Clarinetist Evan Christopher spends most of every summer on the road bringing his talent and focus on New Orleans music around the world. He returns tonight for a show in the Ramp Room at the Little Gem Saloon.
I had the good fortune to check out Warren Wolf and Wolfpack at the relatively new venue last week, and thought that I would fill readers in on this wonderful space.
The Ramp Room is upstairs in a historic building that dates back to the earliest days of jazz. There’s an elevator, but walking the stairs puts you in front of dozens of photographs of jazz greats.
The room is arguably the most intimate space in New Orleans. It only holds just under 90 patrons for a sit down show. A small number of tables are right up front by the low stage. Further back, there are a few tall tables affording great sight lines to the stage. The bar is at the very back of the room with standing room space. The view at the bar is also one of the best in the house.
The room is well-lit with table candles and a reddish glow that is evocative of a bordello in days of old without the prurient focus. The sound was impeccable on the night I attended.
The club has gone through some growing pains, but they are on track now with great shows scheduled throughout the fall. I recommend you check it out.
