LMC Meeting to be Held Monday Feb. 2 at Tabby's Blues Box in Baton Rouge

The first official meeting of the LMC since new appointments were made by Governor Foster (see story on appointments) will be held this coming Monday, Feb. 2 at 1:30 pm at Tabby's Blues Box located at 1314 North Blvd. in Baton Rouge. The commission will be discussing its budget request and will review completed and planned projects (see Strategic Plan). The public is welcome.

Friday January 23

Electronic Media Magazine Has Major Feature on Cyrus' TV Efforts

"Local Television Has Its Dancing Shoes On" blares the headline of a major article in a special section of the television industry journal Electronic Media. The article is the lead story in the NATPE "Insiders' Guide" feature in the January 12 edition. NATPE is the National Association of Television Program Executives convention which was held this week New Orleans. The article, written by Times-Picayune television columnist, Mark Lorando, tells the story of Bernie Cyrus' efforts to bring Louisiana music to viewers. Stating that "the music that New Orleans holds so dear was largely buried treasure on local television until four years ago," Lorando tells the tale of how Cyrus, working with Cox Productions, four years ago launched LTV and then his recent hit, New Orleans After Midnight on WDSU. The article also describes how WNOL, owned by Quincy Jones, hit big recently with the documentary, "Satchmo of the Ghetto," about local trumpeter James Andrews, which to date is the highest rated locally produced music documentary. Cyrus' show is currently the highest rated locally produced regular program, averaging an audience of approximately 30,000 households in its midnight Saturday night time slot. Lorando called Cyrus a "musical prophet" whose efforts have sparked a revival of music on television in the New Orleans market. Electronic Media is to television what Billboard is to the music industry, so this article is a very big deal indeed!

Monday January 19

Martin Luther King Day Notes

It's a state holiday. I'm not supposed to be on the job, but here I am. I thought, it being MLK day, that I might editorialize a bit on the subject of music and race. SP

I'll never forget the day after the Rodney King verdict. Los Angeles was burning for the second time in my memory, the first being when Watts burned in the 60s. I was attending the University of New Orleans, had just parked my car and was heading to my class when I noticed a huge plume of smoke rising from near downtown New Orleans. It was Jazz Fest week, and I remember thinking, "Oh no, the city is going up in flames just when thousands of people are coming to town to join together in a celebration of music." I sat on a curb, devastated that we had succumbed to the insanity of racial hatred.

Well, I was wrong. The fire was a 100 year old warehouse that stood where the casino interests wanted to build a parking lot. It was torched, and, of course, no one was ever charged with the arson. New Orleans hadn't fallen victim to the frustrations and anger that Los Angeles experienced. And I know why.

People in Louisiana have always had music to salve emotional wounds. And music always brought the races together, although Jim Crow laws and hate-filled people sought to prevent us from mixing. But no matter how bizarre the situation, whether it was Louis Armstrong returning home to perform for segregated shows--if they let him perform for the local African American populace at all; or, whether it was a white tour group's black bus driver being refused admission to a Cajun dancehall near Lafayette less than ten years ago, one thing remains---the music that brings us together cannot be denied.

Racists to this day lament how white kids were "contaminated" by black-influenced rock and roll. (I was so infected I spent 15 years in a rock band!) But that music is like a tide that washed over the land, touching and changing everything in its path.

Today, we celebrate the life of MLK. So let us remember, that despite the outrages, the injustices and all the wrongs that society once (and too often still does) imposed on people of color, music transcends race. Music is our purest expression--whether sadness or joy, it knows no color. Though the makers of music may be of many races, the sounds they make are of one vibration, that of the human spirit.

As we continue to struggle to appreciate and treat fairly people of all cultural backgrounds, let us always look to music to see us through and show the way to better understanding.

Friday January 16

Tower Records Celebrates 10th Year in New Orleans with 10 Days of Music

Kevin Aucoin, manager of Tower Records and a respectable drummer as well, has put together a celebration of music to mark the megastore's 10th year in New Orleans. Appearing in -store will be:

January 23 -- Ellis Marsalis @ 4:00 pm
January 24 -- Chris Thomas King @ 3:00 pm
January 25 -- Mem Shannon @ 1:30 pm
January 26 -- Lenny McDaniel @ 6:00 pm
January 27 -- Birthday Blowout at the House of Blues with Anders Osborne and George Porter Jr.
January 28 -- Scott Kirby @ 6:00 pm
January 29 -- Jas Mathus & His Knockdown Society @ 6:00 pm
January 30 -- The Radiators @ 4:00 pm
January 31 -- The Hackberry Ramblers, Irma Thomas & Marcia Ball @ 4:00 pm (!)
February 1 -- Gary Hirstius & Day Seven @ 4:30 pm

In addition there will be prizes and gifts during the promotion and a one day store wide sale on Feb. 1. Congratulations for a decade of supporting Louisiana music!

