Would You Like Fries With That? #2

I'm sitting here typing this wondering how much longer I'll have power.  I've already lost it once today for about two hours.  Isaac is bearing down on New Orleans almost exactly seven years since Katrina.  There's no comparing the two hurricanes.  Isaac I'm sitting in my home, intending to ride out the storm.  By this time in Katrina's path I was up in Tennessee staying at my Uncle's house.

It's always a decision on whether to leave for a hurricane.  For those that don't live down here you might be sitting there scratching your head and wondering what there is to think about.  There's a hurricane coming, get out of town.  For those of us that call New Orleans home (and even though I'm not in the city proper but live across the lake on what is called the Northshore I consider myself from New Orleans) hurricanes are part of our lives.  It's not a perverse sense of courting danger, even though it might seem that way with Hurricane Parties and such going on as a storm advances towards the city.  You don't live in this area for long without realizing that more so than in a lot of other cities and states the weather is part of your life here.  You consider the weather to be part of the city and something you have to live with and just learn to accommodate.  I've lived elsewhere and while you talk about the weather somewhere else you live with the weather here.

So when word comes that there's a storm brewing out in the gulf you start wondering if it will come here.  Even when they start out heading towards Florida and are projected to come on land in that state you know that hurricanes never follow the path expected.  Isaac was not supposed to be a problem for us, maybe some rain, but that was the extent.  Now it's bearing down for the mouth of the Mississippi.  Luckily it is a fairly weak hurricane, as far as that goes.  Weak being relative here, any wind that comes through at 100 plus miles and rainfall of perhaps twenty inches is still more than strong enough to cause a lot of damage and destruction.

Right now the wind is whipping through, every now and than you can feel it shake the house.  Looking outside the trees are bending to the strength of the wind.  Still the wind is nowhere where it'll be, maybe at the moment around forty miles an hour, double that coming.  The hurricane is coming ashore and heading towards us.

At first I was going to ride Katrina out.  I went to work that Sunday morning to finish preparing the store where I worked as best as possible for a hurricane and boarding up the last of the windows and doors.  When I went to bed the night before I had resolved to stay.  My parents were going to head towards Tennessee to stay with relatives of my Mom.  That morning the news was reporting that Katrina was likely to be a category 5 and heading right towards the city.  As I worked getting the store prepped I decided that I should head out and not risk it.  I called my Mom and Dad and told them I would be coming with them.

Even though I've decided to stay for Isaac and the strength of this storm will be nothing like Katrina there is always that moment when you stay that you second guess yourself.  I've stayed for most hurricanes, only leaving for a few and there is always that moment you wonder.  You're sitting there, more than likely in the dark because the power is gone, and the walls are rattling from the wind and you can hear the roar of the wind from outside and you think to yourself that maybe this was a mistake.  It goes, but there is always that moment you have to wonder.

After Katrina there was a lot of music made from the storm and the negligence of aid afterwards.  I've written on this site before about Bruce Springsteen's show at the first Jazz Fest after the storm.  Listening to John Boutte take the Randy Newman song "Louisiana 1927" and remake with the truth of Katrina is enough to bring tears to the most hardened of hearts.  But of all the songs I've heard about the storm my favorite is "Washed by the Water" by Will Hoge.



This version of "Louisiana 1927" features Paul Sanchez, John Boutté, John Thomas Griffith, and Sonia Tetlow perform an updated version of Randy Newman's Louisiana 1927 at Schuba's Tavern in Chicago, July 24, 2006. 

Take care.

Mardi Gras In New Orleans

Today is Mardi Gras so we're going to feature some great music from my hometown.  First up is the Neville Brothers with the Dixie Cups.  Next is Dr. John.  After that we showcase the Meters. Next is Professor Longhair with the Meters.  And we end with the Rebirth Brass Band playing "Going to the Mardi Gras."  Have a happy Mardi Gras everyone!

