Music
Shannon McNally, Western Ballad (Sacred Sumac Records)
One of the hallmarks of Shannon McNally’s music is a plasticity. It’s not the only one, but that trait has meant that her collaborators leave an obvious mark on her […]
Pine Leaf Boys, Back Home (Valcour Records)
After countless stateside and international tours, the Pine Leaf Boys realize that you never appreciate what you have until you leave home, hence the premise of the disc’s title. Their […]
Fredy Omar, Bailando (Mambito Records)
Those who have gotten used to live performances where Fredy Omar con su Banda takes the audience through an extensive catalog of relatively well-known Latin dance hits over a wide […]
Tony Joe White, The Shine (Swamp Records)
The formula might seem familiar: older artist strips down to his barest elements, his age injecting a new depth to each turn in his voice, and puts together an introspective, […]
Sun Hotel, Coast (Independent)
Soon after the release of their excellent Team Spirit EP in early 2010, DIY dudes Sun Hotel became favorites on New Orleans’ college campuses. While the young band’s disheveled blend […]
Yvette Landry, Should Have Known (Independent)
Yvette Landry’s a natural. She played bass for just months before turning pro with the Lafayette Rhythm Devils. That led to a second band, Bonsoir, Catin; not bad for never […]
Generationals, Trust (Park the Van Records)
Generationals are a lesson in balance: serious but not glum or self-important, smart but not clever or brainy, spare but not underdeveloped, intimate but not awkward, and light but not […]
Raphaël Bas, Harmonouche (RRJB Music)
“[The harmonica] has been widely used in blues and pop music but very little in jazz and swing,” notes Raphaël Bas in the liner notes to Harmonouche. He describes the […]
John Trahan, My Louisiana (Acadian Records)
A lot has happened since John Trahan’s debut disc 17 years ago, including a career move to Dallas and a recent relocation back to native Vermillion Parish. But one thing’s […]
Joe Krown, Russell Batiste, Jr., and Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Triple Threat (Independent)
In a city where Joe Krown, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, and Russell Batiste, Jr. play so many nights for tips, drinks, and nominal cover charges, it can be easy to take […]
