by Brian Weidy
Photo by Judi Bottoni in December 2011
NEW ORLEANS, La. – On my last night here, I came back to Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse to see one of the oldest running bands in New Orleans, the Tuxedo Jazz Band, which recently found a new bandleader in drummer Gerald French, taking over for his uncle, Bob French.
While I was only able to catch about half of two different sets, they each had drastically different feels. The first set was notable for the presence of Yolanda Windsay (Vocals) who belted out everything from Christmas songs to old jazz standards. Things really picked up when the band began playing the blues, starting with a take on B.B. King's "Everyday I've Got The Blues" and Spencer Williams' "Basin Street Blues". The band then closed the set without Yolanda on a quick take through the legendary Meters tune, "Hey Pocky-Way".
After a lengthy setbreak, the band came back after a "Kermit Ruffins special" with a lengthy monologue describing the next tune, the legendary "Shake It and Break It" which ended with an improvised rap over a break-beat drum groove. The band then leapt into trombonist Lucien Barbarin's favorite tune, the 1919 composition "Royal Garden Blues" which featured Barbarin and Andrew Baham (Trumpet) playing the head. Sunny Clapp's "Girl of My Dreams" saw Baham leave the stage, taking a random woman out of the audience to dance with him while he played the head and sang. (The rest of the band consisted of Larry Sieberth (Piano), Richard Moten (Upright Bass)).
Overall, this version of the Tuxedo Jazz Band would have made the historical version proud, and Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse certainly stands up to the long line of New Orleans jazz venues.
Where is bob French? Is he alright?
Where is bob French? Is he alright?
Where is bob French? Is he alright?
Where is bob French? Is he alright?
Where is bob French? Is he alright?
Where is bob French? Is he alright?