DECEMBER 2013: Rosebud Artists Score 8+ Grammy Nominations!
..Allen Toussaint scored two separate nominations - one for Best Americana Roots Song for "Shrimp Po-Boy Dressed" and one for Best Americana Album for Songbook.
DECEMBER 2013: Rosebud Artists Feature On HBO's Treme, Season Four: Music By Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue And BeauSoleil With Michael Doucet
This new episode, titled "Yes We Can Can", is named after Allen Toussaint's song and is played by the fictional WWOZ DJ Davis McAlary (Steve Zahn) in the opening scenes. Past seasons of Treme have also had episodes named after the legendary New Orleans musician's compositions including episodes in season two; "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky" and "On Your Way Down".
BeauSoleil's Michael Doucet appears in this latest episode greeting one of the main characters, Annie Tee (Lucia Micarelli), as she leaves the stage after her performance. Michael is then joined by the rest of BeauSoleil for an on-screen performance of their song "L'Amour ou La Folie", a track taken from their 1995 release of the same name.
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews is also referenced a number of times during this episode. Firstly, his song "Hurricane Season", taken from his 2009 CD Backatown, is played in a scene featuring the characters McAlary and Simply (Henry Griffin). Then later, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue appear for an on-screen performance of "Hurricane Season" and "One Night Only" (also taken from Backatown).
NOVEMBER 2013: Rosebud Artists Place High In DownBeat Readers Poll, Trombone Shorty Wins Best Trombonist, Bill Frisell #2 Best Guitarist
Ten Rosebud artists were ranked among the best musicians in the 78th Annual DownBeat Readers Poll (December 2013 Issue). Trombone Shorty won the Trombone category outright for the second year in a row, and he and his band, Orleans Avenue, placed in the top artists ranked for the Jazz Group category. Bill Frisell came in second in the Guitarist category (he won the category overall in the recent Downbeat critics poll for the fifth consecutive year and twelfth time in the past sixteen years!) and placed high in three additional categories: Jazz Artist, Composer, and Jazz Album of the Year (for Big Sur). Also scoring high in a variety of categories this year were some of Bill's recent collaborators including John Zorn, Gary Peacock, Kenny Wollesen, Brian Blade, Joey Baron, Eyvind Kang, Jenny Scheinman, Jason Moran, Charles Lloyd and Lee Konitz.
Multiple Rosebud artists took prominent spots in the Blues Artist or Group category, with Charlie Musselwhite, Marcia Ball and Duke Robillard as top contenders this year. Charlie also ranked in the top ten in the Blues Album category for Get Up!, his recent collaboration with Ben Harper. Also scoring in the Blues Album category was Jon Cleary for his album, Occapella, a collection of songs written by Rosebud artist Allen Toussaint. Toussaint himself was named in the Best Arranger category for the fourth consecutive year.
Meshell Ndegeocello was ranked in the Beyond Artist or Group category for the second year in a row as well as in the Electric Bass category, along with Robert Glasper Experiment bassist, Derrick Hodge, who Meshell appeared with on Glasper's album, Black Radio (2012).
Muddy Waters, a Rosebud artist until his passing, was ranked twice among the readers' top choices in the Historical Album of the Year category for his own album, You Shook Me: The Chess Masters, Vol. 3, 1958 To 1963, and for his collaboration with The Rolling Stones, Live At The Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981, which also features Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who Rosebud represents for his rare jazz performances.
Congratulations to all the artists. To Catch Them Perform Live On Stage, See Tour Dates >>
NOVEMBER 2013: Allen Toussaint Enshrined In New Orleans Musical Legends Park. Featured On Will Lee's (David Letterman's Late Show Band) New Album With ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons
Allen Toussaint was inducted into New Orleans Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street and enshrined with a life-size bronze statue. Allen joins other New Orleans legends such as Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Fats Domino, Louis Prima and Irma Thomas. Allen's induction into New Orleans Musical Legends Park adds to his already impressive list of honors and awards including induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, a National Medal of Arts (awarded by President Obama), an honorary doctorate from Tulane University, multiple Grammy nominations and a Grammy Trustees Award among others. Please seeNOLA.com's coverage of the statue's unveiling ceremony which took place on October 17. 2013.
Allen is also featured on Will Lee's (longtime bassist of the Late Show with David Letterman) new album, Love, Gratitude and Other Distractions, released August 20, 2013. On the album, Lee covers Allen's hit song, "Get Out of My Life, Woman", which was previously made famous by Lee Dorsey. The track features Allen on piano along with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons on guitar and vocals. Love, Gratitude and Other Distractions also features world class musicians such as Paul Shaffer, Pat Metheny and Bob James in addition to Allen.
