Alfred "Uganda" Roberts
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| Alfred "Uganda" Roberts | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Alfred Roberts, Jr. |
| Also known as | 'Uganda' |
| Born | April 8, 1943 |
| Genre(s) | Afro-Calypso |
| Instrument(s) | Congas/Percussion |
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts is a conga/percussion player born and raised in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. Well known around the world for his work with The Meters, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Herbie Mann, Groovesect and many more New Orleans musicians, 'Uganda' is perhaps best known for being the only steady bandmember with New Orleans music icon, Professor Longhair.
[edit] History
Roberts took an active interest in Calypso rhythms from a young age, being introduced to the island sound by attending clubs frequented by the many sea and portsmen that sailed back and forth between New Orleans and the Caribbean each week. Initially beginning his career in music playing the bongos in clubs in the French Quarter in his early teens, Roberts switched to the congas in his early 20s by the encouragement of jazz drummer, Smokey Johnson. Roberts quickly earned the respect and reputation for being New Orleans' premier Afro-Calypso conga/percussion player, leading to a relationship with fellow Treme resident and neigbor, famed New Orleans record producer, Allen Toussaint.
It was in Toussaint's Sea Saint Studios that Roberts became a house percussionist, playing on such classic New Orleans recordings as The Meters' 'Afrika' and 'Hey Pocky Way', as well as Toussaint's 1972 album, "Life, Love, and Faith".
Perhaps most significant in Roberts' career though was his tenure with New Orleans piano master, Henry Roland Byrd, aka Professor Longhair. Introduced to 'Fess' in 1972 at the 2nd annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival by Jazz Fest producer/founder Quint Davis, Roberts toured and recorded with Professor Longhair for eight years, until Fess' untimely passing in 1980. Roberts is featured on Professor Longhair's Rock N Roll Gumbo (1977), featuring Louisiana blues musicians Snooks Eaglin and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, as well as Fess' last studio album ever recorded, Crawfish Fiesta (1980). The London Concert (recorded 1978, released 1994) is a unique duo performance by 'Fess' and 'Uganda'.
Roberts toured with Willie T and the Wild Magnolia's off and on from 1980 until 1986 when he took a long deserved hiatus from the music industry. By the request of others, Roberts occaisonally came out of his semi-retirement to record and tour briefly. He recorded on Dr. John’s albums Goin’ Back to New Orleans (1992) and Dis, Dat, or D’udda (2004).
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It wasn't until 2007 though that Alfred 'Uganda' Roberts would enjoy the recognition that he duely deserves. It was around the time of Jazz Fest of that year that Roberts was invited by a young, up-and-coming funk band called Groovesect to join them on stage at New Orleans' Maple Leaf Bar one evening. Immediately upon hearing the young lions, Roberts knew he had found a new home and would offer his experience and wisdom to this young, but rapidly rising New Orleans funk band. He recorded on Groovesect's debut album, On The Brim, produced by John Snyder and released in the spring of 2008.
Roberts as of 2008 resides in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans and maintains a busy schedule gigging, touring, and recording with Groovesect and other great New Orleans musicians.
