Loose Marbles - Nawlins hot jazzy goodness

 

I had the pleasure of catching this group of New Orleans-based ragamuffins called "Loose Marbles" playing for dancers last night in Manhattan.  They make such a joyous, hot jazzy noise, led by Meschiya Lake on vocals.  Meschiya eschews the mic and just belted all night into the crowded room. The percussion section looks like a bit a junk lying on the floor that the trumpet player leans over and bangs on with a stick. 

I was there mostly to listen. Their music is best suited to balboa and fast charlestons, which aren't my forté by a stretch. I'd rather concentrate on their musicianship anyway, which is raw but tight.

I'm happy to see them playing for dancers in a club near Penn Station. But I'd really rather be squatting on a sidewalk in the French Quarter with all the other onlookers, as Loose Marbles swings for loose change.