Allen's recently released album and accompanying DVD, Songbook, has received notable reviews from key outlets including Downbeat Magazine who proclaimed, "a genius armed with a piano, sweet vocals and a lifetime of emotional anecdotes… he brings his own sophistication and polish to everything he plays…", and American Songwriter who stated, "All of these words don't even begin to describe the mastery of piano… that he displays throughout the concerts collated here for a single release… There is fire and finesse in his playing, not an easy task to present both combined… It's a tribute to the boiling pot of musical heritage that envelops New Orleans, but also to America at large… ".
JULY 2013: Allen Toussaint's New Live Solo Album/DVD, Songbook, Out September 24, 2013
Allen Toussaint will release, Songbook, a live solo album and DVD on September 24, 2013 via Rounder Records. The album and accompanying DVD include a total of twenty-five songs recorded live over two Fall 2009 performances at Joe's Pub in New York City. The DVD also includes a twenty-five minute in-depth interview with Allen conducted by producer and longtime friend, Paul Siegel. The new album embodies a meaningful concert setting for Allen, as the celebrated venue became his home base for performing after being displaced from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. Songbook follows Allen's 2010 Grammy-nominated album The Bright Mississippi.
Allen was recently featured at the Americana Music Association's announcement event for its upcoming festival and conference on September 18 - 22, 2013 in Nashville. The event featured performances by Tommy Malone (the Subdudes), Bill Davis (Dash Rip Rock) and Alynda Lee Segarra (Hurray for the Riff Raff) at the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans on June 26, 2013 with Allen highlighting the night with a special closing performance. Allen was previously honored by the Americana Music Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. To watch a stream of the event click here, and for more info on the event and the upcoming festival and conference click here.
JULY 2013: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Allen Toussaint and Mavis Staples Among Artists Chosen For NPR's The Mix: Songs Inspired By The Civil Rights Movement
The Blind Boys of Alabama, Allen Toussaint, Mavis Staples and John Lee Hooker (a Rosebud artist until his passing) all have songs featured on NPR's The Mix: Songs Inspired By The Civil Rights Movement, a special program commemorating 50 years since the national peak of the civil rights movement. NPR have selected 100 songs that either provided the musical backdrop to the protests and marches back in the Sixties or songs that drew direct inspiration from those pivotal years in the movement's history. NPR's mix of music from the height of the civil rights period through the five decades following, is available to stream online now. For the full playlist and to listen to the program, please visit NPR The Mix: Songs Inspired By The Civil Rights Movement.
The Blind Boys of Alabama appear on the NPR special with their version of the traditional song "Free At Last". They can also be heard on the songs "This May Be the Last Time" with Anthony Hamilton and on "We Shall Overcome" again with Anthony Hamilton plus Joss Stone, Mary Mary and John Legend - the latter song having been recorded for the soundtrack to the 2009 civil rights documentary film, Revolution (written and directed by Dan Sturman and, two-time Oscar winning documentary and feature film writer-producer-director, Bill Guttentag). The program's playlist also includes a version of Allen Toussaint's songs "Yes We Can Can" performed by The Pointer Sisters and "Hercules" performed by Aaron Neville. The song "The Motor City Is Burning" as recorded by John Lee Hooker. Mavis Staples sings "Down in Mississippi", "Eyes on the Prize" and the iconic protest anthem "We Shall Not Be Moved". Mavis also appears alongside her father, Pop Staples, and her sisters as The Staples Singers on four tracks. One of the four is the Staples Singers' classic "I'll Take You There". The group was a familiar sight during the peak of the movement given their rallying songs and close friendship with the Movement's voice, Martin Luther King, Jr.
In related news, both The Blind Boys of Alabama and Allen Toussaint have new releases due out this Fall. The Blind Boys of Alabama's new CD, I'll Find A Way, was produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and will feature other very special guests. It is set to be released on October 1st. Allen Toussaint's new CD and DVD, Songbook, which was recorded live over two nights at New York's Joe's Pub, is set for release on September 24 on Rounder Records. Mavis Staples released her latest CD One True Vine in June. One True Vine is the follow up to Mavis' 2010 Grammy winning CD, You Are Not Alone. The new CD has already garnered rave reviews worldwide and hit the Top 100 of Billboard's Pop charts in its first week of release.
