The Wire

The death toll continues to rise in New Orleans in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, while the world panics over inflating fuel prices. But what about the culture of jazz music lost underwater? Just days ago tourists flocked to the historic city to hear the sounds of lively brass on the streets and hot blues in cafes, but now only a flood of debris remains. Rob Brook is an Australian jazz vocalist who feels a strong connection with the jazz pulse in New Orleans, and has visited the city many times. He explains what the tragedy will mean for the entire music industry.