Mardi Gras

1. Coment Ca Va

2. Oh What Can I Do

3. Home on the Bayou

4. Since You Been Gone

5. Louisiana

6. Where Are You Now

7. Mardi Gras

8. Object of My Effection

9. Cajun Cookin'

10. Mr. Fine

11. Pappa on the Fiddle

12. Molina

13. New Kid on the Bayou

14. I Can See Clearly Now

Mardi Gras,Queen Ida,Gnp Crescendo,Cajun / Zydeco / New Orleans,Pop,World Music,Zydeco

Average customer rating: Favorite then and now!!! Grand Canyon Suite Review Makes you feel like you are there! Musical interpretation Great Kostelanetz, awful Bernstein

Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite/Mississippi Suite Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Grofé, Ferde | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: Grofe: Death Valley Suite Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano Copland: Rodeo/Billy The Kid Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris ASIN: B0000025PE Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Grand Canyon Suite: I - Sunrise
2. Grand Canyon Suite: II - Painted Desert
3. Grand Canyon Suite: III - On The Trail
4. Grand Canyon Suite: IV - Sunset
5. Grand Canyon Suite: V - Cloudburst
6. Mississippi Suite: I - Father Of The Waters
7. Mississippi Suite: II - Huckleberry Finn
8. Mississippi Suite: III - Old Creole Days
9. Mississippi Suite: IV - Mardi Gras

Customer Reviews:

Favorite then and now!!!.......2007-06-11

When these recordings first came out I was too young to
have it on record, but later I had it on tape, and now
on CD. This is the best recording by far of these two works.
This recording I really love it. I remember as a teen in
the late 80's and early 90's comming home from school, how
I loved to listen to the "Grand Canyon Suite", how much
I like the "special effects" such as the "thunder storm" in the
last movement, and the "donkey" or "horse" steps as it would walk
through the desert. Grofe used such "special effects" I guess
to help us imagine better what he was trying to describe in his
music. The Mississippi Suite has always been a favorite too, with
its "Mardi Gras" finale, which depicts a carnival parade, so pupular
in the south as in many parts of the world. Kostalanetz, Bernstein
and the New Yorkers really put a "good show".

Grand Canyon Suite Review.......2007-01-13

While driving through the Painted Desert in Arizona on my way to NAU in Flagstaff I was listening to this CD and it just made the Painted Desert come alive. I could just picture each area of the Grand Canyon as the music came on. It was one of the most plesant drives I've taken in years. Also I was replacing a CD that had gotten stolen and I missed this mucic, so I ordered a replacement. I'm glad that I did. I danced to this mucis years ago at a ballet recital and the music had always remained with me. I really recommend playing this music as you pass through the Grand Canyon area but it's just as beautiful if you're sitting in your own living room or parlor listening to it.

Makes you feel like you are there!.......2007-01-10

I first had the Grand Canyon Suite conducted by Berstein as a vinyl recording. I missed it very much when I could no longer play it. I have two other conductors and orchestras doing Grand Canyon, but they are both lacking the expression in which this performance excels. I was thrilled to get this CD!! Berstein definitely understands the power of this great composition.

Kostelanetz does a great job with the Mississippi Suite. I have it on one other CD and, though that one is good, Kostelanetz brings a flavor to it that makes me think I am actually on the river. I was born in Memphis and go back to visit relatives frequently. The music and the flow and the majesty of the river is wonderfully depicted.

Musical interpretation.......2006-02-19

The Utah Orchestra plays with depth and interpretation of Grofe's music images of the Grand Canyon. Having hiked the Canyon myself as well as experienced the many moods, this recording evokes them very well

Great Kostelanetz, awful Bernstein.......2004-07-10

Given the fact that The Grand Canyon suite is a concert pops piece, it should be a piece of cake for Lenny to pull this off. Well, he can't, and it's terrible. The most famous movement, On The Trail, is lacking the excitement and spirit that this needs. His celeste solo is so over blown with extra accents and mannered phrasing, you realize just how self indulgent Bernstein is. Compare this to Stanley Black. His Grand Canyon is terrific. With Phase 4 engineering, great strings and plenty of spirit, he captures the mood of the piece with great verve. Skip the Bernstein tracks and just listen to Kostelanetz. The string sound he gets from the NYP is much better than Bernstein. It's hard to believe that it's the same orchestra. Even though this work is much shorter, Kostelanetz gives it his all. Daybreak is uplifting and majestic. Since this piece is rarely played, it's nice to have it on cd. Kostelanetz is the only version you'll need. Skip Bernstein and listen to Kostelanetz.

Average customer rating: Great CD Great recording- super renditions-I wish I could find more CDs like this Ou-ce Que Te Parti Acadienne At Its Finest! This collection of Cajun music is just too cool for words!!!

