Henry Roland Byrd, aka Professor Longhair, is an internationally known icon of the piano. This concert at Tipitina’s featuring two of his internationally known acolytes is a benefit to raise funds to renovate his family’s home in the lower Garden District.
As is fitting in a club that is named for a “Fess” song, the band that will support Jackson and Laurie reads like a who’s who of New Orleans music.
Jon Cleary, another internationally known icon of the piano, will man the keys. The rhythm section also includes George Porter Jr., Shannon Powell and Detroit Brooks on guitar. Check this horn section—Donald Harrison, Jr. on saxophone, Mark Mullins on trombone, and Tracy Griffin on trumpet.
With the exception of Porter, none of these musicians are old enough to have performed with Longhair. But they are all versed in his catalog of music. The above video features Porter, along with the rest of the Meters, backing “Fess.”
The same can be said for Laurie and Jackson. Laurie included “Tipitina” on his latest release. Jackson (pictured above) has always been a voracious student of virtually every musical style. They join Cleary on a long list of British musicians that revere New Orleans music.
100 % of the proceeds will be used to restore the building on Terpsichore Street, which is still a mess from the destruction of Katrina eight years ago.
