Dear Listener,
Every which way you look, winter this year wants to be spring — it’s warm enough that I’m still buying fresh Louisiana strawberries in the grocery. The Phorty Phunny Phellows took their street car ride — which means Mardi Gras has already started.
And ‘OZ will be blooming early with loads of live music broadcasts — lots more than last. Expect to see additional improvements and more features on our website as it continues to grow into its own, with a bigger selection in the Swamp Shop, as well as a wider involvement with community groups that are making a difference.
We’re feeling like 2008 is a great year for WWOZ to stretch out in some major ways. And we are asking for your help as we build new features and services. If there is any other thing that you’ve always wanted ‘OZ to cover or something cool you just thought up, please contact us at editor@wwoz.org. Too much ain’t enough when it comes to supporting the roots music of New Orleans.
Yours in kudzu,
David Freedman
General Manager
The Emperor Has A Hit
Ernie K-Doe, the Emperor of the Universe, has a new hit. One of the hottest commercials during the holiday season was for a British drug store ad using the song “Here Come the Girls,” a 1970 recording by New Orleans' own Ernie K-Doe. The song was close to being a Christmas No. 1 hit, even though Ernie K-Doe passed away on July 5, 2001. You can see a video of the commercial and learn more on the WWOZ website.
Show us Your Flag!
What have you done with your flag premium from the last membership drives? Is it hanging in the hall? Is it on your balcony? Are there mountains behind your 'OZ flag? Send us a small digital image of your WWOZ flag and we’ll put the best up on the WWOZ.org website. If it’s the best of the best, you’ll get a wonderful CD from a New Orleans musician. Send your images to contests@wwoz.org. Include your name, phone number and mailing address. All entries received by 9:00 a.m. February 7th will be considered. The winner will be contacted by email during the following week.
Come take a look at the flag pictures that people have sent so far.
It’s Carnival Time
If it's your first or your 65th, there is always fun to be had during the Carnival season. It’s an early Mardi Gras this year, (Feb. 5th) so the Carnival season will also start early this year. The first parade in the city will be Saturday, January the 19th with the always funny and naughty, Krewe De Vieux. Read more about WWOZ’s plans for 2008 Carnival broadcasts and fun.
Top Ten CDs of 2007
At the beginning of the New Year, many show hosts on WWOZ take a look back at some of their favorites from the previous year. Here’s a taste of two lists from two our hosts. To read more about these lists and others and to submit your own, take a look at our show hosts' picks for Best CDs of 2007 on the 'OZ website.
From George Ingmire, host of the Wednesday New Orleans Music Show:
Best New Orleans Albums of 2007
- Rotary Downs — Chained to the Chariot — Rookery Records
George says: A sonic statement with a heart to boot. One night, I drove back from Mississippi to New Orleans listening to this CD with “Blacktown” on repeat. You could easily do this with the rest of recording.
- Illusion Fields — Dirge for the Deluge — Independent
This collection consists of Moose Jackson, a poet, collaborating with New Orleans musicians — Mark Bingham (also the producer), Helen Gillet, Michael Skinkus, Mary Go Round, Vavavoom, Sneaky Pete, Hart McNee and many others. This CD is literally handmade by Moose and a must for the lover of spoken word.
T.R. Johnson, host of the Tuesday "Jazz From the Market" show shared not only his top jazz CDs, but also his favorite re-issues and some honorable mentions. Here are the top ones from each category.
Best Jazz Album of 2007
Fred Anderson & Hamid Drake — From the River to the Ocean — Thrill Jockey
Best Jazz Re-Issue Of 2007
Miles Davis — The Complete On-the-Corner Sessions — Sony Legacy
Very Honorable Mention
Magnetic Ear — Live at the Saturn Bar — Independent
WWOZ Street Talk: The Voice Of New Orleans Culture
Street Talk reporter Marie Lovejoy will debut her first piece for the Street Talk series. Marie’s story features the food talk program which works with local schools to help educate students on how to eat healthy and where families can go to find healthy groceries in and around local neighborhoods in New Orleans.
In the coming weeks and months Street Talk will be airing some great stories covering eveything from Mardi Gras Indians to the lives of local street musicians. Check out Street Talk to listen and learn more.
Other Links
WWOZ Swamp Shop
Make sure to bookmark this spot as we’ll be adding more 'OZ merchandise that every WWOZ listener would love to own. If you’ve got an idea for something neat to put the 'OZ logo on, let us know, as we’re always open to new ideas. Visit our Swamp Shop store on eBay to get your 'OZ swag.
Playlists Online
You can now view playlists from WWOZ’s show hosts online. Also on the website are profiles of many show hosts, including photos and bios. We plan to add more later so check back often.
WWOZ Schedule
Our program schedule is now on our website.
New Orleans Music Calendar
There’s live music in locations all around New Orleans. We’ve got a music calendar online.
