Issue Articles
Dawn Richard Breathes Out
Dawn Richard is New Orleans through and through in the best possible way. She’s rooted in tradition and multi-talented. Always learning, always expanding. Her new album Quiet in a World Full of Noise, the second full-length collaboration with Spencer Zahn, essentially invents the genre of ambient R&B while being fully a Dawn album that showcases her lyricism.
Dining Out: Tacos del Cartel
The husband-and-wife team of Danny Cruz and Vilexys Salas are expanding their Mexican restaurant brand, Tacos del Cartel. The pair at the helm of the Metairie restaurant recently opened a New Orleans location, the original location of Tacos del Cartel opened in Metairie in 2020.
Deacon John’s Jump Blues: A great night in New Orleans makes its Vinyl debut
In 2003, Cyril Vetter and his Vetter Communications in Baton Rouge released one of the finest New Orleans music projects ever produced. An all-star celebration of the city’s golden age of rhythm and blues, the musically and technically excellent Deacon John’s Jump Blues originally consisted of a concert film, studio album and nationally aired documentary.
Loose Cattle fans stampede over to Snake and Jake’s for a video shoot
Snake and Jake’s Christmas Tree Lounge, the iconic late night dive, is the perfect stage set for Americana cowpunks Loose Cattle to shoot a video for “Not Over Yet,” a quintessential New Orleans song and the first single off their Single Lock Records debut.
Vintage vinyl treasures (Episode 41)
This month’s installment could be named, “More from 1974,” expanding upon last month’s theme. Given my current record collection, it appears that 1974 was a special year in what would eventually become some of my very best vintage vinyl. So, without further delay, here are another five albums by some noteworthy artists, each memorable and steadfast in the test of time of 50 years give or take.
Genres Be Damned: Steve Lands and Kosmi(k)rewe makes his Satchmo SummerFest debut
How one might musically perceive trumpeter Steve Lands primarily depends on where you caught him be it at a live show, on a recording or even blowing his horn behind a gospel choir. The versatile musician, who’s making his Satchmo Summerfest debut as a leader, doesn’t play favs when it comes to styles.
Vibes and Wisdom: The Eye of Ben E. Hunter
Ben E. Hunter is back with Cross Roads, his ninth album, continuing down his unique lane with “New Orleans Afro-Caribbean Folk Music.” Though his story is quintessentially New Orleans, it’s also far different from that of most musicians. As expected, it was a no-holds-barred talk with insight and perspective.
The Deezle Chronicles: Part I
Darius “Deezle” Harrison is not only a multi-Grammy-winning producer now shaping the best and brightest musicians at The Throne, but he is also a great storyteller. His history is as New Orleans as it gets, and is a testament to focus, determination, and following what fulfills you. This is the first in a series:
Steve Cropper Talks Back
As a producer, guitarist, songwriter and artist-and-repertoire man at Stax Records in Memphis, Steve Cropper helped generate a golden streak of soul hits.
Stand Up—Can You Hear Me?: ÌFÉ makes a different musical offering
The usual reaction upon hearing ÌFÉ for the first time is incredulous joy. You can simply enjoy it for the sake of unique organic electronic music that showcases Afro-Cuban rhythms, dancehall beats, Yoruban lyrics, and a charismatic front man who brings the love (for people) and the loathing (for inequality) into an experience unlike any other. You will also find in it the layers of roots, identity, and consciousness.
