Irvin Mayfield was sentenced to 18 months in jail in January 2022, however was launched on January 9, 2023, after serving lower than a 12 months. Though Mayfield pleaded responsible to diverting $1.3 million in New Orleans Public Library Basis funding to different accounts for private use, I proceed to marvel why he and his enterprise associate Ronald Markham have been the one ones that have been held accountable.

The truth that former Mayor Ray Nagin put Mayfield answerable for the New Orleans Public Library system should be examined. I all the time think about the info when one thing appears so weird—there’s all the time an evidence. However through the years no rationalization has surfaced, leaving one to make assumptions. Did Ray Nagin use Mayfield to divert cash? Mayfield’s troubles appear to have began together with his affiliation with Nagin.

Additionally think about that the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) Board was not charged with any wrongdoing within the courtroom of public opinion. The Chairman of and the NOJO Board would and will have been cognizant of the cash being moved from the New Orleans Public Library Basis (NOPLF) to NOJO, however there was by no means discuss any actual duty on the a part of the NOJO Board of Administrators on the time. It might appear to me that the NOJO Board not solely accredited accepting the NOPLF cash however condoned it, or on the very least they have been answerable for the shortage of oversight of the monetary state of affairs at NOJO. Non-profit board members are answerable for the actions of workers and management fiduciary agreements for the non-profit, whether or not they’re volunteers, or are paid. Furthermore, different members of the New Orleans Public Library Basis Board together with Mayfield and Markham accredited giving NOPLF funds to NOJO, however the different members weren’t charged with any wrongdoing.

Mayfield and Markham have been rightfully charged and convicted within the funneling of the NOPLF’s funds to NOJO and for their very own private use, however in keeping with 501c3 (non-profit firms) the NOJO Board and members of the NOPLF Board (that additionally included Mayfield and Markham)—have been in the end answerable for any monetary wrongdoing. Board members of NOJO and NOPLF got here out of this debacle with out even a slap on the wrist. Sure, the musicians took the warmth in addition to jail time. This isn’t to excuse Mayfield and Markham, however why weren’t the boards of those non-profits held accountable as nicely?

Mayfield justified shifting the cash from the NOPLF to the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra by setting up an area in NOJO’s residence on the New Orleans Jazz Marketplace for technological belongings like contact screens linked to the New York Public Library’s jazz archive, a “digital STEAM” schooling zone (a visible curriculum connecting science, know-how, engineering, artwork and math), in addition to Wi-Fi entry within the lobby’s Bolden Bar space—principally, a New Orleans Public Library “department” positioned within the Jazz Market. The NOJO Board accredited the library department concept.

The NOJO Board promised to pay again all the cash. Nonetheless, when requested about this, Chairman of the NOJO Board mentioned: “I feel there’s little question that we’re engaged on a decision. It is a very sophisticated difficulty. It’s about whether or not cash was spent correctly or not. The paperwork say the cash was spent correctly.” However the difficulty was not solely how the cash was spent, however how the cash was obtained. The mayor on the time, Mitch Landrieu, acknowledged this when he mentioned: “The {dollars} have been spent on gadgets that aren’t clearly library-related… it is very important me that funds privately donated for our library system are invested appropriately. I count on [the Jazz Orchestra] to return all grant funds to the Library Basis.” The method, nevertheless, from the NOJO Board on the time appears to point that for the reason that Jazz Market was devoting “house” for the New Orleans Public Library, the cash was spent correctly.

The proof reveals that Irvin Mayfield and Ronald Markham are responsible; nevertheless, I additionally imagine that Mayfield may have believed he was appearing lawfully in his function since he was permitted by the NOJO Board to amass and spend funds with out the requisite board oversight. Mayfield feedback concerning this have been: “I don’t imagine that I’ve violated any legislation. If I performed a task in making a distraction from NOJO’s mission, I sincerely apologize. I respect all those that could not agree with my previous route or private judgment, as I acknowledge their ardour as nicely.”

