Let’s play some jazz. Mix it up and see what happens. New Orleans. That’s pretty much it in New Orleans. Mix it up, scat, take some chances, and see what happens. A lot happened on our recent jazz session there last week. Let’s take some time, slow it down, listen to music, and enjoy the spices.
Here’s a surprise. There’s music in New Orleans. Especially if you’re there during the French Quarter Festival. On every street corner, in every park, coming out of every door, and in every nook and cranny – there is music. Everybody is either playing or they’re dancing – or they’re dancing while playing. I know. You’re sitting down from the shock of this news. But it’s all true. I swear. It wasn’t just all the bloody mary’s, hurricanes, and daiquiris talking…
See, I told you it was true. But there’s more! The half drunk guy on his bike singing to his friends as he rode up and them singing back – out of the blue. Listening to long jam sessions behind a stage and watching as people can’t hold back anymore and start dancing in the street. Three straight bars with three straight world class bands competing for customers through the open windows. Swing dancers twirling it up to the brass band blowing. Preservation Hall taking you back in time and singing about the Second Line. Little boys tap dancing for money with crushed soda cans tied to their feet. The three piece playing for our brunch enjoyment. The big weird stringed instrument in Jackson Square. A boy my daughter was crushing over singing to all us beignet lusters in line. And on and on and on.
But most of all there was Lady Louis herself – Doreen’s Jazz. Who we ran into three times during our stay and were amazed by every time. Doreen will bring tears to your eyes with her singing and playing. Especially when she digs deep into her clarinet. Some of the best music you will hear in all of New Orleans – right on Royal Street. Just fill the buckets, please…
Chills, I say…
Next time let’s talk about the food and drink. That was pretty ok, too.
