NolaFunk Lagniappe

The Radiators - Recommendation of the month

A couple of weeks ago Dan Phillips recommended The Radiators to me. He runs the Home of the Groove blog, which is all about the New Orleans Groove. I had never heard of The Radiators, but I love New Orleans music like Dr. John and The Meters. So I was interested.

Then I got a message from Jay Rosenberg of Radz Records, who does publicity (among other things) for The Radiators, telling me I would probably like their latest release, "Wild & Free". Lucky me got sent a copy, and for sure: me like it lots!

Free Download to Honor Guitar Legend Snooks Eaglin: 1936-2009

"The first time I heard Snooks on record he astonished and thrilled me, and every time I saw him live I was moved and amazed by the depth and breadth of his taste, skill, and musical knowledge. He was called a "human jukebox," but he not only preserved a massive library of American music in his head and fingers, he transformed every note he touched. New Orleans and the world feel like a different place with him gone." - Elijah Wald, compiler/notes writer for New Orleans Street Singer

Singer and guitarist Snooks Eaglin passed away February 18th in New Orleans. His Smithsonian Folkways album New Orleans Street Singer was originally released in 1959 and reissued in 2005 with 7 previously unreleased tracks. Recorded by folklorist Harry Oster after he heard Eaglin performing in the French Quarter, New Orleans Street Singer was recently selected for the book 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die.

Eaglin, also known as "the human jukebox" for his wide and varied repertoire including electric blues, rock, jazz, and country, lost his sight as a child before teaching himself to play guitar. He went on to play and record with many other New Orleans musicians, including Professor Longhair, the Wild Magnolias, and Alan Toussaint. In recent years he was a regular performer at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

VIP Ladies & Kids Social Aid and Pleasure Club Annual Second Line

"Everything's Out In The Open"
Sunday, March 1, 2009 12noon to 4pm

Alligator Prepares New Release From Eric Lindell

Alligator Records has set a March 24 street date for Gulf Coast Highway, the new CD from soul, rock and blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Eric Lindell. Only a few short years ago, Lindell was known only to a small but enthusiastic group of fans in his native Northern California and his adopted home town of New Orleans. Once he hit the national music scene with his 2006 Alligator Records debut Change in the Weather, critics and fans around the world celebrated the arrival of a roots rocker with dozens of unforgettable original songs. His combination of sweet, blue-eyed soul with groove-laden R&B, swamp pop, funk and blues won him critical and popular acclaim across the country.

Recorded at Balance Studio in Mandeville, Louisiana, Gulf Coast Highway features 12 original songs and three inspired covers. The CD finds Lindell reaching new performing and songwriting heights. His soul-drenched mix of roots-rock, sinewy blues, swampy R&B and a hint of honky-tonk soul permeates every song. With musical help from some of the Crescent City’s finest players, including the Galactic rhythm section of Robert Mercurio and Stanton Moore on some tracks, Lindell has created his most fully realized lyrical and musical statement yet.

Check out the brand new music video for the Rotary Downs song "Body of an Outlaw" from the album Chained the Chariot. Edited, written, and directed by Jonathan David Evans and starring Brooke Lamm as the Outlaw.

Rotary Downs tour dates available here.

Trombone Shorty documentary wins award

The Beverly Hills Shorts Fest has honored Eric Alan Donaldson and L. Lonnie Peralta with the award for Best Documentary for the film they co-directed, produced and edited, “Trombone Shorty.” A “Troy Andrews is blessed with the gift of musical ear play and performance,” says Donaldson, Troy Andrews says, “There’s only 5% of the world, or 10% at most of people that really get a chance to do what they really want to do, and I happen to be a part of that. That’s the ultimate blessing right there.”

NolaCast: Episode #1- New Orleans Hip Hop

This is the debut of NOLAcast. It’s more of a test than a full podcast but features a couple of great Hip Hop songs from New Orleans own Slang Angus and E.O.E. (aka Atman Roots).

Irma Thomas, "Simply Grand" (2008)

Irma Thomas, whose Louisiana legend of a voice has darkened into a more expressive place, is taking a similar career tack. The new "Simply Grand," in fact, finds Thomas moving deeper into the emotional underpinnings of her best work at a time when safer environs would probably be more profitable.

Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse to open in Royal Sonesta

Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street officially opens Saturday, March 21, with its namesake trumpeter leading an all-star band. The club, in the former home of the Mystick, will initially present entertainment Thursday through Saturday, with plans to expand to four and, eventually, seven nights.