JULY 2013: Allen Toussaint To Be Awarded National Medal Of Arts By President Obama Adding To Year Of Major Recognition
Allen Toussaint was awarded a National Medal of Arts by President Obama at the White House on July 10, 2013, with the First Lady also in attendance. In addition to Allen, this year's recipients are George Lucas, Herb Alpert, Renée Fleming, Lin Arison, Joan Myers Brown, Ernest Gaines, Ellsworth Kelly, Tony Kushner, Elaine May, Laurie Olin, and Washington Performing Arts Society. Below is Allen's award citation which was read at the ceremony:
"Allen Toussaint for his contributions as a composer, producer, and performer. Born and raised in New Orleans, Mr. Toussaint has built a legendary career alongside America's finest musicians, sustaining his city's rich tradition of rhythm and blues and lifting it to the national stage."
(see The White House Press Release)
2013 alone has seen Allen feted with several prestigious honors as well as an all star tribute in his honor. In May 2013, Allen received an honorary doctorate degree of Fine Arts at Tulane University's commencement ceremony along with His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dr. John and Natasha Tretheway, a Pulitzer Prize winner. In April 2013, "Tribute To Toussaint," a benefit concert and tribute to Allen was held in celebration of his 75th birthday as well as his legacy and influence as a songwriter, performer, and producer. Held during the New Orleans Jazz Festival week, Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Joe Stampley, Cyril Neville, Deacon John, Joe Henry, Rosebud artists, Jon Cleary and Trombone Shorty and more performed at the tribute. Footage of the event is currently being edited for a PBS Special. Some of Allen's other milestone achievements include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Blues Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame; multiple Grammy nominations, and a Grammy Trustees Award. Watch for more info soon on Allen's new record coming this Fall.
Behind the scenes look, inclding interviews with Fogerty, Hudson and Allen on the recording of "Proud Mary"
MAY 2013: Allen Toussaint Featured Among Top Stars On New John Fogerty Album
Allen Toussaint is featured on John Fogerty's new album, Wrote A Song For Everyone, out May 28, 2013 on Vanguard Records. In addition to Allen, the record also features a superstar lineup of special guests including Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Morello, My Morning Jacket, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and Rebirth Brass Band collaborating with Fogerty on some of his classic compositions. On the CD, Allen is featured alongside both Jennifer Hudson and Rebirth Brass Band on the track "Proud Mary".
Fogerty said about the new album "it's maybe the best thing I've ever done as far as making a record," and in an interview with USA Today he proclaimed, "it's just been probably the experience of a lifetime."
MAY 2013: Allen Toussaint To Receive Honorary Doctorate From Tulane University
Allen Toussaint received an honorary doctorate degree of Fine Arts at Tulane University's commencement ceremony on May 18th, 2013. Others recipients of honorary degrees at this year's ceremony include Dr. John, The Dalai Lama and Pulitzer Prize winner, Natasha Trethewey. His Holiness The Dalai Lama gave the keynote address at the commencement ceremony which took place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Honorary Doctorate Award is the highest award that Tulane University confers, and it is given "to individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary achievements" and to "recognize outstanding civic engagement that advances Tulane, New Orleans, the Gulf Coast or the world." Some of Toussaint's past accolades include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame; multiple GRAMMY nominations, and a GRAMMY Trustees Award. Actively touring the US and abroad, Toussaint continues his influential work and efforts to spread the musical culture of New Orleans.
APRIL 2013: Allen Toussaint's 75th Birthday Tribute Concert & Benefit Features All-Star Line-Up
Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Art Neville, Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Deacon John, Rosebud artist, Jon Cleary and more will perform at "Tribute to Toussaint," a benefit concert and tribute to Allen Toussaint celebrating his 75th birthday as well as his legacy and influence as a songwriter, performer, and producer. The event will be held at Harrah's Theater in New Orleans on April 30, 2013 at 8:30pm. Proceeds from the event will benefit New Orleans Artists Against Hunger & Homelessness, a non-profit organization that Toussaint co-founded with Aaron Neville in 1985. Toussaint has a history of working or performing with each of the artists involved in the tribute over the course of his long and highly influential career which includes multiple Grammy nominations and a Grammy Trustees Award, as well as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Toussaint himself is also expected to perform at the event where LAE Productions and WLAE-TV will be filming for their upcoming documentary about Toussaint. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit noaahh.org.
NOVEMBER 2012: Rosebud Artists Score High In DownBeat Readers Poll
A number of Rosebud artists made impressive showings in the 2012 DownBeat Readers Poll. In addition to Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews' win in the Trombone category and his record, For True, ranking in the Top Ten Jazz Albums of the Year, other Rosebud artists scored high in the poll.
