JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station

Jazz Safari to New Orleans Group

As the official "Jazz Safari Bwana" it has been my pleasure to host countless Jazz Safari's in Toronto, (hitting five clubs on a single night); several One Stop Vocal Jazz Safaris (which feature over two dozen singers in three hours at Lula Lounge); and in the past few years, International Jazz Safaris.

New York was hip; Chicago was heavenly; but there is no place on earth like New Orleans, and this past safari to the land where jazz and blues began was the most memorable trip of all!

Jaymz Bee

We checked in to The W Hotel in the French Quarter in the early afternoon. A few of the 22 in tow decided to have a nap, but most went out for lunch and began sight seeing. At 6:30 we all congregated at Snug Harbour for dinner, followed by our first concert: the brilliant trombonist, Delfeayo Marsalis. Delfeayo had a perfect combo to play with...play being the key word here. Herlin Riley (drums), David Pulphus (bass), Fred Sanders (piano) and Matthew Shilling (sax) all took turns amazing the packed house with their playing as an ensemble and as soloists. One safari donor said "if I don't see one more show on this trip, it was worth it for Delfeayo and his band!"

After an hour and a half of Marsalis bliss we jumped on the deluxe mini-coach and headed for Donna's Bar and Grill to enjoy an all female marching band called Pinette's Brass Band. This jazz club is not on most tourists’ radars, but it should be! The family owned hotspot was not very busy upon our arrival (granted, it was early for New Orleans) but we quickly ordered drinks and in no time the jazz/funk ensemble had us doing conga lines through the room. Everyone knew Canadians from JAZZ.FM91 were in the house!

From Donna's we went even deeper into the scene to The Hi-Ho Lounge; another club that is not in the French Quarter but is worth the trip. Rick Trolsen and his band Neslort gave us a unique blend of New Orleans prog rock mixed with cinematic flair and serious chops. I'd seen Rick with Harry Connick Jr. and Bonerama in the past, and it was great to see what his own original music was like.

It was now after midnight so we made our way to our final stop, The Ritz Carleton to see Jeremy Davenport. You know you've got job security when they name a lounge after you! The Davenport Lounge at The Ritz was more like a ballroom than a jazz club. Well dressed people of all ages and races, locals and visitors filled every area of the room, from the sofas to the dance floor and all along the bar. Jeremy thanked Ross Porter and JAZZ.FM91 from the stage, and then met with many of the donors after the show.

On Saturday, everyone did their own thing. During the day, some chose to take the "post Katrina tour" and see the entire area, while others took a ride in a horse and carriage or took a trip on the riverboat. In the evening a few went back to Snug Harbour; this time for Delfeayo's dad, Ellis Marsalis. Some checked out John Scofield in concert, but most chose to enjoy the music on the street and in the clubs along Bourbon Street, which was even wilder than usual since The New Orleans Saints had just won a football game hours earlier. Personally I was happy to dance to the local brass bands on the street!

On Sunday we all went to House of Blues for a Gospel Brunch. The choir was as talented as they were entertaining and there was a wide variety of food that could satisfy the fussiest of foodies.

At the end of the trip, most people agreed with my sentiment that there wasn't one particular highlight....because it was all great! I had such a great group of people to tour with...no scandal of any kind. (And for those of you who know me, my Compulsive Disclosure Disorder is proof positive that I'm not hiding any embarrassing moments from yours truly!)

It was simply a perfect excursion with many unforgettable moments. I can't wait for next January to seek DeJaVu!

Jaymz Bee