Celebrating the Birthday of James Booker

Singer and New Orleans rhythym and blues keyboardist James Carroll Booker, III, was born in New Orleans on December 17, 1939. His unique style combined rhythm and blues with jazz standards. Booker was the son and grandson of Baptist ministers, both of whom played the piano. He attended the Xavier Academy Preparatory School, becoming highly skilled in classical music, and also combining elements of stride, blues, gospel and Latin piano styles in his performances. Booker made his recording debut in 1954 with "Doin' the Hambone" and "Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby", produced by New Orleans legend Dave Bartholomew. In 1960, Booker's "Gonzo", reached number 43 on the Billboard chart and number 3 on the R&B record chart, followed by some moderate success. Unfortunately, he began abusing drugs, serving a brief sentence in Angola Prison for drug possession in 1970. 

In 1974, Booker played organ in Dr. John's Bonnaroo Revue touring band, and during this period, he appeared on albums by Ringo Starr, John Mayall, The Doobie Brothers, Labelle and Maria Muldaur. His 1975 performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival earned him a recording contract that produced the album, Junco Partner. Booker recorded a number of albums while touring Europe in 1977, and from 1978 to 1982, he was the house pianist at the Maple Leaf Bar in uptown New Orleans. Booker's last commercial recording, Classified, made in 1982, was completed in four hours. Sadly, Booker's mental and physical condition had deteriorated. Tragically, Booker died on November 8, 1983, while seated in a wheelchair in the emergency room at New Orleans' Charity Hospital, waiting to receive medical attention.

New Orleans legend Dr. John described Booker as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced." While Booker left us far too soon, we can celebrate his immeasurable contribution to music on his birthday.

Photo by: Lionel decoster - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15835160

Dumpstaphunk at Wisdome.LA on 12/31 - New Year's Eve!

Dumpstaphunk stands out among New Orleans’ best as one of the funkiest bands to ever arise from the Crescent City. Born on the Jazz & Heritage Festival stage, and descended from Neville family bloodlines, these soldiers of funk ignite a deep, gritty groove that dares listeners not to move. Their performances combine ingenious musicianship and complex funk and jazz arrangements with soulful melodies that are simple enough for anyone to enjoy. In Big Easy tradition, dueling baselines from Tony Hall and Nick Daniels III set off one of the dirtiest rhythm sections on the planet, while Ivan Neville lights up the Hammond B3 keys and cousin Ian Neville’s funky guitar riffs send the groove into overdrive. The band recently welcomed their newest member, Alvin Ford Jr. to the quintet, a New Orleans born and raised powerhouse drummer. Dumpstaphunk tosses around lead vocals and four-part harmonies the way Sly & the Family Stone did, but with three studio albums under their belt, Dumpstaphunk stands on the merit of their own material. Songs like “Dancin’ To The Truth” off their latest record, Dirty Word (July 30, 2013, Louisiana Red Hot Records), offer an escape into the funky sublime, sharing the true spirit of New Orleans with every note. Ring in the New Year the funkiest way possible … with Dumpstaphunk at Wisdome.LA!

Photo by: SilverbackMusic [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee

The Great River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge can lay claim on one of the more unusual public December holiday lighting displays. It’s here on the earthen levees containing the Mississippi River that local Christmas lights aren’t colored bulbs, but instead dozens of 20-feet-high flaming pyramids of burning logs.

The Christmas bonfires, as locals call them, are mostly teepee-shaped, but some can be odd shapes paying tribute to the river’s heritage—shapes ranging from miniature plantation homes to tiny replica paddlewheel steamships. Bonfires are built by families, friends and co-workers who visit, cook and mingle between the fires. It’s a local celebration with an environment akin to football tailgating, and the practice has continued for generations. 

Motel Radio at The Moroccan Lounge on 12/15/19

Harmonies aren’t dead, at least not in Motel Radio’s case. The four piece from New Orleans builds silky, melodic guitar waves for their stacked vocals to surf across. Breezy, but intentional; pop-minded, yet psychedelic, their tunes are as likely to stick with songwriter buffs as they are deadheads. The group is taking time to record their debut full length after a couple years of heavy touring behind their first 2 EPs.

Maggie Koerner at La Poubelle - 12/15

Maggie Koerner describes herself as “Shreveport bred, New Orleans fed. Singer, songwriter & touring woman who enjoys good coffee and long walks with Tom.” She can also be described as a powerful, versatile performer who should not be missed. Catch her (and maybe Tom, the Tour Dog) at La Poubelle!

Luna Fête - 12/12-15/2019

LUNA (Light Up NOLA Arts) Fête is a visionary initiative by the Arts Council New Orleans. We utilize local iconic architecture and contemporary light, sound installation, motion graphics, and video-mapping practices to create a series of artistic large-scale outdoor light installations across the city each December. By stimulating connectivity across sectors, we shine a light on New Orleans and demonstrate how Art Transforms Communities. This festival is a cultural exchange that fosters both international economic stimulus and increased awareness of and opportunities for the local arts community. LUNA Fête illuminates the intersection of art, architecture, technology, film, community engagement, and tourism. The project creates the next generation of family-friendly outdoor spectacle that is consistent with the New Orleans community and street-based celebration. It inspires awe and connects people to a new era of contemporary art.