IRVIN’S LINER NOTES t’s not often that you’ll find a musician writing his own THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ PLAYHOUSE REVUE liner notes for a recording session. But after several decades of purchasing and borrowing music, I’ve Septet/core band: Guest musicians: always found myself wanting to know more of the t’s not often that you’ll find a storymusician behind thewriting song: whyhis and when musiciansThe occasion have was the “Love Sessions,” anIrvin annual Mayfield weeklong – Trumpet Jamison Ross – Vocals own liner notes for a recordingwritten, arranged, session. and But performed after the music I listenevent to, notwhich to culminates on the anniversaryI’m just of a Hurricanehomegrown boy from New Orleans who loves to tell mention what it means to them. It’s one thing to read an stories with my art. Michael Watson – Vocals and Trombone several decades of purchasingobjective descriptionand borrowing from a trusted voice in the Katrina,music world; August 29th. Every year, a tremendous outpouring of music, I’ve always foundit’s myself quite another wanting to learn to about know the music straighttalent from theand love erupts in the Playhouse,Vince and Gardnerwe give – away Trombone one Davell Crawford – Vocals more of the story behindhorse’s the mouth,song: sowhy to speak. and when hundred percent of the ticket sales revenueVince isto a trombonedifferent player non- extraordinaire who lives in Harlem, 2 The seven CDs included with this book were recorded live but was born in the windy city of Chicago. No one plays more Sasha Masakowski – Vocals 3 musicians have written,and arranged, onstage over and nine performed consecutive days at my club,profit Irvin organizations. Over the last six years,comprehensive the “Love trombone Sessions” than Vince. the music I listen to, notMayfield’s to mention Jazz Playhouse.what it The core band consistedhave of generated a septet over half a million dollars for charities as diverse Gerald French – Drums and Vocals means to them. It’s oneof thing musicians, to read all of anwhom objective I respect and love equallyas mental as artists health, children’s health care,Adonis literacy, Rose homelessness, – Drums and friends. We’ve worked together for many years now, Born in New Orleans’ historic African-American Sixth Ward, Shannon Powell – Drums and Vocals description from a trusted voice in the music world; and music lessons. The “Love Sessions” were started as a means journeying across the wide landscape of Jazz and several other also known as Treme, Adonis is the greatest drummer of his it’s quite another to learngenres. about Joining the this music revue werestraight special guests fromof near helping and far the local community to heal,generation and they in Newhave Orleans. continued George Porter, Jr. – Electric Bass and Vocals from the horse’s mouth,who so performedto speak. with us every night. in this vein. For New Orleans—and its narrative—is continually The occasion was the “Love Sessions,” an annual evolving. Peter Harris – Bass James Rivers – Tenor Saxophone weeklong event which culminates on the anniversary of Peter Harris is a musician’s musician. His playing is extremely This music was recorded live andHurricane onstage Katrina, over nine August 29th. Every year, a tremendous flexible and diverse. There are few bass players who can make Don Vappie – Banjo consecutive days at my club, Irvinoutpouring Mayfield’s of talent Jazz and Playhouse.love erupts in the Playhouse,These andsongs we were performed as folks sang,the acoustic danced, bass fitlaughed, on so many different styles. Peter is one of The core band consisted of a septetgive ofaway musicians, one hundred all percent of of the ticket salespartied, revenue andto cried—all for charity. Anda you handful. can feel their Leon Brown – Trumpet different non-profit organizations. Over the last six years, the whom I respect and love equally “Loveas artists Sessions” and have friends. generated We’ve over half a millionpassion dollars in for these recordings. You’ll also Jasonfeel the Marshall energy – Baritone of the Saxophone Steve Masakowski – Guitar worked together for many yearscharities now, journeying as diverse as mental across health, the children’s Playhousehealth care, Revue. I chose this structureA because true New Yorker,I wanted I first to met Jason while he was working with wide landscape of Jazz and severalliteracy, other homelessness, genres. andJoining music lessons.this The “Loverecreate Sessions” the same spirit that pulsates throughouttrumpeter Roy the Hargrove. Playhouse He makes the baritone speak with Ronald Markham – Piano were started as a means of helping the local community clarity and honesty. His touch on any recording is undeniable. revue were special guests from nearto heal, and and far they who have performedcontinued in this vein. Foron New any given Wednesday night, when I normally take the stage with us every night. Orleans—and its narrative—is continually evolving.with the core band and a surprise guest.Derek The Douget only thing – Tenor weand Soprano Saxophones The songs selected for these CDs were performedcouldn’t as folks capture with this box set was theBorn visual in the smalldimension country town of of Gonzales, Louisiana, which sang, danced, laughed, partied, and cried—all for charity. is located about sixty miles northwest of New Orleans, Derek is the midnight burlesque led by Trixie Minx every Friday night. And you can feel their passion in these recordings. You’ll also the best saxophone player of his generation in New Orleans. feel the energy of the Playhouse Revue. I chose (You’llthis structure just have to come to the club and see that for yourself !) because I wanted to recreate the same spirit thatThirty-three pulsates diverse songs grace this collectionJohn Chin of– Piano music, and I throughout the Playhouse on any given Wednesday night, am proud of every single note. John Chin, born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, has when I normally take the stage with the core band and a surprise been a fixture on the New York Jazz scene since the late 1990s. guest. The only thing we couldn’t capture with this box set was John’s touch on the piano is a dying art form. the visual dimension of the midnight burlesque led by Trixie Minx every Friday night. (You’ll just have to come to the club The Audience – Handclaps, Cheers, Screams, and Hollers and see that for yourself!) Thirty-three diverse songs grace this Every night, over nine days, a mostly local group of about 120 collection of music, and I am proud of every single note. folks came together and brought out the very best of the musicians. A New Orleans audience is the best audience in the world for Jazz. Local folks dance, sing, cry, scream, and party to a soundtrack that other people respond to quietly—and, typically, while seated.

