Pour les fans de Funk & Soul, Folk & Blues, et Jazz.
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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”.
Awesome! Uplifting! Encouraging! Beautiful! My only complaint is that we didn't get to hear more. She is truly gifted and God-inspired.I hope that she is working on a new CD, because I know I'll buy it as soon as it's available!
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.