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Story and Photos by James Walker, Jr.
It was by chance that this writer was visiting the "Crescent City" when the New
Orleans Saints were crowned the 44th Super Bowl Champions. This city is normally
in a very festive mood this time of year leading up to the Mardi Gras, but on
Sunday February 7th as the entire world watched, the Saints finally won their
first Super Bowl. What a special moment as thousands of fans (yours truly
included) erupted with jubilation in a "love fest" toward 'Nawlins' party
central, Bourbon Street. Some equated it to "reaching the promised land".
This city deserved this honor as it slowly recovers from the devastating state
that Hurricane Katrina left it in five plus years ago. Perhaps it was "destiny",
but shouts of "Who Dat" were heard throughout the city days before the game and
continued up to and after the victory parade on Tuesday, February 9th. It was
an honor to have been part of this historic occasion in New Orleans.
Of course, being a jazz photojournalist afforded one an opportunity to enjoy
some of the wonderful jazz sounds that New Orleans is noted for. World class
trumpeter Irvin Mayfield operates the Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel
in the French Quarter which offers jazz seven days a week. Bob French and the
"Original Tuxedo Jazz Band" was holding court on February 8th. The "Tuxedo Jazz
Band" has been part of the French family for three generations. Drummer French
was joined on stage by pianist Fred Sanders, trumpeter Andrew Daham, bassist
Richard Moten, trombonist and vocalist Fred Lenzo, and vocalist Yolando Windsay.
The band entertained the sparse Monday night crowd with numbers like "Honey
Suckle Rose", "Everyday I Get the Blues" "My Funny Valentine" and of course
"When the Saints Go Marching In". That was a crowd pleaser!!!! Vocalist Windsay
wowed the audience with a beautiful rendition of "Fever". Nevertheless, the
highlight of the set was trombonist Lenzo's vocals on "Back Porch Blues". He
worked the entire room with trombone in hand while belting out this bluesy
number.
In addition to the above performance, trumpeter Steamboat Willie and his
band engaged a court yard crowd at the "Musical Legends Park" on Bourbon Street,
and the "New Birth Brass Band's" presence was felt in front of Harrah's Hotel
prior to the Saints Victory Parade.
New Orleans is alive and well.There's still a lot of work to be done to rebuild
the neighborhoods, but this historic city deserves that and will eventually be
restored to its former state.
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