Artist Talk with Gerald French

Gerald French with Blackgirl on Mars


I had the distinct pleasure of moderating an Artist Talk with the extraordinary Gerald French tonight, at Copenhagen's Main Library. Gerald French is a New Orleans original - a living continuation of the Black Indian legacy and a passionate masker. Drummer Gerald French is the descendent of one of the original New Orleans Jazz families. Throughout the years he has played with a variety of musicians, among legends such as Dr. John, Leroy Jones and Harry Connick Jr. His unique style has made him a legend in his own right among musicians. We talked post-Katrina, his sneaking playing on his uncle's drums as a kid and how he got into the exquisite art of masking. The ancestors were present tonight and I truly feel blessed having crossed paths with this wonderful soul. French is currently the 5th bandleader in the oldest Jazz band in the world (105 years old) The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, which was once led by his uncle Bob French, who had been the band leader since 1977.  French is also the son of bassist and singer George French.

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