Previews
Saturday April 28
The Heavenly Sent
11 a.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
Start the day off right with this contemporary gospel ensemble from Marrero.
Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil
11:15 a.m., Sheraton N.O. Fais Do Do Stage, World/Piano
This Brazilian pianist is starting to make inroads into the New Orleans music scene, thanks to his regular gigs at the Columns Hotel, Café Brasil and St. Joe’s Bar. He recently released his debut CD.
Gina Forsyth & Kevin Danzig
11:15 a.m., Lagniappe Stage, Folk
Singer/songwriter Forsyth is one of the brightest lights on the acoustic scene in New Orleans, thanks to her gifted wordplay and memorable voice. She’s also a wizard on the violin and the guitar, and her instrumental prowess has earned her longstanding gigs with such acts as Bruce Daigrepont and Mamou. Folk singer Danzig tours regularly and joins Forsyth today.
Rufus Rip Wimberly
11:15 a.m., House of Blues/Old School 102.9 Stage, Blues
Veteran guitarist Rufus “Rip” Wimberly has been playing blues guitar for nearly half a century. He cut his teeth on the live circuit in Vicksburg, Miss., and plays in the vintage post-World War II electric blues style.
Young Cheyenne & Bayou Renegades Mardi Gras Indians
11:15 a.m., Acura Stage, Mardi Gras Indian
Big Chief “Bo” Dean Big is the impressive young leader of this downtown Indian gang. The grandson of Big Chief Ferdinand Bigard, the retired head of the Cheyenne, Big Chief Bo takes an active part in New Orleans street culture. He often attends second-line parades and Indian practices around town. He and his large gang, which includes his twin sons, didn’t mask for Carnival 2001, so will probably don suits from the previous year.
Placide Adams & Onward Brass Band
11:20 a.m., Cox Communications Economy Hall Tent, Traditional Jazz
Just seeing this large brass band — the size brass ensembles used to be — you know you’re in for a treat. Assembled by drummer/vocalist Placide Adams just once a year for this special Jazz Fest appearance, the Onward is not to be missed. Adams plays on snare drums with fellow snare men Herb Taylor and Kurt Nicewander and bass drummer Ernie Elly. The brass unit boasts three members of the Joseph family — trombonists Charles and Gerald and tuba player Kirk. The frontline also includes trombonist Wendell Eugene, reedmen Ralph Johnson and Daniel Farrow and trumpeters Mark Chatters and Reynold Richard. The tent really rocks when Grand Marshall Earl Conway revs up the audience.
Topsy Chapman & the Pros
11:30 a.m., BET On Jazz/WWOZ Jazz Tent, Contemporary Jazz/Blues
“They call me the ballad lady,” says New Orleans vocalist Topsy Chapman. She’ll perform a mixed set of jazz, blues and maybe some gospel numbers backed by pianist Chuck Chaplin, bassist Richard Moten, drummer Ricky Sebastian and saxophonist Eric Traub. For several tunes, Wendy Myles and her daughters, vocalists Yolanda Windsey and Jolynda Phillips, will blend harmonies with Chapman.
Loyola University Jazz Band
11:30 a.m., Sprint PCS/LG Stage, Contemporary Jazz
Trombonist and pianist John Mahoney has held the position of jazz studies director at Loyola University for 22 years. Today he leads the university’s 20-piece band in a program of modern jazz that includes some of his outstanding original works and standards.
2nd Nazarine Gospel Choir
11:45 a.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
This large mass choir from Algiers has 110 members, and raises the roof in praise with a mix of contemporary and traditional gospel. Their usual backing instrumentation will be augmented by a guest saxophonist today.
Bamboula 2000 11:45 a.m., Congo Square Stage, World
Dressed in batik-print clothing and sprouting dreadlocks, Bamboula 2000 strives to sustain the musical tradition of Congo Square. The seven-piece group’s world music fusion draws heavily on reggae and West African rhythms, with plenty of bongo and jembeh. The Bamboula Queens, a kente cloth-clad foursome of lovely ladies, demonstrate traditional African dancing. Their recent CD, New Society, featured an imaginative cover of “Hey Pocky Way.”
