Musicians - the Heart of New Orleans

New Orleans November 12-14, 2017

In New Orleans music is everywhere. My kind of place! I think the musicians are the heart of the city. Start in the daylight streets.

The streets of New Orleans aren’t an easy gig. I never saw anyone put money in this drummer’s box even thought he sure raised a storm.

These kids played traditional Dixieland really well – lots of listeners danced but few paid!

Musicians were everywhere …

This group had the most success – people brought their drinks outside. They listened and danced,

and celebrated her virtuosity. I listened for almost an hour (and contributed!)

But some superb musicians never got an audience – or even a glance. Everyone was going someplace so everyone simply passed them by.

During the day, the bars enhanced and showcased the musicians. The enclosed space, amplifiers, visual focus – and cheap drinks! – created the true New Orleans experience.

I could have listened to these guys forever! I was a photographer for the DC Bluesfest – I had to get the pictures. So I climbed up on the barstool! Management made me get down – but the guys bought my drinks!

Love’em!

Long live the Blues!

In the daylight, Dixieland survives. The music of my father. The music I grew up on. The Firehouse Five plus Two! was my first album. This took me back so many, many years!

These guys were great!

Just listen. No talk. No phones. No dancing. Just listening!

Unfortunately, they play to a nearly empty house.

Forget the “10 A SPIN.” Just listen.

Still – New Orleans belongs to the night. The Dixieland and the Blues are mostly gone. (Except for Preservation Hall, which is packed and an incredible experience. But they don’t allow cameras and I respected their rules…)

New Orleans nights are immersion!