Mayfield’s Relationship with OffBeat

I first met Irvin Mayfield in 2000. We (Jan Ramsey) and I invited Mayfield to dinner at our residence. We talked over dinner about OffBeat and Mayfield identified that he had not been on the quilt. He jokingly mentioned, “What do I’ve to do to get on the quilt, poise nude?” This wasn’t the first-time posing nude on the quilt of OffBeat had been proposed. Years earlier, Bernie Cyrus, former director of the Louisiana Music Fee and host of the weekly Cox Cable music program, LTV, proposed the identical.

We joked about it, however didn’t take it critically, till Mayfield adopted up with OffBeat indicating he was severe.

In January 2001, he launched How Ardour Falls, his second CD of unique jazz on the Basin Road label. On so many ranges, this album represented a quantum leap ahead for Mayfield: within the tone, fluidity and expressiveness of his trumpet enjoying, in his capability as a bandleader, within the top-flight manufacturing values, however particularly within the breadth and poignancy of his compositions. An OffBeat cowl actually wasn’t out of the query.

I keep in mind strolling as much as Irvin Mayfield’s house constructing, passing the flourishing artwork galleries, upscale eating places and different urbane options of the New Orleans Warehouse District, to speak about an OffBeat cowl. I couldn’t assist however marvel at how nicely issues have been coming collectively for the 23-year-old musician. That go to was very memorable, as a result of for me, it demonstrated the closeness and even love Mayfield had for his childhood buddy and roommate, Ronald Markham. With out exaggeration, Markham and Mayfield have been like youngsters, actually rolling on the ground collectively, laughing and telling tales. It was a sight to see, and it’s burned in my reminiscence. It gave me a way that these have been actual people who shared a lot collectively, and clearly cared deeply for each other.

“Yeah, that is one hell of a 12 months,” Mayfield says as we sat down in his spacious, uncluttered house. Any dialog with Mayfield reveals an insatiable mental curiosity. As regular, his voice conveys an infectious kind of amused incredulity in the direction of the scope and depth of all life’s potentialities. “To have the ability to do two huge data like that in a 12 months, it’s wonderful,” he continues. “Even pop musicians, what number of of them get to do two data a 12 months?”

We scheduled a canopy photograph shoot, and I adopted up with Mayfield. After we bought near the date, I stored asking him if he was really going to pose nude? Mayfield continued to point that that’s what he wished to do. In a subsequent interview with OffBeat’s Jonathan Tabak, Mayfield defined why he wished to pose nude. “, the factor is I wouldn’t do it if individuals mentioned I may do it. Jazz covers are all the time the identical factor. You take a look at Nicholas Payton’s cowl, you take a look at Wynton’s or Ellis’ cowl, you take a look at anyone on the quilt, they’ve all the time bought a swimsuit on. So, once I take into consideration a photograph shoot, yeah, why shouldn’t I be on the quilt bare? Why not? Why can’t I be on edge? My music is on edge, that’s my vibe. Just like the controversy over my report cowl [for How Passion Falls]. “Why did you employ that lady on the quilt?” Why not? If it’s sexist, so what, intercourse is concerned in jazz music. It’s okay for the rappers like Mystikal to return out right here and say, “Shake it Quick” and all this shit. My music entails simply as a lot of that as every thing else does, and I don’t thoughts displaying it. I welcome it. I need individuals to know that whenever you come, you’re going to get intercourse, however that’s not all you’re going to get. It may be fucking, or it may be making love. No matter you need, jazz gives all of it.”

OffBeat employed native photographer Rick Olivier for the Mayfield photograph shoot. When the day got here, I keep in mind asking Mayfield if he was actually going to get fully undressed for the photograph. Because it turned out, he eliminated his shirt and Olivier took the photograph. We needed to photoshop away the highest of his underwear to make it seem that he was fully nude.

Within the OffBeat interview, Tabak requested Mayfield if he was making an attempt to make use of controversy to get consideration. “No, I actually don’t. Let me let you know one thing. One of many biggest issues about once I first was in Los Hombres [Calientes] was having individuals come and dance to my music and loving the album. I by no means felt that earlier than. And there’s nothing like when everyone loves you. Love is the best way. I might a lot relatively for everyone to like what I’m doing than saying it ain’t shit, but when that’s what they are saying, nicely, fuck ’em. I bought to maintain shifting ahead.”

