It’s a tough time for people in New Orleans. It’s a tough time for people everywhere, I know. But it’s where I am, and where I’ve worked for the last decade, so I’m feelin’ it.
Everybody on planet Earth is familiar with Mardi Gras. Hundreds of thousands of people come to the Crescent City every year to celebrate. Not this year. Not with all of the Covid restrictions in place. Mayor LaToya Cantrell put the hammer down. No bars open. No fun stuff allowed. No Mardi Gras.
Last year at this time, Mardi Gras was a couple of weeks away. Things were normal. My band was playing four nights a week and doing well. Covid-19 was in the news, but there were zero restrictions put in place. Life was good.
A month later we were shut down just like the rest of the world. Since then, bands in this neck of the woods have still been playing…only outside of the city. The “lifers” have continued to get whatever gig they can. There have been venues that have been accommodating…affording the opportunity for musicians to do what they do.
My pick this week was easy. As soon as I saw this video, I knew I was going to feature it. It’s the perfect timing; expressing the genuine sentiment that people feel in this city. New Orleans is a place that is historically rich in music; so it stands to reason that musicians are going to keep playing no matter what.
Full disclosure…these are people I know personally. The drummer is a member of my Bourbon Street band. I’ve shared the stage with the singer a time or two, the keyboard player a boatload of times, and I’ve met the other members. But I’m not screwing around here. I challenge you to go through the previous Video of the Week selections and find something that doesn’t kick ass.
Phaze V is made up of New Orleans’ area elite players. These guys are no joke. Although some have had experience on Bourbon Street, they’re not shackled to the song selection that is expected to entertain a tourist crowd. You’re not going to hear “Jessie’s Girl” at a Phaze V show.
Instead, you’re going to hear some killer songs. Most will be familiar, but few will have been performed by any cover band you’re seen before. All, however, will be delivered with care. If you’ve been a music fan for decades like I have, you will appreciate the art in this band’s song selection. It also helps that every member is really good at what they do.
“Baby Come Back” was a #1 Billboard hit in 1977 for the rock band Player. With its rich harmonies, it’s not a song you’ll hear played often. But Phaze V has it covered. Videographer Tim Mcaskill captured the live performance and spliced it in with scenes from in and around the city of New Orleans in better times.
Watch the video below…and share this article, too.
Share This Article:
What’s So Bad About Playing Cover Songs?
I’m willing to bet that some people will see this headline and answer the question in the comments without even clicking to read the article.
“Ocean Etude” Chopin Cover by Lola Astanova—Video of the Week 10/05/20
When people think of cover songs, they generally consider popular music as the most frequently performed. In the rock era, many well-known artists have even
12 Random Objects That a Guitar Player Can Use at a Gig Instead of a Slide
Improvisation is a key element in performing music. Players often like to jam on sections of songs in order to put their own stamp on
“Three Little Birds” Bob Marley Cover by T Sisters—Video of the Week 02/01/21
We have to admit, we’re suckers for girls who can sing really well. We’re also suckers for three-part harmony. When we find that combination in
New Study Finds Most Live Streaming Musicians Aren’t Wearing Pants
When the worldwide stay-at-home recommendations went into place, many musicians who lost gigs turned to live streaming. Players found it to be the easiest way
10 Songs You Should Never Sing in Public if You’re a Straight Man
10 Songs You Should Never Sing in Public if You’re a Straight Man Picture this: You’re out with your buddies on a Friday night. You
You must log in to post a comment.