet New Orleans voice filling House of Blues, singing "When the Saints Go Marching In" and leading into the ever-so-popular "Who dat, who dat, who dat say you gonna beat dem Saints!" The energy from the crowd was amazing as we all sang danced and chanted in unity and in honor of our city and our undeafeated football team. Trombone Shorty got on stage at this point, but not with his trombone. Instead, he had asked his older brother James for his trumpet to join the joyful celebration on stage.

After the thrill of "Who Dat," we were brought back to soul mecca with another Bill Wither's classic, "Use Me." This set me off like I was at a karaoke bar as I know every single word. Chief Doucette sang along with me, too. "My brother--he sit right down and he talked to me/He told me that I oughta not let you just walk on me/And I'm sure he meant well but when our talk was thru/I said brother if you only knew, you'd wish that you were in my shoes/Just keep on using me until you use me up."

Aaron Neville's soulful voice definitely did the song justice.

This whole time I was waiting patiently for "Tell It Like It Is" and "Yellow Moon," both of which came towards the end of the night. "Tell It Like It Is" came first, and sounded as beautiful as I'm sure it sounded back in 1966 when Aaron delivered my favorite line from that song, "Life is too short to have sorrow."

"YellowMoon" followed and is, in my opinion, the best of the Neville Brothers' songs. It evokes images of Creole New Orleans ladies and haunting full yellow moons. "Yellow Moon, yellow moon, yellow moon have you seen that Creole woman? You can tell me, Ain't you a friend of mine?" Such an awesome, funky soulful groove! I can't get enough of it.

The last song of the night from the Aaron Neville Quintet was "Amazing Grace." Hearing this song done so masterfully by Aaron Neville is such a beautiful experience. This song posseses a reverent and haunting quality that made everyone in the room just listen and admire the heavenly voice delivering this gospel classic. The show ended and I was thinking I couldn't have asked for a better Sunday night during the holiday season in New Orleans. Thank you, Aaron Neville.

FRITZEL'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 2009

"Music is one of the best ways to enjoy the present. Its not much fun to look forward to hearing music or to remember what a song sounded like last week, but music right now absorbs you and places you in the present moment"
-Sonnett Branche


It was a very cool, relaxing Tuesday nite as I walked from Dauphine Street to Bourbon St towards Fritzel’s Jazz Club; I knew I would be absorbed by music tonight. Bourbon Street was relatively calm and quiet and did not reflect the vibrant atmosphere inside of Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub.



I was immediately greeted and attended to by Kate, the most gracious host of the club. The place was packed with jazz aficionados of all ages and there was a joyful spirit in the air. In order to head upstairs, I had to pass in front of the band and I must say they sounded amazing. I felt like I stepped into a 1920’s jazz parlor with the ragtime beats behind me. The club boasted 2 bands tonite, the Loose Marbles at 7pm followed by Tom Fischer & Friends at 9 pm.





As I made my way up the grand spiral wooden staircase, I was immediately drawn to the a beautifully ornate painted ceiling in the main room. I couldn’t take my eyes off it and imagined the room full of people dancing the night away to a live jazz ensemble in that exact room in year passed. Another grand feature of the upstairs section was the very wide Balcony overlooking Bourbon St and I took a moment to enjoy the cool nite air while “people-watching” the individuals on that block. The wind whispered to me the need to head downstairs and truly enjoy the main ingredient to this experience, THE MUSIC.



The 40th Anniversary celebration at Fritzel’s included 2 jazz acts that normally play there during the week. Fritzel's is open with Live Jazz 7 nights a week. The club boasts being the “Oldest Operating Jazz Club in New Orleans ” with its debut on October 1969. Fritzel’s Boasts an impressive history with its 40 years running and has had many legendary jazz musicians gracing its tiny stage in the historic 1831 Building. The bar at Fritzel's offers many Shnapps (usually served cold) and a variety of German beers to enjoy. Fritzel's has become a sort of mecca for Jazz lovers in the local and international community amidst all the noise and rock bands playing nearby in other establishment on Bourbon Street.




The first band I had the pleasure to enjoy was the “Loose Marbles” Band comprised of 5 very talented musicians. This Band is most commonly known for playing on various French Quarter streets such as Royal Street and Frenchman Street and usually is made up of a rotating band with many members. The members tonight included Ben Polcer on trumpet, Todd Yannacone on Acoustic guitar, Brothers Bruce Brackman on Clarinet and Chuck Brackman on Sousaphone and a magnificent female piano player named Shaye Cohn.





