DETROIT – NEW ORLEANS CONNECTION
NEW ORLEANS / DETROIT
When December comes around tourists seem to disappear in New Orleans, leaving the city in the hands of its citizens. New Orleans is a city that finds reasons to celebrate. New Orleans musicians find ways to gather. You will find them at the charitable events that pop up before Christmas. The word gets out and the result is a lot of good music.
I have often opted to spend time in New Orleans in December, when it gets really cold and messy in Detroit. New Orleans can be a messy place too but it is ice free and pretty lively at the same time Detroit is having some dark days. I have also found that New Orleans is a warm and friendly landing place for artists, musicians and anyone who might live on the edge. I have been fortunate to have artist and musician friends in New Orleans. It has given me a chance to get to know the New Orleans that tourists don’t get to see. It has confirmed to me that New Orleans shares the same spirit that drives Detroit. Both cities seem to be able to take challenges and just get stronger. The cities have deep in their DNA the drive, resilience and rhythms that show up in their.music. New Orleans and Detroit historically have seamlessly passed the musical torch back and forth, making jazz better in both cities.
GUITARIST DETROIT BROOKS FROM NEW ORLEANS AT DETROIT’S JAZZ FESTIVAL
JAZZ MUSIC IS NOT A COMPETITIVE EVENT
Good jazz is what the band is going to play later in the night. It will occur here and there, wherever some players leaning on tradition take off in new directions. When it happens it will be noted. Good playing is appreciated and is seldom threatening or envied. Look at the smiles on artists faces when they listen.
Musicians seldom compete, at least on the bandstand. Cooperation and mutual respect are essential for success. It has been my experience from listening to conversations between artists that they tend to find the best in their mates. They admire all effort and jazz requires effort to play. Not all players are equal but all will be heard. The music just gets better because individuals are allowed to fail from time to time.
This winter I will be traveling south to New Orleans to visit musician friends and hopefully make some new ones. There are always things that we can learn from New Orleans. When you are there you realize the power that the local music plays in the commercial life of the city. It powers the image of New Orleans as a city that is having a good time. The city promotes itself by promoting its music. Street musicians are everywhere and are rewarded. Music pours out into the streets from bars and restaurants and people pour in. Out of towners bring their wallets to New Orleans and exchange the contents for an uplifting of the spirit. New Orleans knows the value of its greatest asset, music. Detroit should take note.
I keep putting off my travels when I look at the bands coming to the Dirty Dog.
DETROIT – NEW ORLEANS – NEW YORK
DAVE BENNETT WILL BRING A MYRIAD OF TRADITIONS TO THE DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFÉ
Following Thanksgiving and the beginning of cold weather the Dirty Dog gets off to a fast start with Dave Bennett. Dave has promised us that he will bring some heat and smiles to those coming in out of the cold.
John Osler
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