Cold Winds Outside, Hot Jazz Inside!

When we hit New Orleans this past January it was 32 degrees and very windy! The Mississippi encourages bitter winds through the Quarter and creates a somewhat miserable environment. But step inside any music venue and the notes and vocals keep you warm as toast! The block and a half to Fritzel’s was a difficult trek but once inside we were greeted with hugs and kisses and a few welcomed hot toddies—we were back! The weather did not cooperate at all for the next 12 days but all the musicians made up for the lack of warmth in the air. Fritzel’s is always our go-to place and Richard Scott (p) has a solo performance there most afternoons. It is always a delight to enjoy his many original tunes and standard classic arrangements. The late afternoon band had Colin Myers (tb), Zach Lange (tp), Ellis Dyson (bj), Julie Schexnayder (bs) and Dizzy Incirlioglu (wash) all in good form to get our visit started on the right foot. The next band featured Jamil Sharif (tp), Leslie Martin (p), Bryan Besse (dr), Chuck Brackman (bs) and Connor Stewart (alto). We almost made it every night after other venues but missed one very chilly and crowded Saturday. Overall we had the chance to enjoy: Trumpet: Kevin Clark, Doyle Cooper, Dwayne Burns, Catie Rodgers Clarinet/Reeds: Tom Fischer, Owen Callahan, Jory Dexter Woodis Trombone: Dave Ruffner Piano: John Royen, Z2, Kris Tokarski, Steve Detroy Drums