Music
Rachel Carrico: Dancing the Politics of Pleasure at the New Orleans Second Line (University of Illinois Press)
Dance Studies professor and author Rachel Carrico moved to New Orleans, like so many young creatives, in the years after Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the federal levees that flooded 80 percent of the city. She made many connections and immersed herself in the Black culture of the city. She eventually even joined the Ice Divas, a social and pleasure club, after attending numerous second line parades and is one of the few white people currently parading as a member of one of the city’s many clubs.
Donna’s Bar and Grill: Donna Poniatowski Sims’ new book is a labor of love
The history of New Orleans music is overflowing with venues where the musicians of the city have piled their trade and developed the myriad of styles the city has been known for since its earliest days. From the Funky Butt and the Iroquois Theater on North Rampart Street where Buddy Bolden and a young Louis Armstrong wowed early 20th century crowds to the famed Dew Drop Inn on Lasalle Street in Central City, which was an epicenter on both the national “chitlin’ circuit” and home to local R&B legends like Earl King and Guitar Slim.
Mia Borders: Firewalker (Blaxican Records)
Since bursting on the scene with a sound that was both invigoratingly fresh and pleasingly retro, Mia Borders has carved out a space for herself in a New Orleans scene that isn’t always open to both.
The Secret Six Jazz Band: Fireworks (Independent)
Well, another year has gone by, and we have another Secret Six album to enjoy. Featuring many of the same players that have appeared on the last two recordings as well as regulars like leader and bassist John Joyce and banjoist Hunter Bergamy, the album explores similar traditional jazz territory and includes familiar tunes as well as some obscurities. As with all of the band’s releases, the liner notes include the musicians’ favorite versions of the songs.
Joe Boyd: And the Rhythm Remains: A Journey Through Global Music (ZE Books)
Now along comes Joe Boyd’s And the Rhythm Remains: A Journey Through Global Music, which accomplishes the same feat, but covers so much more ground. At over 800 pages, this nearly two-inch thick book is over twice the length of Sublette’s tome. It is a whopper in every sense of the word.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. John: Frankie & Johnny (Sundazed)
The discography of Mac Rebennack, better known as the inimitable, inscrutable piano and vocal icon Dr. John, is as mixed up as his life was reported to be, especially during his long period of addiction. On the heels of a press release from his estate highlighting the release of four albums since his death five years ago, comes a new collection, Frankie and Johnny.
The Rare Sounds: Introducing the Rare Sounds (Color Red)
The association between guitarist Eddie Roberts of the New Mastersounds and members of the Greyboy Allstars goes back to before his groundbreaking, Meters-inspired band even existed.
