A Band Has Its Contemporary Way With Old-Time New Orleans Hits

Among the assorted black-and-white photographs in the entry stairwell of the Jazz Standard, one has stood out since the club opened in its current form eight years ago. It’s a snapshot of Louis Armstrong in his dressing room at the Paramount Theater, in May 1937. He’s in a thin black skullcap, sleeves rolled back, gnawing on a rib bone. He’s holding what appears to be a goblet of beer. The look on his face is wary, distancing, maybe a little admonitory. He looks like a guy who’d rather be enjoying his meal in peace.

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