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Biography
Opened in 1961 to preserve the rich and vibrant history of New Orleans Jazz, Preservation Hall, located in the city’s French Quarter, was one of the first venues to welcome both Caucasian and African-American musicians. Soon after the venue’s invent Preservation Hall Jazz Band was formed hosting an esteemed group of local musicians which would prove popular with residents and tourists the world over. Showcasing the likes of Kid Thomas Valentine, Punch Miller, Louis Nelson, Jim Robinson, Joseph Robichaux, Billie Pierce, Percy Humphrey, George Lewis, Sweet Emma Barrett, and Willie Humphrey, the band’s early members represented the jazz elite.
Looking to expand their profile and promote themselves further afield, comprised of Kid Thomas Valentine, George Lewis, Louis Nelson, Emanuel Paul, Joe James, Joe Butler, and Sammy Penn, the band began touring in 1963. The band’s first live performance outside of Louisiana came in the midwest, with a notable show at the Guthrie Theater. The tour led to a revival of interest in New Orleans jazz, and subsequently a tour of Japan in 1964.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s musical recordings have honoured the traditions of New Orleans for over four decades, producing their most successful output under the leadership of Sweet Emma Barrett and the Pierce brothers. Despite this the band’s focus has also remained on playing live and worldwide tours have consistently showcased the band’s talent and history.
Following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, doubts were raised about the condition of Preservation Hall and the band’s recordings. To the relief of many, the jazz band’s unreleased and archived recordings were subsequently released as the compilation “Made in New Orleans: The Hurricane Sessions” in 2007. In 2010 a benefit album in their honour, “An Album to Benefit Preservation Hall & the Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program” was released featuring the likes of Paolo Nutini, Andrew Bird, Del McCoury, and Angelique Kidjo. Three years later the group issued their first album of all original material, “That’s It”.
Live reviews
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band can boast to being named after one of New Orleans' most prestigious and important live music venues of all time. The French quarter establishment found itself with regular performers before the rest of the world caught on and the vast array of musicians took off around the world, changing all the time.
Of course there was going to be lasting appeal for this band, the genre of jazz is universally enjoyed by people of all ages and this is wholly reflected in the audience members this evening. The stage operation is huge with rich brass and vast percussion all coming together in perfect harmony to successfully deliver a real slice of New Orleans. All the musicians have clear passion for what they do and understand the legacy of Preservation Hall and therefore do their best to preserve it with expert playing abilities. A truly authentic, enjoyable evening of world class jazz music.
sean-ward
I saw The Preservation Hall Jazz Band during my first trip to New Orleans. Since then, I've returned to the crescent city several times to see them perform in the hall for which they're named as well as seeing them on tour in New York.
The Hall's music is joyful & soulful, bouncing with what jazz is supposed to be, syncopation & improvisation. They have spanned generations, as reflected in their current lineup, & are humbly taking jazz into this new century. You'll gaze in awe at their musicianship, smile at the bliss in their music & shake your booty as they swing out for you. Run, don't walk, to catch their performance.
smarkrick
Good fun and energy, as expected. Appreciated that they chose a smaller venue for the show—the way this music should be experienced. The band connected with the audience with stories and their sense of humor.
The opening band, Houston’s own The Suffers, deserve national attention. Kam, their lead singer, is a force of nature and charmed everyone with her banter and voice. They just won another new fan!
Houston crowds never cease to disappoint me though as every quiet moment was filled with the loud babble of people yapping in the back. Why are those people paying to attend?!?
gami1996
