CD Reviews
By Music WritersDr. John and The Lower 9-11
City That Care Forgot
429 Records/Savoy Label Group
Dr. John, with his “legendary gravelly drawl” and piano grooves is back and stronger than ever. Just before the beginning of the 2008 hurricane season, three years after the devastation of Katrina, Dr. John provides “a lyrical reminder that the rawness and divisions exposed by Hurricane Katrina are as fresh as ever.” Dr. John does not hold back, with tracks such as “Promises, Promises” - “The road to the White House, paved with lies…Politicians knew we needed our wetlands…” or “We Gettin’ There,” where Dr. John croons to the lyrics facing so many of us in New Orleans: “My friends scuffling with contractors, permits, and roofers on top of tons of property damage, feel like the insurance companies screwed us…” The entire album is dedicated to telling the story of New Orleans, and for all that love this city and cherish it, this is a must have from one of our own. Dr. John does not stop with his own spectacular talent. He brings with him featured artists such as: Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Terence Blanchard, “Trombone” Shorty, Terrance Simien, and Ani DiFranco. Released June 3rd, look for it at stores throughout the city and nationwide. –Rebecca Brych
Truth Universal
Self-Determination
Dragon’s Breath Records
Self-Determination is Truth Universal’s latest release. Once again Truth is back with something to say. New Orleans through and through, this album is about the state of affairs in the city. Truth Universal shows his talent and creativity with unique tracks such as “Angola 3,” “Resistance Recital,” and the title track “S-E-L-F Determination.” Be prepared for some strong opinions, both social and political. This album is a follow up to his earlier work, The Grassroots! Campaign, which is also a strong showing for Truth Universal. –Rebecca Brych
Irma Thomas
Simply Grand
Rounder Records
The legendary Irma Thomas is still going strong with her new release Simply Grand. Thomas’ voice is strong and clear throughout, without being drowned out by the immense talent that joined her on this album. The track list reads like a who’s who of the piano and jazz world, with names like: Henry Butler, Dr. John, Ellis Marsalis, Marcia Ball, and Randy Newman. The collaboration works throughout, putting a new spin on some old favorites such as “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” as well as bringing some new creations to the release, such as “What Can I Do,” written by Burt Bacharach and Steve Krikorian. This album is a wonderful release just in time for famed New Orleans Satchmo Fest. –Rebecca Brych
Jimmy Robinson
Vibrating Strings
Independent
Jimmy Robinson is best known as the frontman for the bands Woodenhead and Twangorama, and as a frequent collaborator with Susan Cowsill on her Covered in Vinyl show series. His debut solo CD, Vibrating Strings is a departure of sorts, Robinson showcases his vocal talents in this intriguing collection that alternates between singer/songwriter and acoustic guitar virtuoso instrumental. With reflections on past relationships, Hurricane Katrina, and departed friends, the artist gives the listener the sense that this CD was the result of a swelling reservoir of emotional material inevitably spilling onto disc. The result of that cathartic process is a revealing look at Robinson’s introspective journey. There are few as adept at developing interesting acoustic chordal variations, and this CD is a comprehensive demonstration of those talents. Robinson provides frequent reminders that he can rock, and versions of Jimi Hendrix (“The Wind Cries Mary”) and Led Zeppelin (“Kashmir”) cover songs round out the collection nicely. Theresa Andersson, the Bonerama horns, and Cowsill make notable contributions to the recording. –Craig Cortello
Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis
Two Men with the Blues
Blue Note Records
An exciting album for this year is the joint venture of Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis’ Two Men with the Blues, due to come out on July 8th. Supreme musicianship takes place on the album with Nelson on guitar and vocals and Marsalis on trumpet and vocals. Both men brought with them their long time sidemen: Mickey Raphael on harmonica, who has been touring with Willie for several years, and Marsalis’ quartet which features pianist Dan Nimmer, bassist Carlos Henriquez, drummer Ali Jackson, and saxophonist Walter Blanding. The project is part of the “Singers over Manhattan series” for 2007, and was recorded live in the Allen room at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan. The album is a collection of old blues and jazz standards, which Nelson and Marsalis’ group perform with ease. Willie Nelsons’ unmistakable voice gives the album its country feel as the rest of the group creates a sophisticated, big band sound. Raphael’s harmonica and Marsalis’ trumpet have a playful relationship, which is noticed as the songs break down and give room for everyone’s solo. This is a musical experience that shouldn’t be missed, so keep an ear out for its July release. –Brian Serpas
The Radiators
Wild & Free
2008 RADZ Records
After a cursory listen to the Radiators’ new double-CD album, I was left wondering, “What’s the point?” Over the course of their 30 years together, Dave, Ed, Reggie, Camille and Frank have played thousands of shows, wrote hundreds of songs and released over a dozen albums, many of which I thought were better than this one. But after reading the liner notes (written by songwriter and piano extraordinaire Ed Volker), I began to understand the relevance of their new release Wild & Free. Unlike many other compilation CDs, this one features the band in its rawest form, from their first jams together taped on an Akai reel-to-reel deck (1978’s “All Meat Off of the Same Bone”) to the never before released “The Girl with the Golden Eyes,” produced locally in 2008 at the Music Shed on Euterpe Street. Many of the earliest tracks were thought to have been destroyed in the May ’95 flood, but despite the mold and mildew, the old reel-to-reel tapes managed to survive. This explains the amateur-ish quality of several tracks, including Rads’ favorites, “Last Getaway” and “Red Dress” - but it also explains why long-time fans of the band will revel in the retrospective of New Orleans’ greatest rock-n-roll band. Although Wild & Free may not win the band many new fans, this is a fun album, full of heart, full of soul, and one that will take Fishheads on a wild and free journey down memory lane. –Shane Harris
Rebirth Brass Band
25th Anniversary
Independent
From humble beginnings came perhaps the most renowned and dynamic current day version of the New Orleans brass band. Now, twenty-five years later, the Rebirth Brass Band celebrates this landmark anniversary with a new CD. Rebirth draws from the roots of the traditional jazz band, adding elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop, funk, and second line. The result is a sound that is “raw, funky, and spontaneous” and will “hit you hard in your soul,” according to bandleader Phil “Tuba Phil” Frazier. The CD starts with “Here to Stay,” an upbeat statement that is a declaration of the band’s resilience. “Come on Home/Ain’t No Party” drifts into a bluesy, up-tempo minor key, invoking a playful “call and response” of Cab Calloway tunes of yesteryear. The energy is nearly exhausting, and the enthusiasm so abundant that the even the temperance of the studio can’t subdue it. The chemistry of the band members translates audibly, as the musicians remain tight while maintaining the spontaneity of the brass band genre. Special appearances include Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Kermit Ruffins. –Craig M. Cortello
Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen
Mo Hippa
FHQ Records
Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen go live for this ten song collection of distinctly New Orleans funk. The progression of songs is exquisitely mapped, with each tune along the way demonstrating additional competencies and surprises. The first four songs provide the foundation with second line rhythms and Professor Longhair covers, featuring Eddie Christmas on drums. When you think you’ve pegged their sound, along come blues, R&B, and soul overtones. “When You Get Back” and “Help Me Somebody” demonstrate those influences with soothing vocal harmonies and luscious grooves, with the latter featuring a memorable extended guitar solo from Derwin “Big D” Perkins. “Groove Me” is another highlight of the album, with Cornell Williams on bass guitar leading an all-out jam session. The band’s style works well in a live format, and the title track rounds out the set. This band is perhaps the best four-piece sampling of the New Orleans sound, integrating all of the appropriate influences.
–Craig M. Cortello