0
0
Our New Orleans offers a diverse blend of remarkable talent and a perfect balance of sound.
It opens up with Allen Toussaint pounding the keys and backed by the killer bass stylings of Paul Bryan in “Yes We Can Can.” Dr. John’s rich baritone is magnificent in the bluesy “World I Never Made.” Irma Thomas does a wonderful interpretation of “Back Water Blues” backed by Toussaint on piano and Bryan on bass. Davell Crawford’s “Gather by the River” is a delightful but melancholy hymn. This one is beautiful in its simplicity with just piano and vocals. Buckwheat Zydeco’s “Cryin’ in the Streets” has some sweet accordion work by BZ and a magnificent guitar solo by Ry Cooder. Dr. Michael White’s rendition of “Canal Street Blues” is a spectacular jam with a delightfully dizzying mix of instrumentals. “Herc-Jolly-John” by Wild Magnolias is festive and very danceable. “What a Wonderful World” by the Wardell Quezergue Orchestra is gorgeously executed and likely the best rendition of this song I’ve ever heard. It closes with the tender “Louisiana 1927” with Randy Newman (yes, the Randy Newman) and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
My only regret about buying this disc is that I didn’t do it sooner. The liner notes include some beautiful and heartwarming photographs. Proceeds from the sale of Our New Orleans will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and those affected by hurricane Katrina. But even if they weren’t, I’d still be giving this one my highest recommendation.
