Guitarist and banjoist Seva Venet is a musician’s musician. He came to New Orleans in 1999, in search of traditional jazz; finding it in places like Jackson Square and in music clubs. But he didn’t stop there – he’s also spent hundreds of hours researching the 19th century roots of early jazz, before this music was even recorded.
Seva’s Storyville String Band, which performs live in this episode, continues the traditions of the classic string band era in New Orleans. The Storyville String Band instrumentation was based on the 6 and 7/8 String Band, which Seva describes in the program.
In addition to his recordings, her periodically publishes important articles on traditional jazz music and musicians. His articles for Offbeat magazine can be found here, including a heartfelt and personal obituary for the 102-year-old trumpeter Lionel Ferbos, who died in 2014.
Seva speaks about the influence of the great New Orleanian musician, songwriter, and mentor Danny Barker (1909-1994), who died five years before Seva arrived in the city.
Dr Michael White is an important musician and educator in New Orleans, who plays clarinet on Seva’s latest album, Revisiting New Orleans String Bands 1880-1949.
Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen (1950-2004) was a mentor to many musicians in New Orleans, including Seva Venet, Doreen Ketchens, Glen David Andrews, Trombone Shorty, and dozens more.
THIS WEEK’S TRACK LISTING:
Seva Venet – “That’s A Plenty” (bed)
George Lewis – “Royal Telephone” (bed)
Seva Venet – “Struttin’ With Some Barbeque” (bed)
Tuba Fats – “Bye & Bye” (bed)
Tuba Fats – “Yearning”
Danny Barker – “Rampart Street Boogie” (bed)
Sidney Bechet with Danny Barker et al – “House Party” (bed)
Danny Barker – “The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise” (bed)
Danny Barker – “Salee Dame”(bed)
Seva Venet – “Ay, Mama Inez”
Seva Venet – “Here Comes That Hot Tamale Man” (bed)
Blue Lu Barker / Danny Barker – “After You’ve Gone”
Danny Barker, Albert Nicholas – “Creole Blues” (bed)
Danny Barker – “Nevertheless (I’m In Love With You)”
Danny Barker – “Tishomingo” (bed)
Seva Venet – “Abide With Me” (bed)
Seva Venet – “Lorenzo Blues”
Seva Venet – “Oh! Donna Clara” (bed)
Seva Venet – “Medley: Creole Belles, Aloha Oe, My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It”
Danny Barker et al – 1947 radio show / “Muskrat Ramble”
Elder Curry – “Memphis Flu” (bed)
Seva Venet and his Storyville String Band – “That’s A Plenty” (live at Basin St Station)
Seva Venet and his Storyville String Band – “The Royal Garden Blues” (live at Basin St Station)
Seva Venet – “Muskrat Ramble” (bed)
NEW ORLEANS CALLING is a production of WWOZ, listener-supported community radio in the Crescent City.
George Ingmire is the host, writer, editor, interviewer, audio engineer, intrepid field recorder, and co-producer.
Dave Ankers is the producer.
Melanie Merz is the supervising producer.
National distribution managed by Lily Wasserman.
Web support by David Stafford.
Executive Producer is WWOZ’s General Manager David Freedman.
Live From Basin St. Station is made possible by a partnership between WWOZ and the historic Basin St. Station. Live recording produced by Damond Jacob. Special thanks to Michael, Bubby, and Jay Valentino, Laura Tennyson, and Khalid Hafiz.
And thanks to:
Sally Young and Melanie Merz for their voice talents.
Photo of Seva Venet at the corner of Bourbon St and Orleans Ave, by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee rhrphoto.com