The Finances of Album Making

We mentioned this a few posts ago.  A local artist Kelcy Mae is trying to get enough money raised to record her new album.  She isn't signed to a label, so she needs to fund the album itself.  In today's music world more and more artists are out there putting the money up to record their music.  But it can be expensive and most artists aren't making a fortune as it is.  We're going to continue to mention this and help get the word out and hopefully she'll get the money she needs and can make her new album.  We'll try to keep everyone updated on her progress.

This is Kelcy Mae, an artist recording in my home city of New Orleans.  Here is what she has to say:

Because I'm not signed to any record label and am an independent artist, I fund my own recordings. In 2007 on The Times Compiled, I was able to raise some money from fans like you, and I paid the rest of the cost of the recording out of my own pocket. Total, that album cost about $5,500. Now that it's 2010, I really need a recording that reflects my newer work, and I'm making plans to be in the studio by the end of summer and into the fall. I'm totally stoked about recording again, and really looking forward to making a fantastic follow-up to the last. This is where you come in.  I need you to "sign" me.

By pledging as little as $10 on my newly launched Kickstarter site, you can help me reach my funding goal within the next 44 days. Pledging does not mean you just give me money. It essentially means you pre-order the album for less money than it will cost when it's done. By pledging larger amounts, you can pre-order the album plus tons of other merch and goodies. By pre-ordering, you're making it possible for me to record the album at all. Please check out the site, my little video, and all the goodies you can receive for pledging. Kickstarter walks you through the process of pledging (which takes only 2 minutes if you have an Amazon account), and just so you know, there is no risk to you if I don't reach my goal. If I don't raise the $5,500 needed by the 44th day, your credit card never gets charged. It's all or nothing, and when it's all or nothing, I really need you! If we succeed together, we can all take some ownership of the quality of the album.

Please visit this link (http://kck.st/dbsMF0) as soon as you can, and please help by sharing it with all your friends via Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc. Please forward to your family as well. I really want to make a fine album this fall.

SIMPLY SIX: John Michael

John Michael is the leader of the band MyNameIsJohnMichael from New Orleans.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

When I was ten years old, I wanted to be a professional athlete as many kids do. I was the smallest kid on the playground and my father informed me that small kids like myself don't make it as professional athletes. This crushed me frankly. He told me that there was something that I could do in which it didn't matter how tall you were. He bought me a guitar and I haven't stopped playing music since. 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

People are often surprised to see me at a Jay Electronica show or to see me tweeting from the Grand Ole Opry. I love all types of music. As a matter of fact, I'm a music junkie. I've been recently listening to New Orleans bounce artists such as Big Freedia and DJ Jubilee(if you don't know what this is, you should find out), "Blood and Chocolate" by Elvis Costello, The National, Delta Spirit, Dolly Parton, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Debussy, etc. I dunno. I really love a lot of music. 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I think there are a few: 

a) the 52 project where I wrote, recorded, and released a song a week for all of 2008. It's the thing that started this band. I'm forever indebted to that experience. 

b)I think our next record that we are recording in June is going to be the high-water mark for us on record. 

c)Live??? It's a pleasure to share the stage with these guys every night. They truly are a magical bunch. I particularly love our experiences in NYC. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I think that music can change a person's life as an individual. I think music can create ideas and idealism amongst people. That said idealism may not translate into actual results or change. The 60s taught us that. To say that music could create world peace is a bit ludicrous. It can propose the idea. I just want music to effect people the way it did for me, ya know?

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Without technology, we wouldn't exist. Plain and simple. We were born out of a web project where we used Pro Tools, etc. That being said, I like the sound of vinyl records and the sound of analog tape in a studio. Nonetheless, I'm not going to go on a rant about how the internet and piracy has ruined music because it hasn't. Music is fine. The business of music is a bit strange right now, but just as the cassette tape didn't "kill music", neither will the web. Technology is essential to us. It's what we stemmed from.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I like this question. I would hope to be a pair of brown wingtips or penny loafers. I wear these shoes more than any other; and hopefully, I, like them, will never go out of style. 

SIMPLY SIX: Jordyn Jackson

Jordyn Jackson is a singer/songwriter from Jacksonville Florida.