Bill Frisell came in second as Best Guitarist (he won the category overall in the recent Downbeat critics poll - for the fourth consecutive year and 11th time in the past 15 years!) and ranked high in Best Jazz Artist of the Year and Composer categories, while his CD All We Are Saying... scored among the top dozen Jazz Albums of The Year. Allen Toussaint ranked in the top five in the Arranger category, while Bettye LaVette was listed among the top artists in the Blues Artist or Group category. Meshell Ndegeocello ranked high in the Beyond Artist or Group category, and her recent release Weather was ranked among the top choices in the Beyond Album category. Roger Lewis of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band also ranked among the best in the Baritone Saxophone category.
Muddy Waters, a Rosebud artist until his passing, was ranked among the top readers choices for the DownBeat Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to all the artists. To Catch These Artists Perform Live On Stage, See Tour Dates >>
SEPTEMBER 2012: Rosebud Artists Featured on Preservation Hall Jazz Band's 50th Anniversary Recording
Rosebud artists Allen Toussaint, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Trombone Shorty are featured on Preservation Hall Jazz Band's new CD, St. Peter & 57th St. The album, released September 25th on Rounder Records, was recorded at a live performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall this past January in New York City where Toussaint, The Blind Boys and Trombone Shorty joined PHJB on stage along with other special guests including Steve Earle, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), My Morning Jacket and GIVERS.
The release celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Preservation Hall and its mission of preserving the musical culture and heritage of New Orleans. A portion of the album's sale will benefit Preservation Hall's ongoing music outreach program to pass down the traditions of New Orleans music to younger generations.
Rolling Stone premiered the track "It Ain't My Fault" which features Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty and Yasiin Bey (a.k.a. Mos Def). "It Ain't My Fault," which PHJB, Bey and Shorty collaborated on in the past, has been a tool for protest in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and The BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. Click here to listen to the track on RollingStone.com.
To see Allen Toussaint, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue perform live, see Tour Dates >>
JULY 2012: Allen Toussaint, The Dirty Dozen and Jon Cleary - Legends Of New Orleans - The Sydney Opera House Pays Tribute
On September 28, 2011, Legends Of New Orleans - Allen Toussaint, The Dirty Dozen and Jon Cleary sold out the Sydney Opera House in their triumphant first major concert together Down Under. In this recently released video clip, the Sydney Opera House pays tribute as each of these singular artists describes their relationship to the city and the musicians that nurtured their music - New Orleans.
JULY 2012: Dr. John and Bill Frisell Are Winners In DownBeat Critics Poll! Marcia Ball, Bettye LaVette, Meshell Ndegeocello, Allen Toussaint and Trombone Shorty Also Named Among The Best
DownBeat Magazine's 60th Annual Critic's Poll (August 2012 issue) heralds wins for Dr. John in the Best Blues Artist or Group category while Bill Frisell wins Guitarist of the Year, scoring his fourth win in a row since 2009 and his 11th win in the past 15 years! Bill also ranked near the top in the Best Jazz Artist and Best Composer categories as well as for Jazz Album of the Year for his All We Are Saying CD. Dr. John also ranked in the top five for Beyond Artist or Group. Other Rosebud artists ranking high in the poll included Marcia Ball, Bettye LaVette, Meshell Ndegeocello, Allen Toussaint and Trombone Shorty.
Trombone Shorty joined Frisell in the Jazz Album of the Year category for his CD For True. In fact, Trombone Shorty scored high in seven categories including Best Trombone Player (ranking third), Rising Star Jazz Artist (also 3rd), Rising Star Jazz Group, Rising Star Trombone, Beyond Artist or Group, and Beyond Album. Also, appearing in the latter two categories is fellow Rosebud artist Meshell Ndegeocello.
Other Rosebud artists ranking high in the poll included Allen Toussaint for Best Arranger (second place), Bettye LaVette - Best Blues Artist or Group (top 5 ranking), and Marcia Ball - Best Blues Album category for Roadside Attractions.
Frisell's long-time collaborator, the late Paul Motian, was also inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame. Frisell worked with the legendary jazz drummer for three decades. Some of Bill Frisell's other frequent and current collaborators were named in the following categories - Ron Carter (Bass category), Jenny Scheinman (Best Violinist and Rising Star - Violin categories as well as Jazz Album of The Year), and Joey Baron - Best Drummer category. Bill's Manager and Producer as well as collaborator on 2012's Floratone II CD, Lee Townsend, was also named among the best in both Producer and Rising Star-Producer categories.