April 2001 OffBeat Cowl

In subsequent conferences with Mayfield through the years he expressed his admiration for Wynton Marsalis and what he created. When requested “How a lot have you ever consciously modeled your self after Wynton Marsalis?” Mayfield response: “I haven’t consciously modeled myself after him in any respect. Solely within the sense of labor ethic. I don’t have as a lot of a piece ethic as he has. I don’t assume anyone does. However I feel individuals assume that if I’ve a swimsuit on and I’m making some huge cash, and I play the identical type of trumpet he performs, that I’m being like him. Nicely, clearly you haven’t been round him, as a result of me and him are two fully various kinds of individuals. However he’s a mentor of mine, and I’m not ashamed to say it. He’s a mentor of mine, simply as a lot as Terence Blanchard can also be. Simply as a lot as Clyde Kerr, Leroy Jones, Gregg Stafford or Wendell Brunious is. , I discuss to all these musicians and ask them questions. I’ve an important regard for them, and far respect. And I hope to be as nice a musician as they’re. That’s why they’re my mentors. So far as the quantity of press that I’ve gotten so younger, see, that appears like Wynton. I didn’t ask for it; individuals simply wrote about me. , individuals assume that I’ve had this huge machine pushing me onto everyone, and this huge machine you need to perceive wasn’t an enormous machine two years in the past. Shit, it didn’t exist three years in the past! This huge machine is one thing that was developed.”

Mayfield had beforehand lived with Wynton Marsalis for 2 years. “That was one other kind of college. I imply, for anyone aspiring to learn about artwork, man, it was simply probably the most wonderful expertise, to dwell with an artist like that, anyone who’s into all these various things. He’d be up at three within the morning, and I’d be sitting there, and we’d discuss all types of issues. Like when he met Ralph Ellison, his expertise of first coming to New York, his experiences with Miles Davis. I used to be listening to these tales, man. After which one of many biggest issues being there, I might attempt to get up and apply earlier than him. First morning, I wakened at ten. He’s like, “Man, I completed practising two hours in the past.” Wakened the subsequent morning at 8:30 a.m., he’s sitting down consuming breakfast. He says, “You see my horn over there’s heat.” Wakened the subsequent morning early, like 6:30 a.m., began engaged on my lengthy tones. Right here comes Wynton, strolling within the door with some milk, saying, “Man, I already put an hour in.” That’s how he’s. Cat sleeps three hours, practices on a regular basis. So, once I discuss Wynton, I’m not speaking as a result of I like him or respect him extra or I’m extra intrigued, it’s that I lived with him. In case you dwell with anyone whenever you research with them, nicely, you’re watching what they’re doing, you’re dwelling what’s happening, you recognize, being at Lincoln Heart, going to his rehearsals, watching individuals come over. I used to be there when [renowned Cuban-born pianist] Chucho Valdes first met Wynton and gave Wynton an introduction to what makes Latin music Latin, and Afro-Cuban jazz Afro-Cuban jazz. It was a hell of an expertise.”

Though Marsalis supplied for Mayfield to stick with him so long as he wished, Mayfield returned to New Orleans. Why? “Nicely, I used to be speaking to Jason [Marsalis] on the Funky Butt one night time, and I mentioned, “Hey, man, I need to put collectively this factor. Let’s do some Afro-Cuban type of stuff and do some various things that groove. Let’s do one thing that may make individuals say, ‘Wow, we will’t imagine these fashionable jazz musicians are doing this.’”

The success of Los Hombres Calientes gave Mayfield a motive to remain in New Orleans. “My profession modified. I imply, I may work in New Orleans and other people would come. I may make a dwelling. The entire sudden within the subsequent month and a half, we developed the infrastructure right here in New Orleans of Basin Road Information. Jazz went to the forefront. Since then, jazz has been the primary kind of report on the Jazz Fest. It modified the entire scheme of what jazz meant on this metropolis. After which I noticed I didn’t have to depart. It was pointless. I mentioned, ‘Nicely, I can do that right here.’ And it’s what I all the time wished to do. The one motive I used to be leaving is as a result of I felt like I used to be up in opposition to a wall.”

In March 2009, Mayfield was featured for his second OffBeat cowl by OffBeat editor John Swenson. “The Face of Energy: Irvin Mayfield has a plan for New Orleans,” was the headline. Mayfield was racking up a listing of accomplishments. 5 albums by Los Hombres Calientes, 4 solo albums, a duets recording with Ellis Marsalis and an album main the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. However as Swenson stories, for all that, Mayfield’s greatest expertise could be as a businessman. He’s simply finalized a brand new recording contract with Harmonia Mundi for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and he’ll host “The Life and Instances of Irvin Mayfield,” a one-hour radio discuss present on WGSO. He has began a brand new report label, Poorman Mayfield, and is partnering with the Royal Sonesta in a branding idea he vows will change the character of Bourbon Road.” Mayfield was particularly pleased with the Royal Sonesta’s collaboration. Mayfield commented “Our manufacturers match collectively very nicely. It’s not nearly this room. The Royal Sonesta desires to have the impact of the model all through the resort. They need jazz to be a part of the expertise and aesthetic of each resort visitor. It gained’t be simply within the membership; it should even be mirrored within the rooms, the surface of the resort and even what we plan to do with Bourbon Road.” The ensuing efficiency room on the Sonesta proved to be very useful to all native musicians. Mayfield gave many a neighborhood musician a chance to play the membership. These musicians have been very grateful for what Mayfield did for them, and his generosity has garnered continued help for the trumpeter.

March 2009 OffBeat Cowl

It was throughout this time that Mayfield began to return to the eye of enterprise and political leaders in New Orleans. They embody Entergy CEO Dan Packard, who included Mayfield as the primary skilled musician on the town’s Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Ray Nagin who appointed Mayfield the Cultural Ambassador of the Metropolis of New Orleans. Mayfield held positions on the Champions Group, the New Orleans Museum of Artwork and on the Louisiana Rebirth Advisory Board in addition to on the Convey New Orleans Again Fee Cultural Sub-Committee.

It was Entergy CEO Dan Packard who suggested Ray Nagin to nominate Mayfield Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans Library Board of Administrators. Based on Mayfield, the rationale was that the mayor was in search of somebody who wished to vary issues on the library. Mayfield’s tenure on the library was controversial. As a substitute of settling into a standard function of fundraiser he shook up the workers, forcing out a number of high librarians. The Instances-Picayune printed a largely unfavorable piece on Mayfield’s tenure on the library. Based on reporter David Hammer, “Usually exterior the general public eye, Mayfield and different board members have cleaned home aggressively—overly so, within the eyes of critics. The 4 top-ranking librarians and the director of a library help basis all left as Mayfield, a Grammy nominee whose most important gig is directing the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, carried out a serious realignment that made a former mayoral aide who isn’t an expert librarian the system’s high administrator.”

Mayfield responded “A number of the dialog is geared towards ‘Why is he doing that? Why is he taking his time to be Chairman of the Board within the library system and have these individuals beat him up within the paper? Why is he on the Police and Justice Basis? Why does a musician care about crime?’ However my reply to all these questions is that we’re all residents on this metropolis and our duty is to do what we will to make issues higher. I problem individuals to cease questioning why I’m doing issues and begin questioning what they’re doing to enhance the town. We spend an excessive amount of time questioning different individuals’s motives. We’re surviving on the fumes of our tradition now, and we’ve bought to do higher. A toddler will get better from a trauma, however the difficulty is how will that little one get better? It’s the identical factor with the library. The libraries are coming again, however how they’re coming again is the problem. Can we make them what we wish them to be, one thing that responds to the group’s wants, or can we settle for the piecemeal construction we had earlier than? We’ve to combine music into the library. We’ve to make use of it to show the kids in regards to the historical past of their music, the historical past of jazz.”

