001-1992-004

Fri Apr 24 1992

38:24 DAT Master, WAV and Mp3 on Server and Cloud

Gregory Davis is introduced as the leader of the Dirty Dozen. The band starts in the summer of 1977. Davis was playing with several different bands at the time of the formation of Dirty Dozen. Benny Jones had a connection with the Dirty Dozen Social Aid & Pleasure Club who used to play with kazoos. As the band began to rehearse, they began to be hired. 10:00 Davis talks about recording that first 45. They discuss a brass band singing to their own music – which was rather unheard of at the time. They play “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” – which was their first hit in New Orleans. 14:00 The Dirty Dozen’s time playing at The Glass House is talked about. They played there for about six years before they began to travel a lot. They talk about race and parties at on South Saratoga Street. Miner tells a story of David Byrne getting in touch with her about Mardi Gras Indian music and then he worked with and was inspired by The Dirty Dozen. 18:50 They play “Night Train” from an album produced by Quint Davis. Davis talks about relationship with George Wein. Davis started out as a music teacher – he cites problems with the public school system. He started playing in Jr. High. He went to Loyola University and began to really study music. They talk about Dirty Dozen being one of the first brass bands to play in night clubs. 25:00 “Bongo Beep” is played. Miner asks Davis about his nickname – Blodie. They discuss the evolution of a band and losing/gaining members. 33:00 Davis intros a final song selection and discusses why he wrote “The Lost Souls of Southern Louisiana” 37:20 The interview concludes.

Gregory Davis and Roger Lewis. Allison Miner, interviewer.

sound recording

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New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive