Short Bio - by Alfred Roberts

Alfred Roberts was born in the historic 6th ward of New Orleans, better known as Treme. He was sitting in with jazz greats such as drummer Smokey Johnson at Holly’s on Basin St. in the 1950’s. When Smokey wasn’t there, he played with the legendary James Black on drums. Among others, he played with greats like George Davis (guitar), Chuck Beatty (upright bass), and “Porky” Jones (trumpet). Hot jazz would roll out the door until 5- or 6am.

Fast forward to the sixties and Alfred found himself playing for Chris Owens’ Jamaica Girls as “Jamaica Joe” on the bongos. In the early seventies, he realized that to play with Jazz bands, he’d need to switch to Congas.

After putting together drum troops for the first Jazz Fests, he was introduced to Professor Longhair in 1974 by Quint Davis. He played with Fess until his death in 1980.

 

Coming Soon:

1980-2006
The last 25 years and looking ahead to the future.