JAZZ ON HBO

JAZZ ON HBO

HBO deserves lots of credit and props in general for the types of programs the network presents. From its pilot episode, HBO’s, “Treme” has been about music and musicians. The culture that New Orleans provides to this subject is very appropriate indeed. It must also be noted that Treme is a drama series shown on HBO, so there are going to be situations presented that might not be appropriate for young children. But, nonetheless and taken in context, the program presents a believable social paradigm. As ARC member, Donald Harrison, Jr., who guest stars on Treme in several capacities notes, we in the jazz and arts communities should voice our support for HBO with regard to this endeavor and tangible platform they provide for the music… That’s the point of this post – get involved…

HBO Treme Season 1 Episode 06 features Jazz

SEASON 1 – O6: SHALLOW WATER, OH MAMA

Jazz has been featured prominently on television in the USA before HBO’s, “Treme”. However, most of that occurred during the societal prominence of those among the generations who witnessed the impact of both, World War II and the Korean Conflict. And, it is most fitting that New Orleans be the setting of a series that prominently features actual real jazz artists and their music, like HBO’s “Treme” does. New Orleans, along with Chicago, Kansas City, New York and Los Angeles, remains one of the original jazz music centers in the world.

HBO PROVIDES A JAZZ OPPORTUNITY

This particular episode from Season 1, is titled for the song, Shallow Water. You can hear a clip of Donald Harrison, Jr. with Dr. John performing the song using the player at this link or by using the player below. The music is from the CD, “Indian Blues”, a recording also featuring Mardi Gras Indians, the Guardians of the Flame.

Mr. Harrison has a total of three compositions presented during the course of this episode. This refreshing trend is a continuation for Blake Leyh, who is the music director for Treme, and every New Orleanian who added authenticity to the pilot episode. From the beginning the show has featured groups like: Rebirth Brass Band playing “I Feel Like Funkin’ It Up” or “I Used to Love Her (But It’s All Over Now)” under the I-10 overpass on Claiborne Avenue. The pilot also features “Nouveau Swing” and “One for Bird,” two of Donald Harrison’s original compositions. The music and those playing it are as authentic as it can get. It is all very real. That’s outstanding for the music.

I now want to solicit your help in another area. I was featured in Treme episode 106 as an actor and played 3 of my modern jazz compositions with my working group. – Donald Harrison, Jr.

This is a chance, I believe, to get a foothold in mainstream media for jazz.
- Donald Harrison, Jr.

JAZZ AND ARTS COMMUNITY NETWORKS CALL TO ACTION

Mr. Harrison also encourages that a demonstration of tangible support for the HBO Series and interactions coming from those of us in the jazz world, might help toward getting more jazz artists and their work presented on TV in other places too.

I would like to ask your constituents to give kudos to HBO for having America’s Classical music on their network and ask them to do some repeat broadcasts of Ep: 106 on their comment page about the episode.
- Donald Harrison, Jr.

GET INVOLVED – IT’S EASY… JOIN THE CONVERSATION

HBO's "Treme" | Join the Conversation

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.