Music
Ranky Tanky, Live at the 2022 New Orleans Jazz Festival (Munck Mix)
I was fortunate enough to see Ranky Tanky’s debut set at the fest and wrote about it in my recap saying, “…South Carolina-based Gullah musicians Ranky Tanky brought so much spirit it felt at times as if we were in jazz church. The band sang and played their hearts out much to the delight of the smallish crowd.”
Christian McBride, Christian McBride’s New Jawn: Prime (Mack Avenue)
Christian McBride’s much anticipated latest release, Christian McBride’s New Jawn: Prime, has definitely been worth the wait.
The Hungry Williams, Let’s Go! (Independent)
Fans of classic New Orleans rock and roll and rhythm and blues know the name Charles “Hungry” Williams.
Barbara Blue, From the Shoals (Earwig Music Company/Big Blue Records)
Barbara Blue, a blues and soul singer from Pittsburgh who performed on Beale Street in Memphis for nearly 25 years, recorded From the Shoals at Nutthouse Studios in
Sheffield, Alabama.
Basher, Doubles (Sinking City Records)
Basher Doubles. First an explanation of the name of the New Orleans-based band, Basher, and the title of the album, Doubles. Saxophonist Byron Asher acquired the nickname Basher when he was in high school, and it stuck.
David Bandrowski and the Rhumba Defense, French Onion Superman (Independent)
Dave Bandrowski is a legend among a certain subset of New Orleans music lovers. The tenor banjo player is known as a musician’s musician. His album, the whimsically titled, French Onion Superman, is a testament to both of those facts.
Johnny Nicholas Presents Moon and the Stars, A Tribute to Moon Mullican, Volumes 1 & 2 (Valcour Records)
Johnny Nicholas Presents Moon and the Stars, A Tribute to Moon Mullican, Volumes 1 & 2. When it comes to vintage country music, Moon Mullican isn’t the most recognizable name like his buddy Hank Williams or western swing king Bob Wills. Yet, enthusiasts of the genre are probably familiar with a few originals the “King of the Hillbilly Piano Players” left behind, like “I’ll Sail My Ship Alone” and “Pipeliner Blues” that occasionally pop up in the repertoires of others.
Johnny Angel and Helldorado, Step Aside (Deuce Records)
Johnny Angel and Helldorado, Step Aside
The Headhunters, Speakers in the House (Ropeadope)
New Orleans more thoroughly invades The Headhunters on Speakers in the House that boasts locals, including founding member, percussionist Bill Summers, Donald Harrison as the sole saxophonist and trumpeter Ashlin Parker, onboard for the first time.
Sean Ardoin and Kreole Rock & Soul Featuring LSU Golden Band From Tigerland, Full Circle (Zydekool Records)
Sean Ardoin and Kreole Rock and Soul Featuring LSU Golden Band From Tigerland. A while back, Sean Ardoin was at the LSU-Auburn football game when divine inspiration struck. Why not take a few of his songs that would fit a marching band, like LSU’s Golden Band From Tigerland, and do a one-of-a-kind recording with his own Kreole Rock & Soul aggregation?
