Tune in tonight to What is Hip?! on Jamfest, where we embark on a musical journey through the heart of New Orleans, one of the most iconic and influential cities in the world of music. From the early days of jazz to the vibrant sounds of modern-day funk, What is Hip?! will be showcasing both historic and contemporary music from New Orleans and its legendary artists, highlighting the unique fusion of genres that has made the city a global musical powerhouse.
A Journey Through New Orleans Music
The show will feature a carefully curated blend of classic New Orleans jazz, funk, blues, and soul alongside the latest tracks from the city’s thriving music scene. New Orleans is not just a birthplace of jazz—it’s a city that has produced a rich tapestry of musical genres over the years, shaping the sound of not only the U.S. but the world.
Listeners will hear songs from Louis Armstrong, one of the most important figures in the history of jazz, whose contributions to the genre are immeasurable. The program will also feature the soul-stirring rhythms of The Meters, whose funky grooves became synonymous with New Orleans in the 1960s and 70s, and the electric sounds of Professor Longhair, who defined the city’s distinctive rhythm and blues style.
But What is Hip?! isn’t just about the past. Tonight’s show will also shine a spotlight on contemporary artists who are carrying the torch for New Orleans music. From the Rebirth Brass Band, known for their innovative takes on traditional brass band music, to Jon Batiste, whose genre-defying music blends jazz, pop, and soul, New Orleans continues to produce boundary-pushing musicians who honor the city’s rich legacy while making exciting contributions to modern music.
The Soundtrack of a City
New Orleans’ music history is as diverse as the city itself, rooted in its rich cultural melting pot of African, French, Spanish, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Whether it’s the early brass bands that played at parades, the gospel and blues influences that laid the foundation for jazz, or the funk pioneers who revolutionized the rhythm of modern music, New Orleans has always been a place where music is not just an art form but a way of life.
On tonight’s show, What is Hip?! will delve into these various musical traditions, tracing the evolution of New Orleans sound and showcasing how the spirit of the city continues to inspire new generations of artists. From Cajun zydeco to second-line parade rhythms, the program will demonstrate how New Orleans music has continuously reinvented itself, blending old and new to create something truly special.
Featuring Historic Legends and Current Icons
You can expect to hear tracks from legendary New Orleans artists, such as:
- Dr. John, the iconic pianist and singer who fused jazz, blues, and funk with a distinctly Creole twist
- Trombone Shorty, a modern-day ambassador of New Orleans’ brass band sound, who has carried the torch of his city’s musical heritage into the global spotlight
- The Neville Brothers, whose smooth fusion of soul, gospel, and funk became synonymous with New Orleans music in the 80s and 90s
Plus, What is Hip?! will also feature current trailblazers like Big Freedia, whose innovative takes on bounce music have made her one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop and dance music, and Tank and the Bangas, whose soulful blend of jazz, funk, and R&B has earned them a devoted following around the world.
Tune In to the Sound of New Orleans
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of New Orleans music or you’re just discovering the city’s vibrant musical scene, tonight’s What is Hip?! show on Jamfest will be a must-listen. Get ready for a celebration of New Orleans’ unparalleled musical legacy, with a mix of classic tracks and fresh new sounds that continue to push the boundaries of genre and rhythm.
It’s a deep dive into the sounds that make New Orleans one of the most culturally rich and musically influential cities in the world.
Don’t Miss Out!
Catch the show tonight, and tune in to experience the magic of New Orleans through the lens of What is Hip?! on Jamfest. You’ll be grooving to the rhythms of history while discovering the artists who are shaping the future of New Orleans music.
What is Hip?! on Jamfest – Where the past, present, and future of New Orleans music collide!
New Orleans Jazz History, Thought Lost, Rediscovered 65 Years Later
In a remarkable twist of fate, a piece of New Orleans jazz history that was thought to be lost forever has been rediscovered—65 years after it was first recorded. The year was 1959, and the inaugural Playboy Jazz Festival in Chicago was one of the most important events in the history of jazz. Headlined by legendary musicians such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and the Dukes of Dixieland, this festival marked a milestone as the largest indoor jazz festival of its time. For those who love New Orleans jazz, the festival’s performances by the Dukes of Dixieland are nothing short of legendary—and now, those performances have been rediscovered.
