I made an Amazon Music playlist with his 5 studio albums and the one he made with his brother James Andrews. Should be a blast!
I did not realize James Andrews and Trombone Shorty were brothers.
That was actually Stafford Agee from Rebirth Brass Band. He’s a good friend of mine. Shorty may have filled in if Stafford wasn’t available, but he was the main guy. Stafford also taught Wendell how to fake playing, and Wendell ended up learning to play a smidge in the end.
Shorty is a great guy and amazing musician. The music community in New Orleans is like no other. Master classes in the middle of the street.
I had read online that Shorty recorded lines Antoine played in the series. Maybe for the scenes when Antoine was in the recording studio with Dr. John? Not sure. But it’s good to learn more about Stafford Agee.
He also taught Wendell how to play trombone reasonably well.
He told me he used to stand just outside camera shot where Wendell could see him, and the Treme folks would tell him what to play. He said easiest money he ever made lol.
That’s really great to hear. I’m glad Stafford, Kermit Ruffins, and so many other outstanding musicians got to wet their beaks and gain much worthy exposure through appearances and behind the scenes work on the Treme series for years.
I love the series, and I’ve watched it four times so far. I know I’ll do it again for as long as it’s available.
Question: How did you come to meet Stafford?
After Katrina I started donating instruments to Tipitina’s who then supply them to kids in the area, however, they were quite picky about the condition of the instrument, and I was always finding things that needed some slight to moderate or heavy repairs. One night I went to see Rebirth in NYC and started talking to Stafford after the show kinda randomly and he stated that he started repairing brass post Katrina as his way to give back. So I started sending him brass, then anything I could get my hands on…liberating instruments from friend’s closets, attics, etc. Started advertising on fb and called it Noise for NOLA. Lots of things given, lots purchased for minimal $, everything from trumpets to drumsets to keyboards to saxes, flutes, guitars, you name it. He would repair and find homes for all free to the kids that needed them (a few of his friends are school band directors, so that part was easy). Over 400+ instruments have gone back with him in the van/bus/plane or simply shipped, and we became quite friendly, chatting etc. and having dinner when in NYC, etc. He is one stand up guy.
Man, that is fantastic. Good on you and Stafford for all that valuable work.
Immediately after Katrina, I contacted all the great luthiers who regularly posted in my Acoustic Player Magazine forum, asking if anyone would be willing to donate one of their handmade guitars as a raffle prize, with all money raised to be donated to Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans.
Not just one but two kind and talented luthiers responded that they would do so. The ultimate result was that we were able to donate thousands of dollars to hopefully help out the neediest families.
My family roots are in New Orleans, where my great-grandfather, an immigrant from Catalonia, met and married a French woman. I love the city and its very special people, food and, most especially, uniquely great music.
I love supporting the local metal bands! The young lady in Mind Virus works in the deli section of a Publix grocery store frying chicken. She used to sell merch for this band, she started on the bass a year ago and now is their bass player!
local scenes are so important
Here’s the live recording
My middle daughter - who introduced me to Square Hammer near the beginning of my bass journey - recently had a milestone birthday. This summer, Ghost is coming to town for their Skeleta tour and for her birthday I bought her (okay: “us”) a couple of tickets. Looking forward to catching the show with her!
Kind of late, saw Disturbed last night in Ft Lauderdale, it was a good show!
Two upcoming shows planned, at the ends of a spectrum…
Branford Marsalis - at the Eastman School of Music, front row woot
The Reverend Horton Heat - can’t count how many times I have seen them, however, haven’t seen them in over 25 years, can’t wait.
Both are walking distance from my work apt in Rochester.
I envy you BOTH of those shows. Wow!
Just picked up tickets to see Social D in Boulder CO. I haven’t seen them live in like 20 years. The place looks like an upscale dive bar. Pretty excited tbh. I love dive bar shows.
They are fantastic live. And yeah last time I saw them was in like 1990 as well.
311 with my daughter in August.
An upscale dive bar? Yup, sounds like Boulder.
On the other hand, when the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon St. in New Orleans turned into a fern bar, it felt really out of place and time. I never went back. Really sad. I spent many nights sitting at that bar, listening to the band in the adjacent room. One of my favorites was Blind Brian Lee. He loved to rename his band on the fly. One night, it would be the Delta Five. The next night the Smokin’, No Jokin’ Band.
I just picked up tickets for Cloud Nothings and Sunny Day Real estate in September. This could be a badass show. I love Cloud Nothings.