Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a quintessential American institution. The immensely talented members of the Preservation Hall collective take their charge to “Protect, Preserve, Perpetuate New Orleans Jazz” very seriously. Whether it’s the hallowed ground of Preservation Hall, or stages around the world, these musicians spread not only the music, but the history of jazz. Of course, this time of year brings the Creole Christmas celebration which made its way to Hartford, CT.
Please scroll below for MisplacedStraws’ exclusive Preservation Hall Jazz Band live photos and review –
There is a special feeling in the room from the moment that the members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band walk on stage. The surprisingly sparse crowd, which ranged in age from young children there with parents to those who could have been their grandparents, became a sea of smiles in a wave of joy. The first notes of brass, piano, upright bass, and drums got people of all ages dancing in their seats.
The night was split into two sets, which almost gave the feel of being in Preservation Hall. Each set was a little under an hour, which is similar to the set time at the Hall. Each set featured a mix of New Orleans jazz favorites like “None of My Jellyroll”, “Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing”, “Rich Woman”, and others along with the main reason many were there, the band’s Creole Christmas covers such as “Oh Christmas Tree”, “Bells Will Be Ringing”, and many more.
Trumpeter Brandon Lewis, whose grandfather McKinley “Li’l” Millet cowrote “Rich Woman”, serves as the emcee for the evening, ably assisted by the most tenured member of the band, saxophonist Clint Maedgen. Lewis and Maedgen are not just there to entertain, but they also help educate. Both members would give anecdotes on the history of the band and the songs they were playing while encouraging the audience to dig into some of the pioneers of New Orleans jazz, such as Sweet Emma Barrett. Lewis was also quick to point out the accomplishments of his bandmates, including Grammy noms for trombonist Ronell Johnson and piano player Kyle Roussel.
As the night came to an end, Lewis mentioned they would play the song the band receives the most requests for, the iconic “When The Saints Go Marching In”. The song morphed into a few other jazz classics as the crowd rose to its feet before the band brought it back. It is simply not possible to leave a Preservation Hall Jazz Band show without a smile on your face. These are world-class musicians playing a supremely American art form, entertaining and educating along the way. In order to truly understand the people and the history of New Orleans and the south, you have to know the origins of this music. This music tells a story, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band ensures it’ll never be forgotten.
