Sweet Emma

[dixielandbugleboy]

does anyone know what the brand of piano sweet emma was playing on in the album "New Orlean's Sweet Emma Barrett and her Preservation Hall Jazz Band"?

[Ron Thorne]

Originally Posted by dixielandbugleboy

does anyone know what the brand of piano sweet emma was playing on in the album "New Orlean's Sweet Emma Barrett and her Preservation Hall Jazz Band"?

No, do you?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'd suggest contacting the Preservation Hall organization directly. I'll bet you'll get more than one response.

This was recorded 42 years ago, but I'll bet that there are some knowledgeable New Orleans folks who will remember.

[John L]

If you are referring to the Sweet Emma record on Riverside, you might ask the question at http://www.organissimo.org/forum/. The producer of that record, Chris Albertson, is a regular participant in that forum.

[Ron Thorne]

Excellent point, John. How did I overlook that?

Don't answer, please.

Seriously, I wasn't aware that this was a Riverside recording or that Chris was involved.

[John L]

Actually, he is probably referring to one of the later Sweet Emma records.

She was still going in 1975 in Preservation Hall when I saw her in New Orleans. At that time, she only had the use of one arm due to a stroke, but she still delivered some tasteful one-handed piano.

[dixielandbugleboy]

here's a visual:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...757615-1959235

that's the record i'm talking about

[Ron Thorne]

dixielandbugleboy-

Yeah, that's the recording I figured you were talking about. Why not try what I suggested in post #2 and send a note to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band organization? I even provided you with a link to their website. They discuss that very recording right here.

Here's their e-mail address: preshall@banzai88.com

We're trying to help here, dbb. Please let us know what you learn.

[dixielandbugleboy]

i emailed them but i've yet to get a reply.

when did sweet emma die?

[Ron Thorne]

Originally Posted by dixielandbugleboy

when did sweet emma die?

Sweet Emma Barrett
_________________________

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



"Sweet Emma" Barrett (March 25, 1897–January 28, 1983) was a jazz pianist and singer from New Orleans who also performed Blues and some Gospel music. Aside from "Sweet Emma" she also had the nickname "The Bell Gal" because she wore red garters with bells on them.

She lived and died in New Orleans, where she was a local celebrity. She had appeared on albums in the 1920s, but was primarily a local phenomenon before her 1960s association with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In 1961 she made recordings with a group that later founded Preservation Hall, and her continued association with them renewed her fame. She did other recordings, even leading her own band, in the following years. However, her new career proved to be short-lived, as a stroke in 1967 weakened her abilities to play or sing. She continued to play and be part of New Orleans culture until her death in 1983.