Lewis Johnson NR
Noon & 4:30 p.m., Native American Village Stage
Johnson is a Seminole tribal member in Oklahoma, and plays solo flute music. He has a forthcoming CD, Feedin’ the Fire, featuring mostly traditional flute music.
Theresa Andersson
12:20 p.m., Acura Stage, Funk/pop
Former Anders Osborne bandmember, songbird and violinist Theresa Andersson is going full-steam ahead with her solo career. Her band includes the funky backbeat of Neville Brother Willie Green and some tasty guitar from Royal Fingerbowl guitarist Alex McMurray. Andersson released an EP last year that found her jumping between genres, and she’s been in the studio recording a follow-up CD.
Waylon Thibodeaux
12:20 p.m., Sheraton N.O. Fais Do Do Stage, Cajun
A testament to Houma-born Thibodeaux’s deep ties to Cajun culture — as well as his songwriting talents — came at the 1999 Congrés Mondial Acadien. Thibodeaux’s song “Si longtemps separe” served as the official anthem of the Lafayette gathering of Acadiens from Louisiana, Canada and elsewhere. Thibodeaux is based in New Orleans and, like fiddler Gina Forsyth, has worked in this city’s folk music scene for many years, contributing to countless other musicians’ projects. But he really shines when he’s performing his own material, along with sterling versions of Cajun classics.
Soul Rebels Brass Band
12:20 p.m., Congo Square Stage, Contemporary Brass Band
“Soul Rebels, Soul, Soul, Rebels,” is the chant that rings out when this tight-knit, funked-down brass band kicks in. Dressed in camouflage outfits and hitting on their theme song “Let Your Mind Be Free,” the Rebels are instantly identifiable. These guys have some moves, too, with lots of buck-jumping and choreography going down. Master entertainers, the members take advantage of a big Jazz Fest stage to really put on a show.
Lee Bates & the Cool Connection
12:25 p.m., House of Blues/Old School 102.9 Stage, Blues
Bates is a New Orleans R&B vocalist who recorded some regional sides for the White Cliffs and Sansu labels in the ’60s. He released a comeback album a few years ago titled Stop Standing Against the Wall.
Southern Bells
12:30 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
Besides the great pun in this ensemble’s name, we also love the ringing harmonies from this female quartet, which sings in the traditional style.
Irene Sage
12:40 p.m., Sprint PCS/LG Stage, Rock
New Orleans singer Sage was a staple at Check Point Charlie for years, putting on exhausting marathon shows with her rock band Irene & the Mikes. Sage has mellowed a bit since going solo, incorporating more acoustic work, ballads and funk into her repertoire. Her new CD, Come on In, was produced by Anders Osborne and features keyboard work from John Gros.
Kidd Jordan & IAQ
12:50, BET On Jazz/WWOZ Jazz Tent, Contemporary Jazz
Saxophonist Kidd Jordan — music teacher at Southern University of New Orleans — leads this band of virtuoso avant-garde players each Jazz Fest. Their fully improvised performance is one of the most intense sets at the Fair Grounds. Usually poet Kalamu Ya Salaam joins them, adding words to their joyful sounds.
Maryland Jazz Band of Germany NR
12:50 p.m., Cox Communications Economy Hall Tent, Traditional Jazz
This ensemble from Cologne, Germany, plays the revival style of traditional jazz, taking its cue from the likes of George Lewis and Kidd Thomas. When noted New Orleans artists like the late clarinetist Willie Humphrey, trombonist Louis Nelson or drummer Freddie Kohlman traveled to Germany, this band often backed them up.
Irie Dawtas
12:55 p.m., Congo Square Stage, Reggae
This long-running New Orleans reggae ensemble promises a few new twists for its Jazz Fest set, thanks to the addition of some dancehall poetry and rapping, and the rock-steady keyboards of Sean LaRocca. The band has a three-song live sampler CD on the way, culled from a performance at the former Dream Palace on Frenchmen Street.
