2001 was a big year for my life in the Blues, largely thanks to my dear friend and mentor Big Joe Duskin. One April afternoon that year as I was sitting at my desk on the dreaded day job, the telephone rang and it was Big Joe.
“Sean, it’s Duskin, how would you like to play in New Orleans with me at The Jazz and Heritage Festival?” his mighty voice boomed over the telephone.
“Count me in,” I replied - then asking my boss if I could have a couple of days away from the grind. Within a few minutes, my e-ticket had arrived - first class! Off I drove to Cincinnati where Joe and I settled in with all sorts of great food, plenty of seat and a celebratory glass of wine for me.
When we got checked into our hotel, thanks to a wonderful liaison - designated to assist Joe and I by none other than Allan Toussaint - I contacted my good friend Gary Drouhilet. Gary is the nephew of Dr. John and a tremendous pianist in his own right, as well as being involved in New Orleans music on a
“Sean, it’s Duskin, how would you like to play in New Orleans with me at The Jazz and Heritage Festival?” his mighty voice boomed over the telephone.
“Count me in,” I replied -
number of different levels.
After Joe made himself comfortable in the room with a roast beef po’ boy, I called Gary and he and his son Bo swung by the hotel to show me the city - winding up with a late night/early morning visit to Café Dumond for chicory and coffee.
Joe and I got up the next day and got dressed for the gig, although it was early May, it was balmy and dripping sweat from the rooftops in the Big Easy.
While Joe and I chatted in the lobby of the hotel waiting for our ride, a group of German and Chinese festival-goers noticed Joe and came over to visit with us. I spotted a piano in the corner and suggested to Joe that he play a tune for his eager fans. To their great delight, he sat down and belted out one of his very
After Joe made himself comfortable in the room with a roast beef po’ boy, I called Gary and he and his son Bo swung by the hotel to show me the city -
While Joe and I chatted in the lobby of the hotel waiting for our ride, a group of German and Chinese festival-
favorites, “Miss Ida B.”
Soon, we said our goodbyes to our new friends and we were off to the largest music festival in the world. That year, I took in Earl King, Snooks Eaglin, Little Freddie King and Fats Domino at the festival as I explored the various stages.
Joe and I took the stage, along with venerated historian, writer, producer and drummer, Ben Sandmel - who, as a Big Joe fan, immediately won my heart and friendship.
Soon, we said our goodbyes to our new friends and we were off to the largest music festival in the world. That year, I took in Earl King, Snooks Eaglin, Little Freddie King and Fats Domino at the festival as I explored the various stages.
Joe and I took the stage, along with venerated historian, writer, producer and drummer, Ben Sandmel -
