00:34 Miner asks about her childhood in Vinton, LA and her family. Her father is a Mouton from Lafayette and Carencro, mother from New Orleans and around Thibodeau/Bayou LaFourche.Took piano lessons from age 5, grandma played ragtime and tin pan alley music. “We thought whatever was a hit in south Louisiana was a hit all over the world!” Fats Domino, “Frogman” Henry were favorites. Started singing in college at LSU (Baton Rouge) with a friend who exposed her to wider influences. Started coming down to NOLA to hear music. 07:10 Made her way to Austin, a more progressive environment than Baton Rouge. Lots of people from LA there, timing was right to develop her music career. Became Queen of the Crawfish Circuit, an area defined by I-10. Ball talks about New Orleans being a piano and horn town, especially the influence of Professor Longhair. Miner says Ball is the only woman who does “Fess” justice. 12:43 Demonstration “In the Night” 17:05 Miner asks about her first album, Circuit Queen, in 1977. She was playing country music in a band called Freda and the Firedogs, then a friend got her a record deal in Nashville with top studio musicians. Recognition followed. On the road about 180 days a year. 20:20 Demonstration Miner plays her original “That’s Enough of That Stuff” from Hot Tamale Baby. 26:10 Demonstration Miner plays the ballad, “Another’s Man Woman” to showcase Ball’s voice. Ball credits Irma Thomas’ influence and how she conveys universal emotions. 32:24 Demonstration Title track from “Hot Tamale Baby,” a Clifton Chenier zydeco number. 35:12 Audience Q & A and Demonstration of “Mess Around” 38:45 Miner mentions Ball’s mother whose name is Hope and her three sisters, Faith, Joy and Love. Tells how her grandparents met on a riverboat. Points out her father in the audience. Talks about her unique piano playing stance/posture.
