Music
Dr. John, Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch (Proper/Concord)
During his keynote address at last year’s Satchmo SummerFest, Wycliffe Gordon opined that nobody but Louis Armstrong could possibly bring off a song like “What a Wonderful World.” One track […]
Kim Carson, Enough Heart Left to Break (Independent)
Whenever I’ve seen Kim Carson in the past, it’s been the bawdy songs that grabbed me first. She’s always had a way with a socially irresponsible lyric, pulling off songs […]
Dexter Lee & the Prophets, We Are (Reverb Nation)
The part of me that grew up on Grand Funk Railroad is digging this Baton Rouge power trio’s debut, particularly the parts where they kick out the jams and do […]
Top 10 Versions of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”
Love it or not, “What a Wonderful World” is fated to be Louis Armstrong’s best-known recording, and there’s bound to be a handful of versions performed at Satchmo SummerFest […]
Gaynielle Neville, Woman Power (Independent)
Gaynielle Neville is the longtime singing/songwriting partner of her husband Cyril Neville, here making her solo debut. Since she’s been in many of Cyril’s bands, the music mix here is […]
Back Talk: Chris Smither
Even though he left New Orleans nearly a half-century ago, acoustic legend Chris Smither has practically been a local fixture of late. Last year found Smither in town to record […]
Eden Brent, Jigsaw Heart (Yellow Dog Records)
Mississippi blues woman Eden Brent has an interesting backstory. Early in her career she befriended blues elder Boogaloo Ames, and was his protégée (and eventual caretaker) for 16 years until […]
20 Feet From Stardom: Erica Falls Steps Up
It’s a question that Erica Falls hears often enough: “If you’re this good, how come I never heard of you before?” As a soloist, she’s been performing for the better […]
John Mooney, Son & Moon (Fatback Records)
John Mooney & Bluesiana plays Jazz Fest on Saturday, April 26—Blues Tent, 1:30 p.m. Delta blues great Son House is not for the chicken-hearted. His songs deal with the most […]
Kelcy Mae, Half Light (Independent)
Singer/songwriter Kelcy Mae has also been published as a prose writer (and OffBeat contributor), so it’s no surprise that the lyrics on her previous releases were the first thing that […]
