Spera's Spin - N.O. Jazz & Heritage Festival 2008,
from April 28, 2008 Times Picayune
MIDNITE DISTURBERS
Fans danced in deep muck at the Jazz & Heritage Stage to the Midnite Disturbers, an all-star brass band assembled by drummers Stanton Moore of Galactic and Kevin O'Day.
The musicians wore black T-shirts with red letters urging people to "Listen to . . ." some New Orleans music icon. Moore's shirt named James Black, the late great architect of modern jazz drumming; Moore's 3-year-old daughter sported a pink shirt advertising the Meters' Zigaboo Modeliste. Galactic saxophonist Ben Ellman's plugged the late saxophonist Fred "Shep" Sheppard. Bonerama trombonist Mark Mullins' shirt remembered his late bandmate Brian O'Neill. Trumpeter Kenneth Terry saluted Dave Bartholomew. Trumpeter Shamarr Allen called out Henry "Red" Allen. Trombonist "Big" Sam Williams memorialized Frog Joseph. Taking an existential approach, saxophonist Skerik's shirt said, "Listen to yourself."
The sprawling ensemble boasts the most diverse and unlikely resume of any brass band in town. But they sounded exactly like a brass band should: Simultaneously tight and loose. Chants of "oo-na-nay" and "handa wanda yo mama," not to mention the random kids and women dancing on stage, made the Midnite Disturbers all the more authentic.
Just dropping by to say Hi and see what you’re up to and how you are doing.
As always, wishing you well. Stay positive, productive & purpose driven.
Peace
Michael