The aforementioned group of musicians is a Jazz dream team. These seven CDs capture how my generation speaks through music. Jazz and love, we believe, are analogous. Just listen and you, too, will believe.

There is two kinds of music: the good and the bad. I play the good kind. —Louis Armstrong IRVIN’S LINER NOTES t’s not often that you’ll find a musician writing his own THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ PLAYHOUSE REVUE liner notes for a recording session. But after several decades of purchasing and borrowing music, I’ve Septet/core band: Guest musicians: always found myself wanting to know more of the story behind the song: why and when musicians have Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet Jamison Ross – Vocals written, arranged, and performed the music I listen to, not to I’m just a homegrown boy from New Orleans who loves to tell mention what it means to them. It’s one thing to read an stories with my art. Michael Watson – Vocals and Trombone objective description from a trusted voice in the music world; it’s quite another to learn about the music straight from the Vince Gardner – Trombone Davell Crawford – Vocals horse’s mouth, so to speak. Vince is a trombone player extraordinaire who lives in Harlem, 2 The seven CDs included with this book were recorded live but was born in the windy city of Chicago. No one plays more Sasha Masakowski – Vocals 3 and onstage over nine consecutive days at my club, Irvin comprehensive trombone than Vince. Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. The core band consisted of a septet Gerald French – Drums and Vocals of musicians, all of whom I respect and love equally as artists Adonis Rose – Drums and friends. We’ve worked together for many years now, Born in New Orleans’ historic African-American Sixth Ward, Shannon Powell – Drums and Vocals journeying across the wide landscape of Jazz and several other also known as Treme, Adonis is the greatest drummer of his genres. Joining this revue were special guests from near and far generation in New Orleans. George Porter, Jr. – Electric Bass and Vocals who performed with us every night. The occasion was the “Love Sessions,” an annual Peter Harris – Bass James Rivers – Tenor Saxophone weeklong event which culminates on the anniversary of Peter Harris is a musician’s musician. His playing is extremely Hurricane Katrina, August 29th. Every year, a tremendous flexible and diverse. There are few bass players who can make Don Vappie – Banjo outpouring of talent and love erupts in the Playhouse, and we the acoustic bass fit on so many different styles. Peter is one of give away one hundred percent of the ticket sales revenue to a handful. Leon Brown – Trumpet different non-profit organizations. Over the last six years, the “Love Sessions” have generated over half a million dollars for Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone Steve Masakowski – Guitar t’s not often that you’ll find a musician writing his own THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ PLAYHOUSE REVUE IRVIN’S LINER NOTES t’s not often that you’ll find a musician writing his own charities as diverse as mental health,THE NEW children’s ORLEANS health care, JAZZ PLAYHOUSE REVUE A true New Yorker, I first met Jason while he was working with IRVIN’S LINER NOTES liner notes for a recording session. But after several liner notes for a recording session. But after several literacy, homelessness, and music lessons. The “Love Sessions” trumpeter Roy Hargrove. He makes the baritone speak with Ronald Markham – Piano decades of purchasing and borrowing music, I’ve Septet/core band: Guest musicians: decades of purchasing and borrowing music, I’ve were started as a means of helpingSeptet/core the local band: community Guestclarity musicians: and honesty. His touch on any recording is undeniable. always found myself wanting to know more of the always found myself wanting to know more of the to heal, and they have continued in this vein. For New story behind the song: why and when musicians have Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet Jamison Ross – Vocals story behind the song: why and when musicians have Orleans—and its narrative—isIrvin continually Mayfield evolving. – Trumpet JamisonDerek Douget Ross – Vocals– Tenor and Soprano Saxophones written, arranged, and performed the music I listen to, not to I’m just a homegrown boy from New Orleans who loves to tell written, arranged, and performed the music I listen to, not to The songs selected for theseI’m CDs just were a homegrown performed boy as folksfrom New Orleans who loves to tell Born in the small country town of Gonzales, Louisiana, which mention what it means to them. It’s one thing to read an stories with my art. Michael Watson – Vocals and Trombone mention what it means to them. It’s one thing to read an sang, danced, laughed, partied,stories and cried—all with my art.for charity. Michaelis located Watson about sixty – Vocals miles and northwest Trombone of New Orleans, Derek is objective description from a trusted voice in the music world; objective description from a trusted voice in the music world; And you can feel their passion in these recordings. You’ll also the best saxophone player of his generation in New Orleans. it’s quite another to learn about the music straight from the Vince Gardner – Trombone Davell Crawford – Vocals it’s quite another to learn about the music straight from the feel the energy of the PlayhouseVince Revue. Gardner I chose this– Trombone structure Davell Crawford – Vocals horse’s mouth, so to speak. Vince is a trombone player extraordinaire who lives in Harlem, horse’s mouth, so to speak. because I wanted to recreate theVince same is spirit a trombone that pulsates player extraordinaire who lives in Harlem, John Chin – Piano 2 The seven CDs included with this book were recorded live but was born in the windy city of Chicago. No one plays more Sasha Masakowski – Vocals 3 2 The seven CDs included with this book were recorded live throughout the Playhouse on anybut givenwas born Wednesday in the windy night, city of Chicago. No one plays more SashaJohn Chin,Masakowski born in Seoul, – Vocals Korea and raised in Los Angeles, has 3 and onstage over nine consecutive days at my club, Irvin comprehensive trombone than Vince. and onstage over nine consecutive days at my club, Irvin when I normally take the stage withcomprehensive the core band trombone and a surprise than Vince. been a fixture on the New York Jazz scene since the late 1990s. Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. The core band consisted of a septet Gerald French – Drums and Vocals Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. The core band consisted of a septet guest. The only thing we couldn’t capture with this box set was GeraldJohn’s touchFrench on –the Drums piano and is Vocalsa dying art form. of musicians, all of whom I respect and love equally as artists Adonis Rose – Drums of musicians, all of whom I respect and love equally as artists the visual dimension of the midnightAdonis burlesque Rose – ledDrums by Trixie and friends. We’ve worked together for many years now, Born in New Orleans’ historic African-American Sixth Ward, Shannon Powell – Drums and Vocals and friends. We’ve worked together for many years now, Minx every Friday night. (You’llBorn just havein New to comeOrleans’ to thehistoric club African-American Sixth Ward, ShannonThe Audience Powell – –Handclaps, Drums and Cheers, Vocals Screams, and Hollers journeying across the wide landscape of Jazz and several other also known as Treme, Adonis is the greatest drummer of his journeying across the wide landscape of Jazz and several other and see that for yourself!) Thirty-threealso known diverse as Treme, songs graceAdonis this is the greatest drummer of his Every night, over nine days, a mostly local group of about 120 genres. Joining this revue were special guests from near and far generation in New Orleans. George Porter, Jr. – Electric Bass and Vocals genres. Joining this revue were special guests from near and far collection of music, and I am proudgeneration of every in New single Orleans. note. Georgefolks came Porter, together Jr. – and Electric brought Bass andout Vocals the very best of the who performed with us every night. who performed with us every night. musicians. A New Orleans audience is the best audience in the The occasion was the “Love Sessions,” an annual Peter Harris – Bass James Rivers – Tenor Saxophone The occasion was the “Love Sessions,” an annual Peter Harris – Bass Jamesworld Riversfor Jazz. – Local Tenor folksSaxophone dance, sing, cry, scream, and party to weeklong event which culminates on the anniversary of Peter Harris is a musician’s musician. His playing is extremely weeklong event which culminates on the anniversary of Peter Harris is a musician’s musician. His playing is extremely a soundtrack that other people respond to quietly—and, Hurricane Katrina, August 29th. Every year, a tremendous flexible and diverse. There are few bass players who can make Don Vappie – Banjo Hurricane Katrina, August 29th. Every year, a tremendous flexible and diverse. There are few bass players who can make Dontypically, Vappie while – Banjo seated. outpouring of talent and love erupts in the Playhouse, and we the acoustic bass fit on so many different styles. Peter is one of outpouring of talent and love erupts in the Playhouse, and we the acoustic bass fit on so many different styles. Peter is one of give away one hundred percent of the ticket sales revenue to a handful. Leon Brown – Trumpet give away one hundred percent of the ticket sales revenue to a handful. LeonThe Brownaforementioned – Trumpet group of musicians is a Jazz dream team. different non-profit organizations. Over the last six years, the different non-profit organizations. Over the last six years, the These seven CDs capture how my generation speaks through “Love Sessions” have generated over half a million dollars for Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone Steve Masakowski – Guitar “Love Sessions” have generated over half a million dollars for Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone Stevemusic. Masakowski Jazz and love, – we Guitar believe, are analogous. Just listen and charities as diverse as mental health, children’s health care, A true New Yorker, I first met Jason while he was working with charities as diverse as mental health, children’s health care, A true New Yorker, I first met Jason while he was working with you, too, will believe. literacy, homelessness, and music lessons. The “Love Sessions” trumpeter Roy Hargrove. He makes the baritone speak with Ronald Markham – Piano literacy, homelessness, and music lessons. The “Love Sessions” trumpeter Roy Hargrove. He makes the baritone speak with Ronald Markham – Piano were started as a means of helping the local community clarity and honesty. His touch on any recording is undeniable. were started as a means of helping the local community clarity and honesty. His touch on any recording is undeniable. to heal, and they have continued in this vein. For New to heal, and they have continued in this vein. For New Orleans—and its narrative—is continually evolving. Derek Douget – Tenor and Soprano Saxophones Orleans—and its narrative—is continually evolving. Derek Douget – Tenor and Soprano Saxophones TheThere songs is selected two kinds for these of CDsmusic: were the performed good and as folksthe bad. I play the good kind. Born in the small country town of Gonzales, Louisiana, which The songs selected for these CDs were performed as folks Born in the small country town of Gonzales, Louisiana, which sang, danced,—Louis laughed, Armstrong partied, and cried—all for charity. is located about sixty miles northwest of New Orleans, Derek is sang, danced, laughed, partied, and cried—all for charity. is located about sixty miles northwest of New Orleans, Derek is And you can feel their passion in these recordings. You’ll also the best saxophone player of his generation in New Orleans. And you can feel their passion in these recordings. You’ll also the best saxophone player of his generation in New Orleans. feel the energy of the Playhouse Revue. I chose this structure feel the energy of the Playhouse Revue. I chose this structure because I wanted to recreate the same spirit that pulsates John Chin – Piano because I wanted to recreate the same spirit that pulsates John Chin – Piano throughout the Playhouse on any given Wednesday night, John Chin, born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, has throughout the Playhouse on any given Wednesday night, John Chin, born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, has when I normally take the stage with the core band and a surprise been a fixture on the New York Jazz scene since the late 1990s. when I normally take the stage with the core band and a surprise been a fixture on the New York Jazz scene since the late 1990s. guest. The only thing we couldn’t capture with this box set was John’s touch on the piano is a dying art form. guest. The only thing we couldn’t capture with this box set was John’s touch on the piano is a dying art form. the visual dimension of the midnight burlesque led by Trixie the visual dimension of the midnight burlesque led by Trixie Minx every Friday night. (You’ll just have to come to the club The Audience – Handclaps, Cheers, Screams, and Hollers Minx every Friday night. (You’ll just have to come to the club The Audience – Handclaps, Cheers, Screams, and Hollers and see that for yourself!) Thirty-three diverse songs grace this Every night, over nine days, a mostly local group of about 120 and see that for yourself!) Thirty-three diverse songs grace this Every night, over nine days, a mostly local group of about 120 collection of music, and I am proud of every single note. folks came together and brought out the very best of the collection of music, and I am proud of every single note. folks came together and brought out the very best of the musicians. A New Orleans audience is the best audience in the musicians. A New Orleans audience is the best audience in the world for Jazz. Local folks dance, sing, cry, scream, and party to world for Jazz. Local folks dance, sing, cry, scream, and party to a soundtrack that other people respond to quietly—and, a soundtrack that other people respond to quietly—and, typically, while seated. typically, while seated.

