This is my second New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and once again I will be at all days. Here are highlights from the first day, Thursday May 1. I plan to post my highlights for each day. Last year I did a number of paintings based on my Jazz Fest photos. I plan to do more this year. You can see a collection of painting on several Facebook albums, along with a collection of Jazz Fest Photos.
We stared the day with the Delgado Community College Jazz Band who did a nice collection of standards.
Erica Falls is a powerful jazz singer as you can see on this YouTube. She brought a strong band to back her, as well as two talented backup simgers.
Marlon Jordan is part of the New Orleans Jordan musical family including Kid Jordan. I especially liked his ballads. I saw his sister Stephanie and her big band later.
Rosie Ledet & Zydeco Players are my favorite zydeco group. They lay down a great dance beat without going too fast like some players. The drummer provides the right level of support without trying to dominate. Her songs are also some of the sexiest ones around.
Philip Manuel did a tribute to the Beatles with his take on their songs.
Josh Kagler and HPC provided strong gospel to close the day for us. We left a little early to secure a table at nearby Lola’s for some excellent Spanish food. It has become a jazz fest tradition.