|The Journey Matters:| Meaningful success is not something that happens over night. It’s something that takes years. It’s full of long days and even longer nights, countless mistakes and frustrating failures. But it’s not all bad. Through endless experimentation you find what works. As you slowly hone your craft, you build a fan base that loves your work and enjoys watching you grow.
This is the process. Love the process. Trust the process. And most importantly, BE PRESENT through it all. It’s not just about the end game. Always remember, when people talk about you it means they’re thinking about you. Let them hate while you keep building.
Thank you to everyone who has supported The New Orleans Music Company and Ecirb Müller’s Twisted Dixie and Arts NOLA and all of my endeavors. Truly grateful for you all!
It’s been an exhaustingly busy 2019, so I’m headed to the Bahamas to smoke Cuban cigars and drink expensive whiskey chased with Australian beer! Oh, I’m going scuba diving too…
Thoughts, Considerations and Realities Regarding New Orleans’ Creative Economy
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In Memoriam: Remembering Our Cultural Icons
On behalf of The New Orleans Music Company, we send our condolences.
The last few weeks we have seen a constant bombardment of death notification regarding members from our cultural communities. With such a flurry of losing icons, I suggest now is a time that we reflect on both their massive contributions along with the importance of enculturation and what we as a city are doing to ensure cultural knowledge, processes, traditions, contributions, and innovation continue.
This isn’t about tourism. This is about ensuring we continue nurturing and supporting our culture and cultural traditions through education and experiential opportunities. I will be advocating this much more vocally than I have done in the past.
But for now, let us remember the icons we have recently lost:
Maestro Dave Bartholomew (December 24, 1918 – June 23, 2019)
An innovative writer, arranger, producer and trumpet, Maestro Bartholomew literally changed the direction of American music. By fusing New Orleans grooves and catchy songs, Bartholomew is considered the inventor of Rock & Roll, a music genre that quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, influencing artist such as Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and launching the careers of Chuck Berry and many more. Easily, Bartholomew is one of the most important New Orleans figures in the city’s 300 year history. Though I never had the pleasure of performing with Mr. Bartholomew, his influence as trumpeter not afraid to interject new styles in his music, plus his attention to the business of music have greatly influenced me. For all his contributions, I am thankful. The Maestro lived 100 full years… no tears, just sing on my friend, sing on.
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Malcolm John “Dr. John” Rebennack Jr. (November 20, 1941 – June 6, 2019)
In a vain similar to Louis Armstrong, Dr. John epitomized the essence of New Orleans cultural. More specifically, he epitomized New Orleans’ Black music and cultural performance traditions throughout his five decades as a writer, performer and producer. On soundtracks from voodoo to children’s movies, Mac found a way to creatively celebrate New Orleans in every note he played, every lyric he sang. In addition, Mr. Rebennack successfully performed across genre lines. One album might feature reworked Mardi Gras Indian tunes, while the followup album might be a tribute to Count Baisey, regardless the musical style, the outcomes were always amazing. While I never had the opportunity to perform with Dr. John, I did have the pleasure of serving as the opening act for several of his House of Blues performances, and most recently, introducing him at a international convention in the Superdome in 2017, where I served as event Host and Master of Ceremony. Dr. John’s musical contributions will have a long-lasting impact.
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Chef Leyah “Leah” Chase (January 6, 1923 – June 1, 2019)
Chef Chase did it her way, and in doing so, successfully competed in the White, male dominated New Orleans culinary ecosystem. On January 8, 2018, I had the distinct pleasure to perform for Mrs. Chase’s 95th birthday celebration with Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. This, in hindsight, was an event I was grateful to participate in. Regarding Chase, Delfeayo eloquently stated, “Leah Chase was the embodiment of the American Dream. She was not only an expert chef and entrepreneur, but she also cared deeply for the advancement of her people.” Chef Leah and her deceased husband Dooky Chase (a trumpeter and bandleader in the 40-50s turned restauranteur) always supported not only their community, but the arts. My last meal at Dooky Chase was July 2018. The matriarch reigned over her dining room!