The Best of Cajun: The Traditional Songs Waylon Thibodeaux Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Zydeco | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Cajun & Creole | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Cajun & Zydeco | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music North America | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bayou Deluxe: The Best Of Michael Doucet & Beausoleil Cajun Music: The Essential Collection Zydeco's Greatest Hits The Ultimate Collection Zydeco ASIN: B000005XFX Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. Je Veux Me Marier
2. Grand Mamou
3. Chou-Pique Two Step
4. Bayou Teche
5. Paradin Two Step
6. Grande Texas
7. Madame Sosthene
8. Ou-Ce Que T'es Parti
9. Jolie Blonde
10. Lake Charles Two Step
11. Big Mamou

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2005-12-22

I just love this CD, especially song #8! I'd say this is the best Cajun CD I've heard yet. Would highly recommend it to anyone. It's at the top of my list!!

Great recording- super renditions-I wish I could find more CDs like this.......2005-10-14

This CD is simply a wonderful find.

Excellent recording, excellent renditions of traditional songs.

Like listening to E Power Biggs play Bach, Waylon Thibodeaux has captured something very special with this recording.

I'd love to see suggestions for similar albums- I've looked for a while but I keep coming back to this one.

Ou-ce Que Te Parti.......2005-10-07

This a song that is needed by the Westwego Senior Citizens. A small group visits the shut in and they requested this particular song. I would like to have a copy both in french and english?

Acadienne At Its Finest!.......2002-05-05

The songs on this album with the exception of Big Mamou are old beautiful traditional Cajun songs. Waylon does an excellent job at playing these songs and keeping them fairly authentic sounding. Waylon should be given a medal for preserving these old songs and giving them a modern-quality recording. Waylon does not exclude modern zydeco either in Big Mamou. This song will make you want to jump up and do the fais-do-do. If you dig Cajun music at all, this album is a must have.

This collection of Cajun music is just too cool for words!!!.......1999-07-14

Okay, okay, you haven't encountered much of Cajun music? Here's the place to start. Twelve catchy numbers, most with lyrics in Cajun French, brighten this fine record by Waylon Thibodeaux. They're lively, enjoyable, and make you want to dance or at least enjoy more whatever you might be doing while listening. Thibodeaux does the definitive "Jolie Blonde" in this CD, and has several great ones such as "Grand Texas," "Grand Mamou," "Je Veux le Marier," and "Paradis Two-step."

I gawrontee, cher! These are as good as they come. Crank up the volume when you play this CD loud, and have a nice plate of jambalaya with a bottle of Abita Turbo Dog to go along. Laissez le bon temps rouler!!!!

Average customer rating: great collection

Best Of Louisiana Cajun Classics : Cajun & Zydeco's Greatest Artists Various Artists Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Zydeco | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Cajun & Creole | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Cajun & Zydeco | North America | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Cajun & Zydeco | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music North America | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Zydeco's Greatest Hits The Big Easy: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Bayou Deluxe: The Best Of Michael Doucet & Beausoleil Cajun Heat Zydeco Beat Cajun Music: The Essential Collection ASIN: B000005XDU Release Date: 1995-01-30

Tracks:

1. Jolie Blonde - Balfa Brothers
2. Two Step De Lacassine - Balfa Brothers
3. La Valse De Deux Families - Dewey Balfa
4. Hommage Aux Freres Balfa - Beausoleil
5. Pot-Pourri Cadjin - Beausoleil
6. Jambalaya - Douh Kershaw
7. Buck's Nouvelle Jole Blon - Buckwheat Zydeco
8. Zydeco Sont Pas Sale - Clifton Chenier
9. Two Steppin The Two Step - Rockin Sidney
10. Zydeco Gris Gris - Beausoleil
11. Joe Pitre - Zachary Richard
12. Jambalaya - Zachary Richard

Customer Reviews:

great collection.......2006-06-29

So glad I bought this! Great music, fun to listen to and exercise with.

Average customer rating: "I Feel Like Bustin Loose"...Go-go fans, meet your cousins tightness Kickin' it live!

Ultimate Rebirth Brass Band ReBirth Brass Band Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Zydeco | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Cajun & Creole | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: This Is The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Collection Feel Like Funkin' It Up Throwback Buck Jump What's Going On ASIN: B00022LJOM Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

1. (I Feel Like) Busting Loose
2. Do Whatcha Wanna
3. New Orleans Music
4. Carnival Time
5. Feel Like Funkin' It Up
6. Let's Do It Again
7. Cassanova
8. All Blues
9. I Ate Up The Apple Tree
10. Just The Two Of Us
11. Tornado Special/Ooh Nah Nay
12. Shotgun Joe
13. Let Me Do My Thing

Customer Reviews:

"I Feel Like Bustin Loose"...Go-go fans, meet your cousins.......2007-03-12

This CD is near and dear to my heart as a DC native who has a grandfather who hails from New Orleans. He took me to see Rebirth in New Orleans, and I've been a brass band junkie ever since. I'm a big fan of old school Dirty Dozen and Rebirth Brass Band. This compilation is a good way for those looking for an introduction to Rebirth to find out whether they prefer the jazz influenced, hip-hop, or trad sound of Rebirth.

