Born in New Orleans, Louis moved with his family to Napoleonville (80 miles west of New Orleans) when he was a baby. It was there that he began his musical career at the age of 13. During the 20's he played with 'Kid' Rena and the Tuxedo Orchestra. In 1930 he was offered the trombone chair in Sidney Desvignes Orchestra, one of the most successful 'big bands' in town at the time. He remained with Desvigne for 15 years. In 1944 he began a long association with 'Kid' Thomas. He was also involved in the Preservation Hall era from its beginning until his death. In 1963 Nelson made the first of many highly successful tours of Japan with George Lewis. From the early 70's he began extensive solo touring Worldwide which he continued until the end.

Jeanette was born and raised in Pass Christian, Mississippi. She began piano lessons at 7 and by the age of 14 was in her first travelling show band.

In 1926 she joined 'Papa' Celestin's Tuxedo Orchestra, making her first recordings with them that same year. In 1935 she retired from full-time music to raise a family, returning in 1946 to join Buddy Charles' band at the 'Dew Drop Inn'.

During the late 40's Jeanette resumed her association with 'Papa' Celestin and that continued with the nucleus of his band for the next 40 years. During the 80's and early 90's Jeanette was a regular at Preservation Hall.

 Chester, known as 'Little Bear' started very young, and by 1915, was already playing Tuba and Bass. A 1920 photograph shows him with the legendary Buddy Petit, the most famous Cornetist of the time and regarded by some musicians from that period as superior to Louis Armstrong. During those years Chester also played with other 'greats', Chris Kelly, Kid Rent and Louis Armstrong himself. During the 30's Chester played with Sidney Designee as well as leading his own band. Chester first recorded in 1942 with Bunk Johnson. He was also on the 1943 George Lewis 'Climax' session. 

In the 50's Chester left New Orleans and retired from music. In the early 60's Chester accepted an offer from Preservation Hall to return to NO and join the Billie & De De Pierce band. He remained active both at Preservation Hall and touring Worldwide for the rest of his life.

Freddie started playing at an early age and by the mid 30's was playing with Joe Robichaux as well as playing regular brass band parades. 

During the 50's and 60's he led his own band at the Mardi Gras Lounge on Bourbon Street. In the latter 60's he spent a number of years at Jazz Ltd in Chicago as the house drummer. Returning to New Orleans in the early 70's Freddie joined Louis Cottrell's Heritage Hall band and appeared with the Dukes of Dixieland. After the closure of Heritage Hall he became a regular at Preservation Hall playing with various groups. 

Freddie toured Europe regularly during the 70's and 80's as a guest artist. 

Lars began playing piano at 7 and became interested in New Orleans Jazz in 1960. Since settling in New Orleans in 1966 he has become an integral part of the local Jazz scene, playing and recording with just about every musician in town as well as organizing the 'New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra' and the 'Joymakers', both of which toured extensively throughout the USA and Europe. 

In the late 70's Lars became involved in the creation of the 'Off Broadway' hit 'One Mo time' which ran for several years in NY, Paris and London. He also did numerous European tours with the 'New Orleans Blue Serenaders'. Since then Lars has been a regular performer at Preservation Hall and continues to tour extensively. 

Geoff Bull writes :-

This CD is the culmination for me of 40 years involvement with New Orleans Jazz.

It all started in 1956; 'Mack the Knife' was a hit and the Louis Armstrong All Stars were touring Australia. At 13 or 14 1 am sure that I was not able to fully comprehend what I was hearing, but it had such a profound effect that it ignited a spark which in turn became an interest, a hobby, an all consuming passion, a profession and a way of life.

In 1959 I persuaded my parents to buy me my first trumpet (complete with 3 free lessons) an. I was 'on my way'. A 6 month stay in London during 1961/62 established contacts with other young 'like-minded souls' such as Barry Martyn, Sammy Rimington and Cuff Billet and by then my directions were becoming clear. On returning to Sydney I formed my own band (Olympia Jazz band), which remains active.

By 1966 learning from 'second hand' sources such as recordings was no longer sufficient and the next inevitable step was to experience the music first hand, resulting in my first trip to New Orleans. It was during that first trip that I first became acquainted with the musicians that perform on this session. Throughout the 70's and 80's I spent long periods living and playing (and above all) learning from these masters of New Orleans music. It was a great honour and privilege to have the opportunity to assemble them for what was to be our LAST REUNION.