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Antoine “Fats” Domino Jr. (February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017)
One of the pioneers of rock and roll music, Domino has sold more than 65 million records. Growing up in the 9thWard, riding bikes pass the weird brick house with the yellow and black sign, as kids we never knew the gentleman who lived their was a rockstar. As a young musician I have had the pleasure of performing with several musicians who were members of Fats band, including saxophonist Frederick Shepard (deceased) and saxophonist Roger Lewis. Many of his songs have long been staples for the brass bands, so I’ve been singing songs such as ‘I’m Walking,’ ‘Blueberry Hill,’ and ‘Ain’t That A Shame.’ The genius of Fats Domino is that this shy man influenced artist including song was subsequently recorded by Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Led Zeppelin. Domino and his good friend Dave Bartholomew created a music empire in New Orleans. Their long-term collaboration with the producer, arranger, and frequent co-writing were responsible for virtually all of his success.
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Rest In Peace: They May Be Gone But Their Impact Will Be Long-lasting
New Orleans’ culture is its greatest strength, and it is the people of New Orleans who create that culture. Maestro Bartholomew, Mrs. Chase, Mr. Domino, and Mr. Rebennack were all cultural entrepreneurs. It was their efforts that has allowed our entire tourism industry to prosper. It was because of their efforts that people from every corner of the world not only visit New Orleans, but decide to call it home.
As we both mourn their passing and celebrate their contributions, it is important that our tourism industry leaders truly understand these contributions and support the city’s Black cultural performers, culture-makers, musicians, artisans, chefs –– all of the creative economy.
The New Orleans Music Company is committed to investing in our community, the culture-bearers who shape and carry on our traditions, as we’ve been since 1991. In return, our services provide visitors and guests with the experiences that make them fall in love with our city over and over again. For this reason, it is imperative that we honor and celebrate the members of of creative communities while they are present with us, not just in memoriam. Doing so will also present greater exposure, which leads to greater opportunities, hence, a better quality of life.
Considering this, I look forward to working with members of the tourism industry, DMCs, event planners, wedding planners and event host to ensure The New Orleans Music Company is on the front lines of continuing to nourishing and sustaining our city’s culture for generations to come. Our education program ArtsNOLA (www.artsnola.org) works with schools and nonprofit programs to teach cultural traditions to young people.
To the families of our recently departed icons, The New Orleans Music Company will do our part to continue the legacies of your loved ones.
Dr. Brice A. Miller, Sr., Founder and Creative Director @ The New Orleans Music Company
|Motivation Monday:| Do What You Love and Love What You Do!
Excited to be spending this week back in the studio with @delfeayomarsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra as we lay down the soundtrack for our sophomore CD ‘Jazz Party.” This is my second of five studio recordings for 2019. Come on, life ain’t nothing but a Jazz Party!
Ecirb Müller’s TwistedAnnounce New AlbumWhat Had Happened Was…
For the last three yearsEcirb Müller’s Twisted Dixiehave been so busy unearthing facts about America’s most mysterious jazzman while also creating a name for themselves on the local music scene via their high-energy, gut-bucket funny stage shows andSunday nightdance party’s on Frenchmen Street that releasing an album seemed unimportant. Fans kept asking, “This music is amazing, when are you’ll going to record?” Well, finally, the wait is over.
After spending almost a year of meticulously planning and recording a project that would accurately reproduce the band’s unique stage show, Ecirb Müller’s Twisted Dixie will release their debut LP: On May 11, America’s FUNkiest traditional jazz band, the New Orleans-based hybrid jazz/party band will release What Had Happened Was…, an album whose title speaks directly to their signature phrase of hyperbole hilarity.
“In New Orleans, if somebody starts a statement off with, ‘What had happened was,’ they’re about to tell you a bunch of half truths,” says Dr. Brice Miller, the creator of the Ecirb Müller character. “This band is the most fun, entertaining, and musically exploratory ensemble I’ve ever performed with and totally epitomizes the joys and happiness of what makes New Orleans so special,” says Ed Barrett, lead guitarist and unofficial President of Mormonicity.
