FIVE PRESERVATION HALL COLLABORATIONS YOU MUST HEAR

August 1, 2023 | by SFJAZZ

Preservation Hall Jazz Band parading New Orleans' French Quarter w/ Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl

No other working ensemble represents the traditional New Orleans jazz sound like Preservation Hall Jazz Band. A musical institution unto itself — complete with education initiatives, national outreach and historical archives — Pres Hall has teamed up with some of popular music's biggest names. The latest addition to this prestigious list is Tarriona "Tank" Ball and Norman Spence II from the superb New Orleans band Tank and the Bangas, who perform together 8/17–20 to close out Summer Sessions 2023. To get us ready, we take a look back at some of Pres Hall's other memorable collaborations. 

Bonnaroo Superjam w/ Dr John, The Black Keys and My Morning Jacket

If you're not a festie, you might not know about Bonnaroo's annual Superjam tradition, which brings different musicians featured at the festival together for a one-time only performance. In 2011, Preservation Hall Jazz Band joined New Orleans royalty Dr. John, The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, My Morning Jacket's Patrick Hallahan and a host of others on the Professor Longhair classic "Big Chief." The collaboration would subsequently lead to the Dan Auerbach produced Dr. John album, Locked Down, and a 2013 GRAMMY performance by Dr. John, The Black Keys, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Foo Fighters' Sonic Highways

The 2014 HBO "rockumentary" mini-series Sonic Highways is Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl's "love letter to the history of American music." Each episode, the Foo Fighters tap into the musical heritage of a different American city - it's vibe, sound, traditions and music legends - ultimately recording a new song. New Orleans might just be the best episode. A segment was even featured on 60 Minutes, which had Dave Grohl parading the French Quarter with Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Coachella Outro w/ Arcade Fire 

Another moment in festival lore. Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire, already well-known for its surprises at live shows, paraded Coachella with Preservation Hall Jazz Band as fans sang the hook to its hit "Wake Up," a capella.

50th Anniversary Concert at Carnegie Hall w/ My Morning Jacket

As you can tell by now, Pres Hall has made some serious in-roads in the rock world. The group called up My Morning Jacket's Jim James to sing "St. James Infirmary Blues" for the Preservation Hall 50th Anniversary Concert at Carnegie Hall in 2012. Also joining the band was Trombone Shorty, the rest of My Morning Jacket (second half), and the Trey McIntyre Project Dance Company.

GRAMMY-winning collaboration w/ The Blind Boys of Alabama

The Blind Boys of Alabama tapped Preservation Hall Jazz Band for their 2008 studio album Down In New Orleans, which would go on to win a GRAMMY award for Best Traditional Gospel Album. The following year, the two bands released a DVD special "Live in New Orleans," filmed at the renowned Tipitina's club (named after the famous Professor Longhair song).

BONUS PICK: Performing with Tarriona "Tank" Ball at the 2022 NCAA Final Four

Audiences can get a taste of the magic chemistry between Pres Hall and Tank Ball by watching their "NOLA-fied" performance of the National Anthem at the 2022 NCAA March Madness Final Four Men's Basketball Game in New Orleans.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band with guests Tarriona "Tank" Ball and Norman Spence II of Tank and the Bangas perform 8/17-20, with the 8/18 performance broadcast on Fridays Live. 

Originally posted January 22, 2018