Congratulations to all the artists. Catch all the Rosebud artists performing live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
MAY 2012: Allen Toussaint, Ruthie Foster, Charlie Musselwhite and Marcia Ball Honored with Blues Music Awards
Ruthie Foster won the Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female of the Year, an honor awarded to her in 2011. In addition, Ruthie's Live at Antone's captured the DVD of the Year. Marcia Ball was honored with the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award making this her 5th win of her 14 previous Blues Music Award nominations in this category.
Formerly known as the W.C. Handy Awards, the BMAs were staged at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN, by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation. The annual event brings together Blues performers, industry representatives and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
One of the most influential figures in New Orleans music, Allen composed classic songs such as "Everything I Do Gohn Be Funky (From Now On)," "Fortune Teller," "Get Out of My Life Woman," "Mother in Law," "On Your Way Down," "Sneakin Sally Through the Alley," "Southern Nights," "Sweet Touch of Love," "Working in the Coal Mine" and "Yes We Can Can," to name just a few.
In addition to his own albums, Allen has produced, recorded, written for, arranged, and / or had his songs covered by scores of musicians. The esteemed list includes Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Band, Paul Simon, Jerry Garcia, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, LaBelle, Albert King, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, Etta James, Solomon Burke, The Pointer Sisters, Booker T. & the MG's, The Ohio Players, Harry Connick, Jr., fellow Rosebud artists the late Albert Collins, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty, Jon Clearyand (for international booking outside North America) Dr. John, as well as countless others.
DECEMBER 2011: Trombone Shorty Leads In Best of The Beat Awards With 8 Nominations. Irma Thomas, Jon Cleary, Michael Doucet and More Honored
Rosebud Artists have once again been honored with a plethora of nominations in the Best of The Beat Awards. The awards are presented by OffBeat magazine, recognizing the best of New Orleans music. Trombone Shorty lead all other artists with 8 nominations, including Artist of the Year; Album of the Year for For True; Song of the Year for "Do To Me"; Best R&B/Funk Artist; Best R&B/Funk Album for For True; Best Trombonist; Best Trumpeter and Best Music Video for "Do To Me." Last year Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue were honored with awards in 5 of these categories for both Artist (their 3rd) and Album of the Year as well as both Best R&B/Funk Artist (also their 3rd) and R&B/Funk Album in addition to Best Trombonist honors for Trombone Shorty. He has also received 2 previous awards for Best Trumpeter.
Irma Thomas is nominated once again for Best Female Vocalist. She won this award last year for the third year in a row. Irma is also one of the writers and a featured performer on Song of the Year nominee "Could Have Been Worse". The song is on the album Nine Lives - A Musical Adaptation by Colman DeKay and Paul Sanchez. Allen Toussaint is also featured on Nine Lives, which received additional nominations including Album of the Year and Best Roots Rock Album. Jon Cleary is nominated for Best Piano/Keyboardist for the fourth year in a row. His frequent band members James Singleton and Matt Perrine were also nominated for Best Bass Player and Best Tuba / Sousaphonist respectively.
BeauSoleil's Michael Doucet is nominated for Best Violinist/Fiddler, a category he has also won in past years. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band's Kirk Joseph is nominated for Best Tuba / Sousaphonist for the second year in a row.
In addition to the above, Papa Grows Funk's Needle In The Groove CD was Co-Produced by Rosebud artist, the legendary Allen Toussaint and also features "Big D" (Dwayne Williams) from Orleans Avenue. The CD is nominated for Best R&B / Funk Album. Congratulations to all the nominees!
Best of The Beat Award Nominees are selected by the editors and writers of OffBeat and voted on by the public. To vote and for more information on the awards click here. The awards take place January 27, 2012 at Generations Hall in New Orleans. Catch all the nominees live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
DECEMBER 2011: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Allen Toussaint and Trombone Shorty To Join Preservation Hall Jazz Band's 50th Anniversary at Carnegie Hall January 7, 2012
With a mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been carrying their distinctive sound around the world on behalf of Preservation Hall, a unique venue that embodies the city's musical legacy. With a cast of musicians schooled through first-hand experience and apprenticeship into the music's historic traditions, Pres Hall has served as a vital link to the earliest days of one of America's most beloved forms of popular music.
Catch The Blind Boys, Allen and Trombone Shorty performing individually, please see Tour Dates >>
NOVEMBER 2011: Charlie Musselwhite and Allen Toussaint Join Cyndi Lauper on The Rosie Show and Both Featured on Cyndi Lauper DVD/CD To Memphis, With Love
Charlie Musselwhite and Allen Toussaint recently joined Cyndi Lauper on The Rosie Show (hosted by Rosie O'Donnell) which airs on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The trio performed "Shattered Dreams," the first song from Cyndi's recently released DVD/CD, To Memphis, With Love. Check out The Rosie Show clip here >>
Charlie and Allen are also both featured guests on Cyndi's new DVD/CD, recorded at a concert earlier this year in Memphis. It draws on material from Cyndi's GRAMMY nominated 2010 album Memphis Blues, on which Charlie and Allen are also featured guests. Charlie has been touring extensively as a featured performer in Cyndi's band.
