New Orleans – ROOTNOTEMUSIC BLOG

This post is a continuation of my last post by the same title. We were discussing the genius and legacy of James Booker with renown roots music producer Scott Billington, who produced Booker’s last album, Classified, and through Rounder Records is re-issuing it with previously unreleased tracks. I’ve heard the entire album and would recommend…

James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 1)

Apr 14, 2014

in Blues, Classic soul, Jazz, Keyboards, New Orleans, Piano, R&B, Soul

James Carroll Booker III (1939-1983) was one of the foremost musical and piano geniuses of the 20th century, yet his name is not as widely known beyond music lovers, musicians, and New Orleanians. That should change because his last album is being revisited by a reissue of his album Classified by Rounder Records by renown…

King of Chitlin’ Circuit Bobby Rush still groovin’ into his 80s: SXSW 2014

Mar 18, 2014

in Austin, Blues, Creole, Guitarists, Harmonica, New Orleans, R&B, Soul

One of the highlights of my time at SXSW 2014 was seeing Mr. Bobby Rush (who was nominated this past year for a 2014 GRAMMY Award in Best Blues Album for “Down In Louisiana”). There is a bit of discrepancy as to his age. He told the audience he was 81, however Wikipedia says 73.…

Keeping the tradition alive in California: The Long Beach Bayou & Blues Festival

Jun 17, 2013

in Blues, Creole, New Orleans

This weekend, Saturday June 22nd and, Sunday June 23rd, the Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach transforms into a home away from home for Louisiana natives, as The Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival celebrates its 27th year. The two-day Creole and Cajun celebration feature a non-stop dance floor (including dance instruction), a kids corner…

Keepin’ it funky with New Orleans’ brass band tradition

Jun 15, 2012

in Brass, Funk, Jazz, New Orleans, Soul

Last night I had the fortune to see Rebirth Brass Band at The Mint in LA (an awesome roots-music venue if you ever are in town). Hot off their Grammy win for their album, Rebirth of New Orleans, it was a sold-out, standing-room only show. People who didn’t have a ticket were waiting outside, hoping…

Legends of the 88s: Cuba to Chicago, New Orleans to New York

Sep 6, 2010

in Blues, Chicago, Country, Creole, Cuba, Jazz, Keyboards, Latin Jazz, New Orleans, New York City, Piano, Salsa Music

Since September is traditionally back-to-school month, I thought I’d do a short history lesson on some of the most influential roots piano players. Whether barrelhouse, boogie woogie, boogaloo, or rumba, hard pounding rhythmic piano playing has found its home in the brothels and the concert halls, with styles traveling that swath of land and sea…

I Live for the Funk: James Brown, The Meters, & Curtis Mayfield

Mar 21, 2010

in Bass, Blues, Fender Rhodes, Funk, Hammond B-3, New Orleans, Soul

James Brown, born in 1933 in South Carolina, came from an extremely difficult and tragic childhood. From those circumstances, with his gift of music, starting out as part of a gospel group, he rose to become one of the most influential musicians in the world. With his band the JBs, some of the most highly…

Category: New Orleans

James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 2)