00:00 Allison Miner introduces Lillian and intern Monifa. Allison tells an anecdote about Lillian touring, mentioning Rebirth Brass Band. 02:07 Monifa asks Lillian how many times she’s played Jazz Fest (Lillian says 3, as of the interview date). 02:40 Lillian talks about her childhood in New Orleans. Second lines, her large family of origin, her travels in Europe in the 1980s are mentioned. She talks about the better treatment American Black performers typically experience in Europe compared to in the US. 03:40 Lillian talks about traveling as a performer with “One Mo’ Time” (a historical musical set in the 1920s about Black performers on the road, inspired by Ma Rainy, Bessie Smith, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson). 04:33 Lillian tells a story about how her own New York City show “Is Music Life” grew out of her and a friend’s work with “One Mo’ Time.” She mentions a band called The Splitting Image and the song, “You’re a Nag” also working at Melba Moore’s recording studio, trying to get paid, being scammed, connecting with a promoter in Denmark and starting her own show. 09:48 Lillian talks about her more recent life in music, mostly in Europe. She talks about taking a vacation in Australia. 11:04 Lillian talks about being a woman in the music business. She tells what she found works for her. 14:07 Lillian discusses musical genres, trends, and in her career. She uses Jazz Fest as an example of musical diversity. She mentions recording on Dr. John’s album Going Back to New Orleans. She gives advice to young singers starting out. 16:39 Lillian talks about being New Orleans Music Ambassador, about touring and meeting people, about the large part European musicians play keeping New Orleans music alive. 19:17 Lillian talks about European schools teaching children about the arts in general, and music in particular, about young crops of musicians. She talks about her experiences doing intensive workshops in jazz music with children in Europe. She talks about youngsters learning jazz in the US, about the funding for the arts that is prioritized in Europe and not in the US. She talks about music programs in the US to try and address this need, about getting musical instruments in the hands of US children. 22:38 Lillian talks about her wish to distribute New Orleans travel brochures abroad. 23:33 Lillian sets up the demonstration that follows. She introduces and invites pianist David Paquette to the stage to accompany her. 24:53 Demonstration: “I Get the Blues When It Rains.” 28:47 Lillian provides information regarding her current projects and available merchandize. Dr. John, Ed Frank, Clarence Ford, Ralph Johnson, Craig Klein, Leroy Jones, Lloyd Lambert, Johnny Vidacovich, Raymond Webber, Herlin Riley, and her husband Thomas L’Etienne are among the musicians mentioned who were involved with her most recent recording But Beautiful. She characterizes the album and mentions WWOZ is playing it regularly. 30:30 Lillian lists her upcoming performances (in US and Europe). She mentions plans to pay at Essence Music Festival and a gospel performance in the US. 30:23 Lillian talks about her gospel music career, tells about her teaching gospel music to thousands of children in Europe, and a recent TV and stage presentation of choral gospel music she was involved with that featuring many of these European children, more plans of working in music with children. 33:49 Lillian answers a question from the audience. Lillian teaches in English in Europe, as most Europeans are fluent in several languages, including English (Lillian’s native tongue). 34:47 Lillian answers a question from the audience, stating she has plans for a fund-raising concert for school programs in New Orleans, and a possible cultural exchange. 35:50 Monifa thanks all and ends the interview.
