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From The Desk Of Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Like most New Orleans-born-and-bred musicians, Ben Jaffe understands music not as a byproduct of the human experience but as a heart-deep part of that experience itself. Jaffe—tuba player, bassist and current leader/co-composer for the venerable Preservation Hall Jazz Band—comes by it honest, as they say. In 1961, his parents founded the Preservation Hall venue, a performance space especially notable during the Jim Crow era for being one of a handful in New Orleans open to both white and black players. What started as the venue’s de facto house band is now a pillar of the city’s musical history: a live performance, recording and educational outreach project 55 years strong and counting. PHJB’s new album, So It Is, continues the band’s longstanding custom of preserving and contributing new material to traditional New Orleans acoustic music. Jaffe will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our feature on the band.

Jaffe: The members of my band are the true heroes of my life. I consider them to be my brothers. Charlie Gabriel, our senior member, is perhaps the finest human I have ever known and a master of his horn. He is a teacher and a student, always exploring and seeking information, forever humble and curious. At 85, he is making the best music of his life. Then there is Clint Maedgen, who is a freak of nature. He has a foot in many worlds, including jazz, rock, classical, punk and alternative. As well as being a musician, he is a fine photographer. Clint has one speed: 100 percent. Ronell Johnson comes from a long line of New Orleans musicians. His joy and exuberance are infectious. Walter Harris is an inspiration. When he plays the drums, it is religious and joyous. He has an old soul and a beautiful spirit. Branden Lewis is new to the band but not new to music. His grandfather played sax with Lil Millet And The Creoles. Branden is curious. If he finds something interesting—be it sewing, flying drones, yoga or playing the trumpet—he will jump in headfirst and become a student of that pursuit. What can I say about Kyle Roussel? Kyle is wiser and older than his 29 years. He grew up studying classical piano and playing in church. I became aware of Kyle a few years back. He is a true student of music and is carving his own path. Finally, Walter Harris Jr is truly the heartbeat of the band. His keen sense of wisdom coming from his Lower 9 Mardi Gras Indian heritage is power like the double kick drum pedal he pounds relentlessly to keep us all in rhythm.