Clearly, we are not in the clear.
Today, we will talk New Orleans. One of my Top 10 favorite places in the whole world. So many memories and stories, it will take many revisits to this blog to tell them all!
Let’s start with one fine evening when we (my love, Phyllis) were in town and decided to cross off a bucket list item of mine, an evening at Preservation Hall. It’s a very intimate venue, full capacity is about 125, and they do 5 shows a night. Nothing but the best jazz musicians play there. They bill it as an all star jazz band, because you never know who is going to show up.
I had just watched the Foo Fighters documentary, “Sonic Highways” on HBO. If you haven’t already, go on iTunes and order the episode from New Orleans. They actually recorded the song on the album right there in Preservation Hall. Here’s a little teaser clip:
After you’ve watched that video, I hope and pray it leads you to look up everything you can about Trombone Shorty. But that’s not what this is about.
The guy with the huge head of curly hair is Ben Jaffe.
They only allow about 125 people in per show. I bought the VIP ticket, because I want to be right there in the middle of it all. But, when I go inside, I found it was much better to stand in the back and take it all in from there. No P.A. just all acoustic instruments. The night I was there, the lead singer was straight out of the classic jazz era. Had the most beautiful 3 piece suit I’ve ever seen anyone wear, with the lone exception of when I saw Bob Hope perform at The Ohio State Fair. He was also the trumpet player. The reason they call it Preservation Hall is just that, preserving the way bands performed in that era, along with all the history. Too much to get into here, but again, I encourage you to research.
The particular night I was there, I struck up a conversation with Ben Jaffe. Told him I was hugely impacted by the Foo Fighters project, and we discussed that for a bit. Very cool, unassuming guy, I loved him right off the bat. I eventually made my way to the drummer, who is featured in the performance following this bit. We had a few minutes of talk about the show, shook hands, and I turned to leave. Walking out the door, my (then) fiancé abruptly cuts in front of me. I trip trying to avoid her and fall flat on my back on the sidewalk! Wouldn’t you know, the drummer comes out right at that moment. Looks down at me (I have my best hat on) laying there, turns to her and says, “ Lady, you gotta keep your husband off the streets of New Orleans”
We’re now going to go to church with The Preservation Hall Band in this next clip. As beautiful a piano part as I’ve ever heard is on this track, just close your eyes and drift away. A great version of This Little Light of Mine. If you’re really astute, you will recognize the Elvis hook, I Can’t Help (Falling In Love With You) in the intro and outro.
Oh, in case you are wondering how The Foo Fighters song turned out, here you go:
Behind The Scenes Interview
Video of In The Clear
