This time on “Drop the Needle,” Preservation Hall Jazz Band bassist, tubist, and Creative Director Ben Jaffe dives deep into his formative influences and shares his memories and emotions about a cross-section of adventurous jazz and a New Orleans pop classic.

“The past and promise of American music” (Rolling Stone), Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a true New Orleans institution that defines the tradition of Crescent City music.

Founded in 1961 by tuba player Allan Jaffe, the PHJB was formed to preserve the city’s priceless musical heritage and give their veteran musicians a place to play, and it instantly attracted players linked to the glory days of the 1920s. Now run by Jaffe’s son, tuba player Ben Jaffe, the group features a wealth of New Orleans talent, including versatile singer and instrumentalist Clint Maedgen, pianist Kyle Roussel, and trombonist Ronell Johnson, who joined the band in 2012.

Under the younger Jaffe’s direction, the band has remained timelessly relevant, recording and sharing the stage with the likes of Allen Toussaint, the Foo Fighters, Tom Waits, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Dr. John, My Morning Jacket, Beck, and others.

For their tireless work in performance, promotion, and preservation of New Orleans music and their commitment to education initiatives, we honored Preservation Hall with the Lifetime Achievement Award at SFJAZZ Gala 2018.

TRACK LISTING

1. “Potato Head Blues” - Louis Armstrong & His Hot Seven (1927)
2. “Tricrotism” - Lucky Thompson & Oscar Pettiford from Tricrotism (1956)
3. “Track A – Solo Dancer” - Charles Mingus from The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (1965)
4. “Pinocchio” - Miles Davis from Nefertiti (1968)
5. “Tomorrow is the Question” - Ornette Coleman from Tomorrow is the Question (1959)
6. “Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya” - Dr. John from Gris Gris (1968)