Music
Jim Markway: Comrades (Independent)
Bassist Jim Markway gathers many of his New Orleans musical associates together in various combinations on his aptly titled release, Comrades. As regulars on the jazz scene, it is more than likely these musicians have shared a bandstand or at least run across each other.
Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters: More Fun With Rockin Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters (ATO Records)
Whatever else 2024 will be remembered for, in zydeco, it will also be known as the year of the Dopsies, with a pair of albums by Dopsie brothers Dwayne and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters, sons of venerable zydeco pioneer Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr. (1932-1993).
Los Tremolo Kings: Los Tremolo Kings (Kaleidoscope World Records)
Several months back I made a special trip to Casa Borrega to hear Los Tremolo Kings perform for the first time. The band, which is led by local guitar celebrity Phil the Tremolo King, features Doug Garrison and Rene Coman—a tight rhythm section seemingly versed in all styles including their longtime role holding down the groove in the Iguanas.
Various Artists: Walking to New Orleans : An Aural Accompaniment (Jasmine Records)
This year is the 50 anniversary of John Broven’s classic history of New Orleans rhythm and blues. Groundbreaking at the time of its British publication in August 1974, Rhythm and Blues in New Orleans continues to be essential reading for lovers of New Orleans music. A revised and updated third edition of the book appeared in 2016.
Basher: May Day (Independent)
Multiple reedman and composer Byron Asher could be considered predictably unpredictable as he seems determined to stir things up. For instance, on May Day, on which the band is called Basher, he employs a pared down group with just his tenor, the alto sax of Aurora Nealand, Daniel Meinecke working on synthesizer and two drummers, Brad Webb and Zach Phea. On his previously OffBeat reviewed album Lord, When You Send the Rain, he leads an 11-piece ensemble dubbed Byron Asher’s Skrontch Music. So, it goes.
Mario Abney: Right Now (Independent)
Trumpeter Mario Abney had a successful stint in New Orleans beginning in 2008; playing with numerous local and nationally known artists, leading his own band, the Abney Effect and garnering critical attention (including several articles in OffBeat) for his bright tone, creative compositions and philosophical approach to jazz.
Zita: Alive (Independent)
For all the wiseasses who like to shout “Whippin’ Post” at live gigs, here’s a band that will actually play it. Zita closes their live LP with twelve minutes’ worth of that Allman Brothers Band chestnut—only half as long as the original Fillmore East version, and with a few notable change ups: They rework the groove (making it a close cousin to Hendrix’ “Manic Depression”), and instead if two-guitar interplay, they give it extended solos on guitar and trombone. It’s entirely true to the spirit of the Allmans’ original without sounding much like it.
Charlie and the Tropicales: Jump Up (Nu-Tone Recordings)
Jump Up, the new album from Charlie and the Tropicales, the pan-Caribbean band led by trombonist Charlie Halloran, starts off in the same vein as the group’s previous two albums, which mine the connections between various islands and the African diaspora from South America north to New Orleans.
Miles Berry: Lost for You (Independent)
Saxophonist Miles Berry makes his recording debut as leader on the fine release Lost for You. Impressively, the upcoming, New Orleans musician steps out working on an album filled with material from his own pen.
Carmela Rappazzo: 9 (Independent)
On 9, vocalist Carmela Rappazzo returns to the same territory she explored on her critically acclaimed 2023 album, Whispering. It’s her ninth release and second featuring mostly original music.
