Celebrating the Birthday of Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer who was born in New Orleans on May 14, 1897. Bechet is considered one of New Orleans’ greatest jazz musicians, along with King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. By the age of 13, Bechet was a professional jazz musician, and by 16 he was touring the South with pianist and singer Clarence Williams. In 1919, Bechet began touring with trumpeter King Oliver, eventually going on to Chicago, New York and Europe. He was a master of improvisation, becoming one of the first important soloists in jazz, playing lead parts that were usually reserved for trumpet. Known for his heavy vibrato, his unequaled energy made him king of the soprano saxophone, and also one of the most original and innovative clarinetists in jazz. From 1925 to 1931 Bechet lived and played in Europe, playing in England, France, Germany and Russia, and it was there where he achieved his greatest success. Bechet has had a deep and lasting influence on the way jazz clarinet and soprano saxophone are played, inspiring countless musicians along the way. Sidney Bechet passed away in Paris, France, on May 14, 1959, on his 62nd birthday. On the date of his birth, we celebrate his life.

Celebrating the Birthday of King Oliver

Jazz cornet player and bandleader Joseph Nathan "King" Oliver was born on May 11, 1885, in Aben, Louisiana, and moved to New Orleans in his youth.  He was particularly recognized for his playing style and his pioneering use of mutes in jazz to alter the sound of his horn. Also a notable composer, he wrote many tunes still played today, including "Dippermouth Blues", "Sweet Like This", "Canal Street Blues", and "Doctor Jazz". He was the mentor and teacher of Louis Armstrong, who said his influence was such that "if it had not been for Joe Oliver, Jazz would not be what it is today." Sadly, Oliver suffered from ill health and financial troubles before his death at age 52 on April 8, 1938. Today we celebrate King Oliver’s significant influence on the music of New Orleans and the world. 

Happy Birthday, Anders Osborne!

Anders Osborne was born on May 4, 1966, in Uddevalla, Sweden, but the singer-songwriter guitarist has made his home in New Orleans for many years. Whether he’s performing solo, with his band, or with North Mississippi Osborne (N.M.O., featuring Osborne and the North Mississippi Allstars), this award-winning artist is a local and international favorite. Happy Birthday, Anders!

Photo by: Mr.schultz

WWOZ's Jazz Festing in Place - April 29 - May 2!

With New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival not scheduled until October 2021, New Orleans non-profit radio station WWOZ will again air its Jazz Festing In Place marathon in lieu of the annual event. The second weekend of special radio broadcasts on April 29th-May 2nd features rare and memorable Jazz Fest performances from years past which will air between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT (9 a.m. and 5 p.m. L.A. time) each day. Produced in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the daily broadcasts will also feature interview segments that highlight the food, crafts, and cultural heritage of the Louisiana city as fans patiently await the festival’s return later this year. Fans will be able to tune in by streaming the audio for free at the WWOZ website or via its terrestrial radio channel 90.7 FM. Check out the Cubes (broadcast schedule) by clicking here. So, sit back, close your eyes, and lose yourself in some of the best music on the planet! Happy Jazz Festing in Place!

Happy Birthday, Glen David Andrews!

Trombonist and vocalist Glen David Andrews was born in New Orleans on April 26, 1980. Andrews hails from a musical family, with grandfather Jesse Hill of “Ooh Poo Pa Doo” fame, brother Derrick Tabb of Rebirth Brass Band, cousin of brothers Troy “Trombone Shorty” and James Andrews, and cousin to the late Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill. Andrews learned about brass bands from greats like Tuba Fats and by second line parades in the Tremé neighborhood of his youth. And, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Andrews mesmerizes audiences with his showmanship and energy. He is a beloved and charismatic live performer, and today we join in the celebration. Happy Birthday!

Photo: Facebook

WWOZ Piano Night From Our Homes to Yours on Monday, April 26th!

We won't be able to get together for Piano Night 2021, but we'll still revel in New Orleans piano thanks to an incredible lineup of pianists! On Monday, April 26 at 7pm NOLA time, 5pm L.A. time, WWOZ Piano Night From Our Homes to Yours will be streamed via WWOZ's Facebook page, on our YouTube channel, and on WWOZ.org.

Piano Night will still be a benefit for WWOZ, but as in 2020, no tickets will be required. While it's bittersweet to miss gathering together for our 35th annual Piano Night, by going virtual we we'll reach thousands of guests who never would have been able to all fit in the same room. In 2020, over 150,000 New Orleans piano fans from all over the world streamed the WWOZ Piano Night from Our Homes to Yours performances!