Mayfield spins with the deftness of a grasp politician, which can be why some individuals apparently recommended that his subsequent goal ought to be the mayor’s workplace. In our previous places of work at 421 Frenchmen Road, we made a political signal “Mayfield for Mayor” which held on the wall. When the pandemic hit and OffBeat was pressured to maneuver, the signal was given away to Cosy Harbor’s Jason Patterson.

John Swenson concluded his cowl story on Mayfield: “Irvin Mayfield is a number of issues—musician, bandleader, composer, trainer, cultural contractor, politician—however by way of all of it, he’s a person together with his eye on the deal, extra Donald Trump than Louis Armstrong. His accomplishments and his ambitions are fueled by a shrewd businessman’s sense of

April 2015 OffBeat cowl

give and take and an understanding of how timing and salesmanship are important parts achieve your objectives. Not surprisingly, these traits have made him unpopular in some circles, however like him or not, these are qualities that may serve him nicely in no matter route he chooses.

OffBeat’s third Mayfield cowl was in April 2015. Right now, the New Orleans Jazz Market had grow to be a actuality. Billed as New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s everlasting new residence, the 340-seat theater house was poised to raise the native profile of the orchestra. In the meantime, its acoustic and conceptual customization for jazz made it a possible magnet for main touring acts. OffBeat contributor Jennifer Odell interviewed Mayfield. Requested in regards to the New Orleans Jazz Market, Mayfield mentioned: “The entire concept is that the Jazz Market is only a bodily extension of what we have now been doing. The CDs are the musical extension of what we’re doing. Then there’s the e book extension, our work is about conveying fact, love and wonder—it’s a number of stuff, but it surely’s actually the identical factor in several methods.”

Markham, as soon as a mechanical engineering main at UNO, spent about 100 hours planning the constructing’s design. He says he despatched the Atlanta, Georgia-based structure agency Kronberg Wall examples not solely of arts facilities they favored, but in addition of arts facilities they hated with a purpose to be as clear and detailed as potential about their imaginative and prescient. “The nice and cozy tones, that’s Irvin’s dream. The glass, concrete, clear traces, the modernity? That’s me.”

Markham oversaw the nuts and bolts of NOJO’s tasks, together with the monetary points of shopping for and opening the Jazz Market.

When the information struck about Mayfield and Markham’s involvement in shifting nearly $900,000 from the New Orleans Public Library to the New Orleans Jazz Market and different tasks, OffBeat responded editorially. After the editorial (written by Jan Ramsey) I acquired a telephone name from Ronald Markham. Though I’ve been buddies with Markham and Mayfield since they have been of their 20s and have personally and professionally supported their efforts to take New Orleans “jazz” to the next degree. However Markham’s telephone name sadly was very ugly. Markham was clearly upset with the editorial. The editorial, which could be learn right here, was merely a information story explaining what was happening. However in Markham’s thoughts it was a betrayal and OffBeat needed to be punished ultimately. Markham instructed me that OffBeat Journal was now not welcome to be distributed at Irvin Mayfield’s Playhouse within the Royal Sonesta and on the New Orleans Jazz Market. Jan Ramsey indicated that “I’m not shocked by them being upset by criticism—anybody who’s criticized within the media is normally upset. I’ve supplied to let M&M reply to our editorial commentary within the July difficulty in their very own phrases. To this point, neither has forwarded a response. The provide is on the market. I actually wish to perceive their facet of the story, and why what occurred shouldn’t have been topic to a critique from OffBeat.”

I sincerely hope that we hear from Mayfield and Markham. They characterize a strong inventive voice, and their contribution to New Orleans music is immeasurable. Mayfield mentioned in an OffBeat interview “In case you can think about New Orleans as an individual, I’m simply making an attempt to assist New Orleans really feel good, as a result of if New Orleans feels good, there are much more potentialities.” You may’t argue with that, New Orleans presently doesn’t really feel superb, hopefully Mayfield could make us really feel good once more.

Jan Ramsey contributed to this text.