Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Biography

Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a legendary ensemble rooted in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. The band was formed in 1961, named after the iconic Preservation Hall venue in the French Quarter, which was established by Allan and Sandra Jaffe to promote and preserve the authentic sound of traditional New Orleans jazz. The venue quickly became a gathering place for some of the city's most revered jazz musicians, many of whom had direct ties to the early days of jazz, including artists who played with pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton.

From its inception, the band has been dedicated to nurturing and perpetuating the art form of New Orleans jazz, touring internationally since 1963 and performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Over the decades, the band has seen a rotating lineup of musicians, blending generations and backgrounds, with leadership passing from early figures like Sweet Emma Barrett and the Humphrey brothers to current director Ben Jaffe, son of the founders. Under Ben Jaffe's guidance, the band has embraced collaborations with contemporary artists and infused new energy into its repertoire, ensuring the continued relevance and vitality of New Orleans jazz.

Musically, Preservation Hall Jazz Band is known for its spirited interpretations of classic jazz, swing, ragtime, and Cajun music, characterized by joyful improvisation and a deep reverence for tradition. Their legacy is not only in the preservation of a musical style but also in their role as cultural ambassadors, breaking racial barriers and inspiring new generations of musicians around the world.

Fun Facts

• Preservation Hall itself has no air conditioning, drinks, or food—it's dedicated solely to the music experience.
• The band has performed for royalty, including the King of Thailand and British Royalty.
• Allan Jaffe, the founder, occasionally played sousaphone with the band in its early years.
• The building that houses Preservation Hall dates back to the early 19th century and was once a tavern during the War of 1812.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Louis Armstrong - Influence and inspiration; early band members performed with Armstrong, connecting the band to the origins of jazz. (Traditional jazz standards performed by both) [Early 20th century (influence); 1960s (band formation)]
• Jelly Roll Morton - Stylistic influence; original members had direct ties to Morton and his repertoire. (Classic New Orleans jazz pieces) [Early 20th century (influence); 1960s (band formation)]
• Buddy Bolden - Inspirational figure; early band members learned from musicians who played with Bolden. (Traditional jazz repertoire) [Early 20th century (influence); 1960s (band formation)]

Key Collaborators

• Sweet Emma Barrett - Founding pianist and bandleader, central to the band's early sound and reputation. (Early Preservation Hall recordings and tours) [1960s-1970s]
• Willie and Percy Humphrey - Founding clarinetist and trumpeter, respectively; led the band and shaped its sound. (Preservation Hall Jazz Band tours and recordings) [1960s-1980s]
• Ben Jaffe - Current creative director, bassist, and tubist; responsible for modern collaborations and leadership. (Recent albums and international tours) [1995–present]
• Tom Waits - Contemporary collaboration, blending traditional jazz with modern songwriting. (Collaborative performances and recordings) [2000s–2010s]
• Arcade Fire - Cross-genre collaboration, expanding the band's audience. (Live performances and recordings) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Mark Chatters - Trumpeter who performs at Preservation Hall, part of a new generation influenced by the band. (Live performances at Preservation Hall) [2000s–present]
• Numerous young New Orleans jazz musicians - Inspired by the band's commitment to tradition and innovation; many have played with or studied under PHJB members. (Ongoing performances and educational initiatives) [1960s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. That's It! (That's It!)
2. Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea (An Album To Benefit Preservation Hall & The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program)
3. Choko Mo Feel No Hey (New Orleans Preservation, Vol. 1)
4. Summertime (Songs of New Orleans)
5. Having A Party - Live (Live At Red Rocks)
6. Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing (50th Anniversary Collection)
7. Short Dressed Gal (New Orleans Preservation, Vol. 1)
8. Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home (For Fat Man)
9. Kreyol (A Tuba to Cuba)
10. Basin Street Blues (Songs of New Orleans)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #dixieland, #jazz