NOVEMBER 2011: Rosebud Artists Score DownBeat Readers Poll Honors Once Again
Rosebud Artists once again were honored by fans in this year's DownBeat magazineReaders Poll (December issue), with Bill Frisell, Trombone Shorty (who's also featured in this issue's cover story), Allen Toussaint, Dr. John (who Rosebud represents for International booking outside the U.S. and Canada), Bettye LaVette, Charlie Musselwhite and Mavis Staples all placing high in a number of categories.
Bill Frisell scored high in three categories, placing in the top 10 Jazz Albums of the Year for Beautiful Dreamers, in the top 5 for Best Guitarist (a category he has won 3 times in the past) and among the Best Beyond Albums for his collaboration with Vinicius Cantuária, Lagrimas Mexicanas.
Dr. John, Bettye LaVette and Charlie Musselwhite were honored in two categories each. They were all voted among the top Best Blues Artists. In addition, Dr. John was among the Best Beyond Artists, Bettye's Interpretations - The British Rock Songbook was among the Best Beyond Albums and Charlie's The Well was voted among the Best Blues Albums.
Congratulations to all! Catch all of these artists individually live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
JULY 2011: A Big Thanks To HBO's Treme For Again Featuring Rosebud Artists In Their 2ND Season: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John, Jon Cleary, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Music by Allen Toussaint
A big thanks to HBO's Treme series for once again featuring Rosebud artists throughout their season. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John, Jon Cleary, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and music by Allen Toussaint all played a role in the second season. In the first episode of the season, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band are featured performing with Galactic and Juvenile at Tipitina's (available on iTunes video here.) The closing credits' music in that episode is Dr. John's rendition of "Accentuate The Positive." (Rosebud represents Dr. John for International booking representation outside the U.S. and Canada)
The second episode is titled "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky," named after Allen Toussaint's composition. The Dirty Dozen's version of this song plays during a Thanksgiving Day montage. In addition, The Dozen's "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" plays on the jukebox at Gigi's (the bar owned by a main character, LaDonna).
The third episode is once again named after an Allen Toussaint song, "On Your Way Down," and it can be heard playing on the jukebox as LaDonna closes Gigi's. Yet another of Allen's songs, "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley," is played in rehearsal by main character Antoine Batiste's band Soul Apostles. Also, Allen's "Tipitina and Me" is the featured music in the closing credits of the ninth episode.
In another one of the bands in the show, Brassy Knoll (the Davis McAlary character's project), Kirk Joseph of The Dirty Dozen is featured as the tuba player. Later in the season, Dr. John becomes a central character to a recording project by the Delmond Lambreaux character with his father Chief Lambreaux.
Jon Cleary is prominently featured performing in episode ten. He plays his unreleased song "Frenchmen Street Blues" at the venue Chickie Wah Wah for characters Annie and Davis in memory their slain friend Harley (Steve Earle). Later, Dr. John's "I Thought I Heard New Orleans Say" plays as Annie and Davis clear out Harley's belongings from his house.
In the final episode of the season, the Antoine character chats with Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews at Jazz Fest. The two shared a number of scenes in Season One.
Thanks again to Treme and congratulations on another great season! We look forward to watching Season Three. Check out all these artists perform individually live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
JULY 2011: Bill Frisell Honored With 10TH DownBeat Critics Poll Win For Guitarist of the Year - Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Bettye LaVette, Dr. John, Charlie Musselwhite, Mavis Staples Also Recognized
Bill Frisell has been honored for the tenth time in fourteen years as Guitarist of the Year in the DownBeat Critics Poll (August 2011 issue). This is Bill's third win in a row as Best Guitarist. Bill was also recognized in the Beyond Album category with Vinicius Cantuária for their duo album, Lagrimas Mexicanas. In addition, Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Bettye LaVette, Dr. John, Charlie Musselwhite and Mavis Staples were all also recognized in the Critics Poll.
Allen Toussaint was named in the Arranger category; Trombone Shorty was recognized in both the Trombone and Rising Star: Trombone categories. Bettye LaVette, Dr. John and Charlie Musselwhite were all named in the Blues Artist category. Charlie received an additional nod in the Blues Album category, while Dr. John was also named in the Beyond Artist category. Mavis Staples and Bettye LaVette were both recognized in the Beyond Album category. The late Muddy Waters (a Rosebud artist until his passing) was also named as one of the finalists for induction into the Hall of Fame.
