One of the focal points of my life’s work has been the documentation and preservation of New Orleans Music of the Post WWII era. I had a deep love for the broad range of ‘Spirit’ expressed by the musicians, singers and people of the community and hence, felt the obligation to develop ways to share these experiences with others forever!
The tight focus of my effort became the music I perceived to be the most endangered ‘MODERN JAZZ’. The long history of Traditional Jazz in this city of its birth had developed sturdy roots and was well documented. The World knows New Orleans for that. The NEW JAZZ spirit needed nurturing.
The ALL FOR ONE (AFO) FOUNDATION presents the most complete documentation of MODERN JAZZ IN NEW ORLEANS in that era. It presents the musicians, most of whom have become national and international icons, and their music as they themselves performed it.
Harold Battiste
Vocals: Johnny Adams, Tami Lynn, Phillip Manuel, & Yolanda Robinson. Drums: Herman Jackson, Adonis Rose, Ricky Sebastian, and Herman LeBeaux. Percussion: Kenyatta Simon. Bass: Roland Guerin, Donald Ramsey, and Chris Severin. Guitar: Steve Masakowski. Piano/Keyboard: Ellis Marsalis, Peter Martin, and Darryl Lavigne. Tenor Sax: Brice Winston. Alto Sax: Jesse Davis and Donald Harrison. Soprano/Alto Sax: Harold Battiste. Trumpet: Ed Anderson and Nicholas Payton.
Jesse McBride Presents The Next Generation)
Jesse McBride
featuring : Jesse McBride - Piano. Rex Gregory - Alto Saxophone, Andrew Baheam - Trumpet, Allen DeJean - Tenor Saxophone, David Pulphus - Bass, & Joe Dyson - Drums
In The Beginning )
The Original American Jazz Quintet
Boogie Live! )
Ed Blackwell & AJQ-2
A tribute and memorial to the late master drummer Ed Blackwell. This concert was taped when he was a leading force in the development of modern jazz in New Orleans. AJQ-2 is the second edition of the Original American Jazz Quintet with Ellis Marsalis, piano; Alvin Batiste, clarinet; Nat Perrilliat replaces Harold Battiste on saxophone and Otis Devernier replaces Richard Payne on bass. We at AFO feel that this rare glimpse of early Ed Blackwell should be available.
To Brownie - recorded in 1958 live concert at BTW High School auditorium by AJQ-2. Clarinetist Alvin Batiste introduces the group.
The Classic Ellis Marsalis )
Ellis Marsalis
Re-issue of the original Monkey Puzzle LP, plus additional unreleased tracks. Ellis Marsalis, piano; James Black, drums; Marshall Smith, bass; Nat Perrilliat, saxophone.
Swinging at the Haven - recorded in 1962 by the Ellis Marsalis Quartet. Named for a short-lived jazz club, “The Music Haven.”
A Compendium )
AFO Executives & Tami Lynn
AFO’s commitment to the history of New Orleans music continues with the release of this work, which spotlights this unique group from the early 1960s. The players were the top studio musicians and the directors of AFO recordings. Mel Lastie, trumpet; "Red" Tyler, saxophone; "Chuck" Badie, bass; John Boudreaux, drums; Harold Battiste, piano & saxophone; Tami Lynn, vocals.
Everything’s Coming Up Roses - recorded in 1962 by the AFO Executives and Tami Lynn. Featured a compendium of the group’s most requested tunes from their shows.
A Time For Love )
Phillip Manuel
Phillip Manuel’s first CD, delivers a program of exceptional performances of well-chosen standards. Manuel’s mellow, lyrical voice and jazz stylings are fittingly accompanied by some of the finest jazz players on the scene, including David Torkanowsky, piano; Tony Dagradi and Victor Goines, saxophone; Jim Singleton, bass; Johnny Vidacovich, drums.
