Walter “Wolfman” Washington: Funk is in the House (Bullseye Blues & Jazz)

It’s fitting that veteran New Orleans guitarist and singer Walter “Wolfman” Washington covers Ray Charles’ “Mary Ann” on his new CD Funk is in the House.

Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball and Tracy Nelson: Sing It! (Rounder Records)

There are voices, and then, there are voices.

Two of the absolutely most spine-tingling, toe-curling, soul-caressing voices I know belong to Irma Thomas, the long-reigning Soul Queen of New Orleans, and Tracy Nelson, former Earth Mother of the psychedelic era. Both are present on this recording, and put on as fine a display of vocal pyrotechnics as either has produced.

Donald Harrison, Jr. Presents The New Orleans Legacy Ensemble: Spirits of Congo Square (Candid)

This recent release from New Orleans-bred sax master Donald Harrison has received relatively little attention, probably because it’s on a European label (as opposed to Harrison’s recent “Nouveau Swing” work on Impulse).

Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie: La Chanson Perdue (Rounder Records)

One reason that this Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie album is better than the last Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie album, 1996’s That’s What I’m Talkin’ About!, is that this time French Rockin’ Boogie really rocks and boogies instead of merely going through the motions.

Aaron Neville: To Make Me Who I Am (A&M)

Top 40 songwriter-for-hire Diane Warren and contemporary R&B mega-producer Babyface penned “Say What’s In My Heart,” the lead-off track and single from Aaron Neville’s fourth solo album.

Lenny McDaniel: Tired Angels (Café au Lait Music)

New Orleans’ singer/songwriter/guitarist Lenny McDaniel seems to have found a happy medium. On his third effort Tired Angels, McDaniel strikes a balance between the lighthearted and memorable rock and soul of his debut Bad For Me, and the brooding and apocalyptic imagery that infused his second release Worth the Price.

Leo Nocentelli: Live in San Francisco (DJM)

Meters fans who miss the slinky guitar of original member Leo Nocentelli – replaced in the funky Meters by Brian Stoltz in early 1994 – no longer need to wait for the occasional Jazz Fest performance or travel to San Francisco, Nocentelli’s home of late. Live in San Francisco captures Nocentelli playing with fellow former Meter Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste on drums, along with Nick Daniels on bass and Kevin Walsh on keyboards.

Kermit Ruffins: The Barbecue Swingers Live (Basin Street Records)

This record makes me think of something Tom Waits once said, “In New Orleans, music is like hot sauce. They put it on their food.” Yes, we do, and few things taste as good as trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, with his finger lickin’ quintet, kickin’ their loose-limbed, juicy jazz into the wee hours.

Davell Crawford: The B-3 and Me (Bullseye Blues & Jazz)

I’ve met folks who listen to nothing but organ trios, who can tell a Jimmy Smith like in a nanosecond from one by Jack McDuff or Groove Holmes. I’m not such a person, but it’s obvious to any listener that The B-3 and Me grooves when it’s supposed to groove and swings when swing is called for.

Tuts Washington: Tipitina’s ’78 (Tuff City)

It’s a travesty that the great pianist Isadore “Tuts” Washington wasn’t recorded more often.