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Yes.  When I was in 8th grade, I went to a very small Christian school.  I was overheard singing on the playground by Louis Pecci, a student's father who owned a design firm in Jacksonville, FL.  Louis gave me the gift of studio time for my 8th grade graduation.  As soon as I stepped foot in the recording studio, I knew that I wanted to be a professional singer.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I have a very wide spectrum of favorites: Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Ours, Christina Aguilera, Pink Floyd, Whitney Houston (I learned to sing by emulating her voice), Eva Cassidy, Billie Holiday, Brandi Carlile...The list goes on!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

There's no way I could pick just one!  In 2005, I visited a friend in Bordighera, Italy, and ended up meeting a promoter who booked me for 2 months along the Mediterranean.  The performances in Italy are definitely my all-time favorite live memories.

Recording "September in the Garden" in New Orleans takes the recording cake.  Everyone involved in the recording process exceeded my expectations and created an experience I'll never be able to duplicate. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

The belief that music can change the world, and the hearts of the people in it, is what fuels my pursuit of a music career.  People remember lyrics after listening to a song once or twice, but how many people remember a speech made by a politician?  I think that artists take for granted the influence they have over their listeners, and this world would be a much better place if our musicians would focus their creative energy on making a positive difference.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology, like most things, can be used for the good or the bad.  In the music industry, it has caused music to be immediately accessible, which is convenient, but also detrimental to the artist trying to make their money off of record sales.  In recording, technology has created a much easier, cost-efficient process, but it has also caused a surge of artists to excel in the industry that couldn't if they didn't have quantization and pitch-correction.

I am torn as a musician when it comes to technology in the music industry.  I feel that as long as you keep your artistic integrity, you can use it for the good.  As a vocalist who strives to give honest performances, I do wish Auto-Tune and Melodyne had never been invented. 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I'm a shoe addict, so this question is great!  I would be a comfortable pair of 5-inch black leather stilettos.

Video Wednesday:

For today we're going with the theme of Marva Wright.  This video was shot last year and may be the last video of Marva before her stroke.  She's performing at Lafayette Square in New Orleans.

SONG OF THE DAY

This might not quite be a Christmas song but it fits in, it features our favorite Susan Cowsill again and tells about the time it snowed on Christmas Day in New Orleans, which for our city down here in the south is a fairly rare thing. It's called "Crescent City Snow."

SIMPLY SIX: Kelcy Mae

Kelcy Mae is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans.
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1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

My mom had me singing in the preschool choir when I was four years old, and though it was probably due to her motherly bias, I sang my first solo in church at five years old. I think that’s probably when I decided to be a singer, though I forgot about it during high school and the early part of college. Fortunately (I think), it came back to me a few years ago, and the bug hasn’t left. Nothing else is fulfilling in the way that songwriting and performing are for me.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

The music I listen to always changes, but some of my standard go-to artists are: Chris Pureka, Bon Iver, Gregory Alan Isakov, Jason Anderson, and Sufjan Stevens. Some recent artists I’ve found that I love are The Tallest Man on Earth, Great Lake Swimmers, Chris Bathgate, Okkervil River, Little Gold, and Damien Jurado. For some international flavor, I’d check out Tinariwen or Manu Chao. On days when I’m down, I’ll set my Pandora radio to Kermit Ruffins for some good New Orleans music. WWOZ is good for that as well.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

It’s hard to think of one great moment because great moments are constantly reinventing themselves. Usually for me the greatest moments are when I feel some connection mid-song with either the audience, the rest of the band, or both. A specific, and different, moment I recall is once when I was performing “Mr. Leopold” live in New Orleans, and it only occurred to me in the process of singing it what the song actually meant both to and for me. So, I guess sometimes it’s when I feel a strong connection to my own songs. That kind of connection is not always immediate.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

For me, it’s just something to listen to… it’s an escape from the world. For others, music drives them to make big changes. There are political songs that affect me, sure. Ani DiFranco’s “Self Evident” comes to mind, but I’m not one of those large-scale movers and shakers. I want to change the world by telling people to read more poetry. And you can imagine how well that goes over.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

