Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall Jazz Band got its name from Preservation Hall, one
of the most famous landmarks in New Orleans. The band has been referred to
by one music critic as "a bridge across the ages - a link between the
present day and the heyday of traditional New Orleans music." Some of
the creators of this style of music are still with the ensemble. The musicians,
who range in age from 29 to 88, seek to preserve the music that evolved in
New Orleans around the turn of the century and to bring it to contemporary
audiences. Collectively, these musicians represent the industry's elite; a
finely tuned band whose members hail from highly regarded musical families.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band got its name from Preservation Hall, one
of the most famous landmarks in New Orleans. The band has been referred to
by one music critic as "a bridge across the ages - a link between the
present day and the heyday of traditional New Orleans music." Some of
the creators of this style of music are still with the ensemble. The musicians,
who range in age from 29 to 88, seek to preserve the music that evolved in
New Orleans around the turn of the century and to bring it to contemporary
audiences. Collectively, these musicians represent the industry's elite; a
finely tuned band whose members hail from highly regarded musical families.
Together, they keep alive the traditions and history of this uniquely American
sound. Known for its high energy, crowd-satisfying performances Preservation
Hall Jazz Band’s tempo is a shade slower than other jazz forms and the melody
is always clearly heard with improvisation at its heart. Unobscured by complicated
arrangements, the band’s greatness lies in the simplicity it brings to tunes
like "Bucket's Got a Hole in It," "Bill Bailey," "Little
Liza Jane," "When the Saints Go Marching In," and many more.
At the Kennedy Center, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has
appeared on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage and in the Concert Hall.
"The best jazz band
in the land." (San Fransisco Examiner)
February 2003