Loose Marbles is best known for playing 1920's and 30's ragtime jazz. I walked into the last set of the band and into the well-known tune “ Canal Street Blues” a very upbeat, lively song that had audience members clapping and tapping their feet. The young female piano player was a treat to the eyes and ears as she rapidly bounced her fingers on that piano scale as if her wrists were held by marionette strings. She was “Stride” playing, a style very popular in jazz numbers.The name "stride" comes from the left-hand movement "striding" up and down the keyboard. Stride players often leap a greater distance with the left hand, play faster and have more room for improvisation.This style was popularized by Our own "Professor" Jelly Roll Morton as well as Fats Waller and stride master James P. Johnson.




Halfway thru the set, the 2nd song I caught called for a Sousaphone solo and Chuck Brackman’s performance was heavily applauded. The feel in Fritzel’s was one of shared joy as everyone listened attentively to the performance. The last song “Donna” concluded the “Loose Marbles” set on an UPBEAT literally. The cool jazzy voice of Ben Pulcer drifted through the Jazz Club like wispy little jazz notes. The Loose Marbles are an amazing "younger" addition to the older more established jazz Acts that play at Fritzel's and I'm sure we will hear alot more out of this band for many years to come.




As the Marbles Cleared the stage, the members of the second Band, "Tom Fischer and Friends" began walking in, dressed to impress in very nice suits and they all had that air of being "Fritzel's All Stars". This band was comprised of Tom Fischer on Clarinet, Gerald French on Drums, John Royen on Piano and Jesse Boyd on Stand up Bass. If you these names are not familiar, be rest assured that these gentleman ARE without a doubt some of the best traditional Jazz Players in our City.





The band leader ,Tom Fischer, was born in Chicago and moved to New Orleans in 1989. He received formal training at Indiana University and his informal training in the jazz clubs of Chicago and New Orleans. Tom’s clarinet playing reflects his love for the great New Orleans clarinet tradition.He has been called by Jazz Times magazine " one of the best". Drummer Gerald French began playing drums at the tender age of 5 and is part of an illustrious New Orleans Music family the 'Frenches". He has appeared on various recordings,movie soundtracks and television scores. French is a 4th generation Musician and also member of the Wild Magnolia's Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. John Royen is well known for his Stride playing and has been called the " New Orleans most important living stride piano player". He is one of the busiest piano player in the city and also appears on many albums. Bass player Jesse Boyd, is one of the city's most sought after Stand-Up players and is known for his versatile style. He is currently a professor of Jazz and Music Industry Depts at Loyola University.




The band played jazz numbers that included the popular song "Beale Street Blues", "China Boy" "Why Don't you Go Down to New Orleans" and an impromptu performance of the song "Crazy" (popularized by Patsy Cline) sung by New Orleans living legend, Uncle Lionel Batiste. The audience seemed to grow in excitement with the beginning of each song as they boisterously clapped their hands and danced in their seats.





"Beale Street Blues" was performed flawlessly and its original composer, American Lyricist W.C. Handy would have been proud. The song is a well known jazz number which romanticizes the popular Memphis Street. The sweet clarinet sounds of Tom Fischer and sweeps of the Royen ,Piano player extraordinaire, were the key components to this song. One of the highlights of this band's set was the Drummer, Gerald French doing vocals on "Why don't you go down to New Orleans". His voice was silky smooth as he sang the lyrics


" Why don't you go to New Orleans,


ride in Ole Street Cars,


celebrate Mardi Gras!" and midsong, Ben Pulcer of the former band, Loose Marbles joined in on Trumpet.





A real new Orleans Character, Uncle Lionel Batiste, enchanted the audience with a surprise rendition of the song"CRAZY" as he is known for his maple-sweet take on sentimental standards. Originally a bass drummer by trade for the Treme Brass band, this gracious, debonair man with his big sunglasses and walking cane has become a staple on Frenchman St and New Orleans events in general. The band had to lower the volume on their playing to accomodate the low gentle voice of "UNC" (known to many by these three 3 words). Halfway through the song, Batiste began flirting and singing to the ladies in the audience and they LOVED IT! It was such a sweet sight to be a witness to. He graciously ended his song with the words " Crazy for loving you all" as he motioned to the crowded audience at Fritzel's.




Its always been custom at Fritzel's to bring up jazz vocalists to sing on their stage and this nite it was Jayne Morgan's turn as she was introduced by band leader Tom Fischer. She sang an upbeat tempo version "Puttin on the Ritz" and clearly enjoying every minute of her performance as was evident by her facial expressions and snapping fingers.


