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Various Artists: New Orleans

By Jim Santella
January 25, 2005
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Marching through the streets in celebration usually brings whole communities together. Perfect strangers feel as if they know each other. It happens all over the world. But in New Orleans, it's become a part of the local culture. Celebrations can take place any time, since the Crescent City is active all year 'round.

Released in time for Mardi Gras 2005, Putumayo's New Orleans compilation features some of the best representatives of the city's legendary trad jazz scene. The Preservation Hall 4 with Duke Dejan interpret "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" with a loping swing attitude. Louis Armstrong sings and plays "Tin Roof Blues" slowly with deep feeling. Dr. John sings "Basin Street Blues" and interprets the piece on piano with the help of a big band that includes Pete Fountain on clarinet. Deacon John sings "Going Back to New Orleans," and Louis Prima sings "Basin Street Blues" in his own happy-go-lucky manner. There's a lot more, and it's all in fun.

The album lets you take a stroll through city streets that bubble over with excitement. Everywhere you turn, there's another band pouring forth good music.

Track Listing

Drop Me Off in New Orleans; I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues; Basin Street Blues; Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams; Baby, Won't You Please Come Home; The Devil Done Got Me Blues; Tin Roof Blues; Basin Street Blues; Give it Up (Gypsy Second Line); Going Back to New Orleans; Bye and Bye / When the Saints Go Marching In.

Personnel

Various Artists

various

Kermit Ruffins, Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong, Gregg Stafford, Doc Cheatham- trumpet, vocal; Nicholas Payton, Wendell Brunious, Duke Heitger, Kevin Clark- trumpet; Duke Dejan, Deacon John Moore, Topsy Chapman- vocals; Dr. John- piano, vocal; Thaddeus Richard- piano; Dr. Michael White, Pete Fountain, Donald Suhor- clarinet; Sam Butera- tenor saxophone; Lucien Barbarin- trombone; Kerry Lewis- tuba; Don Vappie- guitar; Benjamin Jaffe, Mark Brooks- bass; Herman Lebeaux- drums; others.

Album information

Title: New Orleans | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Putumayo World Music

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