“As if there aren’t enough problems in the world, we must contend with this!

For some unexplained reason, the video to the Sad Salamanders song ‘My Parents Are Swingers’ has been taken down from YouTube. I’m trying to figure out why, but as with any typical corporate internet presence, it is almost impossible to find a way to contact YouTube about this. All it says on the site is ‘This video has been removed due to terms of use violation’ with out an email notification or explanation. In the mean time, we will find a new place to host the video and send you the link as soon as we do.

Scooter”

As such, it seems that you will not be able to find the video for “My Parents Are Swingers” on YouTube at the moment. It seems like you gain a little and you lose a little. They got onto the playlist of WDCB, but they lose their video on YouTube.

I am not sure why YouTube decided to remove the video. It was a tad risque, but there was no nudity and nothing worse than you’d see on your average network TV show these days. Heck, I recently saw a “Law & Order: SVU” that had a rape scene almost as violent as those I had seen on cable and in the movies. So, I am stumped as to what YouTube was thinking.

I would love to champion a campaign to get the Salamanders back on YouTube. At the same time, I can’t help but hope the find a better, more accepting place to post their video. Wherever it ends up, I will be sure to post a link or find a way to direct you to it right here.

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I want to, as always, acknowledge the help and assistance from radio station WDCB for the events and information provided below. Once again, without them, this blog would be impossible. There is no way in hell I would go door-to-door at the various blues and jazz clubs just to ask if they had any shows going on. Thanks to WDCB, I don’t have to do that. That’s what radio station interns are for.

JAZZ

May 15, 2008
Vocalist Petra van Nuis and Guitarist Andy Brown
Angelina Ristorante, Chicago

May 15, 2008
Scott Earl Holman
Chicago Chop House, Chicago

May 15, 2008
‘Brazilian Jazz Night’ with Paulinho Garcia
Katerina’s, Chicago

May 15, 2008
Libby York Trio
Green Dolphin Street, Chicago

May 15, 2008
The Skinny
Pete Miller’s - Evanston, Evanston

May 15, 2008
Myles Hayes Quintet
Pete Miller’s - Schaumburg, Schaumburg

May 15, 2008
Chambers Jazz Jam
Chambers, Niles

May 15, 2008
Skinny Williams Trio
Pete Miller’s - Wheeling, Wheeling

May 15, 2008
Alan Gresik’s Swing Shift Orchestra
Green Mill, Chicago

May 15, 2008
Kelly Brand Trio
Andy’s, Chicago

May 15, 2008
Red Rose Ragtime Band
FitzGerald’s, Berwyn

May 15, 2008
Jeff Parker and John Herndon
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

May 16, 2008
Bruce Oscar/Nick Schneider Duo
Wildwood Steakhouse and Lounge, Geneva

May 16, 2008
Myles Hayes Quintet
Pete Miller’s - Evanston, Evanston

May 16, 2008
Three Guitars Annual Concert
Katerina’s, Chicago

May 16, 2008
Yoko Noge and the Jazz Me Blues Band
Green Dolphin Street, Chicago

May 16, 2008
Bob Moses Trio with Doug Rosenberg
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

May 16, 2008
Bob Perna & Persistance
Pete Miller’s - Schaumburg, Schaumburg

May 16, 2008
Kimberly Gordon with Demos Petropoulos
Katerina’s, Chicago

May 16, 2008
John Wojciechowski Quartet
Pete Miller’s - Wheeling, Wheeling

BLUES

May 17, 2008
Pom Pom’s singing the Blues!
Pom Pom’s , Plainfield

May 17, 2008
The Business
Green Dolphin Street, Chicago

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Now, I am not really here to mourn the loss of this organization. I like to think I can follow various events in the jazz world, but until I came across this particular article I had never even heard of the IAJE. This, of course, may be exactly the problem. They were an organization with a goal of promoting jazz music across the country and I had never heard of them. Obviously they weren’t doing something right.

The article indicates that a major mistake seems to have been moving the organization back to Toronto from its location in New York. This reduced the audiences for their various sponsored events by more than half. They also apparently launched several ill-conceived campaigns that never really took off or succeeded on even a basic level.

I find that sort of sad. Jazz can be a very hard sell to people, especially the younger people of today. I know it was for me until I reached college. I think there is a lot of music out there that can be taught to young people and, in particular, aspiring young musicians. An organization that can promote and educate those people would be perfect. It would just be nice to have one that was run correctly.

