Music
Various Artists, Confessin’ The Blues (BMG)
This is a 42-track blues anthology of material that became early influences on a certain British rock band. While the music here is outstanding, the premise of this collection is […]
In Memoriam: Lazy Lester (1933-2018)
“They call me lazy, goodness knows I’m only tired.” Leslie Johnson, better known as Lazy Lester, the last member of the pantheon of classic Louisiana swamp blues artists, died August […]
In Memoriam: Stanley J. Lewis (1927 – 2018)
For nearly three decades Shreveport was known as “The Record Center of the South.” The man who was single-handedly responsible for Shreveport earning that designation was Stan Lewis. Stanley J. […]
James Carr, The Best Of (Kent Records)
James Carr reissues have appeared over the past three decades on vinyl and CD. While all of the tracks here can be found on other collections, let it be said […]
Various Artists, Rhythm ‘n’ Bluesin’ by the Bayou: Livin’, Lovin’ & Lyin’ (Ace Records)
Just as when the bayous are flowing it guarantees that the crawfish keep a-growing, here comes another release in Ace’s popular By The Bayou series. As in the previous dozen […]
Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, “Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm” (Jay-Vee Records)
By teaming with the legendary Hi Rhythm band, young Bob is decidedly going old-school. Hi Rhythm was of course the Memphis studio quartet that under the tutelage of producer Willie […]
300 Songs for 300 Years: R&B standouts
In this month’s installment of essential New Orleans songs, we look at some of the cornerstones of New Orleans R&B. Each of these songs made an impression nationally and left […]
Kim Wilson, “Blues and Boogie Vol. 1” (Severn)
Every bit a blues chameleon, Kim Wilson records and preforms under his own name as well as with the Fabulous Thunderbirds—the Austin-based band he helped found four decades ago. This […]
Jackie Shane, “Any Other Way” (Numero Group)
During the years that preceded Canada having its current flag, Pierre Trudeau, and the Maple Leafs winning a string of three Stanley Cups, Jackie Shane was the toast of Toronto’s […]
Antoine “Fats” Domino Jr. (February 26, 1928 – October 24, 2017)
Antoine “Fats” Domino Jr., arguably the greatest ambassador of New Orleans music, one of the founders of rhythm and blues, as well as rock ’n’ roll, died peacefully while in […]