The Dukes of Dixieland: New Orleans’ Own Jazz Royalty
In 1959, the Dukes of Dixieland, a New Orleans-based jazz ensemble, were at the height of their fame. Often referred to as the “number one jazz combo in the country” by none other than Ed Sullivan, the Dukes had firmly established themselves as a key figure in the American jazz scene. Just a few years prior, they had spent an unforgettable three-and-a-half-year residency at the Famous Door in New Orleans’ French Quarter, where they captivated audiences night after night with their electrifying performances.
At the time, the Dukes were on top of the jazz world. Not only had they just sold out a historic concert at Carnegie Hall, but they were also about to record with their idol, Louis Armstrong. Their combination of New Orleans’ traditional jazz with vibrant, modern improvisation helped solidify their place in jazz history.
The core of the band was made up of Frank Assunto (trumpet), his brother Freddie Assunto (trombone), and their father, “Papa” Jac Assunto (banjo). This family trio became the heart and soul of the Dukes, bringing their high-energy sound to both the festival stage and the recording studio.
A Lost Treasure Rediscovered
Now, after more than six decades, a collection of live recordings from the 1959 Playboy Jazz Festival has been found, offering a rare opportunity for fans to experience the Dukes’ performance in its full glory. These rediscovered recordings have been hailed as a “perfect representation” of the band’s ability to captivate a live audience, full of jazz enthusiasts who were clearly moved by the infectious energy of the performance.
According to Deano Assunto, Frank Assunto’s son, “I think this is an excellent representation of how well the Dukes played in front of a live audience, an audience who was enthusiastic about jazz.” The excitement and passion in the crowd are palpable on the recordings, allowing listeners to feel the magic that the Dukes brought to every stage they performed on.
Sadly, the band lost two of its most influential members far too early. Freddie Assunto passed away in 1966 at just 36 years old, and his brother Frank Assunto died in 1974 at the age of 42. Despite their untimely deaths, the Dukes of Dixieland’s legacy lives on through their incredible body of work, which includes over 25 albums. The album “Louie and The Dukes”, recorded with Louis Armstrong, remains available for purchase at reputable music stores, preserving their sound for future generations.
An Interesting Side Note: Frank Assunto and Bobby Darin
An intriguing sidenote to the 1959 Playboy Jazz Festival is that Bobby Darin, the famous pop singer known for his hit “Mack the Knife”, also performed at the event. But here’s the twist: Frank Assunto, the trumpet player and leader of the Dukes of Dixieland, actually recorded “Mack the Knife” before Bobby Darin did. In fact, when Darin performed the song for the first time in Las Vegas, he didn’t even know all the lyrics. Enter Frank Assunto, who was performing with the Dukes in Vegas at the time.
Frank, ever the friend and professional, wrote down the lyrics to the song on cocktail napkins so that Bobby Darin could perform it properly that evening. The rest, as they say, is history. Darin went on to make “Mack the Knife” a massive hit, but it’s a fun fact that Frank Assunto played a crucial role in making that performance possible.
Rediscovery and Preservation: A New Chapter for New Orleans Jazz
The rediscovery of these recordings from the 1959 Playboy Jazz Festival not only highlights the enduring talent of the Dukes of Dixieland, but it also underscores the cultural and historical significance of New Orleans jazz in shaping the direction of modern jazz. The legacy of the Dukes—and of New Orleans jazz in general—is now being brought back into the public eye, giving both long-time fans and new listeners a chance to experience this crucial moment in the evolution of jazz.
As we celebrate this rediscovery, we are reminded of the importance of preserving live recordings and documents that capture the vibrancy and energy of jazz in its prime. New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, and thanks to this newfound treasure, the sound of the Dukes of Dixieland will continue to reverberate for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
The rediscovery of the Dukes of Dixieland’s performance at the 1959 Playboy Jazz Festival serves as both a historical and musical milestone, shedding light on a pivotal moment in New Orleans jazz. It is a testament to the enduring power of music, the legacy of the Assunto family, and the vibrancy of jazz culture in the Crescent City.