There are more than several moments on his new release where pianist Joe Krown’s trio takes a song both uptown and downtown. On his version of “Tipitina,” he and the band repeat the ending phrase several times, pushing it harder each time and getting more intense at each return until they end it with a flourish. In contrast, songs such as his version of “St. James Infirmary” are positively uptown and elegant. Brint Anderson’s vocals are restrained, sad, and almost sweet on this tale of woe.

Krown’s choice of songs explains the album’s title. “My Blue Heaven” and “Lipstick Traces” are played like the standards they have become with nothing new or radical, just good New Orleans style piano playing and unobtrusive drums and well-placed guitar. Even the originals songs sound familiar without being pedestrian. “Old Friends” takes on the air of old, regal blues such as “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” while if the Andrews or Pfister Sisters started harmonizing on the chorus of “The Royal Boogie,” they wouldn’t sound out of place. It is a rare record where the quality and playing of originals match up to standards made famous by Shirley and Lee or Benny Spellman, but this release is one where they more than hold up.

The Joe Krown Organ Combo plays Jazz Fest Saturday, May 5 at 6:10 p.m. at the Allison Miner Music Heritage/Lagniappe Stage.