That’s a pretty loaded question, and one you could spend hours upon hours discussing. It created the music industry, it destroyed the music industry, it re-created the music industry, and so on. It’s certainly easy to get your music out there, and I’ve taken advantage of that. While it’s great to have a million platforms with which to share my music, it’s also a huge pain to constantly be updating show schedules on several different websites. That’s the price we independent musicians pay, though. Technology is one of those things…like a day job…that I wish I could quit. I try to make my music as accessible as possible, but sometimes I have to remove myself from the computer and pick up the guitar instead. It’s easy to forget your priorities when you get caught up trying to anticipate the next big thing, making sure you’re covered from every angle. I’m all over the web but recently had a guy tell me he couldn’t find me anywhere. Turns out he was spelling my name wrong. I just had to laugh. Sometimes you can’t win no matter what you do, and then sometimes you find out you’re being played on the radio somewhere over in Germany. It’s hard to know how far-reaching your efforts can be.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

A pair of cowboy boots, scuffed up, worn in, a little dirt caked to the sides. Ready to go anywhere.

ALBUM REVIEWS

Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

This is an self titled album with a mouthful for a title, but it's a name you should remember. This is a band and an event, created by a man from New York but evoking the music and world of New Orleans. When I put this cd in my player and the first song "A Child Shall Lead" started I had to check the linear notes to make sure that this wasn't a record made in New Orleans. It has the good time, fun feel of the best music from the crescent city. Their description of their music is that it....

blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").

This is an album I've listened to many times already. A Child Shall Lead, Bon Temps Roulez, O Moses, Bury Me In New Orleans are great songs. When he slows down and plays more of a love song he loses some of that energy, but luckily most of the songs more than make up for any such lack with more than enough spirit.

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is "Mercy Now" from Mary Gauthier. Mary was born in New Orleans and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana. She moved to Boston and opened a Cajun restaurant. She didn't write her first song until she was 35.

SIMPLY SIX: Kayla Woodson

Kayla Woodson is a 14 year old singer from the New Orleans area. I first discovered her last year at the French Quarter Fest and was captured by the power of her voice. Seeing her this year again at the French Quarter Fest has only confirmed that she is growing in her ability and her voice is just getting better. She has released two albums locally and while they are enjoyable to listen to and have their moments, neither live up to her current potential. I think she has great things ahead of her.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I have always remembered wanting to be a singer. I started singing at a young age, so I have no particular defining moment.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

When it comes to music I'm really not that picky, so I listen to a lot of different music. My favorites are country, rock, pop, and R&B.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I think every moment that I experience singing is a great moment, but my greatest to date is getting to travel to Europe to sing an original song live on the televised Children's International Music Fest. I was treated like a star. They did my make-up, hair and I even had dancers in the back ground.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I think that music can change the world because artists can express their beliefs through their songs. When listeners hear these songs it could change their opinions on things going on in the world. People write and sing about current events all the time.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

With todays technology, you can advertise yourself and your music independently with sites like you tube and myspace.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I would say flip-flops because I like to be free and open-minded.

SIMPLY SIX: Annie Clements

Annie Clements is from New Orleans and the daughter of noted blues guitarist Cranston Clements. She began playing bass at 13 and is currently the bassist and background vocalist for the country group Sugarland.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I was always involved in something musical ever since I was a small child. Having Cranston Clements for a dad will pretty much guarantee that. If I had to pick a particular moment though, I'd say it was in 5th grade. I was cast as the lead in the school play and sang a solo piece in front of the entire lower school. I made my teacher cry! It was the first moment where I felt like, "I can do this. This is what I want to do."

