Playlist 01.11.10

The French Quarter of New Orleans has been tidied up since the old days, when the nights were wanton and the jazz was flaming. In nearby Storyville, there were legalised brothels (the cheap ones were the original 'cribs') until the First World War, when the authorities decided that it was bad for the health of the servicemen.

The Preservation Hall is a few blocks from the Mississippi River and carries some of that fervour with it. The project was founded in 1961 but the building is a few centuries old. Inside you will hear a wonderful band of veterans playing in the classic New Orleans style. It's not a fancy place, but the music rules.

I was there on a chill February evening, but the hall was busy and the band was on it. To my right was a little old guy, maybe seventy years old. You could tell he was a jazz fanatic, and he was smiling and twitching before the music even started. His wife was happy for him, and in a few moments, the entire place caught some of his rapture. The band played to their best, the guy danced with feeling, and we were all transported.

Many famous musicians have also been paying their dues. A tribute album called 'Preservation' came out earlier this year, featuring the likes of Tom Waits, Dr John, Steve Earle, The Blind Boys Of Alabama and even Paolo Nutini. Every time I hear those enthusiastic souls playing with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, I picture that little guy from years ago and now his joy has been surpassed.

BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95 FM

Online: www.bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Mondays, ten - midnight

Playlist 01.11.10

John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom (Snapper)

The Duke And The King - No Easy Way Out (Loose)

Aaron Shanley - Today I (live session)

Aaron Shanley - I Think I Love You (live session)

Orchestral Manouvres In The Dark - Sister Marie Says (100%)

Gryff Rhys - Shark Ridden Waters (Turnstyle)



Special Tribute to: Holland Dozier Holland

The Four Tops - Reach Out, I'll Be There (Motown)

The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go (Motown)

The Chairmen of the Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time (Invictus)

Lamont Dozier - Shine (Righteous)

Vanilla Fudge - You Keep Me Hanging On (Atlantic)

War Paint - Majesty (Rough Trade)

Nick Cave - Red Right Hand (Mute)

Suede - Beautiful Ones (Nude)

The Rags- A National Light (Grand Cake)

Blind Boys Of Alabama - There Is A Light (Preservation Hall)

Ray Davies, Lucinda Williams - Long Way From Home (Universal)

Elliot Smith - Ballad Of Big Nothing (Domino)

Carolina Chocolate Drops - Hit Em Up Style (Nonesuch)

Cowboy Junkies - Stranger Here (Proper)

Deer Tick - Twenty Miles (Fargo)

Kurt Wagner, Courtney Tidwell - She Came Around Last Night (City Slang)

Robert Plant - Monkey (Decca)

Telegraph - The Stars Will Be Our Satellites Tonight (Quay)

Cathy Davey - The End Of The End (Hammer Toe)

Suede - The Next Life (Nude)