Jazz, Treme and New Orleans Music

Do any of you watch Treme on HBO?   In a nutshell, it is about music in New Orleans, post Katrina. I think it is a fabulous program - very well written and acted; I am learning so much about the culture and the music and of course I love to watch it to look for places I recognize and just to listen to the music.   Many actual New Orleans musicians are a part of the show making it so authentic and bringing them some well deserved attention and recognition.  Treme has just finished up it's first season, scheduled to be back in November.  I will be looking forward to it and re-watching the first season in the meantime.

 One of the main characters in Treme is Antoine Batiste, who is a trombone player.   Well, back in my younger years (a lifetime ago!)  I was also a trombone player.  I have my own trombone that I don't remember how to play and it didn't see the light of day for many years, but there was never any question that I wouldn't always keep it.    I must have known that someday I would find the perfect place for it. It now has a place of honour on a wall of our NOLA room in our home.  I think it must feel right at home among some of our New Orleans memorabilia!

But, back to the Music!  One of the most enjoyable things about New Orleans  for me is finding live music almost everywhere you walk in the Quarter.  During the day you will find it in front of St. Louis Cathedral, outside of Cafe du Monde, by the French Market, in the middle of Royal Street, on the Moonwalk, at Riverwalk and...... you get the picture!    Below are a couple of pictures of street performers we have come across.  Check out the "horn" handlebars on the motorcycle and the Saints helmet on the ground - what a character! The other group was a wonderful a capella group that were fabulous.  I can't believe that I haven't any photos of the horn players that you often find by the Cathedral and Cafe du Monde - I'll just have to go back for some of those!

There is so much music in New Orleans!  There are all the bars on Bourbon Street that have Rock and Roll Cover Bands, there's the House of Blues, all of the Jazz Clubs like Snug Harbour on Frenchman Street in Faubourg Marigny, the Zydeco music that the souvenier stores play that greet you as you walk past, or in as they would like you to do!   And of course, there is Preservation Hall.  It is probably my favorite thing to do in New Orleans - with the possible exception of eating of course.  I love to go there, especially when the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is playing (pictured below) - a treat that no words can properly describe! 

I know there is much about music in the Crescent City that I have missed, and I hope to correct that some day.  And please believe me when I say that I know only the tip of the music iceberg.  Another good reason to keep going back!

But the reason that this came to be my topic today, is that on Sunday, I am going to  Toronto to see a New Orleanian musical icon - Harry Connick Jr.  and his band - and I am SO excited!  Yes, we are going to battle all the G20 security "nonsense" to make our way there but there is no doubt in my mind that it will be worth it!  I'll report in after the show. 

Til next time..... laissez les bon temps rouler!