The aforementioned group of musicians is a Jazz dream team. The aforementioned group of musicians is a Jazz dream team. These seven CDs capture how my generation speaks through These seven CDs capture how my generation speaks through music. Jazz and love, we believe, are analogous. Just listen and music. Jazz and love, we believe, are analogous. Just listen and you, too, will believe. you, too, will believe.

There is two kinds of music: the good and the bad. I play the good kind. There is two kinds of music: the good and the bad. I play the good kind. —Louis Armstrong —Louis Armstrong IRVIN’S LINER NOTES t’s not often that you’ll find a musician writing his own THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ PLAYHOUSE REVUE liner notes for a recording session. But after several decades of purchasing and borrowing music, I’ve Septet/core band: Guest musicians: always found myself wanting to know more of the story behind the song: why and when musicians have Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet Jamison Ross – Vocals written, arranged, and performed the music I listen to, not to I’m just a homegrown boy from New Orleans who loves to tell mention what it means to them. It’s one thing to read an stories with my art. Michael Watson – Vocals and Trombone objective description from a trusted voice in the music world; it’s quite another to learn about the music straight from the Vince Gardner – Trombone Davell Crawford – Vocals horse’s mouth, so to speak. Vince is a trombone player extraordinaire who lives in Harlem, 2 The seven CDs included with this book were recorded live but was born in the windy city of Chicago. No one plays more Sasha Masakowski – Vocals 3 and onstage over nine consecutive days at my club, Irvin comprehensive trombone than Vince. Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. The core band consisted of a septet Gerald French – Drums and Vocals of musicians, all of whom I respect and love equally as artists Adonis Rose – Drums and friends. We’ve worked together for many years now, Born in New Orleans’ historic African-American Sixth Ward, Shannon Powell – Drums and Vocals journeying across the wide landscape of Jazz and several other also known as Treme, Adonis is the greatest drummer of his genres. Joining this revue were special guests from near and far generation in New Orleans. George Porter, Jr. – Electric Bass and Vocals who performed with us every night. The occasion was the “Love Sessions,” an annual Peter Harris – Bass James Rivers – Tenor Saxophone weeklong event which culminates on the anniversary of Peter Harris is a musician’s musician. His playing is extremely Hurricane Katrina, August 29th. Every year, a tremendous flexible and diverse. There are few bass players who can make Don Vappie – Banjo outpouring of talent and love erupts in the Playhouse, and we the acoustic bass fit on so many different styles. Peter is one of give away one hundred percent of the ticket sales revenue to a handful. Leon Brown – Trumpet different non-profit organizations. Over the last six years, the “Love Sessions” have generated over half a million dollars for Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone Steve Masakowski – Guitar charities as diverse as mental health, children’s health care, A true New Yorker, I first met Jason while he was working with literacy, homelessness, and music lessons. The “Love Sessions” trumpeter Roy Hargrove. He makes the baritone speak with Ronald Markham – Piano were started as a means of helping the local community clarity and honesty. His touch on any recording is undeniable. to heal, and they have continued in this vein. For New Orleans—and its narrative—is continually evolving. Derek Douget – Tenor and Soprano Saxophones The songs selected for these CDs were performed as folks Born in the small country town of Gonzales, Louisiana, which sang, danced, laughed, partied, and cried—all for charity. is located about sixty miles northwest of New Orleans, Derek is And you can feel their passion in these recordings. You’ll also the best saxophone player of his generation in New Orleans. feel the energy of the Playhouse Revue. I chose this structure because I wanted to recreate the same spirit that pulsates John Chin – Piano throughout the Playhouse on any given Wednesday night, John Chin, born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, has when I normally take the stage with the core band and a surprise been a fixture on the New York Jazz scene since the late 1990s. guest. The only thing we couldn’t capture with this box set was John’s touch on the piano is a dying art form. the visual dimension of the midnight burlesque led by Trixie Minx every Friday night. (You’ll just have to come to the club The Audience – Handclaps, Cheers, Screams, and Hollers and see that for yourself!) Thirty-three diverse songs grace this Every night, over nine days, a mostly local group of about 120 collection of music, and I am proud of every single note. folks came together and brought out the very best of the musicians. A New Orleans audience is the best audience in the world for Jazz. Local folks dance, sing, cry, scream, and party to a soundtrack that other people respond to quietly—and, typically, while seated.