Although I could've stayed at Fritzel's until closing time enjoying the lovely Jazz Numbers or the general ambiance of the Club, I decided my 7 a.m. alarm would not be so forgiving and headed out the still packed house at the 40 yr old establishment. As we walked to the with Jazz Still ringing in my ears, I stopped to enjoy and old fire-escape on the side of a grand ole French Quarter building prompted by my boyfriend's love of those structures. I was full of admiration for our Magical Lil city where the allure of Old time jazz is an timeless as our Brick streets and as enduring as the architecture of French Quarter homes and businesses. Fritzel's 40th anniversary celebration will continue on through out the rest of the week which includes many other Fritzel's All star bands. If you love traditional jazz and a highly musical atmosphere Fritzel's European Jazz Pub on 733 Bourbon Street is a must.




New Orleans is the only place I know of where you ask a little kid what he wants to be and instead of saying "I want to be a policeman," or "I want to be a fireman," he says, I want to be a musician".

—Alan Jaffe

WHO DAT NATION

Imagine the year is 2019 , we will all be 10 yrs older. New Orleans may still have unsecured levees, we may still be the #1 crime city in the nation and we will still have vivid memories of our individual Katrina experience BUT one thing for sure we will all remember fondly will be the Saints 2009 season. At this point our team is riding as high as ever with their 11-0 Victory and the season is far from over. Sports Illustrated named the Saints as their pick for the Big Superbowl win, something that has never happened in the complete history of our Beloved team.

Many Non-Believers have written off the Saints and have showed no faith but they've proven that through hard work, dedication, leadership and teamwork they can rise to the very top. Our New Orleans NFL team can be seen as a metaphor for all that is good in our city and as an example of what can be accomplished with a little faith and insight. Just as the Saints had been written off so has New Orleans due to our Sea level, our levees & our crime but these Swamp Rats will survive no matter what rough seasons we must endure. We are a resiliant wonderful city steeped in historical culture, mystery, culinary wonders and NOW a football team that is on its way to being LEGENDARY. I propose Drew Brees run for mayor, why not lets give a real leader a chance for once.

Throughout the Saints History many songs have been associated with the Team. These songs or anthems keep our hopes and spirit alive. Our infamous chant "Who dat" has a long history as well and will be uniquely ours for many years to come. Our music which is woven into every aspect of a New Orleanian's life forms a link directly to our Saints Loyalty.

The Who dat cheer actually began in Vaudeville acts of the late 1800's/early 1900's and was used as a line in negro minstrel shows. In the 1960's the chant gained popularity as the chant for fan's favorite football teams. In 1983 the Saints adopted the phrase for the team during the Coach Bum Phillips residency. Who dat is now used as the main cheer for the team and has been used in countless songs.

As is fitting for a world reknown Jazz city, the first song associated with our team was "When the Saints go Marching In" an old jazz spiritual standard. I truly believe when anyone from New Orleans hears this song it immediately evokes images of tailgating, second lining and Saints Fever. Of course there have been countless renditions of this song but ,In my humble opinion, the greatest version is the Louis Armstrong interpretation.

Another song that has become part of the Saints Culture is the "Who Dat" song recorded by Steve Monistere, a New Orleans musican and producer recorded the 1983. Aaron Neville sang the lead and the Saints offensive line yelled the chant. It was Monistere's recording that made the phrase an indigenous part of the New Orleans language. The song became popular during the days of Jim Mora as head coach and Bobby Herbert as Quarterback. This song brings me back to being about 10 yrs old watching the games with my stepfather and hearing that "who dat , who dat, who dat say you gonna beat dem Saints!" in the background. Aaron Neville's voice sounds as beautiful as ever in this song as he sings "Oh when the Saints go Marching In....."

The year 2006 brought many grand returns to our city including the hope for the Superbowl. That same year the team acquired coach Sean Payton, Drew Brees as quarteback and Heisman Trophy Winner Reggie Bush.2006 has been the teams most successful year, that is until NOW of course. The Saints return to the dome in 2006 was truly an eventful experience after the chaos that took place there during Katrina. The Dome needed to be cleansed physically not only because it is home for our team but for the spiritual symbolism it meant to a city trying to pick up the pieces after bitter devastation. The season ended with a record 11-7 and many attribute a huge factor in the championship loss to be the unfamiliar wintary conditions present when the Saints played the Chicago Bears.

