Geoff Gilbert’s New Orleans Jazz: News and Views from The French Quarter

Geoff Gilbert

Geoff Gilbert – bandleader, musician and broadcaster – was born in England in 1932. His early Jazz influences included Humphrey Lyttleton, Chris Barber and Ken Colyer, and on the New Orleans jazz scene – Bunk Johnson, George Lewis and Jim Robinson.

In 2001, Geoff relocated to the French Quarter of New Orleans where he now lives. He has developed a love for New Orleans history as well as the music and writes regularly for the UK magazine “Just Jazz”.

You can discover much more about Geoff Gilbert and the spirit of New Orleans jazz on his highly informative website: Geoff Gilbert’s New Orleans Jazz: News and Views from The French Quarter

 

 

Ikos at The Alleycat

Three years ago I painted Dom Pipkin’s portrait on keyboard with The Fallen Heroes and since then I’ve constantly promised myself to to take in an Ikos’ gig.

So I was elated to make it to The Alleycat in Denmark Street, London, on May Day along with my daughter Susie, her partner Antony and Brian Smith (Promoter of the Welwyn Garden City Peartree Monday Jazz Club) for Dom Pipkin & the Ikos’ New Orleans Music Shop.

The gig couldn’t have been better named, reminiscent as it was of jazz and jam sessions in New Orleans in bars such as Frizzells and Donna’s Bar, to name just two. PLUS Dom and the Ikos have a whole bunch of YOUNG fans!

Dom isn’t only a great showman and brilliant pianist but also has a charismatic, outgoing personality and I want to thank him for giving Jazz&Jazz a huge plug during the Music Shop.

When I photograph musicians for my jazz portraits I concentrate on capturing their defining characteristics, their nuances and peculiarities. I did no less when photographing the Ikos for a selection of images for future portraits.

So here are Dom Pipkin and The Ikos and some of their “jammers”.

Dom in sentimental mood.

In the groove!

Tony Rico Solos on Sax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim and Tony - the perfect combo

 

 

Alex on Bass

 

 

 

Tim Penn on Accordion

Norman on Clarinet

Jammers in full swing!

Alleycat Reflections

(Photos © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz)

 

A Very Mean Sax: Jazz Portrait of Vocalion’s Ivan Gandon

Acrylic Jazz Portrait of Vocalion’s Ivan Gandon

One of jazz’s grand characters, this portrait of Ivan Gandon captures him playing sax with the Medway, Kent, based Vocalion Band led by Sam Weller back in 2011.

Not only that, he also plays clarinet, but you should hear the grit in his voice on vocals, especially in his own rendition of the lyrics to Tiger Rag! Without doubt, this is one of my favourite jazz paintings.

Fine Art Print of Jazz Portrait of Ivan Gandon

A Very Mean Sax
Beneath the rim of his familiar cap
Ivan’s won fame
For a very mean sax.
Gandon by name,
A gentleman by nature,
Yet with his grit on vocals
Ivan growls like a cat.

‘Jazz&Jazz’ Copyright © 2011 Peter M Butler. All rights reserved

Fine Art Giclée Prints of this portrait are available, with or without my descriptive poem. Simply email: [email protected] to place your order and help support jazz.

YouTube
YouTube
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share