Keyboardist, vocalist and composer Kyle Roussel immediately brightens the atmosphere with wonderful choir-like harmony of “Daylight,” the opening song of his album Church of New Orleans. As the title of the release suggests, Roussel’s background in gospel music comes into play, along with secular styles such as the New Orleans piano tradition, rhythm and blues and a bit of street beat. This ambitious disc finds the talented Crescent City native overdubbing his own voice and performing on acoustic piano as well as an array of electronic keyboards and percussion instruments. Joining him are some dozen musicians making up full horn sections that include some of this city’s masters such as drummers Herlin Riley and Shannon Powell; saxophonists Roderick Paulin and Roger Lewis; trumpeter Andrew Baham; trombonist Terence Taplin and more. Obviously, there’s a lot going on.

A positive, upbeat vibe prevails on the next cut, the funky “Don’t Wait” with Roussel’s New Orleans piano roots in full display accented by percussionist Alexey Marti and some tasty guitar licks.

Guest vocalist Quiana Lynell offers a change of mood on the love song, “Close to Me,” that glides with a contemporary rhythm and blues sway. She duets with Roussel resulting in a very complimentary match.

The feel-good cut, a real beauty, is “Dorothy,” that finds Roussel alone at the acoustic piano. He happily marries the big chords of gospel and the trills employed by so many of this city’s legendary pianists. The two genres walk down—no, skip down—the aisle as one.

That Kyle Roussel hails from New Orleans remains evident throughout this fine album full of his original material. On Church of New Orleans Roussel continues this city’s rich piano lineage while as a talented and diverse next-generation musician, he offers new flavors and his inspiring individual voice.

NOTE: This album wasn’t officially released. The official release, with new material, will be released as “Church of New Orleans” in September 2024.–Editor