The aforementioned group of musicians is a Jazz dream team. These seven CDs capture how my generation speaks through music. Jazz and love, we believe, are analogous. Just listen and you, too, will believe.

There is two kinds of music: the good and the bad. I play the good kind. —Louis Armstrong THE LIVE MUSIC

Disc One: Monday Disc Two: Tuesday Track 1. Angola (for Ernest Gaines) 17:03 Track 1. Yesterday (featuring Davell Crawford) 10:43 I first wrote this song for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra big band. It was When I was a freshman in highschool, Davell was a senior; he was a piano fun to reinterpret it for a smaller Jazz group. It’s an excerpt from a suite I and voice prodigy. It’s amazing how he delivers the words of John Lennon composed to celebrate the life and works of novelist Ernest Gaines. All of and Paul McCartney in this live recording. I believe this to be a classic. the heroes in Gaines’ novels eventually die, falling victim to the unjust and unrelenting world in which they struggle to survive. This makes me think of Track 2. Old Wyne 8:32 the Louisiana prison named Angola, which represents America’s growing jail This song speaks to my fascination with the late great New Orleans drum- problem; something needs to be done about it soon. As a token of respect for mer James Black. His songwriting is simply genius. Amazingly, most of his Ernest Gaines, I decided to make this the first song of the seven-disc box set. music was unwritten. Thanks to the memories of the musicians who last played with him in the 1980s, we were able to learn many of his songs. Track 2. Seven Years (featuring Jamison Ross) 9:48 I first heard this song covered by the beautiful storyteller Norah Jones when Track 3. Vodou Love Call 8:15 we were together on stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. I thought This is a song I wrote for and recorded with my Latin band, Los Hombres this song would make a great debut for the voice of rising star Jamison Ross, Calientes; it’s an homage to my Haitian ancestors. This recording represents who is also a good drummer in his own right. Jamison’s delivery is different a fresh acoustic take and is much longer than the original version. from Norah’s, but he tells just as good a story. His ending is impromptu and Track 4. Fatimah 13:29 brilliant. This is one of the few songs I’ve written for a woman. Fatimah is the mother Track 3. Keep on Pushing (featuring Jamison Ross and Michael Watson) of my two sons, Irvin and Richie. They tell me, of all the songs I’ve written, 7:40 this is one of their favorites. I love Curtis Mayfield’s music. It represents soul and contains messages of Track 5. Buddy Bolden’s Blues (featuring Don Vappie) 9:23 overcoming obstacles. I fell in love with this song all over again when it was Don Vappie is the best banjo player of his generation in New Orleans. He chosen as the soundtrack for a commercial that featured N.B.A. star LeBron is a Creole-born musician, like Jelly Roll Morton. And just like Jelly Roll, he James walking through town to his barber shop. Curtis’ music will never die. delivers a fun version of this tune. All the discs in this set end with a New Track 4. Blue in Green 9:27 Orleans party, so to speak, and, believe me, that’s what you’ll hear in this This is the sexiest song ever recorded by music icon Miles Davis. It’s from recording. his seminal album, Kind of Blue. We give you a much longer version so you don’t have to hit repeat as often, should you be using this song as a soundtrack for romantic action.