As usual, many of Bill Frisell's frequent and recent collaborators were also honored: Jason Moran was awarded Jazz Artist Of The Year, Jazz Album Of The Year, and Piano of the Year, as well as being named in the Rising Star: Jazz Artist, Composer and Rising Star: Composer categories; Joe Lovano Us Five was awarded Jazz Group of the Year and Joe was also named in the Jazz Artist, Jazz Album, Soprano and Tenor Saxophone categories; Paul Motian was awarded Drummer of the Year and he was also named in the Hall of Fame and Jazz Artist categories; Dave Holland was awarded Acoustic Bass of the Year and was named in the Jazz Album, Composer, Arranger and Jazz Group categories; Jenny Scheinman was named in the Violin category; and Bill's Manager and Producer, Lee Townsend, was named in both the Producer and Rising Star: Producer categories.
Congratulations to all the artists! Catch all the Rosebud artists performing live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
JUNE 2011: Allen Toussaint and Meshell Ndegeocello Featured on Madeleine Peyroux's Newly Released Album, Standing On The Rooftop
Allen Toussaint and Meshell Ndegeocello are both featured on multi-platinum Vocalist, Madeleine Peyroux's recently released new album, Standing On The Rooftop. In addition to Allen and Meshell, the album also features contributions from guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), drummer Charley Drayton (Neil Young, Johnny Cash), guitarist Chris Bruce (Seal, John Legend), and was produced by Craig Street (Norah Jones, k.d. lang and Cassandra Wilson).
This is Madeleine's fifth solo album and she wrote most of the songs herself, though she collaborated with former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman on one song and with violinist Jenny Scheinman (a regular collaborator with Rosebud artist Bill Frisell) on "The Things I've Seen Today." The New York Times has noted that Madeleine Peyroux "has branched out to refine an enigmatic, low-key personal style that is all her own."
JUNE 2011: Dr. John, Allen Toussaint & The Meters Revisit The Dr.'s 1974 Album Desitively Bonnaroo at 10th Annual Bonnaroo Fest PLUS Dr. John Heads Up Fest's Super Jam with the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach
Dr. John, Allen Toussaint& The Meters reunited and revisited Dr. John's 1974 album Desitively Bonnaroo in it's entirety at the 10th Annual Bonnaroo Festival on June 11th. In addition, Dr. John led Bonnaroo's Super Jam on June 12th with collaborator Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. (Rosebud represents Dr. John for International booking representation outside the U.S. and Canada)
The Tennessee festival named itself after Desitively Bonnaroo, an album which united Dr. John with The Meters as his backing band and was helmed by producer Allen Toussaint (who also contributed keyboards, percussion, arrangements and background vocals). The musicians had all worked together on Dr. John's previous record, In the Right Place. The Nashville Scene said of the set that they played "with plenty of swampy funk and Crescent City soul. For fans of New Orleans music, this was like a jam session among the heads on Mount Rushmore."
The following day, Dr. John and Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys led Bonnaroo's annual Super Jam. The set largely focused on Night-Tripper-era (1968-71) Dr. John material ("Jump Sturdy," "Black John the Conqueror," "Mama Roux," "I Walk on Guilded Splinters"). They were joined by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and two drummers: Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket) and Max Weissenfeldt (of the German rare-groove band Poets of Rhythm). The New York Time's Ben Ratliff praised the set, writing "Oh, it was good... They played the kind of funk that raises no sweat... Something went very right; the atmosphere grew charmed and spooky... There were few solos and no need for them. I hope they pile into a studio tomorrow and record it."
APRIL 2011: Allen Toussaint and Irma Thomas to Sing National Anthem at NBA Playoff Game Between L.A. Lakers @ New Orleans Hornets Thursday April 28
Allen Toussaint and Irma Thomas will sing the National Anthem at the NBA First Round Playoff Game 6, pitting the L.A. Lakers against New Orleans Hornets, on Thursday April 28. The game is scheduled to air on the TNT network at 8pm EST. The Lakers lead the series 3 - 2. The game comes on the eve of this year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 4/29 - 5/8/11. Both Allen and Irma will be playing multiple shows in and around Jazz Fest.
