We're like a show band that plays New Orleans music: everything's tight and there's no down time to explain what we're doing." "The band has always had great players," Clark says, "but what I bring to the table is the conviction that people want to be entertained they don't want a history lesson. He brought integral experience from playing at Disney World and booking shows for Toronto venues with him. Clark, who had previously served a thirteen-year tenure in the band before leaving in 2002, returned to take the helm in 2010. They opened their own nightclub later that year in the French Quarter and have been a New Orleans institution ever since, taking up residency on the Steamboat Natchez in 1992. The modern DUKES of Dixieland trace their history back 41 years, when trumpeter and cornetist Connie Jones left Pete Fountain's band to reform the band. It's the difference between grabbing a po'boy and eating a fine meal at Commander's Palace." "There's something about every song that we do that makes it different than any other band. "Every night I hear, 'This is what we came to New Orleans for,'" Clark says. Made up of well-studied musicians with hundreds of songs in their repertoire and countless performances under their belt, the DUKES make it a point to balance their virtuosity with that grit, never losing sight of the elements that make the Big Easy special. "It's 'dirt under your fingernails' music." "I think all of New Orleans music has a certain feel, a grittiness, to it," he says. That term is surprisingly hard to define, even for a longtime resident like Clark. Maybe that's because they don't expect us to make a departure from traditional jazz, though everything we do keeps one foot planted in New Orleans music." "You can see them light up when we play those particular songs they're fan favorites. "All the tunes that we do on the new album are songs that the guests that we play for every day enjoy listening to," Clark says. The DUKES play the dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez seven nights a week, 45 weeks a year - and on their "time off" play 30 dates a year with orchestras and at festivals and performing arts centers in the U.S. It captures that over-the-top New Orleans vibe."īefore they ever reached those Jazz Fest ears, however, these songs were audience-tested in front of local and international audiences. We always get a good response out there, and when that many people scream and yell, it's inspiring and amps the band up even more. "Playing for that crowd, you know that when they're applauding and into it, you're doing it right. ![]() Performing for the always-enthusiastic Jazz Fest crowd brings something special to the band's well-honed sound, according to trumpet player and bandleader Kevin Clark. The band's R&B-focused set was recorded in front of a riotous crowd of thousands in the Jazz & Heritage Festival's Economy Hall Tent, named for the former home of an early twentieth century mutual aid and benefit society. There are also several Duke Ellington pieces - which might seem to be an unlikely fit until you hear the ensemble's down-home, Latin Jazz reinventions of the legendary composer's work. ![]() John, and Huey "Piano" Smith as well as spiritual compatriots including Tom Waits and Jerry Lee Lewis. ![]() ![]() On Live at 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, that "know it when you hear it" style is represented by hometown heroes like Louis Prima, Allen Toussaint, Dr. Best known for the traditional jazz sound implied by their name, the DUKES of Dixieland casts a wide net to present the stunning diversity and celebratory soul of New Orleans music. The repertoire may come as a surprise to those who haven't caught one of the band's renowned nightly performances on the Steamboat Natchez, their home base on the Mississippi River for more than twenty years. Due out September 18, the album spotlights the versatility and range of the iconic band with a set of classic Crescent City R&B and Latin-tinged jazz, all performed with crack timing and boisterous spirit. One of New Orleans' flagship groups is captured live at the city's flagship event on The DUKES of Dixieland's rollicking new release, Live at 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. DUKES of Dixieland Announce New Album: Live at 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Available September 18
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