[Dixielandjazz] New Orleans music

[Tim Eldred]

Just watched a new DVD titled "Make It Funky", released last Tuesday - a glorious celebration of New Orleans music of all types.  It showcases a huge concert that was held in 2004, but then supplements it with interviews and other material to explore why music is so much a part of the NO culture and why it is unique.  A wide variety of musicians participate, including Kermit Ruffins, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Allen Toussaint.  Many artists, including Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, pay homage to Louis Armstrong.  What is somewhat sad about it are some of the scenes of the streets, houses, etc. that may never exist again.  It is produced by "Bottom of the Ninth Productions", which is. I think, referring to the Lower Ninth Ward which was twice flooded.

One interesting comment is that if you play music in New Orleans you are simply known as a musician - not a blues musician or a street band musician or any other separationist term.

Great film.