An advancing phalanx of Roman soldiers might operate under the theory that one shield is as good as another. A working example of this theory as applied to New Orleans jazz was set in motion every time Harry Shields and Larry Shields substituted for each other at the Dog House -- a New Orleans venue where they shared a house band gig and not a troublesome status. The Shields family name is one that inevitably is raised, not always in defense, if the subject is the dynasties of New Orleans jazz. In this case there were four siblings who became accomplished players. Besides the aforementioned wielders of licorice sticks, Eddie Shields guarded the piano bench while Pat Shields patted the guitar fretboard. Harry Shields had a nice composer's touch with peculiar instrumentals. "Clarinet Marmalade" is tasty, an idea better served up on the bandstand than in jellied form, while "Peculiar" is just plain weird, as it should be. Casting the discography of this artist would of course involve a major part for Larry Shields. The brothers worked together in both early and later eras on the New Orleans jazz scene, intermingling with a solid crew of bandleaders including Johnny Wiggs, George Lewis, Sharky Bonaroo, Raymond Burke, Al Hirt, and Pete Fountain. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi
An advancing phalanx of Roman soldiers might operate under the theory that one shield is as good as another. A working example of this theory as applied to New Orleans jazz was set in motion every time Harry Shields and Larry Shields substituted for each other at the Dog House -- a New...Read More