Customer Reviews

LOUISIANA GUMBO

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful collection of blues, soul and R&B and zydeco from New Orleans and the bayous of Louisiana. And a great introduction to lesser known artists who really deserve to be heard, like Charles Sheffield. But of course there are also the well known artists, such as the Neville Brothers and Clifton Chenier. This album is guaranteed to get your feet tapping. The 24 page booklet includes an essay about Louisiana and it's music, and a page devoted to each song and it's artist, and photos.

I don't remember buying this CD, but I certainly remember the first time I played it. It is a fantastic collection of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco. Particularly like 'Festis', but really all of it is good.

Hot & Spicy, Tasty & Fulfilling.....just what gumbo is supposed to be! First heard in a little local boutique, I was shakin my shimmie from the first song on and just HAD to buy it! Makes me wish I were strollin down d'bayou or scoffing up some of Tipatina's finest right now. I've bought several copies to give as gifts (some weren't all that excited until they gave it a listen; now those people are turning others onto it). I've given a couple other zy CD's a try but like the man says, "It ain't the same thang".......buy it and enjoy the Big Easy in your own easy chair.

First of all, I have to vent and say that calling this album "Louisiana Gumbo" was a total copout.... Referring to Louisiana as a "gumbo" of cultures is possibly the tritest and most worn-out way to refer to the state, and it gets older and older every time I see it. There must be more creative and original ways to name an album.

That said, this is a pretty good album. The songs are mostly New Orleans-style, there are a couple of Zydeco cuts but no real Cajun songs; a little more diversity would've been nice, but seeing what a butcher job Putumayo did on their "Cajun" collection, maybe I should be thankful they didn't try (their "Zydeco" collection is really wonderful, though!).

If you love New Orleans music, though, you'll be thrilled. This album makes for a nice primer for those who aren't familiar with the music at all, as well. It's a nice one to have in your arsenal, for sure.

If you want a really thorough and complete Louisiana collection, consider picking up Doctors, Professors, Kings and Queens: The Big Ol' Box of New Orleans instead, it's much more of an investment, but it's a much higher-quality (and much larger) collection.

I heard this CD in a gift shop in Lewes, DE, and found myself dancing in the aisles. It is as much blues as what you might think of as traditional cajun-style music. It reminded my friend and me of Etta James, but with assorted artists and great blues stylings. I can't wait to have my hands on my own copy!

Big up, Jamaica, to all blokes and sheilas at Putumayo! Haven't you done a bonzer job of presenting world music to the Average Joe. This is another great one. A gumbo is something I enjoyed several times when I was in New Orleans, a soup full of Africa, okra, soft shell crab, hot Cajun sausage, good stuff to get on the outside of when you are in the mood. Best enjoyed with another one! Just like Putumayo CDs.

Louisiana is a place of many people, the African Americans, the Cajuns and Creoles, the White Folks. They all they have their own music, some of which is collected here. All pretty heavy hitting funk, one track (The Neville Brothers) I already have, but the highlight is "Piano Roll" by the late Eddie Bo, former Louis Armstrong sideman, whose work I know from his recordings with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band (see Nevilles' Yellow Moon and Brother's Keeper & DDBB's Voodoo & NO album) . I guess the title of Bo's piece is a reference to the rolling tempo, Jelly Roll Moreton and player piano rolls. Bo really gets it on. I am sorry to be leaving flowers on his metaphoric resting place. He was the real deal, like my Dad.
More specifically again, this is piano and guitar driven funk without too many solos, churning polyrhythms, call and response blackness from famous lads like Clifton Chenier aka the King of Zydeco, Rock' Dopsie Jr, Percy Mayfield and Snooks Eaglin and each track will lead you into collecting CDs by the artists concerned. Just the ticket for a King Sunny Ade style knees up. Whew! You are better off listening rather the reading so click on the button and watch the mail!

This is a great introduction to local music. Louisiana Gumbo takes you on a journey to regional community life that has made great contributions to us all. Louisiana Gumbo is American music influenced by many distinct cultures. It is worth the time to stop, listen, and absorb.