On 5/5, Allen will play 2 solo shows at Snug Harbor where he will debut some new jazz pieces. On 5/7, he'll perform on the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest directly preceding Jimmy Buffett's closing set. Irma will be the featured performer at the Touro Synagogue Jazz Fest Shabbat on 4/29. On 4/30, she'll play the Acura Stage at the Fest directly preceding Bon Jovi's closing set. On 5/5, Irma will also perform as part of Down on the Bayou III, the New Orleans Musicians Clinic Benefit, at The Howlin' Wolf. The next day on 5/6 she'll play the Fest's Gospel Tent in the 100th Birthday Celebration for Mahalia Jackson w/ guest John Boutté.
APRIL 2011: Irma Thomas, Dr. John and Arrangements by Allen Toussaint Featured on Forthcoming Album by Hugh Laurie (Star of FOX TV's House)
Irma Thomas, Dr. John and horn arrangements by Allen Toussaint are all featured on a forthcoming album by Hugh Laurie (likely known to Americans primarily for his starring role in FOX TV's House series. He's also been a successful comedic actor in his native UK since the late 1980's). The album, Let Them Talk, will be released in the UK May 9, 2011 with a US release to follow in the Fall. Recorded in Los Angeles and New Orleans, the album is a celebration of New Orleans music.
The Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas, is featured on two tracks collaborating with Hugh (who plays piano, guitar and sings on the album). On one, "Baby, Please Make A Change" Irma is also accompanied by Tom Jones. "You don't get much better than her," Hugh said of Irma in a recent interview in Guitar Aficionado.
Dr. John is featured on "After You've Gone." Hugh explained in the same interview, "I absolutely worship Dr. John. He's an absolute god on the piano." The legendary Allen Toussaint contributes horn arrangements throughout the album. The project was produced by Joe Henry (Solomon Burke, Elvis Costello, Bettye LaVette, Allen Toussaint, Loudon Wainwright III, among others).
Hugh offers an amusingly humble explanation of the record: "I was not born in Alabama in the 1890s. You may as well know this now. I've never eaten grits, cropped a share, or ridden a boxcar. No gypsy woman said anything to my mother when I was born and there's no hellhound on my trail, as far as I can judge. Let this record show that I am a white, middle-class Englishman, openly trespassing on the music and myth of the American south.
If that weren't bad enough, I'm also an actor... Worst of all, I've broken a cardinal rule of art, music, and career paths: actors are supposed to act, and musicians are supposed to music. That's how it works. You don't buy fish from a dentist, or ask a plumber for financial advice, so why listen to an actor's music? The answer is - there is no answer. If you care about provenance and genealogy, then you should try elsewhere, because I have nothing in your size."
Catch Irma, Allen and Dr. John (who recently joined Rosebud for International booking representation outside the U.S. and Canada) performing individually live on stage, including shows by all three at and around the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For more info, please see Tour Dates >>
APRIL 2011: Allen Toussaint Featured In All Star Benefit: Harmony for Health, Unity for the Gulf Concert April 20 at New Orleans' House of Blues
The evening features artists from music and film as well as other concerned citizens including Kevin Costner and Modern West, Voices of the Wetlands featuring Tab Benoit, The All Star Band (featuring Kenny Aronoff, Oliver Leiber, Aaron Hersey, Scott Page, & Martin Guigui), Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Johnny Vidacovich, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Johnny Sansone and Waylon Thibodeaux, James Carville, Jose Hendrix,Frances Beinecke President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Robin Mann President of the Sierra Club, Dr. Ira Leifer Chief Mission Coordinating Scientist for NASA Gulf Mission, Environmental Attorney Stuart Smith, Bonny Schumacher (NASA/JPL) Founder Wings of Care, Daryl Hannah, Dr. Riki Ott, Senator Robert Graham, Co-chair of the President's National Oil Spill Commission, and other special guests.
A special sneak trailer of the upcoming film The Big Fix directed by Josh Tickell from GreenPlanet Productions will be screened and a major international effort to address industry spin in media unveiled. The Sierra Club, the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and WWOZ New Orleans are among those sponsoring the event.
All the proceeds will go to The Oil Spill Memorial Fund administered by the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation and the Gulf Coast Fund. The fund will benefit Gulf Coast grass-roots NGO's to pay for desperately needed medical care for victims of the oil spill through medical clinics for humans including vision and dental, and veterinary services for animals with 2 full-service clinics scheduled to be operational in May; one in Louisiana and one in Alabama. Due in part to a lack of media attention, but owing more to an aggressive campaign by BP to ensure that medical providers and government officials do not acknowledge the problem, the vast majority of the American public is unaware the true extent of health impacts on people and animals along the effected regions of the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.
Catch Allen performing live on stage, including at and around the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, please see Tour Dates >>
