New York City born and now living in San Francisco, pianist and composer Clifford Lamb joins several New Orleans musicians on his latest album, Blues & Hues New Orleans. The album paints in broad strokes a picture of New Orleans and its checkered history by using works from famous local musicians in mash-ups similar to sampling in hip-hop and other genres. The songs he chooses and the album’s overall theme create a sincere and whimsical experience representing New Orleans’ unique heritage.
The album begins with “Curtain Time,” sonically preparing the listener with the styles and improvisation of the album in an upbeat jazzy rhythm with a crooning alto-sax and commanding bass. Lamb also joins the track with his graceful and clean piano. Still, he generally takes a backseat to other musicians, to the album’s benefit as his keys provide texture and flair while highlighting local talent.
Trumpeter Nicholas Payton and alto saxophonist Donald Harrison each soulfully lead different tracks. Local drummer Herlin Riley performs on the majority of the album’s tracks and is featured best on “Mardi Gras” with cheerful rhythm and a playful variety of percussion instruments. In addition, Roland Guerin on acoustic bass adds flourishes and power to many of the tracks.
The mash-up concept allows audiences unfamiliar with works sampled the opportunity to trace back and hear the original or experience the stylistic interpretation presented by Lamb and company. Although most tracks stay true to the heart of the material and adapt them with reverence and adeptness, some tracks do seem to pull the mash-up better than others.
“Voodoo with Hoodoo” is a riff on Dr. John’s “Zu Zu Mamou,” using the catchy chorus of the original, but it loses some of the manic energy that makes Dr. John’s voice and sound so iconic.
Although a beautifully performed and produced album, the songs’ concepts are not immediately recognizable without aides from liner notes. It can be tough to interpret if you aren’t familiar with the original tracks. If you are new to the New Orleans’ sound, this album can work as an excellent starting point for discovering iconic artists and hearing how those artists influence the music world today.
