422 - Jerry Zigmont

This is the interview which got me more fascinated with traditional jazz music. Jerry Zigmont is a “premier trombonist of the New Orleans style." For many years, he performed and toured with Woody Allen & The Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band. The band performed from a repertoire of over 1,200 songs ranging from early 20th century popular tunes, hymns, spirituals, marches, blues and rags. The musical director was the late Eddy Davis, a legendary hall of fame 4-string banjo player and the band also featured film director, writer, actor, and comedian Woody Allen on clarinet.

Zigmont is featured on the band soundtrack recording Wild Man Blues and performed extensively with the group bringing the rare, traditional and authentic New Orleans Jazz to many countries around the world. For many years, the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band with Woody Allen performed traditional New Orleans style jazz. The band drew inspiration from the artists Woody Allen has admired since his youth including Sidney Bechet, George Lewis, Johnny Dodds, Jimmie Noone and of course, Louis Armstrong.

Jerry Zigmont's trombone playing is steeped in the classic New Orleans tradition, with its trademark raw power and "straight form the heart" approach. He began recording and touring with renowned British clarinetist Sammy Rimington in 1987 and went on to work with many legends in the Jazz world.

Zigmont's insightful historical perspectives on music make for an intriguing interview and he gives an inside look into one of the only bands in the world performing this style of jazz.

The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.