Fundraiser Tuesday, June 17, at Snug Harbor – Two Shows 7 PM & 9 PM
Davell Crawford, the Piano Price of New Orleans, is well-known for his talent, versatility and commitment to keeping New Orleans music alive as he travels the world. Legendary percussionist Mike Clark, widely recognized as one of the country’s foremost jazz and funk drummers, continues to influence generations of young percussionists.
The two of them spent Monday, June 16, working with aspiring young jazz musicians and collaborating with the talented faculty led by NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Sr. at the 31st annual Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp currently underway at NOCCA. Founded by the late great Kidd Jordan and Jackie Harris, now leader of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the camp brings together the next generation of jazz musicians, singers and dancers for intensive three-week one-on-one training with some of New Orleans’ best professional musicians. Classes are offered in a variety of instruments.
One of the more than 2500 graduates of the jazz camp, Crawford is passing on the great New Orleans piano traditions he learned from his grandfather James “Sugar Boy” Crawford and from his youth singing gospel music in the city’s Catholic and Baptist churches. He turned “pro” at age 7. The artist-in-residence at this year’s camp, Clark learned America’s music from his father – also a drummer and a Union man – as they rode the rails. A child prodigy, Clark was gigging in clubs in Texas and New Orleans by age 4.
Known for his work with Herbie Hancock, Phil Collins, Snoop Dog, George Clinton, Tony Bennett, Bobby McFerrin, Bill Summers, George Porter and Donald Harrison, Clark has a personal commitment to sharing his musical gifts with others. After one session with the students, Clark commented that he was impressed with their raw talent and commitment to the music. “Obviously these kids are here to learn,” said Clark.
Crawford sat patiently at the piano with four students and showed them the shuffle and his unique style of piano fingering. Then, accompanied by dozens of the young musicians, Crawford sang and played Roberta Flack’s hit “Killing Me Softly,” one of the songs the students will perform at their culminating concert on Friday, June 20.
This year’s cohort of 75 students come from all walks of life. Among the standouts is trumpeter Donte Allen, son of trumpet great Shamarr Allen. Already young Donte can blow a mean horn. Another future star is 12-year-old crooner Liam Armstrong who not only has a fabulous voice but all the right moves to make him a future singing sensation.
One of Liam’s teachers at the jazz camp is esteemed vocalist Stephanie Jordan who says she has worked really hard with young Armstrong to develop his style. Other faculty members who are also making a difference for these kids include musicians Darrell Lavigne, Dwight Fitch, Chris Severin, Don Vappie, Herman Jackson, Jonathan Bloom, Terrence Taplin, Andrew Baham, Marlon Jordan, Roderick Paulin and Andy Brower. These faculty members along with Donald Harrison Sr., – the camp’s artistic director – will be performing two shows Tuesday, June 17, at Snug Harbor Bistro to benefit the jazz camp. Tickets are $40 and available at htts://snugjazz.com/calendar
