New Orleans Jazz Diary

A rare treat for traditional jazz fans -- and a reminder of New Orleans, pre-Katrina. This video diary follows 55 British jazzers, including Acker Bilk and Bill Colyer, on an 11 day tour of New Orleans Organised by Diplomatic Travel.

From the moment they land to find a full-scale marching band waiting for them, there are jazz delights galore for the British party.

Bill Colyer's 73rd birthday is marked by a musical tribute from Lillian Boutte, Ambassador of Jazz, and Acker guests with the splendid Ken Colyer Trust Band, led by Norman Thatcher.

With its atmospheric coverage of the music of the streets, including the opening parade of the French Quarter Festival, the video is also of interest to those thinking of visiting New Orleans.

Tributes are paid to the late Ken Colyer a.k.a. The Guv'nor, keeper of the flame of true New Orleans Jazz in Britain and Europe for 35 years. An additional treat is film of 1970's street music, including a jazz funeral, from the camera of Brian Carrick, then clarinettist with theTrust Band and himself an honorary citizen of New Orleans.