I don’t exactly have an answer to the problem. The organization has filed for bankruptcy and the assets of the organization have been parceled to a trustee. What will become of the IAJE after that is unknown, but it seems likely to be gone forever. That means one less advocate or group of advocates for an important genre of music.

That’s never a good thing.

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Each one is someone just like me and just as passionate about their particular genre of music. In fact, some of them put me to shame. There are those who post 3 or 4 times a day. I prefer to stick to a one-a-day schedule, but that’s because, generally speaking, not much changes from day to day in the jazz and blues world.

Well, one of my fellow bloggers is having a contest and it is a very cool contest and I hope you don’t mind if I diverge from talking about Sad Salamanders and Miles Davis and point you to it. You only have until May 25th to enter and you can win a $25 iTunes Gift Card.

Click right HERE for the contest along with the rules and the place to enter. The blog is called “Crooner Culture.” Hey, folks, it’s $25 and as much music as you can download for that amount.

Perhaps one of these days I will manag to get my stuff together enough to have a contest or giveaway of my own. I probably should make sure I know the proper rules for giving away stuff and then find some cool prizes first. I doubt an empty can of peaches or a used nail clipper would really appeal to anyone.

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So, please make a note of the new releases below. If you happen to contact any of the record companies and want to mention you heard about them here, please do.

