The birthplace of jazz – no less, The Big Easy, The Crescent City. Straddling the Mississippi River and often referred to as the single most unique city in America, New Orleans is a legend unto itself. Famous for its music, its cuisine, its Mardi Gras, its voo-doo and of course, its nightlife, from the bottom of Bourbon St all the way up through the French Quarter – New Orleans’ role in the history of jazz and blues is undisputed. And now, from the city where it all began, the penultimate celebration of rhythm, jazz and blues is headed to Australia.
The inaugural ‘Legends Of New Orleans’ tour sees some of New Orleans most influential and revered musical figures of all time, all on one stage, in Australia, for the first time EVER. Featuring a massive 17 musician strong touring party direct from N’awlins to some of Australia’s landmark venues (The Opera House, Palace Theatre and more – please see footer for full details), the tour stands as one of the biggest events of its kind on the 2011 Australian touring calendar.
Heading to Australia for the ‘Legends of New Orleans’ tour are:
· Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Allen Toussaint & friends – in his first ever Australian tour !!!
· The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – only other Australian performances since their Sydney Festival show in 2006
· Jon Cleary – a favorite on the Oz touring circuit, Cleary is back with his powerhouse new band The Philthy Phew
Allen Toussaint with Friends
“When I meet someone like Allen Toussaint – that for me is like meeting, you know, someone the equivalent of the Dalai Lama because for me, he influenced the way I played the piano, he’s a historical part of rock and roll.” – Elton John (on Elvis Costello’s Spectacle)
Hailed around the world as one of the defining voices of rock, rhythm and blues, legendary pianist, vocalist, producer and songwriting genius Allen Toussaint has crossed many paths in his illustrious 40 years plus career. He has produced, written for, arranged, had his songs covered by, and performed with music giants Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle, Mac “Dr. John” Rebannac, Aaron and Art Neville, The Judds, Joe Cocker, The (original) Meters, Glen Campbell, The Band, Little Feat, The Rolling Stones, Devo, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, Eric Gale and the countless others. He has been compared by Elton John to the Dalai Lama because of the way he “influenced the way I played the piano, [and] he’s a historical part of rock and roll.” His influence and legacy stretches far across modern music history.
Having been born and lived most of his life in New Orleans, as a composer, performer, and arranger in the 60s and 70s he helped established the soul and funk that we know today. His contribution was formally recognised in 1998 with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
“A modern omnivorous brass-band that embraces be-bop, funk, and rhythm-and-blues…irresistible.” – New York Times
If you missed The Dirty Dozen Brass Band during Sydney Festival recently, don’t do it again! Featured guests on albums by artists including David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, Dr. John and the Black Crowes. The Dirty Dozen formed in 1977 and revolutionised the New Orleans brass band style by incorporating funk and bebop into the traditional New Orleans style. They have been a major influence on the majority of New Orleans brass bands since. Thirty years later, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances. They have revitalized the brass band in New Orleans and around the world, progressing from local parties, clubs, baseball games and festivals in their early years to touring nearly constantly in the U.S. and over 30 other countries across five continents.
Jon Cleary & The Philthy Phew
“Jon Cleary is the ninth wonder in the world.” – Bonnie Raitt
In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans ‘piano professors,’ Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Jon Cleary is a triple threat, combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances a career performing on solo piano, playing with noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen and his new power trio The Philthy Phew, with a career as a notorious hired gun for artists such as Bonnie Raitt and John Scofield. Cleary is featured on vocals and keyboards on the recently released, Piety Street by John Scofield & The Piety Street Band. Cleary has toured with Bonnie Raitt since 1999, and has appeared on the albums Silver Lining and Souls Alike. On these recordings, Raitt covered the Cleary originals, ‘Fool’s Game,’ ‘Monkey Business,’ ‘Unnecessarily Mercenary,’ and ‘Love on One Condition.’
The ‘Legends of New Orleans’ tour will provide an annual Australian event showcasing some of New Orleans greatest talents, both established and up and coming.
TOUR DATES
Tickets On Sale Fri July 15th
September 28th @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW
Tix: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
September 30th @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle NSW *
Tix: www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au
October 1st & 2nd @ Bellingen Global Carnival *
Tix: www.globalcarnival.com
October 5th @ The Palace Theatre, Melbourne VIC
Tix: www.ticketek.com.au
October 6th @ The Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide SA
Tix: www.venuetix.com.au
October 7th @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle WA
Tix: www.heatseeker.com.au
October 8th & 9th @ Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra QLD
Tix: www.caloundramusicfestival.com
* Denotes The Dirty Dozen Brass Band & Jon Cleary performing only.
www.allentoussaint.com
www.dirtydozenbrass.com
www.joncleary.com
