Music Critics:
I just finished an interview regarding New Orleans Jazz greats and thought you might find it of interest. I was asked which performers in my view were at the very top of the New Orleans traditional jazz pyramid; I replied that the Humphrey Band who performed at Preservation Hall is at the very top of my list.
That said, I thought there were two individual musicians, as opposed to their band, that stood the tallest among their peers of the day. One of them, George Lewis who I knew very well, performed Burgundy Street Blues, and the other Sidney Bechet, who played La Petite Fleur, who I did not know. George played the clarinet and Bechet the soprano sax.
Ciao,
Jim Tozzi
(1) Blanche Thomas, my favorite singer, who after she had a shot of scotch would reluctantly invite me, on occasion, to accompany her.
(2) Frank “The Dude” Amacker was probably the most unique individual I ever met from New Orleans because he was my most publicized link to Storyville. Mr. Amacker was named the “Mayor of Storyville” and was the musician who wore the most stylistic clothing which lead in part to the nickname “Dude”. If smart phones were available years ago to record his very neutral critique of a particular performance most of those who followed him would be astonished, as was I.
(3) Kid Howard–Over in the Glory Land
(4) Wendell Brunious—Preservation Hall: Bill Bailey
(5) The Second Generation Preservation Hall Band–Marc Braud and the best of the best: Sugar Blues
(6) De De Pierce— Just a Closer Walk with Thee
(7) About New Orleans– Chris Barber-Van Morrison: Goin’ Home
(8) A New Orleans Inspiration– Luca Sestak: Suwannee River Boogie
(9) What is the difference between New Orleans Jazz and Traditional Jazz?
(10) The all-time non-jazz favorite.
