The gift of music keeps on giving

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

Artists from New Orleans including saxophonist Branford Marsalis, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, keyboardist/vocalist PJ Morton, funk/soul/hip hop group Tank and the Bangas, the Rebirth Brass Band and trumpeter/composer Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah plus Louisiana-born Bobby Rush racked up an impressive amount of Grammy nominations for their recordings in 2019. There were, however, plenty of other fine albums by “our own” artists released this past year. These recordings, like those by the nominees, are certainly worth considering as presents for your music-loving family and friends. Music is a gift that keeps on giving and often stands as a reminder of the thoughtful person who chose a certain album just for you. Here are several that make the “gift hit” list.

Nineteen cuts of pure New Orleans genius is an apt description of Rhapsody in Bronze, an album that contains previously unreleased “short sessions” by three legendary artists that include vocalist Cousin Joe (Pleasant Joseph), pianist/vocalist James Booker and guitarist/vocalist Snooks Eaglin. The sessions by Cousin Joe and Eaglin are topped off by all-star bands while Booker is heard alone at the piano in 1976 at a hotel in Amsterdam. Lucky is the big-eared, classic New Orleans music fanatic who finds this gem stuffed in their stocking.

Davell Crawford allows his piano to sing the lyrics of the late, legendary Fats Domino’s greatest hits on Dear Fats, I Love You. He’s alone at the Steinway performing 15 totally memorable numbers primarily written by Domino, who died on October 24, 2017, or in collaboration with his longtime music partner trumpeter/producer Dave Bartholomew. The album includes greats like “Ain’t That a Shame,” “I’m Walking” and “I’m Gonna Be a Wheel Someday” performed with heart. Crawford, who was greatly inspired by Fats, is a vital extension of the New Orleans piano lineage thus allowing him the freedom to interpret and elaborate on Domino’s hits on this historic album.

Nicholas Payton swings, hard bops, bebops, sings, gets sentimental, takes it out and adds a bit of electronics on this double album, Relaxin’ with Nick, recorded live at New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Playing trumpet, acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes and adding vocals and samplings, Payton is teamed with the dynamite and compatible rhythm section of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (not related) on an album that lives up to its name and invites listeners to a world where improvised music moves pleasurably and vigorously through the ages.

SNOOKS EAGLIN

During his residency ins 2018 at New York’s renowned Village Vanguard, pianist, vocalist and composer Jon Batiste recorded two fine live albums, Anatomy of Angels and Chronology of a Dream. Though the musicians remain the same, each of the discs boasts their individual vibe with, perhaps, the second of the two having a more party time feel. In this setting, Batiste displays the breadth of talent as a jazz musician while letting his New Orleans roots shine much to the delight of the enthused audience. Might have to wrap up these two albums together with a big bow on top.

Extended, a brilliant contemporary jazz trio with pianist Oscar Rossignoli, bassist Matt Booth and drummer Brad Webb, is undoubtedly the least known inclusion in this admittedly jazz-heavy “some of the best of 2019” list. The group’s excellent release, Harbinger, put it there. Though swing isn’t part of these guys’ game, rhythm certainly is on the all original selections, individually penned by its members. The album is a free-flowing study of the power of dynamics created by superb musicians that make up this highly individualized collective.

It came as somewhat of a surprise that several albums didn’t turn up in the Grammy nominations’ lists. Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers released a strong album, Bon Ton, on which the always energetic leader, accordionist and composer Dwayne Dopsie succeeds in marrying his highly modern and intricate accordion work and zydeco’s roots all with a down home party attitude. For four years, 2008 through 2011, there was a Grammy category for best zydeco and Cajun albums that was, unfortunately, discontinued. This year, Dopsie’s release would have been considered for Best Regional Roots Music Album, that represents a rather eclectic mix of genres.

Though it’s great that the Rebirth Brass Band is among the nominees in that category, the Soul Rebels deserves a place somewhere too for its highly ambitious album Poetry in Motion that highlights the links between New Orleans brass and rap and invites a slew of guests artists.

It’s difficult to say where the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s release Tuba to Cuba, which explores the many rhythmic and cultural connections between New Orleans and the island nation, could have found a spot within the Grammy’s limited categories. It’s a good choice to promote dancing during the season.

Many of the artists named here also perform regularly at venues around town. Supporting them through purchasing their recordings or attending their live shows helps make these Louisiana musicians’, your loved ones’ and your own holidays happy and bright. Ditto that for our great clubs and record stores. Music is the language of New Orleans that speaks to the heart and soul during this special season and all year ‘round.

This article originally published in the December 16, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.