The Legend of New Orleans

Description

When Fats Domino headlines the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, it's more than an eagerly anticipated weekend, it's genuine front page news. That's why the New Orleans Times - Picayune devoted practically its entire Sunday front section to a joint interview with the Fat Man and his longtime producer/co-writer Dave Bartholomew when Fats headlined the '99 Jazz Fest. And that's why the massive assemblage of Domino fans at the 2001 edition of the festival was so universally stoked to see him reprise his many million sellers. As always, the obliging Fats did 'em just the way he did back in the '50s. A major factor in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's appeal has always been his rocking hornleavened combos. He assembled a typically immaculate crew for his 2001 Jazz Fest show. First and foremost on the set was tenor saxist/trumpeter Herbert Hardesty, who was with Domino at his first session in 1949 and contributed the lion’s share of the happy, melodic sax solos to his myriad ‘50s hits. Bassist Erving Charles and drummer Herman Ernest cook up grooves as skintight as any rhythm section in town, and the horns are strong and vibrant. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an unforgettable experience, and when Fats is there, it’s utterly unbeatable!