Inspite of our loss, 2006 brought us another Saints Anthem "The Saints are coming". This song is a cover song originally done by punk group the Skids. U2 and Green day recorded the song to help charitable organization "Music Rising" created by U2's The Edge to bring back music in schools as well as donate instruments. The song was released during the Pregame show of the New Orleans Saints versus Atlanta Falcons game on September 25, 2006. This was the first game played in the dome since Hurricane Katrina. The band for this performance was a 7 piece band and included New Orleans own Rebirth Brass Band. Troy Andrews (aka Trombone Shorty) and Big Sam. U2's Bono and Billie Joe Armstrong of Greenday wowed the massive crowd at the Dome as they personalized lyrics as a testament to our trials and victories since August 2005. Bono sings one lyric that stands out "Lower 9 will rise again above the waters of Lake Ponchartrain" This tune is played now every game prior to the Saints entering the Field.

Another song that has been inspired by our Saints Devotion in 2009 is "Bring Em to the Dome" by New Orleans own Shammar Allen and hip hop artist Dee-1. Shammar and Dee-1 have paired up in other instances and decided to unite their different musical styles in a Saints song. This track is huge mixture of various genres incorporating rock, brass band, jazz and hip hop beats into a successful hit. The song includes lyrics such as
"They wanted me to root for their team
but I don't do that,
Baby I'm a Saints Fan that's why I say Who Dat
That's why I say Who Dat"
The track is currently being played on different radio stations in the city in hopes it will be picked up by the Saints Organization.

No doubt the New Orleans Saints have inspired a list of other songs too many to name and will continue to make musicians produce track after track of Saints anthems for the duration of our team and our City's history. The greatest of Saints songs has yet to be produced surely when we win the Superbowl this year! Who Dat, Go Saints!

"Without Music, life would be a mistake"
------Freidrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Local ARTIST=KeLLIe ByRd-MAKES it FuNkY

"A painter paints pictures on canvas, But musicians paint their pictures on silence"-Leopold Stowoski



FunkyArt by Kellie can best be described as art inspired by the FuNk and SoUl of New Orleans . The inspiration

behind these pieces comes from various facets of New Orleans living.

The music mainly, as well as our unique sayings and our way of life are

Kellie Doussan's main inspirations for these whimsical and bold art pieces.

This art is also very eco friendly as most of the creations are made on

Recycled Materials found around the Greater New Orleans Area.



The Music of New Orleans is a huge inspiration in these art pieces and

is an integral part of the artist's life. Being heavily involved in

the local FuNk and BluEs scene for years, Kellie felt moved by the

soulful grooves she would often dance to and that filled her innermost

being with positive vibes.



Many of these pieces were inspired by the actual artists themselves

and as such are co-creators of the FuNkYArT and act as a canvas upon

which the artist draws her ideas from. It is evident throught the joy she gets out of doing these pieces, that this is a passion realized



Well known music lines and coined New Orleans phrases have been become a

staple of this art. Phrases such as "FuNkiFy Your LiFe" from the

Meters song and "WHo DAt" in reference to the Saints chant as well as “WHeRe Y’At"

are very loved and asked for art pieces.



Other pieces which showcase beloved music sayings include “MUsIc is my SoUl”

A saying that rings true with many New Orleans music lovers as they leave

Their sweat and energy on the many dance floors of music joints every week; as Well as “LoVer of the FuNk” which speaks for itself. What’s not to love about FuNk?

A simple “SmILE” sign will lighten up any face as is evident by the picture

Taken of MR.GEORGE PORTER Jr as he proudly and gleefully holds up his

“SMILE” piece.



The FuNkYArt pieces by Kellie can also be customized to taste.

Many of the pieces are custom designed to fit the Person’s particular

talent and individuality. One particular piece the “FUN-KEYS”

references a funky Keyboard player. If you need your name “FuNkIfiEd”

Thru art or a personal phrase that’s unique to you, an inside

Joke you’d like to have immortalized in paint, FunkYArt is the fun

creative way to go.



Abstract, lively and colorful pieces are also a Forte of this Art.

Displaying the vibrant side of life, Kellie transfers all of

Life’s emotions such as LoVe and HoPe onto recycled wood/slates and

Various other recycled mediums proving that all things FUNKY

Old and NEW can be reused in an Artistic and Soulful manner.



Kellie can be found on Facebook at "Funky Art by Kellie". For custom made orders or any of the funky signs you see here please contact: Kate Gegemheimer at kate@funkyartbykellie.com or Kellie directly at kellie@funkyartbykellie.com. Kellie's art work can also be found on display at Tout de Suite Coffee Shop in Algiers Point at 242 Verret Street.