Track 5. James Booker 12:45 I wrote this song for the New Orleans piano master James Booker, as men- There is two kinds of music: tioned in my first book, A Love Letter to New Orleans. My best friend, Ronald Markham, joins the band on this one. Harry Connick, Jr. is the only the good and the bad. person who speaks Booker better than Ron on the piano. I play the good kind. —Louis Armstrong Track 6. Li’l Liza Jane (featuring Gerald French) 17:11 Jelly Roll Morton discusses the folklore behind this song on his Library of Congress recordings. Gerald is the most recent leader of the Original Tux- edo Jazz Band, the oldest continuously playing Jazz band in the world. This recording is an example of the type of party that happens every Monday night when they play at the Jazz Playhouse. Disc Three: Wednesday Disc Four: Thursday Track 1. Skyfall (featuring Sasha Masakowski) 8:37 Track 1. Harlis Laughing 12:31 Sasha is a sexy young singer whose talent and personality shine through her Written by New Orleans luminary Harold Battiste, this song is all about the every interpretation. This is one of the more adventurous selections of the groove. Your head will bop from start to finish. I was really happy with what box set: Well-known as the theme song of the James Bond movie Skyfall, the band accomplished on this song. It’s hard to groove from note one to the originally performed by Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Adele, the song end when you’re playing Jazz, especially live Jazz. But we did. is familiar to most audiences. That’s already a challenge. Now consider that our version is live, and you’ll see why this is an adventurous selection. But Track 2. Tom Thumb 13:22 we sure had fun with it. Wayne Shorter is a Jazz titan. For all of you novices out there, just mention Wayne’s name to a Jazz aficionado and you’ll come across as an expert. Most Track 2. The Denial 12:36 people don’t expect to hear this kind of music in a New Orleans club on I wrote this song for my second solo album on the label, which was all about a Thursday night— unless you’re at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. The relationships. The theme of this song is denial. Someone performs the same band, I believe, had a few drinks on this night. action over and over again, as if repetition will somehow bring truth to the lie. This song is reminiscent of the sound of Jazz in the late eighties, with a Track 3. Othello and Desdemona 6:52 tinge of funk. This is another one of my relationship songs. I was inspired by William Shakespeare’s tragic romances. I use the half step motif. A half step is the Track 3. Back Home Again in Indiana/Donna Lee 12:19 distance between two notes. You can’t get any closer to a note than a half This song starts out with an old Louis Armstrong classic and then transports step. You also can’t separate two notes by more than a half step. Those two you to the Bebop world of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. It’s cool to notes represent man and woman. There’s no relationship closer and no rela- hear so many people playing fast. This is a sugar rush for your ears! tionship farther away.

Track 4. Saint James Infirmary Blues (featuring Sasha Masakowski) 13:38 Track 4. Over the Rainbow/Skylark 9:22 Totally in her comfort zone, Sasha sings one of the old hometown anthems. Ballads are slow songs, and they’re my favorite to play. I like to feel the emo- If you like dirty, nasty, funky blues, this song is for you. Vince played the tion of these songs. Michael sings this song with so much tenderness that it trombone as though he’d lost his woman on this song. makes you want to cry.

Track 5. They All Ask’d for You (featuring George Porter, Jr.) 11:19 Track 5. Eh La Bas (featuring Don Vappie) 6:36 George Porter, Jr., nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, wrote this With his banjo, Don gives the ears a taste of the Caribbean side of New song with the rest of his band mates from the iconic band The Meters. Every Orleans. He sings in French with a lot of joy and ends this disc with another child in New Orleans sings this song. type of New Orleans party.

I haven’t understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it. —Igor Stravinsky Disc Five: Friday Disc Six: Saturday Disc Seven: Sunday Track 1. You Are My Sunshine 7:42 Track 1. Mack the Knife Track 1. When My Dreamboat Shannon Powell holds a revered spot in the (featuring James Rivers) 8:33 Comes Home 15:45 lineage of New Orleans drummers. He sings James Rivers shows everyone on this night what On most Wednesdays, when performing at the and plays one hell of a drum solo. An authentic his weekly gig at the Playhouse is all about. He is club, we play this traditional New Orleans stan- example of traditional New Orleans drumming swinging and grooving. This live recording cap- dard. Without fail, people start to dance. and spiritual singing, he has the rare gift of do- tures him still at the top of his game. ing many things at once and with a high level of Track 2. Love Petals 6:58 artistry. Track 2. Dianne 11:20 I recorded this original song roughly a decade Dianne Gaines is writer Ernest Gaines’ wife. She and a half ago. Inspired by a photograph of Gor- Track 2. The Affair 10:16 is eternally beautiful, and the band draws a fresh don Parks, which shows a beautiful white flower, This is a musical portrait of the pairs involved in a image of her loving essence with this song. this song speaks to the lush romantic side of love. love affair. The band shows tremendous maturity through patience and mood setting. Ballads seem Track 3. The Obsession 10:20 Track 3. Someone to Watch Over Me/ easy because they’re slow, but, truth is, ballads are If a stalker were a song, this is what it would My Funny Valentine 11:19 the most difficult pieces of music to play. sound like. Some songs are always better when the words are sung. My Funny Valentine is no exception. Track 3. Marzique Dancing 8:01 Track 4. Pretty One 11:24 Michael Watson gets a request to sing this song Harold Battiste wrote this song. He wrote for James Black’s unrecorded, melodious song proves all the time from the locals who hang out with us Sonny and Cher, Sam Cooke, and a host of other that New Orleans speaks through artists in differ- every Wednesday at the Jazz Playhouse. artists. This song has a special groove and a great ent ways. I love to play this amazing song on most melody. It’s also a great motivator. I play it when I of my live small group shows. Track 4. Magnolia Triangle 12:03 need inspiration around my house. James Black wrote this New Orleans Jazz standard and recorded it in the sixties. It’s an example of Track 4. Jasmine 7:20 a party that still requires effort on the musicians’ Written by the relatively unknown New Orleans part, and no one gets let down by the end result. drummer James Black, this song captures all the beauty and truth that can exist in a song. The lyrics are amazing, and Michael Watson delivers them like a true poet. This is a special song and a special moment for the recordings.

