Even if you’ve only got a small assortment of contemporary New Orleans music, in all probably you’ve got at least one Orleans Records CD. Carlo Ditta’s Orleans label has been around since 1984.

Despite its relatively slight catalog (18 releases?) the label has managed to present several eclectic styles of New Orleans music.

This sampler is a fair cross-section of Orleans material, although an odd exclusion was Mighty Sam and Wayne Bennett’s Live In Japan release and there is no unreleased material contained. Sam’s “Pray,” the label’s first release (on clear vinyl) is included as is C.P. Love, who contributes an especially tough ”True Blues.” Ironing Board Sam, Guitar Slim Jr., Little Freddie King, and Coco Robichaux‘s contributions are part of the Orleans blues story.

On the jazz side, the traditional New Orleans style is represented by Danny and Blue Lu Barker. A more contemporary sound is heard from the Pin Stripe Brass Band. Roland Stone’s “Remember Me” recalls the classic early 1960s New Orleans rock and roll sound. Marva Wright and Willie DeVille are represented despite not having an “official” Orleans release.

These artists were produced by Ditta for European labels. De Ville’s “Jump Steady Come My Way” (If you can track down Victory Mixture , by all means pick it up.) is quite good but the Wright’s track is a loser. Production of the 24 page full color CD booklet is extremely lavish and has the look of a Ditta/Orleans family album.

A record label owner once told me that each new CD was like a new baby, and this release underlines that fact. Overall this is a decent listen even it you already have some of the tracks in your collection. It might inspire you investigate some these’ artist’s full length CDs which is the ultimate goal of these collections.