Jonny Hawk & Muskogee Nation NR
1 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., Native American Village Stage
This Oklahoma troupe will be performing “sacred ceremonials,” according to leader Jonny Hawk, also known as Far Away Beaver. Two planned dances are the stomp dance, and a friendship and social gathering dance. Hawk also gives informal explanations during the set.
Ebenezer BC Choir
1:15 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
Jermaine Landrum — grandson of New Orleans gospel matriarch Lois Dejean — leads this choir, known for its boundless energy, excellent lead vocals and tight-knit ensemble work.
Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Quintet
1:30 p.m., Lagniappe Stage, Contemporary Jazz
This quintet consists of graduate students studying at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at the University of Southern California. They work with New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard on their playing, improvising and composing skills. During its set opening for Blanchard at the Contemporary Arts Center, the ensemble showed an excellent grasp of the fundamentals of classic jazz. They have also played with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
Los Hombres Calientes featuring Irvin Mayfield & Bill Summers
1:35 p.m., Acura Stage, Latin/Contemporary Jazz
To attempt to define the music of Big Easy Award winners Los Hombres Calientes is like trying to lasso the moon. They get their style first from its co-leaders, the youthful, jazz-oriented trumpet hotshot Irvin Mayfield and the veteran Afro-Cuban percussion master Bill Summers. Reinforcing the mix are pianist Victor Atkins, bassist Edwin Livingston and percussionist Yvette Summers — jazz musicians turned Latin go-getters. The newest combustible element is the arrival of Cuban drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, who is heard on Los Hombres’ latest, guest-filled disc, Vol. 3 — New Congo Square. This award-winning group musically travels the African diaspora and brings it on home to New Orleans.
Larry Garner
1:40 p.m., House of Blues/Old School 102.9 Stage, Blues
Baton Rouge-based Larry Garner is one of contemporary blues’ finest songwriters, and a solid guitarist in the T-Bone Walker and B.B. King mold. He’s recorded extensively over the last decade, making a string of fine CDs for JSP, Verve and Evidence. (See feature, p. 43.)
Suroît of Canada with Hadley Castille
1:40 p.m., Sheraton N.O. Fais Do Do Stage, Folk/Cajun
Suroit gracefully merges the musical influences of Québec and l’Acadie with strong Gaelic and Celtic currents, producing a singular sound. The band members favor traditional instruments such as accordions, spoons and violins — the perfect setting for esteemed Cajun fiddler Hadley Castille to join in the fun.
Nation of Change NR
2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., Native American Village Stage
A wide variety of Native American dances are presented by Nation of Change, including men and women’s traditional dances, fancy dance, women’s fancy shawl, grass dance and the hoop dance. Flute playing and pow-wow drumming also take center stage.
Zulu Gospel Ensemble
2 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
This gospel group comes from the ranks of Zulu, one of New Orleans’ oldest social aid and pleasure clubs.
Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen
2:05 p.m., Sprint PCS/LG Stage, Funk/R&B
British pianist and singer/songwriter Cleary has become one of New Orleans’ favorite sons, thanks to his brilliant piano playing, soulful vocals, and his super-tight backing band the Absolute Monster Gentlemen. He’s also a highly coveted sideman, and has manned the piano chair for both Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal on their recent CDs and tours.
Little Jimmy Scott & the Jazz Expressions
2:15 p.m., BET On Jazz/WWOZ Jazz Tent, Contemporary Jazz
Jimmy Scott is one of jazz’s most intriguing figures, a diminutive man with a feminine angel’s voice that’s captivated such famous fans as Lou Reed, Madonna and David Lynch. After almost two decades out of the business, Scott made a comeback in the early 90s that continues to hit new heights. He arrives touting his brand-new CD, Over the Rainbow. (See feature, p. 36.)
Super Rail Band of Mali
2:20 p.m., Congo Square Stage, World
This electrifying ensemble is proof that not all government is wasteful. The Super Rail Band from Mali was launched by the Malian government in 1970 to promote Malian music. The band entertained tourists with traditional Malian sounds, and has since taken its mission across the globe. The Rail Band has some notable alumni, most notably Malian superstar Salif Keita.
Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders
2:20 p.m., Cox Communications Economy Hall Tent, Traditional Jazz
Fretman Don Vappie always presents an inspired and enthusiastic performance that respects tradition. He’s been busy transcribing Armstrong material for the Lincoln Center Jazz Band’s tribute to the trumpeter, so expect some of those tunes to pop up in this set. These works are in good hands with this talented ensemble, with trumpeter Jamil Sharif, pianist Larry Sieberth, bassist James Singleton, clarinetist Tom Fischer, drummer Stanley Joseph and reedman Alonzo Bowens. Vappie, a musical archeologist of sorts, digs into music history to resurrect less-familiar material, including his now-trademark Creole tunes.
One A-Chord
2:45 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
This popular all-female gospel troupe from New Orleans performs in the traditional gospel style.
Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers
2:50 p.m., Lagniappe Stage, Blues
Guitarist Johnson is one of the most fearsome guitarists in contemporary blues, a Delta-born bluesman with a voice as powerful as his buzzsaw solos. His latest CD, Roots Stew, is a departure of sorts, featuring Johnson mixing up his hardcore electric blues with country and rockabilly — and even playing mandolin.
Frankie Ford
3 p.m., House of Blues/Old School 102.9 Stage, R&B
Won’t you let him take you on a “Sea Cruise”? Ford’s best-known for his exuberant performance of the Huey Smith classic, but he cut a slew of other memorable performances for Ace in the ’50s and ’60s, including “Roberta” and “Alimony.” Ford’s still an irrepressible entertainer, performing 200-some dates a year. His current live show is a mix of classic R&B, standards, and some goofy Liberace-style camp.
Fredy Omar con su Banda
3 p.m., Sheraton N.O. Fais Do Do Stage, Latin
Recent Big Easy Award winner Omar has made a rapid rise to the top of the Latin music scene in New Orleans, thanks to a combination of hard work, a great band and a handful of steady gigs. Omar sings everywhere from the refined elegance of the Red Room to the street-level funk of Café Brasil, and is equally at home in both spots. He recently released his second CD, Latin Party in New Orleans, which features guest spots from Kipori “Baby Wolf” Woods and Charmaine Neville adding even more spice to Omar’s highly danceable grooves.
funky Meters
3:15 p.m., Acura Stage, Funk
The funkiest band to ever come out of New Orleans. Guitarist Brian Stoltz and drummer Russell Batiste now hold down the spots formerly occupied by original members Leo Nocentelli and Zigaboo Modeliste, while Meters founders George Porter Jr. on bass and keyboardist Art Neville are still the heartbeat powering timeless instrumentals like “Cissy Strut” and message grooves like “Africa.” The band recently recorded two concerts in San Francisco for a planned live album.
Bill Miller
3:15 p.m., Native American Village Stage, Folk/rock
He may be on the Native American Village Stage, but Miller’s music uses the same musical and lyrical touchstones as outside rockers like Steve Earle and Neil Young. Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder is one of Miller’s biggest fans, and Miller has opened for the band on its recent tours. Recent albums like Raven in the Snow are filled with anthemic crunch, while his 1994 CD Red Road, has a more reflective folk feel.
Mighty Chariots
3:30 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
This ensemble doesn’t just liven up the tent with its soulful voices, it brightens things up with its colorful wardrobes. The group recorded a CD titled Remember Me for local label Sound of New Orleans in 1996.
Koko Taylor & her Blues Machine 3:40 p.m., Sprint PCS/LG Stage, Blues
B.B.’s the King, but Chicago’s Koko Taylor is the Queen of the Blues. Thirty-six years after her vocal growl made Willie Dixon’s “Wang Dang Doodle” into an instant classic, Taylor still boasts a bone-rattling wail. Last year she released Royal Blue, a terrific contemporary blues album featuring Taylor with B.B. King, Johnnie Johnson and Keb’ Mo’.
