Against Backdrop of Carnival Revelry, New Orleans Loses Two Greats

Mardi Gras 2009 has drawn to a close. As the city of New Orleans collectively sweeps up the confetti and moves forward into the comparatively sober days that lay ahead, the time is right for relflection and testament. Sadly, our cultural fabric has been dealt a significant blow in the last week. Two great figures of the New Orleans musical scene have passed on. And as much as we mourn their passing, we smile to think that, if they had to go, they might've been pleased to do so in the midst of our most celebrational time of year.

On Tuesday, February 17th, Snooks Eaglin went into cardiac arrest. He died on Wednesday, the 18th. At 72 years old, Snooks was well-known as one of New Orleans' most talented and idiosyncratic rhythm & blues guitarists.

Please follow this link to Keith Spera's wonderful article about his life and career for the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

And sadly, though perhaps fittingly, Miss Antoinette K-Doe passed away on Mardi Gras day after suffering a massive heart attack at her beloved Mother-In-Law Lounge. A true lover of Mardi Gras, Miss Antoinette was widow to legendary New Orleans rhythm-and-blues singer Ernie K-Doe. After he passed in 2001, she made it her personal mission to keep his memory alive through the shrine-like interior of her Claiborne Avenue lounge (named after Ernie's biggest hit), and frequent public appearances with a life-like mannequin replica whom she always addressed and presented by Ernie's name. A truly transcendent figure in the New Orleans musical community, she easily bridged the divide between old school New Orleans culture and the eccentric new blood inherent to the younger hipster community. She was there for us all. Miss Antoinette was 66 years old.

Please follow this link to Keith Spera's lovely article about Miss Antoinette in the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Here at Preservation Hall, we had the great honor of filming Miss Antoinette and her beloved Ernie Statue for last year's "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," our music video for the song which appears on The Preservation Hall Jazz Band's 2005 release, The Hurricane Sessions. We post it here now in her honor...

Preservation Hall Jazz Band Cuts New Album!

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. A brand-new Preservation Hall Jazz Band CD is in the works. Here in New Orleans, we've had the pleasure of enjoying performances from the full touring lineup of our world-famous group for several weekends running while they put down the tracks for this exciting new album. Recorded right here in the performance space at Preservation Hall, this album is shaping up to be a beautiful representation of our amazing new lineup at their finest. We can't tell you what songs will appear on the finished product yet, but we can tell you who's playing them!

Trombone: Freddy Lonzo
Drums: Joe Lastie Jr.
String Bass: Walter Payton
Sousaphone/String Bass: Ben Jaffe
Piano: Rickie Monie
Tenor Saxophone: Clint Maedgen
Clarinet: Charlie Gabriel
Trumpet: Mark Braud

You're not going to believe this lineup, folks. Outta this world. Stay tuned for more news regarding the new album, and keep an eye on PreservationHall.com for your opportunity to see this amazing group in a venue near you!

Congratulations To The Blind Boys Of Alabama!

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is proud to offer their sincere congratulations to five-time grammy award winners The Blind Boys Of Alabama. In addition to being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy last night, these trailblazing gentlemen were honored with the prize for Best Traditional Gospel Album for their critically acclaimed recording, Down In New Orleans. Keep an eye out for fresh tour dates as PHJB and The Blind Boys Of Alabama continue their "Down By The Riverside Tour" this spring!