Amazing New Orleans musician comes to Somerville

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

A benefit for Henry Butler

http://www.johnnyds.com/

WEDNESDAY, .SEPT. 28- HENRY BUTLER W/ AMADEE CASTENELL
The amazing pianist from New Orleans is back in our neighborhood, and we're delighted to have him here. His house and many of his photographs were destroyed in the hurricane, and this night will be a benefit to help him get back on his feet. He'll be joined by the amazing AMADEE CASTENELL (sax), BRUCE KATZ (piano), and a host of other luminaries. He's a five-time W.C. Handy “Best Blues Instrumentalist - Piano” award nominee. Although blinded by glaucoma since birth, he is also a world class photographer with his work displayed at exhibitions throughout the United States. Playing piano since the age of six, Butler is a master of musical diversity. Combining the percussive jazz piano playing of McCoy Tyner and the New Orleans style playing of Professor Longhair through his classically-trained wizardry, Butler continues to craft a sound uniquely his own. A rich amalgam of jazz, Caribbean, classical, pop, R&B and blues influences, his music is as excitingly eclectic as that of his New Orleans birthplace. “Of all the varied and distinct experiences available each year at Jazz Fest, none stand out as uniquely comprehensive as pianist, singer and composer Henry Butler.”- Offbeat


I met Mr. Butler a number of years ago at Tipitina's in New Orleans, and he is the real deal. Of all the damndest things, I worked his show as the lighting guy, and afterwards I went up to meet him. I introduced myself and he laughed and said "Well, you know I'm blind, so I just hope you made me look good."

Indeed.