Last week I finally saw a band that I became familiar with about a year ago. I saw a listing for a show of theirs and thought they sounded like a fun band to see; unfortunately I had a conflict that night.

Revolutionary Snake Ensemble

The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble held a combination CD release (“Live Snakes”) and Mardi Gras party at Regattabar, replete with costumes, beads and a second line!

Mardi Gras beads!!!

The sold-out crowd was in a party mood that night; a number of people, myself included, took some beads from the pile on stage to help set the mood.

That night, RSE was appearing with special guest Charles Neville and he’s a wonderful addition to an already stellar group of musicians!

Charles “More Cowbell Please” Neville

Ken Field is the ringleader of this band that blends New Orleans funk and brass band with jazz.

Ken Field (Charles in the background)

This is a style of music I particularly love because it showcases the musicianship and is tremendously enjoyable.  I don’t know if they performed all the songs from the upcoming release but I know that at least one, Duke Ellington’s “Caravan”, was on the setlist.

The band that night was composed of Ken and Charles on sax, Tom Hall also on sax, Phil Neighbors on drums, Blake Newman on bass, and Dave Harris on trombone and helicon (that’s a new instrument to me – it must be related to the tuba).

Blake Newman

Dave Harris and the helicon

Phil Neighbors

Tom Hall

Also with the band that night on a few songs were two singers, Gabrielle Agachiko and Ruthie Ristich. I knew of, but had never seen, Gabrielle. I enjoyed their contribution to the music and look forward to seeing them again as well.

Gabrielle Agachiko

Ruthie Ristich

At the end of the show, the band led a traditional second line through the club. That was a fun way to end an excellent show!