Tuesday May, 13 2008

New Releases

Abercrombie / Ruocco - Topics (Challenge )
Afro Cuban Jazz Project - Puerto Padre Tributo A Emiliano Salvador (Yemaya )
Al Fairweather - Al Fairweather Collection 1953-57 (Pid )
Alain Caron - Live (2 For 1) (GNR )
Alain Caron - Alain Caron Live At The Cabaret De Montreal (Ghost Note )
Alice Babs - Swing It Alice (Pid )
Alon Yavnai - Travel Notes (HBD Label Group )
Anders Widmark - Waiting For A Train (Pid )
Antonella Consolo - Second Time Around (Pid )
Arsenio Rodriquez - Alma De Cuba (Tumbao Cuban Classix )
Art Farmer - Brass Shout / The Aztec Suite (Blue Note Records )
Art Monroe - I Never Dreamed (V.S.O.P. Records )
Art Monroe - Memories (V.S.O.P. Records )
Bebo Valdes - Bebo Rides Again (Universal Music Latino )
Beegie Adair - Frank Sinatra Collection (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Nat King Cole Collection (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Love, Elvis (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Dream Dancing (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - I’ll Take Romance (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Embraceable You (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Way You Look Tonight (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Nearness Of You (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - Cheek To Cheek (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - My Romance (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - In A Sentimental Mood (Green Hill )
Berlin Voices - States Of Mind: A Tribute To Billy Joel (Van Dyck Records )
Bill Frisell - History Mystery (Nonesuch )
Bill Frisell - History, Mystery (Nonesuch )
Blaser Samuel Quartet - 7th Heaven (Challenge )
Bobby Previte & The New Bump - Set The Alarm For Monday (Palmetto )
Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra - Invitation (Pacific Coast Jazz)
Bruce Lofgren - Bruce Lofgren Jazz Trio (Sea Breeze Records )
Buddy Childers - Come Home Again (USA Music Group )
Capathia Jenkins - One Ounce Of Truth (P.S. Classics )
Capathia Kenkins - One Ounce Of Truth (P.S. Classics )
Charlie Biddle - In Good Company (Pid )
Chet Baker - Tenderly (Pid )
Chick Corea - Electric Chick (Pid )
Chris Barber - Just About As Good As It Gets (Pid )
Chuck Leavell - Live In Germany-Green Leaves And Blue Notes Tour 2007 (Evergreen Arts )
Cleo Brown - Complete Recorded Works March 1935-June 1935 (Document )
Clora Bryant - Gal With A Horn (V.S.O.P. Records )
Collette / Mann - Flute Fraternity (V.S.O.P. Records )
Collette / Marx - Marx Makes Broadway (V.S.O.P. Records )
Courvoisier / Jacques - Deux Pianos (Pid )
Creole Jazz Band - Jazz Del Bueno Para Bailar (Pid )
Cy Jazz Band Laurie - Laurie,Cy Jazz Band Vol. 2-Vintage Cy Laurie 1956-57 (Pid )
Dario Jalfin - Le Pondria Una Letra (Pid )
Dave Douglas & Keystone - Moonshine (Green Leaf Records )
Dr. John - Voodoo Hex (Cleopatra )
Dutch Swing College Band - Swinging Studio Sessions (Pid )
Eddie Lang - Quintessential Eddie Lang 1925-32 (Timeless )
Eddy Duchin - A Needle In A Haystack (Dutton Vocalion Uk )
Eddy Duchin - Needle In A Haystack (Dutton Laboratories/Vocalion )
Frank Chackenfield - Immortal Serenades (Dutton Laboratories/Vocalion )
Frank Chacksfield - Immortal Serenades (Dutton Vocalion Uk )
Frank Rosolino - Frank Rosolino Quintet (V.S.O.P. Records )
Gerald Wiggins - Loveliness Of You (V.S.O.P. Records )
Gerard Masters Trio - Gerard Masters Trio (Pid )
Gideon Smith - South Side Of The Moon (Small Stone Records )
Gil Fuller / Dizzy Gillespie / James Moody - Monterey Jazz Festival Orchestra (Blue Note Records )
Graham Organization Bond - Sound Of 65 (Repertoire )
Graham Organization Bond - There’s A Bond Between Us (Repertoire )
Grandvista Recording Orchestra - Dream (Grand Vista )
Gvro - Dream (Grand Vista )
Hank Jones - Quartet & Quintet (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Harry Allen / Joe Cohn / Quartet - Stompin’ The Blues (Arbors Records )
Harry Reser - Trainin’ The Fingers (Document Records )
Henry Franklin - If We Should Meet Again (Skipper Productions/City Hall )
Herbie Harper - Five Brothers (V.S.O.P. Records )
Herve Krief - La Priere Du Funk-Saep (La Lichere )
Humphrey Lyttelton - Just About As Good As It Gets (Pid )
