Documentary in the Works on Gospel Artist Raymond Myles

“He was celebrated for his career and ostracized for his lifestyle.” That’s veteran producer and music writer, Leo Sacks, talking about an artist who changed his life — and who is now the subject of Sacks’ forthcoming documentary, “Taste Of Heaven: The Heartbreak Life Of Raymond Myles.”

A renowned gospel singer, choir leader, educator and keyboardist, Myles had already left an indelible mark on New Orleans’ music community when, at the age of 41, he was murdered near the Faubourg Marigny in 1998. Sacks had produced Myles’ only full-length studio album, a project that seemed to somehow bind them together on some level, leaving Sacks more of a devotee than a colleague.

Leo is currently struggling to secure funding to complete a film about Raymond’s life and art, and he recently shared with me why he believes Raymond’s story must be told. Whether or not you’re a fan of gospel, it’s pretty compelling. Check out the story here.

Jeremy Pelt’s ‘Soul’ casts new light on blues and ballads

Trumpeter and composer Jeremy Pelt invited me to write the liner notes for his sixth studio album, “Soul,” out Jan. 31, 2012 on High Note Records. Click HERE to check out the notes and HERE to get the music.

Piety Street Music Box Gives Voice to NOLA Cottages

Photo by Zack Smith

If New Orleans houses had voices, they’d probably use them to sing. After all, with their creaky floorboards, rattling windows and thin, shotgun-double walls, their very architecture underscores the centuries-old music-steeped environment where they stand. Or, in some cases, where they used to stand.

In a lot on Piety Street in the Bywater, a group of more than 20 artists have given an amplified voice to the recycled remnants of the 18th Century Creole cottage that previously occupied the space. And where the historic home once crumbled, a series of structures made out of its reclaimed rubble now make up the components of an installation that’s part art exhibit, part symphony — and all New Orleans. READ MORE

No Guts, No Glory: Brash Brassman Trombone Shorty’s Experimental Attitude Yields Major Payoffs

Trombone Shorty sat down with me in the green room at Tip’s a few months back to discuss the making of his new album, “For True,” his creative process, how he balances the demands of his dizzying tour schedule and more. Check it out in Downbeat’s December cover story … Read More

Review: Helen Gillet, ‘Running of the Bells’

Cellist Helen Gillet has drastically altered the state of New Orleans’ creative and improvised music scene — for the better. She recorded this lovely collection in her living room, naming it after a comment from the audience following the performance. Click HERE to check out the review.

Read more about Helen and pick up “Running of the Bells” at HelenGillet.com.

Definitive Armstrong Box Set Unveiled at Satchmo Summer Fest

Yes, there is life in New Orleans in August. Hot life, but life just the same. The annual Satchmo Summer Fest, staged by the dedicated folks who put on French Quarter Fest each year, comprised a weekend of tributes to Louis Armstrong, both musical and academic. The festival kicked off with a discussion about the release of a highly anticipate new Armstrong boxed set, which I covered for the November issue of DownBeat. Check it out:

In 1959, a young British music fan named Richard Havers picked up his first Louis Armstrong record, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” at a yard sale. Nearly a half-century later, Havers, now an award-winning music author, worked with Universal London to produce Satchmo, which the label is calling the most comprehensive collection of Armstrong recordings ever released. Read more

Review: Anthony Branker & Ascent, ‘Dance Music’

Another new review from Downbeat’s July edition. Great stuff — and always a pleasure to see what Tia Fuller’s contributing to these days.

On his third Ascent project, Princeton educator Anthony Branker challenges any preconceptions that a composer’s erudition might impinge upon the accessibility of a composition. From the hummingbird-paced piano and horn vamp that opens the rousing “House of Brotherhood of the Black Heads” to Tia Fuller’s blistering, break-away solo on “The Renewal,” Branker’s material inspires buoyant, animated performances from his sextet … Read more