There’s nothing like a good cheating song to make me want to run home to be with my wife. —Steven Curtis Chapman SONG / PUBLISHING CREDITS

Disc One: Monday Disc Two: Tuesday Track 1. Angola (for Ernest Gaines) 17:03 Track 1. Yesterday (featuring Davell Crawford) 10:43 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Davell Crawford – Vocals, Derek Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Jason Marshall – Baritone Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Michael Watson – Trombone, Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Ronald Markham – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose Rose – Drums – Drums Written by Irvin Mayfield –Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney (ASCAP) - Nisab Publishing (BMI) SONY/ATV TUNES LLC (ASCAP)

Track 2. Seven Years (featuring Jamison Ross) 9:48 Track 2. Old Wyne 8:32 Irvin Mayfield – Flugel Horn, Jamison Ross – Vocals, Derek Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Jason Marshall – Baritone Ronald Markham– Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Drums Rose – Drums Written by Lee Alexander (BMI) – EMI Blackwood INC (BMI) Written by James Black – Publishing N/A

Track 3. Keep on Pushing (featuring Jamison Ross Track 3. Vodou Love Call 8:15 and Michael Watson) 7:40 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Michael Watson – Vocals, Derek Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Jamison Ross – Vocals, Michael Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Watson – Vocals, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Gardner – Trombone, John Chin– Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Written by Irvin Mayfield – Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Adonis Rose – Drums Nisab Publishing (BMI) Written by Curtis Mayfield (BMI) - Mayfield Music (BMI) Track 4. Fatimah 13:29 Track 4. Blue in Green 9:27 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Written by Irvin Mayfield – Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Written by Miles Davis (BMI) – Jazz Horn Music Corporation (BMI) Nisab Publishing (BMI)

Track 5. James Booker 12:45 Track 5. Buddy Bolden’s Blues Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Jamison Ross – Vocals, Derek (featuring Don Vappie) 9:23 Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Don Vappie – Banjo and Vocals, Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone, Ronald Markham– Derek Douget – Soprano Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Written by Irvin Mayfield - Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Rose – Drums Nisab Publishing (BMI) Written by Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Joseph Morton (ASCAP) - MORRIS EDWIN H & CO INC (ASCAP) Track 6. Li’l Liza Jane (featuring Gerald French) 17:11 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet and Vocals, Gerald French – Vocals and Drums, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone and Vocals, Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone, Ronald Markham – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass Traditional Disc Three: Wednesday Disc Four: Thursday Track 1. Skyfall (featuring Sasha Masakowski) 8:37 Track 1. Harlis Laughing 12:31 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Sasha Masakowski – Vocals, Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Michael Watson – Vocals, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Vincent Gardner – Trombone and Vocals, Jason Marshall – Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Baritone Saxophone, John Chin– Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Written by Harold Raymond Battiste Jr. (BMI); – At Last Adonis Rose – Drums Publishing Company (BMI) Written by Adele Adkins (PRS) and Paul Epworth (ASCAP) – Universal Songs of Polygram International Inc. (PRS) Track 2. Tom Thumb 13:22 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Track 2. The Denial 12:36 Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Jason Marshall – Baritone Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Rose – Drums Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Written by Wayne Shorter - Miyako Music (BMI) Written by Irvin Mayfield – Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Nisab Publishing (BMI) Track 3. Othello and Desdemona 6:52 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Track 3. Back Home Again in Indiana/Donna Lee 12:19 John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Written by Irvin Mayfield – Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Jason Marshall – Baritone Nisab Publishing (BMI) Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Track 4. Over the Rainbow/Skylark 9:22 Back Home Again in Indiana - Ballard MacDonald, James F. Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Michael Watson – Vocals, Derek Hanley - Public Domain Douget – Tenor Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris Donna Lee - Charles Christopher Parker Jr. (BMI) - Atlantic – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Music Corp (BMI)/Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) Over the Rainbow – Harold Arlen, E. Y. Harburg – EMI Feist Catalog INC (ASCAP) Track 4. Saint James Infirmary Blues Skylark – Hoagy Carmichael/John H. Mercer (ASCAP) – (featuring Sasha Masakowski) 13:38 Songs of Peer LTD (ASCAP)/W B Music CORP (ASCAP) Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Sasha Masakowski – Vocals, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Track 5. Eh La Bas (featuring Don Vappie) 6:36 John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drum Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Don Vappie – Banjo and Vocals, Traditional Derek Douget – Soprano Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Track 5. They All Ask’d for You Rose – Drums (featuring George Porter, Jr.) 11:19 Traditional Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, George Porter,Jr. – Bass and Vocals, Shannon Powell – Drums and Vocals, Steve Masakowski – Guitar, Piano – John Chin, Leon Brown – trumpet, Vince Gardner – Trombone, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone Written by Joseph Modeliste, Arthur Lanon Neville, Cyril Garret Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Joseph Porter, Jr.; – BMG Bumblebee (BMI), Bugaloo Music (BMI) Disc: Five Friday Disc Six: Saturday Disc Seven: Sunday Track 1. You Are My Sunshine 7:42 Track 1. Mack the Knife Track 1. When My Dreamboat Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, George Porter,Jr. – (featuring James Rivers) 8:33 Comes Home 15:45 Bass and Vocals, Shannon Powell – Drums and Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, James Rivers – Tenor Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet and Vocals, Michael Vocals, Steve Masakowski – Guitar, Piano – John Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Watson – Trombone and Vocals, Derek Douget Chin, Leon Brown – Trumpet, Vince Gardner – Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Soprano Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Trombone, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone – Drums Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Written by Jimmie Davis (BMI) – APRS (BMI) Written by Eugen Berthold Brecht/Kurt Weill Written by Dave Franklin and Cliff Friend (ASCAP) – Weill Brecht Harms Company Inc. (ASCAP) – Warner Bros INC (Warner Bros Track 2. The Affair 10:16 (ASCAP)/ Weill Kurt Foundation for Music Inc. Music Div) (ASCAP) Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Vincent Gardner (ASCAP) – Trombone, Jason Marshall – Baritone Track 2. Love Petals 6:58 Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Track 2. Dianne 11:20 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget Tenor Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Written by Irvin Mayfield – Irvin Mayfield – Soprano Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Irvin Publishing (BMI), Nisab Publishing (BMI) Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Mayfield – Irvin Mayfield Publishing (BMI), Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Nisab Publishing (BMI) Track 3. Marzique Dancing 8:01 Written by Irvin Mayfield - Irvin Mayfield Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget Publishing (BMI), Nisab Publishing (BMI) Track 3. Someone to Watch Over Me/ – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – My Funny Valentine 11:19 Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Track 3. The Obsession 10:20 Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Michael Watson – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget Vocals, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, John Written by Harold Battiste (BMI) – At Last – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose Publishing Company (BMI) Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – – Drums Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Someone to Watch Over Me – by George and Track 4. Jasmine 7:20 Written by Irvin Mayfield - Irvin Mayfield Ira Gershwin (ASCAP) – Ira Gershwin Music Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Michael Watson – Publishing (BMI), Nisab Publishing (BMI) (ASCAP), W B Music Corp (ASCAP) Vocals, Derek Douget – Tenor Saxophone, John My Funny Valentine – Lorenz Hart, Richard Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose Track 4. Pretty One 11:24 Rodgers (ASCAP) – Chappell-co. INC (ASCAP) – Drums Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget Williamson Music Co (ASCAP) Written by James Black (BMI) – Publishing N/A – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Track 4. Magnolia Triangle 12:03 Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Irvin Mayfield – Trumpet, Derek Douget Written by James Black (BMI) – Publishing N/A – Tenor Saxophone, Vincent Gardner – Trombone, Jason Marshall – Baritone Saxophone, John Chin – Piano, Peter Harris – Bass, Adonis Rose – Drums Written by James Black (BMI) – Publishing N/A “His passion permeates every page of this anthology, from the deeply felt essays he’s written to the provocative photographs he’s assembled here. Irvin graciously and generously invites you into his world. You will not want to leave.” - Walter Isaacson (biographer and author of Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, Einstein: His Life and Universe, and Kissinger: A Biography)