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

All time favorites include The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Beachboys, The Continental Drifters and Aimee Mann. I'm currently really into the new Racconteurs record, the new Kings of Leon, and this crazy band called Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears. They're awesome!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I've been fortunate enough to have a few of these. Theresa Andersson and I got to play the 50th Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster at Wembley arena alongside David Gilmour, Brian May, Ron Wood, Joe Walsh and other legends. We got to spend a week rehearsing on a soundstage in London with them, hanging out. Standing onstage for the finale with those guys was one of the defining moments of my life. Another was the first time my band with my dad - The Chillun's - pulled off "Good Vibrations" at Tipitina's in 2004. It was one of the most triumphant musical moments of my life.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I think music can dramatically effect change. I recently posted a video on my youtube channel and Warner Brothers muted the sound because I'd used a 20 second clip from En Vogue's "Never Gonna Get It" and they claimed copyright infringement. The video was completely lifeless without the music. Once the music was added back in, the video made people laugh and cheer. I think that microcosm of an example works one hundred fold in the larger scheme of things. When presidents are elected it seems like the first thing they do is plan a huge concert. People want to come together and celebrate their victory with good music.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

The music industry has been turned upside down by technology. Sugarland may be one of the last bands out there that can still make money selling cd's. Labels are having to re-work their entire infrastructure and most of them are going down. It's a crazy time, but at the same time there's so much more opportunity for anyone and everyone to be heard. It's scary but it's exciting. Technology affects my life every day. You contacted me here on a social networking page. How on earth would we have gotten in touch before all of this? I've made so many connections with people as a result of all this new media stuff. I can even sing background vocals on someone's project, post the files online, and be a part of a record for someone I've never even met. Plus I'm totally addicted to Twitter now which is so much fun.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Hmm... Shoes... I'd probably be like a pair of Doc Martin's or something. I'll bet Susan Cowsill answered that too. Or maybe she said moccasins? Those were the only two shoes I ever saw her in all the years I nannied for her. Mostly she was barefoot. I'll have to check her answers! Yeah, Doc Martin's. Sort of rebellious, a little goth, waterproof. Sounds like me!

photo copyright by Annie Clements

SPOTLIGHT: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

It's been awhile since we've done a Spotlight here, the Simply Six have kind of taken over, but we want to get back to just Spotlighting some great artists also. Today's Spotlight is on an unusual band, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra. The group lists New York as their home state, but their musical home is New Orleans. The group is lead by singer Brother Joscephus.

On their webpage they describe their sounds as:

BroJo blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").

Their first album was just released on Feb 24 of this year. The group's intention is to do more than just create great music. Their stage shows are a spectacle in themselves. The group second lines through the auidence, throws mardi gras beads from the stage, in other words they have a good time Nawlins style. The group comprises of twelve members with additional members when needed. They have a horn section, a gospel choir section and the rhythm section.

In addition to its music and stage show Brother Joscephus tries to pass along the message of love. He reminds me a lot of the artists from the sixties that thought their music could pass a message of love and faith along with the feel good sounds of their music.

This month Brother Joscephus is touring throughout the New Orleans area. He has already played with such local greats as Trombone Shorty, New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Eric Lindell.

Lastly I'll leave you with a list of the members of the group:

Brother Joscephus - lead vocals, acoustic guitar

The Right Reverend Dean Dawg - piano, organ, conducting

Pastuh Peace – drums

Reverend Deacon Big Bottom - bass guitar

Friar Paisley - electric guitar

Lost Prophet of the Ivories - backup vocals and organ

Gospel Spice - tenor sax, clarinet

Low Flying Quail – trumpet

12-tone Johnson – trombone

Alabama Red - soprano vocals

Ukulele Jackson - alto vocals

Jambalaya Jones - alto vocals

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week we present another New Orleans native John Boutte. Every year John gets more praise as more people recognize how good he is. The first Jazz Fest after Katrina he gave one of the most powerful shows of the event. Combine Sam Cooke with Nat King Cole and throw in a gumbo of New Orleans sounds and experiences and you might get someone like John Boutte. Here he is singing "City of New Orleans."

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ALBUM REVIEWS

Hummingbird, Go!
by Theresa Andersson

This is the fifth release of Theresa Andersson. Each album is different from the previous. Her albums have ranged from jazz to americana to pop. Her live shows show a different side of the singer, where she truly lets go and rocks out a lot harder than she has shown yet on disc.

Her newest album is a departure from what she has done so far. Her last album was the self named ep that came out right after Katrina. The hurricane actually stopped the work on the album she was working on and the singer and her record company wanted to get something out for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Theresa is one of the top sellers at the record tent at the Fest. So they took what they had done for the album and made it an ep. And created one of the best for the year of 2006. That album was closer to Americana than her previous work.

