The Preservation Hall Jazz Band usually performs nightly at Preservation Hall in New Orleans, and tours around the world over 150 days a year. Hurricane Katrina, however, forced Preservation Hall to close through the fall and winter of 2005, and the building remained shut until April 2006. The band continued to tour while the hall was closed.
Art dealer Larry Borenstein opened an art gallery in a building he called Associated Artists Studio in 1961. This evolved into Preservation Hall. A young tuba player, Allan Jaffe, ran the hall and organized tours for the musicians who often performed there, naming the band after the venue. The late Allan Jaffe was often in the Preservation Hall band; his son string bass player Ben Jaffe often is now.
The group has been touring the United States for more than 25 years. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band seek to preserve music evolved in New Orleans, and to bring it to contemporary audiences.
In 2006, the band was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
Current members include: Lucien Barbarin (trombone), Mark Braud (trumpet), Frank Demond (trombone), Charlie Gabriel (clarinet & saxophone), Ben Jaffe (bass & tuba), Leroy Jones (trumpet), Joseph Lastie, Jr (drums), Carl Le Blanc (banjo), Freddie Lonzo (trombone), Clint Maedgen (vocalist & saxophone), Rickie Monie (piano), Walter Payton (bass), Shannon Powell (drums), Mari Watanabe (piano)
A partial listing of the musicians who have played under the Preservation Hall Jazz Band name includes:
* Kid Thomas Valentine - trumpeter
* Punch Miller - trumpeter
* De De Pierce - trumpeter
* Percy Humphrey - trumpeter
* Kid Sheik Colar - trumpeter
* Louis Nelson - trombonist
* Jim Robinson - trombonist
* Frank Demond - trombonist
* George Lewis - clarinetist
* Albert Burbank - clarinetist
* Willie Humphrey - clarinetist
* Raymond Burke - clarinetist
* Joseph Rochambeau - pianist
* Billie Pierce - pianist
* "Sweet Emma" Barrett - pianist
* Jeanette Kimball - pianist
* Sing Miller - pianist
* Alcide "Slow Drag" Pavageau - bass
* Narvin Kimball - banjo
* Emanuel Sayles - banjo
* Josiah "Cie" Frazier - drums
* Walter Payton - bass
* Clint Maedgen - saxophone, clarinet, vocals
* Shannon Powell - drums
St. James Infirmary
Preservation Hall Jazz Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
So much more than I needed before
I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
I got legs on my chair and a head full of hair
Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet
I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's gonna bring me down
Oh, no, oh
Oh no, oh no, nothin's gonna bring me down
I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
Food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's going to bring me down
Oh, nothin', oh, nothin'
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
But best of all I've got my baby
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, ooh
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no
The lyrics of Preservation Hall Jazz Band's song St. James Infirmary seem to have nothing in common with the traditional song of the same name. Instead, they paint a picture of a comfortable life filled with small pleasures and possessions. The opening lines list the singer's basic needs: a sheet for his bed, a pillow for his head, and so on. He describes the material things he has accumulated and is grateful for, such as a guitar and tires on his car. The chorus repeats the idea that "nothing's gonna bring me down," emphasizing the singer's contentment with his life.
It is possible to interpret the song as an expression of gratitude for the little things in life that bring joy and comfort, and a rejection of the idea that material possessions are unimportant. The repetition of the phrase "and nothing's gonna bring me down" suggests a carefree attitude and a willingness to take life as it comes, without worrying too much about the future or problems that may arise.
Overall, St. James Infirmary is a celebration of the good life, whatever that might mean to the listener. It acknowledges that happiness can come from simple things and that contentment is possible even in difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, one, two, one, two, three, four
The iconic jazz countdown signaling the start of the song
Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I have basic items for a comfortable sleep
I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I have items to aid my creative expression and health
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
I have essential items for dressing warmly and exploring
So much more than I needed before
I have more than enough for a fulfilling life
I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
I'm able to pay for my utilities and stay warm
Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
The heat is increasing and life is getting better
I got legs on my chair and a head full of hair
I have a sturdy chair and a full head of hair
Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet
I have items for cooking and footwear
I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
I have an abundance of reading material and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I have adequate clothing and security
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
I have a full stomach and a TV license
And nothing's gonna bring me down
My happiness and contentment cannot be diminished
Oh, no, oh
An expression of confidence and positivity
Oh no, oh no, nothin's gonna bring me down
I refuse to let anything bring me down
I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I have a good musical instrument and transportation
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I have the resources and materials for my creative work
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I'm active and so have a good chance at achieving my goals
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
I have good communication skills and even better traits
Food in my belly and a license for my telly
I am well-fed and able to enjoy TV
And nothing's going to bring me down
My inner strength and positivity protects me from setbacks
Oh, nothin', oh, nothin'
Reiterating the mindset of staying upbeat
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
I'm confident in my ability to weather life's storms
But best of all I've got my baby
The best thing in my life is my romantic partner
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
My partner is beautiful and devoted to me
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, ooh
My love for my partner makes me resilient and optimistic
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
Having my partner is the most precious thing in my life
And nothing's going to bring me down
My love for my partner gives me strength to overcome any obstacle
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
My partner is amazing and has chosen me as her significant other
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no
I am determined to keep my spirits high and overcome any challenge today
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paolo Giovanni Nutini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
yael Palombo
Meraviglia assoluta❤❤❤❤❤❤
Sergey Novitsky
Великолепное исполнение!!!
Citizen110
It is great to listen to all the different versions of this song on YouTube! This is definitely an outstanding version. Great improvisational lyrics!
markdam
i just saw them at the disney center a few years back and they did this it was AWESOME the leader of the band is the GRANDSON of the founder!
Paul Boettcher
Just heard this number there last night! Mr Gabriel of course was effortlessly great, but I gotta say — when Mark peeled out of the station with his solo on this one I’m pretty sure he melted the paint off the walls. Bravo, gentleman, that was a real pleasure.
Liostro Ramiro
This, I want to have played at my funeral ceremony!
Vivi T.
Gracias por esta versión!
Ian Hargraves
Fabulous. I waited many years to go visit Preservation Hall and enjoy heaven on earth. If I had died after the visit I would have did happy! $8 to get in and listen to how jazz really sounds, sit on the floor and enjoy!
Paola Olgeni
+Ian Hargraves My first time in 1970 the fare was $1..... still alive but now I'm 72 years old! So good...
Ian Hargraves
Thanks for message, I am 71 so good things for Christmas