Issue Articles
The Deezle Chronicles: Part I
Darius “Deezle” Harrison is not only a multi-Grammy-winning producer now shaping the best and brightest musicians at The Throne, but he is also a great storyteller. His history is as New Orleans as it gets, and is a testament to focus, determination, and following what fulfills you. This is the first in a series:
Steve Cropper Talks Back
As a producer, guitarist, songwriter and artist-and-repertoire man at Stax Records in Memphis, Steve Cropper helped generate a golden streak of soul hits.
Stand Up—Can You Hear Me?: ÌFÉ makes a different musical offering
The usual reaction upon hearing ÌFÉ for the first time is incredulous joy. You can simply enjoy it for the sake of unique organic electronic music that showcases Afro-Cuban rhythms, dancehall beats, Yoruban lyrics, and a charismatic front man who brings the love (for people) and the loathing (for inequality) into an experience unlike any other. You will also find in it the layers of roots, identity, and consciousness.
Dining Out: Good Catch / Thai Urban Bistro
In November 2021, on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, chef Aom Srisuk and her husband and business partner Frankie Weinberg ambitiously opened their Thai restaurant, Pomelo, at 4113 Magazine Street. Now, the couple is expanding their venture with Good Catch, an upscale Thai urban bistro that offers more seating, more ambitious dishes, and serves Thai-inspired cocktails.
Vintage vinyl treasures (Episode 40)
The following five vintage albums were spinning on my turntable during the summer of 1974, some 50 years ago.
Tom Bailey from the Thompson Twins Talks Back
Tom Bailey, who was one-third of the hit-making 1980s British trio the Thompson Twins, doesn’t have new music to promote this summer during his first American tour in six years. Nonetheless, he can make note of the 40th anniversary of the Thompson Twins’ best-selling album, 1984’s Into the Gap. Selling five million copies, Into the Gap generated international hits, including the sparkling “Hold Me Now” and “Doctor! Doctor!”
Elite on the Beat: A Conversation with Jamal Batiste
Jamal Batiste has steadily become as in-demand a drummer as it gets. Whether with his own group or enhancing others, he has unlocked the code to playing parts that let you know he means business while highlighting the presence of others. It’s a unique skill, which makes sense coming from a talented young man who is part of Louisiana’s most musical family.
Exiled Cajun Troubadour: Drew Landry will never stop trying to do good for people
To take liberties with Gene Autry’s signature song, Drew Landry is back in the saddle again. Music is once again in the troubadour’s life. After two-and-a-half years in the works, the Acadiana native son is finally releasing Exiles, his first domestic album in 16 years, on July 7.
Legendary Session Musician Carol Kaye loves New Orleans musicians
Bassist and guitarist Carol Kaye’s thousands of rock and roll, pop and soul recording sessions produced classics by Sam Cooke, Ritchie Valens, Ray Charles, the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers, Petula Clark, Jackie DeShannon, Glen Campbell, Lou Rawls, Herb Alpert, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, the Monkees, Joe Cocker and so many more.
Automatic For The People: The Building and Bounce Back of Juvenile and Mannie Fresh
We are on the verge of a Hot Boys summer and upcoming year like no other. Essence features the Cash Money Records 30th Anniversary celebration on July 5. Two days later, the Donna Color Explosion will showcase Juvenile and Hot Boy Turk, among others. Only a few weeks ago, Juvenile, along with Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne, was honored with a proclamation from the city for the 25th anniversary of “Back That Azz Up.”
