exposed

Snug Harbor’s sign

How excited I was to have a perfect reason to be in New Orleans. One of my most favorite friends John Ellis was playing with his band for the first time at the Snug Harbor. John used lived here some years ago. His personal relationship with the city was the crucial reason why it was important to make the trip. I wanted him to introduce me to the city that he loves. I want to get a better idea, also intellectually as he offers, of what was next for this place.

After getting a rental car from the airport, I went directly to meet up with John. We got to stay at his friend’s place who was out of town. The apartment was in an old brewery in the warehouse district. There was a convenient little adorable coffee shop across the street. I’d been by New Orleans before some 15 or so years ago taking a ground detour heading to Jackson, MS. but I never got a chance to look around. This time I was constantly reminded of the possible burglaries and robberies, another cost from the Katrina catastrophe.

Both of John’s parents were in town from North Carolina. I was excited to meet them. I heard a little bit about them before from John’s childhood references, growing up in a huge tobacco farm. As I expected, they were incredibly nice. His dad was a pastor, and his mother was a teacher. We also met up with John’s friend Judy. I quickly became fans of all of them.

Since my flight was delayed, I missed their gig in Baton Rouge on Friday night. It turned out to be okay,… all things considered. I tagged along John and drove around a little bit, meeting some of his friends. The show at Snug Harbor well attended (if not sold out?) The venue has a bar in the front and a separate room in the back. They played 2 sets…. some people actually danced. I supposed it’s appropriate, since this album is named “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” after all. I love these guys.

John Ellis

New Orleans resident Judy

John Ellis, his parents, and his friend Judy waiting for the best food

John Ellis & Double Wide instruments

John Ellis preparing music

John's right hand

Matt Perrine - New Orleans sousaphonist

Jason Marsalis - New Orleans Drummer

John introducing music

Gary Versace - New York organist/accordionist

John talking

resting saxophone

How excited I was to finally make the case to be in New York for the first time. John Ellis needs some publicity photos done for his upcoming new release with the Double Wide (album purchase highly recommended!) His new band consists of him on saxophone, Matt Perrine on the sousaphone, Gary Versace on organ, and Jason Marsalis on drums. That’s half New Yorkers, half New Orleaners as a band. John’s background for being from North Carolina, having lived in New Orleans, and currently residing in Brooklyn, his music showcase ALL that. I love this album so much that I would do anything to support it – including making a stop to see him in Brooklyn when I was sh*t faced broke, before I head out to Chicago for my next thing.

John in Brooklyn Park

John at Coney Island

John at the Brooklyn Park

John clowning around

John at home before a gig

We ran around in the park, and hopped on the subway to Coney Island and did some few shots there. John then had to get back and prepare to go to this gig on Valentine’s day. The Gig was at the 55 Bar. I walked about a mile from the Stone to catch them here. It was a little hard to find, I kept walking passed it. 

Todd Sickafoose at 55 Bar

Alan Ferber plays trombone on the same gig

Mike Gamble

Adam Levy