Cowboy Mouth to be House Band on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee
Show Airs Tuesday January 20

Cowboy Mouth will perform a song on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee this coming Tuesday January 20. In addition, they will serve as house band for the show. Also appearing is New Orleans native Richard Simmons, Alan Thicke and Carmen Electra. The show is being broadcast from New Orleans during the annual National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE) exposition, the television industry's largest trade show. We hear that WWL's Eric Paulsen is somehow behind this appearance. Kudos to Eric for being so supportive of local music not only in this instance, but every week on WWL TV's morning show.

Thursday January 15

Singer and Sax Player Needed for Busy Dance Band

Darlene May of LaMiss Productions needs a talented female vocalist and a saxophone player to join a busy dance band that performs music from the 60s through the 90s. She has tentative bookings at local casinos and other jobs available. Contact her using her digital beeper at 504-553-3693 in New Orleans. Note: Since we haven't established a bulletin board for jobs, I decided to post this here. In the future we will have a web page listing jobs wanted and available. SP Wednesday January 14

Louisiana Connection to Sonny Bono:
Harold Battiste Former Musical Director of Sonny & Cher

UPDATE: All Harold Battiste ever wanted to do was play jazz. However, his place in history has been defined by the things he did more reluctantly--produce, arrange and teach. That's how he ended up working as an A&R rep for the legendary Specialty Records. And that's how he met one of his lifelong friends, fellow A&R rep Sonny Bono, the man who would take Harold away from his plans to play jazz and make him musical director of one of the 20th century's hottest recording duos and tv stars. At the time they first collaborated, the the movie Cleopatra was a big deal. Other similarly themed movies inspired Sonny to at first choose the name "Caeser & Cleo" with the obligatory Roman haircuts and persona. Later the duo decided to use their real names, "Sonny & Cher." Harold served as musical director and arranger for "Baby Don't Go" and the huge hit "I Got You Babe." However, Harold still wanted to play jazz. "Sonny had confidence in me, and I did these things to help them along. But I wanted to be a jazz musician," Harold said recently. "Everything I did with them made things happen for them but not for me."

Harold's dissatisfaction with his own career direction might puzzle some. Harold is a natural teacher. His innate ability to bring out the best in people is what made him a great producer of other luminaries, like the late Sam Cooke. Perhaps this is what made Harold attractive to Sonny Bono, too.

Harold also became a founding partner in a record company. All For One, or AFO Records, became an outlet for helping black musicians earn a stake in the process of making records, something that, at the time, was rarely happening for talented African American musicians. "I wanted to create a black-owned label so that the musicians could get the most from being recorded," Harold said. "And we succeeded in producing some very important recordings, but I wanted to be a player, not a record executive."

After helping Sonny once again create a new persona and band after his breakup with Cher, Harold figured he was done with pop music. Then he received a call from Sonny, a new show was going to be launched reuniting Sonny & Cher. The budget was bigger than any Harold had ever worked with--he had nearly $30,000 per show to invest in musical presentations, the best choreographer and professional staff one could hope for, and national television as a vehicle. Reluctantly, Harold agreed to be musical director of the first three shows. Thirty three shows later and Sonny & Cher had earned their place in American television history. Harold, again operated in the background.

Harold long ago returned to New Orleans and to his beloved jazz, and now teaches at the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program along with Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Ed Petersen and Charles Blanc. Whether he may be teaching the next Sonny Bono, no one knows. One sure thing is that Harold Battiste and Sonny Bono were good friends whose synergy is responsible for producing the music of a modern pop phenomenon. And all Harold still wants to do, is play jazz.

