Mitch Woods’ Big Easy Boogie was a well-meant tribute to New Orleans, and it probably got a better reception in other cities than it did here. Lines and tropes that seem cliché here don’t in other places, and after the media’s coverage of the city after Katrina, we’re more sensitive than ever about getting it right. On Jukebox Drive, his affection for the city is still evident in his love of jump blues in general and his version of “Tipitina” specifically. Not surprisingly, he normalizes the song (as much as it can be normalized), but it’s a spirited version, and he’s obviously having fun singing Longhair’s nonsense lyrics.

After that, here’s the rundown: Best song—“Jukebox Drive,” the title referring to what’s powering his car. The album could use a few more lyrics that inventive. Biggest surprise—the cover of “Drunk,” which lays there like a lox. It’s done two minutes before the music stops. Number of songs with “boogie” in the title—five (out of 12). Missteps—one, “Drunk.” Otherwise, Jukebox Drive is solid, good-natured fun.