Last August, Dr. John and Bobby Rush teamed up to create a song for Crimestoppers‘ local chapter fundraiser and called it “Another Murder in New Orleans.” Crimestoppers is a grassroots organization that aims to reduce violent crime, especially in cities with serious violent crime challenges. Each year, the New Orleans chapter of the national organization hosts a benefit event to raise funds for their programs, but last year, they got a bit more creative and decided it was time to get people involved the New Orleans way — through local music.
Bobby Rush's new album, "Decisions" is out next month.
So in addition to their annual gala, Crimestoppers asked two of Louisiana’s musical giants to write a song addressing the issue of violent crime in town and “Another Murder in New Orleans” was born. The song was released digitally and the sales proceeds directed to Crimestoppers. At the time the single was released online via iTunes, Amazon and other download retailers, Crimestoppers also released a video containing interviews with both Mac and Rush, in which they discussed their inspirations and ideas behind the song. This song was particularly monumental not just because of its cause or subject matter, but because this would be the first studio recording of Dr. John and Bobby Rush together ever in history.
Today, the blues icons premiere the official music video for “Another Murder in New Orleans” here on OffBeat.com. The video was shot in New Orleans in September last year, just after the song’s Crimestoppers release. It was directed by Jennifer DeLia, and produced by Julie Pacino (daughter of Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino). The song addresses a very realistic topic New Orleanians face, and this was the reason that Rush, at first, almost turned down the offer. “When [Carl Gustafson of Blinddog Smokin’] first approached me about singing this I was leery about it because I didn’t want to sing a song that would make people think bad about Louisiana,” says Rush. “But when I listened to the lyrics and the story I changed my mind… wherever senseless violence happens, that’s your New Orleans. You could be in the country, a small town, or Timbuktu…” Watch the video here and comment below to let us know what you think.
The single will also be on Rush’s forthcoming new album, Decisions, with southern California band Blinddog Smokin’. This album will then mark the first full release containing studio recording of Bobby Rush and Dr. John together. The two have known each other from the blues and R&B circuits for more than 50 years, and yet both of them now over 70 years old, had never laid down tracks. Blinddog Smokin’ founder and bandleader Carl Gustafson co-wrote the single, now having a nearly two decade long friendship with Rush, and is currently heading up Rush’s touring band. On witnessing Rush and Dr. John’s friendship and musical camaraderie, Gustafson observes, “When they’re telling stories it’s hilarious because they’re talking about bluesmen so ugly they had to turn their backs to the audience to play guitar. And in some cases, running from the same women.”
The past year has been a banner one for both Mac and Rush — Mac, a recent Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, taking home his sixth Grammy Award in 2013, and Rush nominated this year for the same Best Blues Album Grammy Award Mac claimed last year. Both have been national Blues Foundation Award recipients, and of course OffBeat Best of the Beat nominees over the years. Decisions is available on iTunes now for pre-order here.