The Sandpiper/New Orleans Funk

This past Monday Nite I got to enjoy another great New Orleans music chow at the SandPiper Lounge on Louisiana Ave in Central City. The Sandpiper has been in existence for over 50 years and is a time tested New Orleans staple so much so that several scenes from the "Ray Charles" movie were filmed right there on Louisiana Avenue.

This bar has never had a steady live music act according to bar owner "Benny" until last year when Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives began playing there. Billy was loooking for a home base bar for his band and has found it at the SandPiper. Now the band plays at the SandPiper every other month to a filled room every time. The idea to play there occured to bandleader, Billy Iuso, because he would pass up the bar on his way home. Prompted by his desire to play here Billy spoke to the Owner of the bar and pitched the Idea of recording a live CD there. Not being completely sure how a local funk/jam all white band would be received by its mostly African American patrons, I believe this was an act of faith by Billy Iuso and Bar owner, Benny Simmons.

This collaboration that has grown over the last year and has turned out to be very successful. The band recorded its last Live Cd at the SandPiper In October 2008 to a room full of people.The band marks their 1st year anniversary of playing there this week. The wonderful thing to remember is this is an all Caucasian band playing to a 95% African American audience and it works beautifully. The regular bar patrons NOW look forward to the next "Billy and the Boys" show and it is apparent by their welcoming and friendly dispositions. Once again proving that music can bring us all together regardless of color or creed like the Bob Marley song " One Love, one heart, lets get together and feel alright....." and I think this is one of the reasons I love the Sandpiper. Here I am a witness to a peaceful union between black and white all for the love of some good tunes.

Their last show on Monday October 12,2009 turned out to be a great time and included many surprise guests. The 1st set included some the bands' standards like "Crankin it Off" and "Call my Job" and was finished off by guest keyboardist Tom Worrell. It proved to be good warm up and energy builder for the monster jam that took place during the 2nd set. Towards the end of the 1st set, I began to notice a procession of musicians filling the small room at the SandPiper Lounge. The musical guest included Tom Worrell, as mentioned earlier, Tom Fitzpatrick-Tenor Sax player, Jon Gross-Sousaphone player, Chris Jones-percussions and Jaime Galloway-harmonica player. All of these guys are members of various other bands around town and I knew I was in for a treat with all these musicians in the Building. Even more exciting was when I saw there instruments in tow.

The second set was very energetic and the 7,sometimes 8, pc band with all the extra sit-ins funked it up to the max. They played some of the bands' original material such as "When can I come home" and "Two Deep in the Shallows" which included a few impressive guitar solo's by frontman, Billy Iuso. The Percussion beats of Chris Jones of 101 Runners and the mighty Sousaphone of Jon Gross seemed to fit right in the groove with the rest of the band. Halfway thru the set, a very funky Stevie Wonder-Like song started emerging from Keyboard Player's, Michael Burkart's, Nord Keyboard and everyone was up on their feet dancing on a MONDAY!

The song immediately after this was an impromptu Jazz Number led by the keys, featuring Tom Fitzpatrick on Sax and anchored by the Sousaphone. Although this was a deviation from the band's normal Funk/jam/Rock vibe, it was a good segway into the ever so popular "Big Chief" By Professor Longhair. I believe one of the challeneges of any good band is keeping their audience hooked through the musical high and lows of a show. Peeking their interest in the fast, funky songs is just as important as capturing their emotions through a slower jam and Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives carry their songs all the way through.

Another one of the highlights at the SandPiper is always the fact that Benny, the bar's owner loves playing harmonica with the band. Its always an anticipated piece of the night. Benny like to "Challenge" or playfully taunt whoever is playing the harmonica on a particular night, usually it is Michael Burkart as he breaks from his keyboard but tonite it was Jaime Galloway of N.O. Funk band Juice who received the challenge. The fact that Benny is not a very skilled player does not lessen the moment because he has so much fun doing it! He transforms into a child as he blows into that Harmonica and "get his groove on" and its is truly a pleasure to watch.

The band follows Benny's performance with a SandPiper Favorite "Moving On Up" the Jeffersons TV show theme song sung by Bassist Thomas McDonald. He changes the lyrics to reflect the acquirement of his Musician's Village home in the 9th ward. "We be moving on up,,,to the East Side, in a deluxe apartment in the Upper NINE!--we moving on up, moving on up, we finally got a piece of the pie!" This tune seems to typically be played towards the end of "The Natives" show and I believe this is to end on a high energy,postive note.

