Category Archives: New Orleans

Song of the Day: “Well I Done Got Over It” by one of today’s Ponderosa Stomp conference subjects, Guitar Slim

Born Eddie Jones, Guitar Slim created one of the most seminal blues classics of all time in “The Things I Used to Do.” This is the B-side of that great record, both of whose sides feature Ray Charles on piano. A master showman who dyed his hair to match his suits and shoes, Guitar Slim was highly influential during the 1950s, and his colorful legacy, which touched musicians from Earl King to Frank Zappa, is well-worth another look. Come see WWOZ DJ and documetarian David Kunian lead a panel today discussing Slim’s career, with his peers and bandmates Gerri Hall, Irving Banister, and Lawrence Cotton. It runs 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. at the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, 700 Tchoupitoulas St. For more info on the conference, click here.

The Godfather of Rampart and Dumaine: Studio legend Cosimo Matassa to be honored on the Stomp’s first night

Get ready for the Ponderosa Stomp’s righteous tribute to one of the architects of the New Orleans sound, J&M recording studio owner Cosimo Matassa. Friday night’s tribute features tips of the hat from Matassa’s key colleagues, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Dave Bartholomew and Allen Toussaint, along with Clarence “Frogman” Henry” and Robert … Continue reading The Godfather of Rampart and Dumaine: Studio legend Cosimo Matassa to be honored on the Stomp’s first night

RIP, “The Creole Beethoven”: Wardell Quezergue dead at 81

The legendary New Orleans arranger and bandleader Wardell Quezergue died at age 81 today at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, La. Below is his biography from the Ponderosa Stomp, which he graced so often with his genius presence: If the greatest measure of a man’s success is a view of what the world might … Continue reading RIP, “The Creole Beethoven”: Wardell Quezergue dead at 81

Song of the Day: “It’s Raining” by Irma Thomas, the national anthem of the state of Louisiana, written by Allen Toussaint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u3WpbFB0Cg With a tropical weather system churning in the Gulf of Mexico and drenching south Louisiana for the weekend, what better Song of the Day than the unofficial national anthem of the state of Louisiana, “It’s Raining,” sung by national treasure Irma Thomas and written by Allen Toussaint, who produced the song for Minit and … Continue reading Song of the Day: “It’s Raining” by Irma Thomas, the national anthem of the state of Louisiana, written by Allen Toussaint

Blues-harmonica smackdown (strictly for grins): Chicago’s Billy Boy Arnold vs. Baton Rouge’s Lazy Lester

We’re thrilled that Chicago blues-harmonica god Billy Boy Arnold is returning to the Ponderosa Stomp this year for its 10th anniversary. And the Stomp, of course, is named after south Louisiana’s Lazy Lester of Excello fame. Both appeared at the inaugural Stomp and both are perennial performers at the annual blowout. We love ‘em both. … Continue reading Blues-harmonica smackdown (strictly for grins): Chicago’s Billy Boy Arnold vs. Baton Rouge’s Lazy Lester