Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Happy Mardi Gras -- March 8, 2011

Today is Mardi Gras. In honor of Mardi Gras, here is a photo of famed New Orleans reed player, band leader and composer, Sidney Bechet, playing his famed alto saxophone. Bechet led a troubled life. He was deported from France after a women was shot during a gun battle between Bechet and a fellow musician. He went to the UK, where he picked up the soprano sax and got deported after an assault. Back in the US, he played and recorded regularly. He returned to France in 1950 and spent the rest of his life there. I always enjoy listening to his music.

2 comments:

ratatouille's archives said...

Hi! Joe Thompson...
Thanks, for sharing...Here I go wondering again, but I wonder if New Orlean is back to "normal" or the question should be...Will they ever return to normal? (Before the flooding occurred...I know people who live in New Orlean, and they have told me it depends on what part in New Orlean that you live.

Happy Mardi Gras, to you too!)
DeeDee ;-D

Joe Thompson said...

DeeDee: Thank you. Most of New Orleans really is back to normal. Unfortunately, large sections which were devastated by Katrina remain devastated. Many people who lived there before Katrina have not been able to go back.