Fire and Rain
Genesis )
Victor Goines
Presenting the compelling sax work and compositions of Victor Goines. This debut album features some of the newest and best jazz plays on the New Orleans scene. Nicholas Payton, trumpet; Peter Martin, piano; Christopher Thomas, bass; Brian Blade, drums; Victor Goines, tenor and soprano saxophones. AFO is proud to be the label to present Goines and his music.
My Foolish Heart
Standing Ovation )
Germaine Bazzle
This is the long-awaited release of the spectacular performance by Ms. Bazzle at the 1991 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with the George French group featuring Victor Goines. Bazzle, through her consistently superb musicianship and gracious commitment to the jazz idiom, has earned the respect and admiration of her peers. It is they who have named her "New Orleans’ First Lady of Jazz."
Secret Love
Comment )
David Morgan
This recording was produced, arranged and performed entirely by pianist David Morgan and the musicians that he selected. Morgan’s choice of material a balance of standards and originals his sequencing of the trio, quintet and sextet formats, and above all, the exquisite performances turned in by each and all of the players makes this debut album a very special one. AFO Records is both proud and grateful for the opportunity to present these fine young players. We believe that they are going to make their mark and we want to share in that history…after all, that’s what AFO does.
There Is No Greater Love
In Europe )
University of New Orleans Jazz Band
Invited for a spot on the Rome Jazz Festival, this fine group of young jazzmen went on an extended tour of several European jazz spots. These live recordings capture the spirit and excitement created by these players, including a surprise appearance by Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson.
Return to the Source
Old Time Religion )
Mel Lastie…The Pastor
Gospel singing choir led by The Pastor…Mel Lastie playing his soulful trumpet and cornet, and his beautiful flugelhorn performing the best of the traditional Gospel favorites, Pass Me Not, Down By The Riverside, The Lord Will Make A Way, That Old Time Religion, and others. This special AFO release initiates our unique Patron Series.
I Shall Not be Moved
Harold Battiste presents Next Generation )
The focus of my career in Jazz has been on the wonderful players around me rather than myself. Growing up with the likes of Ellis Marsalis, Ed Blackwell and Alvin Batiste, there was little for me to contribute, except to write some tunes for them to play. This concept has remained comfortable to me, hence, a collection of tunes I wrote for some wonderful young players around me!
Me and Willie Tee
My Story, My Song (95-11)
Kalamu ya Salaam
POETRY IS THE MUSIC OF LANGUAGE. The rhythmic expression of concerns organized to appeal to the emotions. African-American poetry has, for a long, long time, been following and found in the music. Almost like a little brother following his older sister. And our music is certainly a "she." Ask Duke. "A Drum is a Woman" i.e. (Madam Zzaj). "Music Is My Mistress", "Sophisticated Lady."
Unfinished Blues
SPECIAL ARCHIVAL PRODUCTS
The following items have been acquired by the All For One Foundation under its Archival Program. They will become part of the Foundation’s Perpetual Exhibit on the Second 50 Years of Jazz in New Orleans.
Hal - Mel Alone Together
Final Vinyl.. Out-of-print LP featuring the late Melvin Lastie in a multi-track duo with Harold Battiste and guest appearances by Cornel Dupree and Chuck Rainey.
New Orleans Heritage Jazz:
This historic boxed set contains four 12" albums each featuring one of the major groups of the 1950’s and 1960’s:
The Original American Jazz Quintet
The Ellis Marsalis Quartet
The AFO Executives with Tami Lynn
The box comes with a 28 page book of photos and interviews with the players.
New Orleans Heritage Jazz:
A book of musician biographies and historical overview of modern jazz in New Orleans in the late fifties and early sixties. It is taken from the boxed set and may be ordered separately.
THESE ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON
Silver Book
A Jazz Studies Workbook based on the music of the Modern Jazz Masters of New Orleans. A special Preview Edition published for the 1992 International Association of Jazz Educators conference is available.
AFO T-Shirts
Solid black 50/50 short-sleeved shirt with "All For One" logo in white on front.
Sizes: X-Large and XX-Large.
