At this time we would’ve all been at this year’s Jazz Fest in New Orleans if not for the coronavirus pandemic that has swept across the country. In honor of the iconic festival, funk outfit Circus Mind has released “JazzFest Time”.
Initially postponed, then canceled altogether, the first weekend of the novel festival would’ve taken place this weekend, gathering hundreds of thousands of jazz fans celebrating the history and influence of old and new jazz and blues legends from around the world.
Frontman Mark Rechler alongside local NOLA legends Ivan Neville and Big “Funky” Sam wrote this seasonal anthem to continue the canceled festival’s jazz heritage and highlight the city’s impact from the coronavirus live event cancellations. All track proceeds will be donated to The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, providing health services to New Orleans musicians, performing artists, and cultural workers for more than 21 years.
“I wanted to write something that sounds like a New Orleans classic like ‘Carnival Time’ or ‘Hey Pocky Way’, but from the perspective of the JazzFest fan I am,” Rechler explained in a press release.
As a regular NOLA artist, Rechler possesses an impressive resume of credits, having performed with the Neville Brothers, Radiators, Rebirth Brass Band, Eric Lindell, and The Meters. Rechler originally thought to postpone the track’s release due to the current global state, but knew that the weekend’s usual celebrations of JazzFest should not be forgotten or all those musicians that makeup New Orleans’ iconic music landscape.
The funky Jazz Fest anthem was officially debuted last night during the group’s virtual listening party. The launch party initially raised over $2,000 for the organization, with all forthcoming track proceeds being directed donated to the organization.
Listen to “JazzFest Time” on Spotify and Apple Music. You can directly donate and find more information on The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic here.