Irene Schweizer - Portrait (Intakt )
Jazz Crusaders - Kick The Jazz: Jazz In The Hip-Hop Generation (CBUJ Entertainment )
Jeff Johnson - Southpaw Outlaw (Echo-Vista Group )
Joe Gaeta & Gengiz Yaltkaya - Almost Real (Rhombus Records )
Joel Harrison - The Wheel (Innova (American Composers Forum)
John Abercrombie - Topics (Challenge Jazz )
John Abercrombie / Jo Ruocco - Topics (Challenge Records )
John McCormack - I Hear You Calling Me (Living Era )
Johnny Hallyday - Live At Montreux 1988 (Pid )
Jon Irabagon - Outright! (Innova (American Composers Forum) )
Jon Metzger - Out Of The Dark (V.S.O.P. Records )
Jorge Reyes - De Todo Un Poco (Yemaya Spain )
Kai Winding - Jazz For Playboys (Pid )
Ken Coyler - Just About As Good As It Gets (Smith & Co Holland )
Ken Mathiesons Classic Jazz Orchestra - Ken Mathiesons Classic Jazz Orchestra Salutes The (Pid )
Kenny Ball - Greatest Hits (Castle Pulse )
Klaus Doldinger - Shakin’ The Blue (Pid )
Lalo Schifrin - Mission: Impossible & Other Thrilling Themes (Pid )
Lease / Ellen Pat Moriarty - Chane, Love, Logic (Innova )
Louis Armstrong - Itineraire Dun Genie (Pid )
Louis Mazetier - Tributes, Portraits, And Oth (Arbors Records )
Maranta - Maranta (Vampi Soul )
Marcos Jimenez - Different (Pid )
Marcus Shelby - Harriet Tubman (Noir Records )
Maria Kvist - I Read A Review (Pid )
Marty Paich - Jazz Band Ball (V.S.O.P. Records )
Miles Davis - Complete Vocalists Sessions (Definitive )
Mokijam - Clean House (Igv )
Monica Zetterlund - Musik VI Minns (Pid )
Monica Zetterlund - Gyllene Blad (Pid )
Neon - Here To There (Pid )
New Mastersounds - 102% (One Note)
Orquesta Juan D’Arienzo - Best Of (Pid )
Oscar Moore - Oscare Moore Quartet With Carl Perkins (V.S.O.P. Records )
Paavo - Paavo (Pid )
Paul Bley - Changing Hands (Pid )
Paul Smith - Fine Sweet & Tasty (V.S.O.P. Records )
PeaceTime / Chip Shelton - Imbued With Memories (Summit Records )
Peps Persson - Spar (Pid )
Peps Persson - Sweet Mary Jane (Pid )
Peps Persson - Rotrock (Pid )
Peps Persson - Week Peps Came To (Pid )
Phil Wright Trio - 3bop (Skipper Productions/City Hall )
Pillow - Pillow’s Tale (Pid )
Plas Johnson - Bop Me Daddy (V.S.O.P. Records )
Pond - Bilder Einer Ausstellung (Pid )
Ramon Fossati - Black Key (Swing Alley )
Red Norvo - Norvo…Naturally (V.S.O.P. Records )
Rhonda Silver - Twelve Pieces Of Silver (Pid )
Richie Kamuca - Richie Kamuca Quartet (V.S.O.P. Records )
Roots - Smooth Jazz Tribute (CC Entertainment )
Sahib Shihab - Jazz Sahib: Complete Sextets (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Scuba - A Mutual Antipathy (Hotflush )
Sekou Bunch - Next Level (Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records )
Sekou Bunch - The Next Level (Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records )
Sexteto Electronico Moderno - Sounds From The Elegant World (Vampi Soul )
Shot X Shot - Let Nature Square (High Two Records (sub of AUM Fidelity) )
Soo Cho Quartet - Prayer (Pid )
Soo Choo Quartet - Prayer (Challenge Records )
Stan Getz / Lou Levy - Complete Studio Master Takes (Jazzbeat Spain )
Stan Levey - Stan Levey Quintet (V.S.O.P. Records )
Stein Brothers Quintet - Quixotic (JMD )
Sylvain Luc - Trio Sud: Young & Fine (Dreyfus )
Sylvain Luc - Young And Fine (Dreyfus )
Sylvia Vrethammar - Sylvia (Pid )
Ted Heath - Decca Singles & Rarities 4 (Dutton Vocalion Uk )
Terry Gibbs - Jazz Band Ball (V.S.O.P. Records )
Ulf Wakenius - Love Is Real (Amv )
Various Artists - Strange Jazz (Apace )
Various Artists - Sounds Of New Orleans 1 (Storyville )
Various Artists - Sounds Of New Orleans 2 (Storyville )
Various Artists - The Roots Smooth Jazz Tribute (CC Entertainment/Ka )
Victor Feldman - Vic Feldman On Vibe (V.S.O.P. Records )
Victoria White - The Upside (Kalimba Records )
Victoria White - Upside (Kalimba Music, Inc. )
Virgil Gonsalves - Jazz At Monterey (V.S.O.P. Records )
Warne Marsh - Music For Prancing (V.S.O.P. Records )
Weather Channel Presents Locals On The 8′S - Weather Channel Presents Locals On The 8′S (Midas Records )
Weekend - Live At Ronnie Scott’s (Cherry Red Uk )
Wizard Jones - Roze’s Garden (Wilbe Records )
Yitzhak Yedid - Suite In Five Movement (Pid )
Yitzhak Yedid - Oud Bass Piano Trio: Suite In Five Movements (Challenge )

