Music
Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages (Ace Records UK)
Lookie, lookie—this here’s a real cookie. While the early 1980s spawned such musical atrocities as Ratt, Milli Vanilli and Bananarama, it was also an era that produced several great “retro […]
Koray Broussard & the Zydeco Unit, Trapped (MTE Records)
Just because you hail from healthy zydeco bloodlines doesn’t guarantee overnight success. Koray Broussard’s grandfather was the venerable Delton Broussard, honcho of the Lawtell Playboys, and uncle Jeffery practically ignited […]
Green Demons, Outer Sex (Independent)
The Green Demons’ debut album, Outer Sex, introduces us to the dual guitar and vocals of Todd Voltz and Gwendolyn Knapp. Voltz is a long-haired actor who has appeared in […]
Various Artists, Nine Lives (Mystery Street Records)
Nine Lives is an attempt by Paul Sanchez and screenwriter Colman DeKay to adapt Dan Baum’s account of the lives of nine New Orleanians for a musical. Knowing that doesn’t […]
Nicholas Payton, Bitches (mixtape)
Those of you expecting Nicholas Payton’s new record to sound like his great records Dear Louis or Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton will be very surprised. Bitches takes the sound […]
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Grand Isle (Independent)
It’s always intriguing to see where Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will evolve to next. Over the course of a storied 23-year career, the pendulum has repeatedly swung between […]
Panorama Brass Band, 17 Days (Independent)
It’s that time of year again, when the parades roll, the beads fly and the Panorama Brass Band emerges from its eleven-month hibernation. This time they’ve brought a CD, cut […]
Lucinda Williams, Blessed (Lost Highway Records)
As heard here, Lucinda Williams’ voice seems to be losing shape, a battered piano, muddled at some places, strangely fitting at others, wearing out in its own unique way. Matched […]
My Graveyard Jaw, Coming Winds (Independent)
When we speak of New Orleans bands owing a debt to Tom Waits, more often it’s really to Kurt Weill. With My Graveyard Jaw, we mean Tom Waits. On much […]
Various Artists, The Ace Story Volumes 1 & 2 (Ace Records UK)
While these tracks have been around the block more times than the mailman, it’s great to know they’re available again, conveniently on two discs. Although Ace was based in Jackson, […]
