THE DEAL: First real representation of New Orleans’ vast musical culture.
THE GOOD: The oldest black neighborhood in the U.S., Treme was the birthplace of the brass bands providing the punch and power for the second line rhythms of New Orleans muscle. Treme resident Trombone Shorty represents with a street parade version of Jessie Hill’s 1960 call-and-response party anthem “Ooh Poo Pah Doo.” ReBirth updates the brass band sound with “Feel Like Funkin’ It Up,” horn-heavy, high-stepping fonk. The seven-piece New Orleans Jazz Vipers offer up 1930s-era jazz with the influences of Louis Armstrong on “I Hope You’re Comin’ Back to New Orleans.” Even the Mardi Gras Indians are well-covered with three versions of the Indian prayer, “Indian Red.” Dr John’s is a little more than a roll call of local tribes, and jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison’s in the nouveau swing style he developed is kinda cheesy. For the gritty fonk version, strut your feathers along with the Mardi Gras Indians. With the help of Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas reprises her ’64 release “Time Is On My Side,” showing why she’s called the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
THE BAD: Should have been started years ago, pre-flood, to capture musicians who haven’t come back. But thank God it’s being done now, with the artists who make the music working in the series as well.
THE VERDICT: Need more soon.
This article appears in Dec 14-20, 2010.