Reissues

Art Farmer - Brass Sessions: Brass Shout/the Aztec Suite (Blue Note Records )
Art Farmer - Complete 1954-1955 Prestige (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Beegie Adair - The Frank Sinatra Collection (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - The Nat King Cole Collection (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - The Way You Look Tonight (Green Hill Productions )
Beegie Adair - The Nearness of You (Green Hill Productions )
Billie Holiday - Billie Holiday Collection (Pid )
Bob Brookmeyer - Modernity Of Bob Brookmeyer (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Bobby Hutcherson - Head On (Blue Note Records )
Brad Dutz - Nine Gardeners Named Ned (Rhombus Records )
Buddy Rich - Plays & Plays & Plays (Wounded Bird )
Charlie Parker - Now’s the Time (Savoy)
Chet Baker - Cool Chet-Definitive Anthology (Pid )
Chip Shelton & Peace Time - Imbued With Memories (Summit Records )
Dizzy Gillespie - Monterey Jazz Festival (Blue Note )
Dizzy Reece - Soundin’ Off (Blue Note)
Eddie Lang - The Quintessential Eddie Lang 1925-32 (Timeless )
Frank Sinatra - Nothing But The Best (Rhino )
Graham Bond Organization - Sound Of 65 (Repertoire )
Graham Bond Organization - There’s A Bond Between Us (Repertoire )
Graham BondOrganization - Sound Of 65 (Repertoire )
Harry Allen / Joe Cohn Quartet - Stompin’ The Blues (Arbors Records )
Herbie Mann - Great Ideas Of Western Mann (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Herbie Mann - Yardbird Suite (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Horace Parlan - Movin’ & Groovin’ (Classic Records )
John Coltrane - Pianists Touch (Lonehill Jazz )
John Coltrane - Turning Point (Phantom Sound & Vision )
Kenny G - Songbird: Ultimate Collection (Sony BMG Europe )
Lionel Hampton - Lionel Plays Drums Vibes Piano (Phantom Sound & Vision )
Louis Jordan - Rock Doc! Louis Jordan On Mercury 1956-57 (Pid )
Louis Jordan - Roc Doc: Louis Jordan On Mercury 1956-57 (Rev-Ola )
Louis Smith - Smithville (Blue Note Records )
Miles Davis - X2 (Legacy )
Miles Davis - Four! (Zyx/Akarma )
Paquito D’Rivera - Lost Sessions (Yemaya )
Pepper Adams - Complete Regent Sessions (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Pepper Adams - Hollywood Quintet Sessions (Fresh Sounds Spain )
Samuel Blaser Quartet - 7TH Heaven (Challenge Records )
Simone - Simone On Simone (Koch )
Slim Gaillard - Ice Cream On Toast 1937-47 (HEP Records )
Spike Robinson - Three For The Road (Hep (UK) )
Stanley Turrentine - Return Of The Prodigal Son (Blue Note Records )
Ted Heath - Decca Singles & Rarities Vol. 4 (Dutton Vocalion Uk )
Trio Sud - Young And Fine (Dreyfus Jazz )

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There is another name within the blues world that pretty much every one knows. That is, of course, John Lee Hooker. Yes, he has been around a long time. Most of you probably know his tune “Boom Boom Boom Boom.” He has the kind of growly voice and song-delivery that pretty much sums up the way most people think of the blues. In fact, below, is a YouTube clip taken back in the 60s of JLH performing that signature tune live:

Yeah, if you thought that “how, how, how, how” growl originated with ZZ Top in “La Grange” then you really need to get out more. Well, JLH may have lost a step or two as he has aged, but them man was playing and recording right up until he died in June of 2001. One of his last ablums contined the tune that my friend put on the CD for me. It’s called “The Healer.” It’s a mellow song, and I think it’s perfect to start out a new week.

John Lee Hooker also happens to be a great guitar player. That’s the one cool thing about the blues musicians is that most of them are great guitar players. In addition to being a fan of the trumpet and horns with jazz, I love guitar in blues and rock.

Anyway, I am continuing with my blues education. If you know of any classic blues or even some modern blues that you would like me to check on or talk about, please leave me a message or leave a link. As I have mentioned before I love learning about new music and expanding my music library.

Happy Monday and a belated Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms who might stumble across this blog.

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One thing is for sure, the jazz people seem to have things together a bit more than the blues people. For example, there are several websites that I can go to in order to get the latest news on jazz, jazz musicians, new releases, CD reviews and whatever. There is AllAboutJazz.com and the JazzReview.com, for example. There is also WDCB and other radio stations around the country that are dedicated almost exclusively to jazz music. That is just not the case with the Blues.

I have looked in order to make, or attempt to make, this blog balanced, for a Blues News website. I have continually come up empty. There are many radio stations, including WDCB, that play Blues in addition to some other format, but there aren’t radio stations dedicated solely to the blues. I have no idea why, but that’s just a fact of life.

So, I haven’t been able to keep up on the blues as much as I would have liked. So, I recently had dinner with a friend of mine. She mentioned she had always wanted to get more into jazz and I mentioned I had always wanted to get more into the blues. She is a big fan of the blues. As you know, I am a big fan of jazz. Before you could say “burn” we were exchanging CDs and making copies for each other.

So, I finally had a chance to sit down and listen to a Buddy Guy CD she gave me last night. It is not a new one. It is from 2001 and called “Sweet Tea.” Now, I love Buddy. I have since I saw him inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and saw him perform live. He blew me away. He may be the greatest modern, living blues guitar player out there. Maybe about as close as Hendrix as you can get and considering Jimi cited Buddy as a major inspiration to him, that gives you some idea.

