Friday Mix Tape: Big Easy Hangover

Cyril Neville – Gossip

If you’re from New Orleans and your last name starts with a “N” and ends with an “E,” has five letters between it, you most likely are the equivalent of royalty in the Big Easy. Cyril is the baby of the four Neville Brothers. And he started out his career playing percussion with big brother Art’s band The Meters. In 1970 he found himself in the studio with Art, George Porter, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste. This funky gem is the result of that session

Anders Osborne – Darkness At The Bottom

Since 1985, the Swedish-born Osborne has called New Orleans, LA home. And he has crafted ten albums filled with a mix of blues, funk, rock and classic singer/songwriter tunes. This one that he played during his searing set on the main Acura Stage at this year’s festival comes from his 2010 release American Patchwork.

Jon Cleary And The Absolute Monster Gentlemen- Go To Be More Careful

Like Anders Osborne, Cleary is a foreigner who has been adopted by the residents of N’awlins. He hails from England. But his music is pure Crescent City. He plays Funk and R&B on the piano backed by his band. This song comes from 2004’s Pin Your Spin.

Walter “Wolfman” Washington – You Can Stay But The Noise Must Go

A trip to New Orleans without seeing the “Wolfman” seems incomplete. A regular these days at dba on Frenchmen Street with Roadmasters, this singer & guitar player has played with the best from his hometown throughout his career including Lee Dorsey and Johnny Adams.

Betty Davis – Your Mama Wants Ya Back

She was Miles Davis’ second wife. She modeled, lived in London and recorded with West Coast musicians. So her only tie to New Orleans is the funk. And if you check this lady out, you will see that she was as funky as they come. This track comes from 1974’s They Say I’m Different. What an understatement that was!

Neville Brothers – Fly Like An Eagle

You can start wherever you want with the music of the Crescent City. But just like at the Jazz & Heritage Festival itself, you must end with the Nevilles. The four brothers bring a wide range of influences to the table. For some reason, I was always partial to this funky cover of the Steve Miller Band classic.

Have a great weekend. I hope you find yourself humming some of these tunes this summer.

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One Response

  1. “The story behind and the review of” are always great. The Friday Mix Tape captures it. You are right about the Neville Brothers and “Fly Like an Eagle”. Made me go back and listen to the Steve Muller Band again. Yes, you can go home again. Keep up the great words, music and pictures.
    Your Dad

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