Although not overlooking the seriousness of the New Orleans tribute, this is a recording that demands high volume, dancing, and a good time - New Orleans style! Per Track #4 - "Keep the Party Going On"! And David "Woody" Woodford's sax work is icing on the cake. Turn it up!
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I could easily write a long-winded essay about this CD, but I will try to keep it short!  This is a heartfelt tribute to New Orleans, the hometown of Kenny Sara & the Sounds of New Orleans.  After the Katrina disaster, emotions were running high and low all across the country, and this CD reflects that.  Here are just a few highlights from the aAlbum:
Track 1, "Going Back to New Orleans":  A Swing number, with a Jazz horn arrangement reminiscent of Duke Ellington's Orchestra.  Lee Thornton'sTrumpet solo reminds me of Tricky Sam Nanton,  Duke's trombone player.  Nanton's patented "Ya Ya" technique has drastically influenced horn players of all kinds for almost a century.
Track 6,  "In the Night".  This is a funky New Orleans march.  I've never been to New Orleans, but listening to this, I could imagine walking down the French Quarter, with girls dancing on the balconies.  Just hope I brought enough beads!
Track 7, "Congo Square (Meeting Good Spirits)"L This is written by Kenny, and sounds like a traditional African drum chant. Great vocal harmony textures on this one. There is a lot of history behind Congo Square, and what it meant to the african slaves brought here against their will.  It was a place where they could express their culture and music in the face of oppression.
Track 10, "What the Women do when the women do":  This is a funky dancable number, with a distinctive new orleans flavor.  (With a little bit of James Brown thrown in there too!.)  Sax player Woody Woodford sings lead on this, and with his surprisingly deep gruff voice, sounds like he grew to football player proportions just for this song!  Speaking of which, being an old San Diego Chargers fan, I always like to give New Orleans' Saints' Fans a hard time:  First you guys stole my kicker (John Carney) and now my Quarterback (Drew Brees)!  Seriously though,  I couldn't be happier for Saints fans and New Orleans.  They deserve it!
Track 12, "Funky Leprechaun"  This is a cool Jazz instrumental. A leprechaun definitely would not be dancing an Irish jig to this one. Little Shamus would have learn something a lot more funky if he wanted to groove to this one!  Very fun and cool.
Track 13, "Sleepy Time down south". The CDd closes with a sentimental homesick jazz ballad, dedicated to Kenny's home, "down south".  Kenny uses the brushes on this one to get that subdues effect, and sings with a sweet hushed voice.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
*Their version of Randy Newman's "Louisiana" is even stronger than the original.
 *Drummer/bandleader Kenny Sara serves us a gumbo with spicy 
ingredients such as Jazz,Blues & Zydeco.
 *When I ever get to Disneyland,FL, i know where to eat: at Ralhp Brennan's!
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Sara and company have done it again!  And this time its the real deal... The authenticity of New Orleans music, and let me tell you, this CD is the kind of music that will have you jumpin' up and down, singin' out loud, rolling windows down in your car so everyone can see how much fun your havin' everytime you pop it in!  You'll think your right in the heart of the ole city herself. A must have!  Drums, sax, vocals and more, everyone gets into it, and you will too!
                            Read more...