Gregg Stafford’s Jazz Hounds
3:50 p.m., Cox Communications Economy Hall Tent, Traditional Jazz
Trumpeter Gregg Stafford is the keeper of the flame of New Orleans classic jazz, both at home and overseas. Today he leads the band once headed by the late, great guitarist/banjoist/historian Danny Barker. With Stafford on the front line are original Jazz Hounds saxophonist Ralph Johnson and trombonist Frank Naundorf, with guitarist Steve Blailock taking over the fretman position. In celebration of the Louis Armstrong centennial, expect Stafford to sing and blow on several favorites from Pop’s songbook as well a host of traditional jazz numbers born in this city.
The Abyssinians of Jamaica
4 p.m., Congo Square Stage, Reggae
Singers Bernard Collins and brothers Lynford and Donald Manning helped define the vocal harmonies of roots reggae. From their 1976 debut album, Forward On To Zion, to 1998’s Declaration of Dub, the band has put forth some of reggae’s unforgettable grooves.
Sharon Martin
4:05 p.m., Lagniappe Stage, Jazz
New Orleans vocalist Martin is a spunky singer, unafraid to tackle standards regardless of the genre. The bulk of her repertoire deftly straddles the line between jazz and rhythm and blues.
The Nicholas Payton Armstrong Centennial Celebration
4 p.m., BET On Jazz/WWOZ Jazz Tent, Contemporary Jazz
New Orleans trumpet great Nicholas Payton blows in front of his talent-filled 11-piece ensemble, performing the music heard on his brand-new release, Dear Louis (Verve). In tribute to Armstrong, Payton turns to his hero’s extensive repertoire, presenting classics with fresh, modern arrangements. Songs like “Potato Head Blues” take on an entirely new swing, and Payton’s brilliant makeover of “Hello Dolly” should win over any cynics. Payton has blown his horn at Jazz Fest for years, but today the Grammy-winning trumpeters makes his vocal debut at the Fair Grounds, singing the likes of “I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal You.”
First Church of God in Christ United Radio Choir
4:15 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
This choir sings in the uptempo Pentacostal style, and has been a Jazz Fest regular since the festival’s inception. Its name comes from the honor of being one of the first choirs broadcast on local radio station WYLD.
Jude Taylor & his Burning Flames
4:25 p.m., Sheraton N.O. Fais Do Do Stage, Zydeco
A native of Grand Coteau, Taylor started out as a blues singer, and that talent serves him well in his R&B-laced zydeco. He’s one of the few artists on the scene who regularly takes his accordion to R&B and jump-blues tunes, and his set is a good place to hear songs by zydeco master Clifton Chenier, played the way Chenier himself would have approved. On a pair of Mardi Gras recordings, Taylor has tackled everything from B.B. King blues to a zydeco version of the Macarena, and his tune “Burnin’ Flames Special” was chosen to be included in the recent Putumayo compilation, Zydeco.
Luther Kent
4:30 p.m., House of Blues/Old School 102.9 Stage, Blues
Luther Kent’s booming voice has been an unwavering rock of consistency and power for more than 20 years, and Kent remains a superb torchbearer of gritty roadhouse R&B in New Orleans. His Jazz Fest sets usually feature the superb backing work of Trick Bag, his big band. Think Roomful of Blues meets New Orleans.
The McDonald Sisters
5:05 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
This family ensemble — which includes Mom and four daughters — recently won the prestigious Blockbuster Gold Cup award. To get an idea of just how strong this group is, consider who they bested in the competition: the Gospel Keynotes, Pilgrim Jubilees and the Rev. F.C. Barnes and Co.