Her newest album followed the same sort of trajectory of that one. For this year's Jazz Fest she again wasn't finished with the full album, so she released an ep "I The River" in time for the Festival. The full album "Hummingbird, Go" has finally been released this week. Of the five songs from the ep only 3 appear on the album. Anyone expecting Theresa to continue on the path towards Americana will be disappointed, but she has crafted something completely different and good.

For this album this was pretty much a one woman show. Theresa pretty much plays all the instruments on this album, which consists of the normal ones but also bottles and whatever else she could find in her kitchen to carry a tune. She recorded the album in her kitchen. Fellow Swedish poets Ane Brun and Jessica Faust supply the lyrics to Theresa's music and the whole thing was mixed by fellow Swede Tobias Froberg.

The album is a pop masterpiece. The songs are fun and sing a long. This is different from her latest work and from her previous live shows, but it is very good. Her singing has never sounded better and the music is a wonder. The songs mix the pop of her native country's group Abba with New Orleans and Amerciana to create a psychedelic potpourri. On "God's Highway" she moves closest to her previous style of Americana. The opener "Na Na Na" is an otherwordly gem that would have made a great summer hit.

Buy the album, and if she tours near you catch her live show, it's amazing watching her re create the one woman act of recording the album live.

New To The Sidebar

I've added a new section to the sidebar. I'm trying to keep the sidebar from becoming full of a thousand and one things, I'm bad for that, just check out my other side altjiranga mitjina for that, but this time I'm only adding what I think is important for this site. I've decided to add a "Other Sites" section, where I link to other musical sites.

This is not going to be a long list of sites for musicians or bands, I always link in the posts to their sites. If I link to a musician it is going to be because he has a blog where he actually spends time writing about stuff. One of the blogs I do link to is called Fearless by Default and it is the blog of a member of a group called the Drunken Stuntmen. It's by F. Alex Johnson and tells of his daily life since he has become sober, it's a very good blog and worth the time to check it out.

I've also linked to a site called Lyrical Venus that highlights women singer/songwriters that aren't big names. Another site worth checking out.

I also link to Sweet Home New Orleans about the plight of New Orlean's musicians since Katrina and what's going on there.

The final site I've linked to so far is for the home of what used to be No Depression Magazine. For my money this was the best magazine that was out there about music, but it was recently canceled. They're carrying on with a web page, though it is in the beginning stages right now. But it still has the blogs from the two founders and they do some of the best writing about music out there.

I plan to add to this whenever I find a blog or site that I think is interesting and that readers of this site might like to read. Hope you enjoy the ones so far.

Interview: Nicole Ockmond

Nicole is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans.


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I've always sung whatever I was listening to..when I was a child riding in the back seat my mom used to yell at me to keep it down because I had such a big mouth. No real defining moment..someone I respected told me I should give it a try and I did..auditioned for a friend's band and got the gig.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

I listen to everything and anything as long as it is good and suits my mood or activity. Jazz, Country, Rock, R&B, Blues, Soul, Rapp, Techno whatever... I love to listen to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, & Sarah Vaughn. I think that Allison Krauss has one of the purest contemporary voices and there are so many other current artists I enjoy..way too numerous to mention

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

On record would have to be the live recording sessions...hearing my lil' songs that I wrote in my room on accoustic guitar flushed out and fully realized by awesome musicians for the first time...that blew me away. Live would have to be performing at the Parish...the upper room at the HOB...I'm used to performing in small places with a crappy PA or no PA at all so it was nice to hear ourselves in a geat venue with a nice crowd.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Imagine...awesome song.. put to words what many were thinking at the time and still are. Hearing that song certainly makes you think and that is where change can begin...and on a lighter note how about those great songs from School House Rock..they certainly influenced my test scores a few times. I was and am still amazed that such catchy songs could be written from such mundane subject matter

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Well for one I wouldn't be answering these questions because myspace would not exist. Technology has made everthing accessable to both musician and listener. In the past an artist would only get to record/release their music if they were signed to a record label and only a few of the lucky artists could own and run their own label. Now a musician can record, mix, master, design, duplicate, distribute, market, book your own tour, keep in touch with fans, keep informed about the industry...anything... and all from a personal computer. In the past and artist could dream now I can do.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

High Heel Sneakers of course.

