AUTHENTIC JAZZ from NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
AVAILABLE FROM TRIO TO SIX PIECE BAND
MUSIC FOR EVERY OCCASION
It was in the sixties that Brian Carrick became interested in New Orleans music, after hearing a record of Bessie Smith singing ''Young Woman Blues''.
AUTHENTIC NEW ORLEANS JAZZ
After reading a music paper article about George Lewis, the Kitty Halls and Preservation Hall Opening, Brian decided to write to George Lewis in New Orleans, to find out more about the music and musical history of this city. George and Brian corresponded until George Lewis died on New Years Eve 1968. By then, however, Brian had met George many times during the tours he made in England and talked with him about the early day's in New Orleans, and also listened at first hand to this Master of music and musical heritage of this city in the deep Southern state of Louisiana.
Brian went down to New Orleans to listen and learn this music in the Cresent City itself. For the following 43 years Brian has continued to return each year to New Orleans, to play with and record with the City's TOP Musician's as well as soak up the musical atmosphere of this unique city, and listen and learn.
Brian has visited George Lewis's home on DeArmes Street, on many occasions, reminiscing with George's daughter Shirley, about the old days in New Orleans, about her Uncle Willie ("Bunk Johnson") also her Uncle Lawrence ( "Lawrence Marrerro"), and Mr Bill ("Bill Russell"), On one visit to George's home, Shirley presented Brian with an old one-piece Noblert metal clarinet that George had owned since the begining of the 1940''s that was just lying in the cupboard collecting dust and grim, their was also a double clarinet case given to George with the inscription "To George Lewis from Chris Barber & Ottilie Patterson" also lying in the Cupboard. Shirley also gave Brian Georges favourite Black Pedler Clarinet Case for Safe keeping, which containes to this day Georges clarinet reeds, one of which is still in its original holder which states "Grunewald Music Co.Inc, 325 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA. These much treasured items date back to the Bunk Johnson Superior Band''s first recordings in 1943.
MUSIC LESSONS FROM ORIGINATORS OF JAZZ
During his many visits to New Orleans, Brian had the good fortune to get to know and obtain help and music lessons from two of the old time clarinet players still active in the city, The "Clarinet Wizard" Albert Burbank and Dr. Paul "Polo" Barnes, (One time player with Joe "King" Oliver Band, and Jelly Roll Morton Band)
Brian has played with many of New Orleans Originals, both in Europe and New Orleans- these include Kid Thomas Valentine, Alton Purnell, Milford Dolliole, Freddie Kohlman, Kid Shiek Cola, Louis Nelson, James Prevost, Phamous Lambert, Ed Mon-tudie Garland, Father Al Lewis, Percy Humphrey, Waldren Frog Joseph, Wendell Eugene, The Preservation Hall Jazzband of New Orleans, Gregg Stafford, Clive Wilson , Tommy Sancton, Sullivan Debney, Frank Oxley amongst many others.
HONORARY CITIZEN OF NEW ORLEANS - LOUISIANA
In appreciation of his contribution and love of New Orleans and its music, Brian was made an Honorary Citizen of the city of New Orleans. Brian playing is influenced by George Lewis and the classic old style clarinet players, However Brian is no copiest, though much influanced by the Masters, Brian has a style of his own that is a living continuance of the New Orleans tradition. As well as playing clarinet, Brian plays a mean tenor sax, in a style reminicent of Emanual Paul / Andrew Morgan.
Telephone 0191.3853358 Mobile 07941211523
Email briancarrick@msn.com
