Customer Reviews

Mardi Gras Essentials

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

 

 

The freewheeling New Orleans sound is a product of its unique mixture of cultures and ethnic groups. While other North American cities can claim they are cultural to this sound, it is the strong African presence the way New Orleans has. This unlikely combination would produce New Orlean's "second line" beat. The second line beat, where the drummer hits on the beat and the after beat, is still a common thread in all styles of New Orleans music, be it rhythm and blues, dixieland, funk, rock, contemporary jazz, or the music of the Mardi Gras Indians.

A few stand outs - "LITTLE LIZA JANE" (Dirty Dozen Brass Band) a traditional number brass bands have been playing in New Orleans for more than a century - "SECOND LINE PART ONE" (Bill Sinigal & the Skyliners) is a marching band and brass band favorite, has rhythm and blues roots - "MEET DE BOYS ON THE BATTLERONT" (The Wild Tchoupitoulas) was a spirited 13th Ward Tribe led by Big Chief Jolly, with a great rendition of their story.

No party is complete without music, so it makes perfect sense that Mardi Gras - the World's Largest Party - and Hip-O Records is your host - a hard combination to beat!

Total Time: 59:10 on 16 Tracks/ Hip-O Records - 314 545 684 2 (2000)

Fabulous CD of Mardi Gras music! excellent for parties and just having a good time. Except for one small problem. It claims to be the Essential Mardi Gras CD but does not have "If ever I cease to love" on it, the official theme song of Mardi Gras!
Whoops!

But still an excellent buy!

I bought this CD as background music for a Mardi Gras dinner and it was so great that I'm glad I decided to keep it! "Do Watcha Wanna Pt.2" is a fantastic song! Highly recommended for those who want to feel like they're on Bourbon street on a hot and lively New Orleans night or just to keep your energy up while vacuuming a room!!

If you are from New Orleans, you know what "Carnival Time" means. This CD has all the favorites of the season. From the trumpet at the beginning of "Second Line," the songs beckon you to come and join the fun of Mardi Gras! I brought this CD to take to a party in Chicago to honor our graduates from high school and college. My children are all from New Orleans, and with the exception of the high school graduate, have lived out of town because of college. They felt right at home and brought out the white hankies to second line!! This is definitely a must have for every home if you are or even if you are not, a New Orleanian.

It arrived too late for me to use on the expected occasion, but I would have been happy to use it. The choice of music could have been better and more imaginative, but it is OK, especially for background music at a party.