Interview: Tina Jamieson

Tina Jamieson is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

Actually for me the first time I knew I wanted to do this was when I strummed a guitar for the very first time at about the age of ten years old... I loved the sound that came from it and wanted to learn more and then came the writing... there was something so soothing and creative about it... I couldnt stop...


2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I enjoy
Coldplay
U2
One Republic


3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Id have to say when I was about 13 years old and the first time I sang in front of anyone ended I up being in front of about a thousand people and while I managed to get through it I was so nervous I shook... but I did it... and then when it was all done I got a standing ovation... and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a musician and a singer... I was so proud of myself...

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I believe music moves people... so yes I do believe music can change the way a person feels... I also think music helps people relate to things they may not have otherwise cared about...

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Hmmmm well I love a live performance thats why Ive done so many live youtube videos... I think saying it live is saying it real... so I prefer live... as far as the recording I think too much is machined out... as I like to call it... which sometimes takes away from the heart and soul of a singer...


6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Most definitely Id be a pair of Stilletos...
ahahahaha... Always have loved the high heals... lol

Jazz Fest Highlights: Grampa Elliot

I had no idea who this man was. All I knew was that he was following Coco Robicheaux in the Blues Tent. I actually missed the very beginning of his set, I went to the Live Recording Tent to see what they had for the day so far. When I got back Grampa Elliot was already playing. He was sitting on the stage in front of a microphone. Stoney B was playing piano. Grampa Elliot was an elderly African-American dressed in overalls and with a big white bushy beard. He sang and played the harmonica. Hearing "Hotel California" from this man was certainly a surprise, but what was a better surprise was that he took the song and made it his own. After doing some research later I've found out that Grampa Elliot is a street singer from New Orleans. He has no record contract, he has no My Space page...in other words he does what musicians are supposed to do, sing. His final song was "America the Beautiful" with a reading of the preamble from the Declaration of Independence in the middle of the song. Listening to that song was one of the highlights of the entire Jazz Fest for me.

Amanda Shaw

She’s Not A Bubble Gum Pop Princess

She’s just 17. She’s cute. She sings. She’s from Louisiana. You probably think you know who I’m talking about, but you’re wrong. It’s Amanda Shaw. This young girl is a far cry from the processed music of Brittney. Amanda plays cajun music with a fiddle. She covers everything from a traditional cajun song to a cover of Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”.

She’s been playing for years and she’s only 17 now. This last year marked her third appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She’s a popular favorite. Her excitement on this live album is infectious, you can tell she is having the best time of her life up there on the stage singing and talking to the audience. She’s released two of her live shows from the Jazz Fest. On her studio album she sings songs in French and then turns around and sings the punk classic by the Clash.

She’s recently been signed to Rounder Records and has just released a new studio album last week. Rounder has paired her with some veteran singer/songwriters from Louisiana like Shannon McNally and Anders Osborne to work on material for this album. Before this she had released two cds on small independent labels. Her previous album was entitled “I’m Not A Bubble Gum Pop Princess” and covers songs from traditional Cajun music as well as songs from the Ramones and the Clash.

Amanda picked up the violin at the age of three and started to play. At the age of seven she’s the youngest person to solo with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Amanda’s early training on the violin was in a classical mode, but she soon discovered Cajun music and found her true calling. She’s appeared on the Rosie O’Donnell show and starred in two Disney movies.

The mention of Disney shows how her path diverged from another Louisiana singer. Amanda decided that movies was not the path she wanted to go in and went back to her music. Amanda wants to focus on her music and not the celebrity that goes along with it.

She was featured in the 2006 IMAX movie “Hurricane on the Bayou” alongside other local artists. If you ever have a chance to see her live don’t miss it. She puts on one of the most fun shows you’ll see.