One song in particular blew me through the back of the chair. It is the second song on the album. It is called “Baby Please Don’t Leave Me.” Buckle up and enjoy.

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I have been walking on air since I found out radio station WDCB has read and maybe even regularly reads my blog. I have no idea who there does, but I think of them collectively. This is because I think WDCB is the greatest most wonderful radio station in the area. You should listen to them. No, really, you should listen to them. Don’t question, just click on the damn link and listen. Go ahead, I’ll wait….

…
…

See? They are great, aren’t they? They help me find the concerts and shows going on around town and they also play great tunes and I couldn’t do this blog without them.

JAZZ

May 8, 2008
Vocalist Petra van Nuis and Guitarist Andy Brown
Angelina Ristorante, Chicago

May 8, 2008
Chambers Jazz Jam
Chambers, Niles

May 8, 2008
Alan Gresik’s Swing Shift Orchestra
Green Mill, Chicago

May 8, 2008
Kelly Brand Trio
Andy’s, Chicago

May 8, 2008
Matt Ulery’s Loom
Katerina’s, Chicago

May 8, 2008
Jeff Parker Trio
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

May 9, 2008
JIC’s JazzCity Series:
Jazz Cabaret
Foster Park, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Jeff Newell’s New-Trad Octet
Green Mill, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Happy Hour with Chris Foreman on Hammond B-3 Organ and Vocals
Green Mill, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Joey DeFrancesco
MAC - McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn

May 9, 2008
Bruce Oscar/Nick Schneider Duo
Wildwood Steakhouse and Lounge, Geneva

May 9, 2008
Brookfield Jazz Society Presents: Illumina 66
Cottage @ Irish Times, Brookfield

May 9, 2008
Typhanie Monique & Neal Alger
Andy’s, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Von Freeman Quintet
Andy’s, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Vocalist Petra van Nuis with the Andy Brown Trio
Andy’s, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Brian Pardo’s Balkano
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

May 9, 2008
Green Mill Quartet Jam Session
Green Mill, Chicago

May 9, 2008
Sidemen Big Band Jazz
Bill’s Blues Bar, Evanston

May 10, 2008
The Elaine Dame Quartet
Philander’s, Oak Park

May 10, 2008
Jeff Newell’s New-Trad Octet
Green Mill, Chicago

BLUES

May 9, 2008
Mr. Blotto
FitzGerald’s, Berwyn

May 10, 2008
Eric Davis Blues Band
Bill’s Blues Bar, Evanston

May 13, 2008
Devil In a Woodpile
The Hideout, Chicago

May 13, 2008
Blues Jam
Bill’s Blues Bar, Evanston

May 17, 2008
Pom Pom’s singing the Blues!
Pom Pom’s , Plainfield

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I am not going to sit here and convince you that the Neville Brothers are exactly within the jazz category. Hell, I am not even going to sit here and tell you I know a single Neville Brothers song or what their music sounds like. What I do know is that they are all originally from New Orleans and that it had become a tradition for those hometown boys to close out the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Then came Katrina, and all of that changed.

The brothers scattered to the winds and across the country. Every year, the fans would attend the festival in hopes the brothers would make a return. That hadn’t happened. Aaron Neville had personal issues and his wife died last year and that sort of sidetracked him. All of that changed with the ‘08 festival.

As written about in this article at CNN.com, the Neville Brothers returned triumphantly to the city where they were born and closed out the festival. By all accounts, it was worth the wait and just the celebratory event the citizens of New Orleans were hoping for.

The festival, as I mentioned, is a symbol and the residents who have scattered since the storm often make the trek back just to see the performers. According to many of them, the return of the Neville Brothers marked a remarkable thing and was a significant event a least in the hearts of New Orleans residents everywhere.

The population of New Orleans was around 455,000 people before Katrina. Since then, some 320,000 have returned. It is a city that is far from being complete and there are still vast areas that show damage, not to mention those who worry about the possibility of the next storm.

Still, when things like this can happen and elighten and brighten the hearts of those who have experienced so much, well, you just can’t deny the healing power of music, can you?

For me, having only visited New Orleans once, and then as a teenager, I felt this was a story that crossed music genres. I hope it is a sign that maybe the city will come back and, perhaps, stronger than ever. I hope to be able to attend the Jazz and Heritage Festival some day and I am glad it has grown and continues to be a symbol of hope.

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