Death of Sonny Bono is a Blow to Songwriters Rights

Sonny Bono was perhaps the only federal legislator with a strong pop songwriting background. That experience led him to be placed on a powerful committee considering an important piece of legislation that threatens to greatly reduce the amount of money paid to songwriters. A group of business organizations, led by restaurant lobbyists, has sought to pass a bill that would exempt many restaurants, bars and other commercial establishments from paying royalties for the use of music in their places of business. Intentionally misnamed the Fairness in Music Licensing Act by its proponents, the bill threatens to greatly reduce the revenue stream that pays songwriters for their work. Sonny Bono, bucking his fellow Republican authors of the bill, fought effectively against this legislation. His absence will be sorely felt by songwriters everywhere if this dangerous bill now passes. (I'll update this story soon with more specifics. SP)

Terence Blanchard on Gia Soundtrack for HBO Productions,
Recording Soundtrack for 5 Part BBC Series

Terence Blanchard, who returned to New Orleans after several years away, can be found on the soundtrack of the upcoming HBO movie Gia, which is about the life of a 70s super model. Additionally, he is the musical director of an upcoming 5 part BBC series, The American Dream. Blanchard has hired recently appointed LMC Commissioner Jay Weigel to conduct the orchestra for the project. The two will be traveling to Los Angeles at the end of January to record the music. Blanchard, a NOCCA graduate, has been the musical director for all of Spike Lee's films as well as the recent hit, and Roger Ebert's choice as best movie of 1997, Eve's Bayou. The HBO and BBC productions are indicators that Terence's talent is being recognized by a growing number of producers. The only thing missing is that this isn't being recorded in Louisiana, a situation that we hope to see change as local studios increase their capacity for recording complex projects such as these. On another positive note, Blanchard also starred recently with LMC Chairman Ellis Marsalis in the locally produced Season of Song Christmas special on WVUE Fox 8 to benefit NOCCA. Thanks for making Louisiana home, Terence!

Monday January 12

Kermit Ruffins Record Release Party Feb. 6 at Tipitina's Uptown

Hot from winning three OffBeat Best of the Beat awards, trumpeter and band leader Kermit Ruffins will be hosting a record release party for his new live album. The new disc contains 13 songs, including 5 originals. It was recorded live at Tipitina's in November 1997. Ruffins' new disc is on Basin Street Records. Jazz King Competition to Precede Arrival of Rex at Riverwalk on Lundi Gras

Monday, Feb. 23 from 4 pm to 6 pm, prior to the annual arrival of Rex, the Riverwalk and Le Meridien Hotel have put together a special Jazz King competition for young jazz musicians who have participated in Le Meridien's Young Musician Showcase. Since October, Jazz Meridien, the hotel's popular club, has featured performers currently enrolled as students in the Jazz Studies Program at the University of New Orleans. MC for the ceremonies will be Bernie Cyrus, and judging the competition will be members of the local music scene. Competing this year will be: Karen Williams & Gentlemen of Jazz; Paul Longstreth Quartet; Mark Rapp Quartet and the Brianne Ford Quartet. Each group will perform a 20 minute set beginning at 4 pm and ending with the arrival of Rex, King of Mardi Gras, who will then crown the 1998 Jazz Kings. The winner of the competition will receive free recording time at NoiseLab Studio and will be honored with a plaque to be displayed permanently at Jazz Meridien.

OffBeat Praises LMC News Flash Pages

A very big thanks to Alex Oliver, webmaster at OffBeat, for calling this site the best place for Louisiana music news on the web. Though we aren't comprehensive (or organized!) in our approach to listing, we've done our best to convey part of the depth and breadth of activities going on in Louisiana music. We'd like to see a few more people checking the site daily, and thanks to Alex's kind plug know that many of you are new visitors, but we need help in spreading the word. We greatly appreciate any assistance in helping get more recognition and hits. We also encourage writers and news organizations to lift these stories (though we ask that you say where you got the news) and disseminate them to the public. This website exists to help promote Louisiana music and the efforts of the many people working in Louisiana's music industry. We welcome input, stories, announcements and general information. Thanks again, Alex! La Music Archive Lists Louisiana Musicians Who Died in 1997

As I've said many times before, Greg Hardison's Louisiana Music Archive is the most comprehensive site on the web for information about Louisiana artists. His Gone But Not Forgotten page lists all the Louisiana musicians who died in 1997. We lost many great ones this year, some to age and too many to tragedy. Some, like Smilin' Myron guitarist Tim Guarisco and country singer Amie Comeaux, were just beginning to realize their potential. Check Greg's site, and send a few kind thoughts and thank yous Heaven-ward. We're lucky to have been blessed with their presence and the joy of their musical talents.