The Wallflowers
5:30 p.m., Acura Stage, Rock
This band’s 1997 sophomore CD, Bringing Down the Horse, was a multi-platinum smash, and frontman Jakob Dylan became the spokesman for a new generation of roots-rockers. But Dylan had been scrapping and paying his dues for a decade, without any special favors from his legendary father. The band’s new album is Breach. (See feature on www.bestofneworleans.com)
Buckwheat Zydeco
5:30 p.m., Sprint PCS/LG Stage, Zydeco
Stanley Dural Jr. was already a popular Lafayette bandleader when he brought his Hammond organ into Clifton Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band, and when he turned full-time to zydeco, the music gained both a skilled musician and a consummate showman. Since then, he’s played everywhere from the Olympics to the Boston Pops, he’s been a frequent guest on David Letterman and numerous other shows, and his music has been heard on countless movie soundtracks. The new album, Down Home Live, recorded live at El Sid O’s in Lafayette on Thanksgiving night, showcases Buckwheat’s original blend of zydeco, funk, R&B and soul. An upcoming Lafayette tribute performance to Clifton Chenier might mean more of Buckwheat’s old bandleader’s music will seep into this year’s Fair Ground show, as well. (See feature, p. 22.)
Cronk
5:35 p.m., Lagniappe Stage, Funk/Hip-hop
Cronk has a flavor all its own with funk, hip-hop, horns, skunk reefer, and rap put into a completely in-your-face mix. Led by musicians known as Mr. Smoker, “the” A.G., and the obscene Captain Midnight on six-string, Cronk is not just a band but a performance that changes each show. When they’re on, they’re great. When they’re off, no amount of drugs can remedy it.
Carnegie Hall Big Band Tribute to Louis Armstrong with Jon Faddis
5:40 p.m., BET On Jazz/WWOZ Jazz Tent, Traditional Jazz
The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, assembled to recognize and perform the works of important jazz artists, first performed in October 1992. With trumpet great Jon Faddis as music director, the ensemble has traveled the world performing tributes to such legends as Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. The 17-piece orchestra has seen a who’s-who of jazz pass through its ranks. For this Armstrong tribute, the 17-piece ensemble includes such notables as trombonist Steve Turre, trumpeter Lew Soloff and saxophonist Frank West.
Chanté Moore
5:45 p.m., Congo Square Stage, R&B
Chanteuse Chanté is one of contemporary urban R&B’s most popular vocalists. Her smooth emoting on albums such as A Love Supreme (which featured collaborations with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) comes across crystal clear — Moore writes the bulk of her own material.
Max Roach
5:45 p.m., BET On Jazz/WWOZ Jazz Tent, Contemporary Jazz
Max Roach was there for the creation of modern jazz. Through the experimentation of Roach and his peers Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, bebop was born. The 76-year-old Roach has led and participated in some of the genre’s most influential and illustrious ensembles, including the Max Roach-Clifford Brown Quintet. Countless awards and honors have been bestowed upon Roach for his contributions as a performer, recording artist and educator.
Jean Knight
5:55 p.m., House of Blues/Old School 102.9 Stage, R&B
Call her Mrs. Big Stuff. As one of Stax Records’ artists in the ’70s, New Orleans’ Jean Knight hit the motherlode with “Mr. Big Stuff,” the irresistible funky single that ranks as one of Stax’s all-time biggest sellers. Knight’s more recent work is more urban R&B than traditional R&B. Her live sets often rely heavily on cover songs.
Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express
5:55 p.m., Sheraton N.O. Fais Do Do Stage, Zydeco
Prudhomme hails from Kinder, and like many zydeco musicians from the western part of the state, he has an ear for Cajun music, as well. He cites Nathan Abshire among his influences, and he’s sure to provide a number of zydeco waltzes in this set. He’ll also likely perform his “Cornbread Two-Step,” the foundation for the hit “Give Him Cornbread” by the late Beau Jocque (a friend of Prudhomme’s who lived near him in Kinder). Prudhomme’s steady, no-nonsense style makes him a favorite of dancers — stop by his set to watch the dust (or mud) fly.
Tyrone Foster & the Arc Singers
6:05 p.m., Rhodes Gospel Tent, Gospel
Charismatic leader Tyrone Foster is the frontman for this large ensemble with approximately 90 members. The Arc Singers have been singing for 14 years, and their home church is St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Foster and his vocalists will present a program of traditional and contemporary gospel, aided by a six-piece band.
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