For now this will have to suffice until the next show at the Sandpiper but don't look for any other bands playing here because "This is Billy's House" says Benny Simmons " I've never seen so many white faces in her before, its great". The Restless Natives are the only band that currently plays there and it seems it will be that way for a long time as the band has claimed the bar as their home base. The next time you can find the band here is on Monday November 23rd, the Monday before Thanksgiving. If your feeling like a little "TURKEY" and coke, a kick-ass R&B jukebox or if you like the sounds of "Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives" just show up that night and your guaranteed a good time.

"I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in thier universality"--H.A. Overstreet.

Old Point Bar Ode

Welcome to my blog "Crescent City Music Soul", I intend to write, rant and praise as many aspects of the New Orleans local funk, blues, soul , reggae and Jamband scene as possible. This crazy but wonderful music scene is the heart and soul of New Orleans. Its the reason we are the #1 live music capital in the nation and probably the world and it is an integral part of my life. I feel so compelled by music that I have to express it somehow and since I am not a musician, I choose to write. The Piano Man ,Billy Joel, said it best when he stated "I think music in itself is healing, its something we are all touched by, no matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music"
The music scene here in N’awlins is made up of 3 components , in my mind, that could not exist without each other. 1st of all the actual musicians that usually play in several bands and in various different unions of other bands and do it day after day ,week after week, year after year, secondly the actual venues that host the music which are most often very historic and lively places on their own and 3rd but not least are the many lively characters that come out to support the music and pour out their sweat and energy to the musicians providing the soul vibrations. What I have realized in my life here in New Orleans and other places is that NOTHING compares to our Crescent City Music Soul. Its palpable, you can feel the love and energy thru the music that unites all of us New Orleanians. The music is interwoven into every facet of this city from the Street musicians on the corner to those at Jazz Fest.
Simply Stated “Without music, life is a journey thru the dessert”-Pat Conroy.
I typically see about 1-3 live music acts a week and this week is no different as I find myself Thursday evening at Old Point Bar , Algiers Point’ favorite watering hole. I am sitting outside enjoying the sunset and a cocktail.
It’s a happy hour gig with Michael Burkart on Keys and Chris Mule on guitar. The Toby Keith country song “ I Love This bar” comes to mind. Old Point Bar sits on the levee and looks over downtown New Orleans. This bar, like so many in the city, has a long history, It first opened at the turn of the century in 1905 as a dry goods store. Later on in the 1970’s it became JOHNNY’S Bar and has been one since that time. Old Point is known for its friendly, home away from home, Where Y’at New Orleans feel and its patrons feel like long lost relatives and friends. Young & old, Black & White, drinkers & Smokers, Music Lovers & Pool players all converge on this corner at Olivier and Patterson Streets to enjoy life in the POINT.
As the evening’s music begins, the person I can’t help notice is the elderly black gentleman wearing overalls and a straw hat selling his homemade PRALINES and everyone at the bar seems to know him. The duo begins to play their set with a blues song and the Praline man just begins to belt out some “soulful as hell” lyrics to their bluesy tune and for that moment I got the feeling that this man was really happy just to be SINGING. I know these are the characters that make up our dirty but lovable lil city and I love those characters. Michael Burkart & Chris Mule continue their happy hour gig with a mixture of songs ranging from original material to time tested New Orleans favorites like “ Love Slip Upon Ya” by the Meters, “Sick and Tired” by Chris Kenner to “Tipitina’s” by Professor Longhair. On their second set they are joined by a Sax player. As I sit at the bar, a number of local walk in greet each other and take a seat to enjoy the music and booze.
Old Point Bar has been around for a long time and is great place to find live music 7 nights a week with many local blues and funk bands including, the bar’s favorite son, WestBank Mike, Marc Stone, Eric Lindell, just to name a few. They also host an open Mic nite on Wed for those brave hearts who want to be a musician for a few minutes. The bars and music joints in this city are more than a place to grab a beer, they are meeting place for friends, they breed funky, soulful and gritty musicians and they are the first places to re-open after a Hurricane.
So the next time you find yourself in & about charming Algiers Point make sure you check out Old Point Bar where your sure to be entertained by the people, the music and the Mississippi River Air that permeates that street corner. With its friendly down home bartenders, great jukebox, colorful patrons and Classic N’Awlins flair this bar is Alright in my book. Check it out and please support LIVE music ,its the heartbeat of New Orleans. For any feedback or if you would like to be written, you can find me at lolita2470003@yahoo.com