Friday January 9

Tabby Thomas to Launch 1998 Music at the Mint Series Tomorrow

Recently appointed LMC Commissioner and Baton Rouge blues legend Tabby Thomas will launch the latest Music at the Mint series at the venerable state museum. Produced by Chuck Siler, the series will bring in many notable Louisiana artists throughout the year. Tomorrow's program begins at 2pm and is free with admission to the museum. The Mint is part of the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans and features the world's only origins of jazz exhibit, the New Orleans Jazz Club Collection, as well as a significant Mardi Gras exhibit. The Mint is located on the corner of Esplanade and Decatur. (see previous story) La. Hot Sounds Songwriting Finals at Howlin' Wolf Mon. Jan. 12

The Louisiana Songwriters Association is holding the finals for its Louisiana Hot Sounds contest Monday January 12 at Howlin' Wolf (828 S. Peters). There will be door prizes, a guitar raffle and more. The contest gets underway at 8pm sharp. After the contest ends, the Wolf will be holding its usual open mic night. With the large number of notable songwriters in attendance, it should be an interesting night.

EDITORIAL: As we all revel in the wealth of talent in Louisiana we are overlooking the most critical htmlect of this business--writing. Whether it is a song, a press release, an article or a proposal, writing if the first step in making music successful. Though New Orleans has hosted many great writing conferences, those conferences are oriented more towards southern fiction rather than the overall craft of writing. We need to stage a major writing conference that celebrates all writing and formulates plans to better teach this vital skill to children. Whether it is a resume, a strategic plan, a to do list, a script or a thank you note, writing precedes all great actions. Let's find more ways to elevate and celebrate writing!

Last Call for MIDEM Packages

MIDEM gets underway in just a couple of weeks. As we noted in a previous story, LMNOP will have a booth and Scott and Louis are willing to bring a limited number of copies of CDs and press kits. Others attending include Gary Edwards of Sound of New Orleans Records, Reid Wick and Sandie Hinderlie of Loyola University and STR Digital Records, attorney Suzette Becker, C&G Music Partners' Carla DeCorte, Steph Smith of Eclipse Records, and David Eidler of New Orleans Music Convention Association. MIDEM, held in Cannes, France every year, is the world's largest music-related convention and is where much of the international licensing of music takes place.

Thursday January 8

I'm back after the surgery and all is well. Thanks for all the kind words of support. Here are some quick (and likely to be updated) news:

Louisiana Artists Nominated for Grammy Awards

Of course Greg Hardison's fantastic website, the Louisiana Music Archive has the whole scoop on Louisiana artists nominated for Grammy awards, but he missed one! Baton Rouge Symphony director James Paul has been nominated. The story is in today's Advocate. Other nominees include: Beausoleil; the Hackberry Ramblers; and Jo-El Sonnier all competing in the folk category--we're bound to win one with 3 of 5 nominees! The remaining nominees include Dr. John; Pantera; Tim McGraw; and the late Doc Cheatham & (NOCCA graduate) Nicholas Payton. There are several other nominees with strong Louisiana connections. This is the strongest showing by Louisiana artists in recent memory. Congratulations to all.

Late Louisiana-born Pianist Shaped Nashville Sound

Floyd Cramer died recently. His piano stylings influenced the "Nashville Sound" that developed after the launch of country music via shows like KWKH's "Louisiana Hayride" and the Grand Ol' Opry. He was born in north Louisiana and was raised in Arkansas. His style, which utilized many "bent" notes, was actually rooted in the flexible fingerings that great jazz and roadhouse pianists from New Orleans and the rural South made popular at the turn of the 20th century. Cramer worked with many great artists, including every Elvis Presley record since 1956, Patsy Cline, Chet Atkins and dozens of others. He was also a record producer. Cramer's discography includes more than 60 records.

LMC Commissioner Jean Knight Finally Gets Platinum

Jean Knight, whose 1970s hit "Mr. Big Stuff" is one of the top selling singles in Louisiana history, finally was awarded platinum copies of her record. Stax Records of Memphis fell upon hard times many years ago, and failed to properly recognize its historic stable of artists by issuing gold and platinum records. The past was atoned for at a recent gala at which Jean Knight was awarded her plaque certifying that she has sold more than 2 million copies, making "Mr. Big Stuff" the biggest seller in Stax history. Considering the many great artists Stax released, including the legendary Rufus "Funky Chicken" Thomas, Jean is in great company. We're proud to have her on board as a member of the LMC!

Louisiana Music Commission
3330 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 438
Metairie LA 70002
Phone: 504-838-5600 Fax: 504-838-5280

Email: lmc@louisianamusic.org

©1997, 1998 Louisiana Music Commission
We encourage the dissemination of these news stories. Please credit the Louisiana Music Commission as the source.