On the forthcoming album, listeners are taken on journey of insightful tall tales andEcirb Müller’s Twisted Dixie’strademark grooving soulful reenactments of traditional jazz standards–– called NuTrad. “I came up with the NuTrad concept while on tour in Italy a few years ago with my brass band, Mahogany. The vibe is to make people dance and enjoy jazz for its enjoyment, not the whole cerebral concept,” says Dr. Miller.
Musically, What Had Happened Was… brings together a Danny Barker and Louis Armstrong like entertainment factor, a Louis Jordan and Lil’ John hype-man energy with the dance factor of Rebirth and Dirty Dozen Brass Bands via a genre-bending concoction of jazz, funk, Go-Go, , brass band and old school R&B. The studio release is produced by The New Orleans Music Company.
Morning News, 7-9am on Channel 4, on air performance and interview.
CD Release Party:May 11,Spotted Cat,6-10pm
Post-CD Party: May 12, Café Negril, 6-10pm @ Get Lucky Sunday
Digital Downloads Available: iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon
Local Purchase: Louisiana Music Factory, Peaches Records,Spotted Cat,Café Negriland The New Orleans Music Company
Hey there! Here’s where Dr. Miller will be kicking some brass beginning this weekend, so holla at me! Back on the road with Delfeayo Marsalis and Uptown Jazz Orchestra + more. Hope to see your face in the place… somewhere!
*Public events only. Does not include private events, convention gigs or weddings.
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🙋🏾♂️ Dr. Brice Miller aka The Hardest Working Jazzman in New Orleans! Book entertainment for your next event @ http://www.thenomc.com @theneworleansmusic @wwoz_neworleans @offbeatmagazine @whiteoakproductions @whereyatnola @visit_thnoc @hostsneworleans @visitneworleans @neworleansandco @thebukuproject @jazzfest @neworleansweddings @creolequeennola @riverboatlouisarmstrong @louisianatravel @fqfest @fqba @nolanews @nolajazzmuseum @nolablkchamber @soulofnola @cityofno
Talk Dat Talk Tuesday! Excited to be providing entertainment for Allianz 2019 with Dr. Brice Miller’s Urban Swing Project providing a mellow-chill soundtrack. From@big bands to brass bands, trad jazz to downbeat, we the best!
When corporate clients come to New Orleans they want the best, that’s why they hire @theneworleansmusic (The New Orleans Music Company) for their entertainment services. We make it do what it do!
DO WHAT YOU LOVE & LOVE WHAT YOU DO!
|The Journey Matters:| Meaningful success is not something that happens over night. It’s something that takes years. It’s full of long days and even longer nights, countless mistakes and frustrating failures. But it’s not all bad. Through endless experimentation you find what works. As you slowly hone your craft, you build a fan base that loves your work and enjoys watching you grow.
Yes Lawd, Making it do what it do! Catch me where you can over the next week… #tooblessedtobestressed
|Motivation Monday:| Do What You Love and Love What You Do!
Hey there! Here’s where Dr. Miller will be kicking some brass beginning this weekend, so holla at me! Back on the road with Delfeayo Marsalis and Uptown Jazz Orchestra + more. Hope to see your face in the place… somewhere!
Iowa and Minnesota it’s been awesome! NOLA, I’m headed back to ya’
Hey there Durango Colorado, Dr. Brice Miller is headed to you!
#uptownjazzorchestra #soneworleans #cityofculture #roadlife #jazzman #soulofnola #bricemillerfoto #culturalentrepreneur #jazztrumpet #respectdahustle @fortlewiscollege
Talk Dat Talk Tuesday! Excited to be providing entertainment for Allianz 2019 with Dr. Brice Miller’s Urban Swing Project providing a mellow-chill soundtrack. From@big bands to brass bands, trad jazz to downbeat, we the best!
