New Orleans jazz band carries on musical tradition

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When the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs in Las Vegas this weekend, Ben Jaffe might not be there.

With his wife expecting a baby, Jaffe, who plays double bass and tuba and serves as the band’s creative director, might miss a few shows of the band’s 50th anniversary tour.

But that’s OK; the Preservation Hall Jazz Band isn’t about any one member, even when that member is the son of founder Allan Jaffe.

The seven-member band, Jaffe says, revolves around the music, New Orleans jazz with musical roots that date back more than 100 years. It is scheduled to play Friday and Saturday at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

“The way that the band functions, this is actually something that our fans have come to expect from us,” says Jaffe, who has been with the band since 1993. “The membership changes from time to time, it evolves due to all kinds of reasons. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Jaffe likens it to a symphony orchestra. When the first chair violinist leaves, the orchestra doesn’t shut down. It adds a new violinist. This approach helps keep the band and its musical tradition relevant.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is named after their music venue in New Orleans’ French Quarter. It was founded in 1961 by Ben’s parents, Allan and Sandra Jaffe. Its mission has been to keep the tradition of New Orleans jazz alive and relevant.

The band’s fan base has grown over the years, especially after Hurricane Katrina raised awareness of the culture and music of New Orleans. Their music has a broad audience, appealing to all ages and backgrounds, Ben Jaffe says.

The tradition of that music has been passed down through the band members, who were all born and raised in New Orleans.

“That’s the distinction about our group people aren’t aware of,” says Jaffe, who learned how to play music from his father. “Members in our band have been playing for generations.”

The band is on a multicity tour to celebrate its 50th anniversary and will release a 50-year musical retrospective in September.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@review journal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.