[Mike Nomad]

Both NOLA and The Treme Brass Band lost a lot with Lionel's passing.

Laissez les bons temps rouler...

[lonewolfny42]

R.I.P. Lionel.....the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band .....Link...

The clarinetist Michael White, another New Orleans musician, said Mr. Batiste had used his drum to stay afloat in the floods after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.

[Mike Nomad]

R.I.P. Lionel.....the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band .....Link...

Heh. The story about using the drum for a float always makes me smile. Sounds like a tall tale from the '30s, which (I think) helps it serve as a perfect metaphor for the both the city and her people.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Wasn't he the (kickass) drummer on one of the Live Bonerama CDs?

[Bob in St. Louis]

To answer my own question......Russell Batiste was a past member of the Jazz band "Bonerama".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonerama

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Batiste

No idea if Russell is related to Lionel though, but the Wiki did say he came from a musical family.

Bob

[Mike Nomad]

I wish I could be in NOLA tomorrow night. The Second Line starts at 5PM. With the route it's taken, it should be off the chain...

http://www.offbeat.com/2012/07/11/uncle-lionel-batiste-memorials-tribute-tonight-and-second-line-friday/

[lonewolfny42]

Treme Brass Band Tribute To Uncle Lionel Batiste at the Candlelight Lounge ..

[Mike Nomad]

Treme Brass Band Tribute To Uncle Lionel Batiste at the Candlelight Lounge ..

Awesome link. Many thanks Mr. Wolf.