“With this book and these recordings, Irvin Mayfield connects our past and present with vignettes on three muses: truth, love, and beauty. As a son of New Orleans, as a trumpeting descendant of Buddy Bolden, as a proprietor of the most successful bona fide Jazz club on historic Bourbon Street, he is absolutely qualified to tell our story. He understands that if we are to remain ourselves, our story must be told and retold—remembered and reinvented—at each telling.” - Wynton Marsalis

This music is also available on CD as part of a 300+ page coffee table book.

Available at basinstreetrecords.com Produced by Irvin Mayfield Executive Producer: Mark Samuels Associate Creative Director: Emily Welcker Project/Art Design: Britton Stewart, Thinka Digital Booklet Design: Diana Thornton, www.crescentmusic.com Live Recording Engineer: David Farrell

Live Stage Engineer: Masanori Yura Irvin plays trumpets hand-built by David G. Monette. Irvin plays Recorded Live at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse flugel horns made by Bach Stradivarius. To gain more acoustic sound out of the bass, these recordings were made without the use of the Mixing Engineer: Misha Kachkachishvili dreaded bass direct. The recordings are 100% live and were created Mixed at Esplanade Studios in Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse New Orleans. Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Cover Illustrator: John H. Clark IV Playhouse uses Steinway pianos.

Production Coordinator: Braden Piper Management: Tulani Bridgewater-Kowalski [email protected] Executive Assistant to Mr. Mayfield: Jennifer Sackeyfio DDB Productions, Inc. [email protected] (504) 235-2507 137 N Larchmont. Blvd #642 Personal Assistant to Mr. Mayfield: Turron Patterson Los Angeles, CA 90004 [email protected] (504) 638-2815 Tel: (310) 494-4008; Fax: (310) 494-4014

Booking Agency: The Agency Group Legal Representation: Eric L. Register—Register, Lett LLP Accounting Firm: DeMonte and Falgoust Accounting Firm LLC

Sonesta International Hotel Corporation Chairman/ President/CEO: William Sheehan General Manager Royal Sonesta New Orleans: Alfred Groos Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse Manager: Eileen M. Fernandez – Silva LOOK FOR

Also available as a book BASIN STREET RECORDS 5500 Prytania St. #110, New Orleans, LA 70115 PH: 504.483.0002 1-888-45BASIN FAX: 504.483.7877 [email protected] www.basinstreetrecords.com facebook.com/BasinStreetRecords twitter.com/BasinStRecords

www.irvinmayfield.com facebook.com/IrvinMayfieldJr twitter.com/IrvinMayfieldJr www.facebook.com/IMJazzPlayhouse