I feel that Rebirth has three phases. First, they were kids from Treme trying to be like their heroes in bands like the Dirty Dozen. Early Rebirth is not really represented on this compilation and you're better off checking out the album "Here to Stay" if you want to hear that stuff. That's before they were with Rounder Records so I'm not suprised that it's not on the compilation. Second, they were the kings of New Orleans with Phil Frazier rocking the bottom on the tuba and Kermit Ruffins on the frontlines with a fat trumpet sound. "Do Whatcha Wanna" was a regional hit and it's on this compilation. Finally, Rebirth is kind of the old school hip-hop equivalent of the brass band movement. Tracks like "New Orleans Music" and the final track with "My Thing" represent Rebirth originals that have some hip-hop style chants in them.

Fans will like some of the cover tunes represented here. "Let's Do It Again" by the Staple Singers show their old school soul leanings and "Ate Up the Apple Tree" show New Orleans traditional sound. There's also excerpts from their monster 24 minute medley on their Live At the Maple Leaf LP. That's an album you need to hear in its entirety, though. For folks in the DC area, that's frequently available at the local library if you want to check out what they've been up to.

I'm really pleased to hear that Kermit Ruffins and the Rebirth linked up again on a new CD. Kermit left Rebirth a few years back to pursue more of a Louis Armstrong traditional sound. Hopefully, this new project means that the parting was amicable and Rebirth and Kermit can link up from time to time for positive projects.

Rebirth has done so much for New Orleans music, black music, jazz music, funk music, and just about any other kind of good music you can think of. It's a shame these brothers are underground.

For those who are Rebirth heads and already have a lot of their stuff, the cover of Bustin' Loose that opens the compilation is slammin'! I've always said that "Feel Like Funkin' It Up" is basically "Bustin' Loose" and they probably ought to give Chuck Brown from DC composer credit. Well, here they give the Godfather of Go-go his props and cover his tune straight up.

New Orleans brass bands and DC go-go need to get together now more than ever before with the way that DC gives New Orleans a raw shake on the Katrina stuff.

Please support this music and check this out....

4.5 stars

--SD

tightness.......2006-08-30

top-notch groove music. i had the pleasure of meeting them and seeing them live, cool guys and a great group that works as a unit.

Kickin' it live!.......2005-09-08

The Rebirth Brass Band has been funkin' it up for 20 years now, still looking young and still full of energy, turning every place they go into Mardi Gras for one night. This is a fresh new set of tracks recorded live in concert, which is the only way to hear Rebirth. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Mariachi MARIACHI REAL DE SAN DIEGO Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Mariachi | Latin Music | Styles | Music Mexico | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mariachi Cobre Mexico Canta con el Mariachi Sol de Mexico The Best of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán: Ultimate Collection 30 Pegaditas Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan: Lo Nuevo y lo Mejor XXV Aniversario ASIN: B000K2UG34 Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. Guantanamera
2. Alla En Al Rancho Grande
3. Quizaas, Quizas
4. Guadalajara
5. Cuando Calienta El Sol
6. Cielito Lindo
7. Jalisco Jalisco
8. La Bamba
9. El Jarabe Tapatio
10. El Dos Negro
11. Cucurrucucu Paloma
12. Jesusita En Chihuahua
13. Piel Canela
14. Ojos Espanoles
15. Besame Mucho
16. Son De La Negra

Average customer rating: Almost perfect so true Lawdy This Is Good Music! Excellent introduction to Dixieland Jazz Funeral. You want an album of NoLa Funeral? This is the one!

Authentic New Orleans Jazz Funeral Magnificent Seventh's Brass Band Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Marching Down Bourbon Street New Orleans Funeral & Parade Funeral for a Friend The Best of Preservation Hall Jazz Band Songs of New Orleans ASIN: B000005XE5 Release Date: 1994-11-05

Tracks:

1. Introductory Narration
2. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
3. Down By The Riverside
4. As I Lay My Burden Down
5. Introductory Narration
6. In The Sweet Bye And Bye
7. Lead Me Savior
8. Walk Through The Streets Of The City
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Dirge)
10. Taps/Battle Hymn Of The Republic
11. Introductory Narration
12. Didn't He Ramble
13. When The Saints Go Marching In
14. Feel So Good

Customer Reviews:

Almost perfect.......2006-08-28

The music is beautiful and very impressive.
The lack of a consequent booklet is therefore even more damageable.
This is why the fifth star falls down.

so true.......2002-09-13

next best thing to standing on a street corner as they pass by

Lawdy This Is Good Music!.......2002-05-13

What can match the experience of sitting down at the Cafe du Monde to a plate of beingets lightly dusted with white powdered sugar and a cup of black, black coffee made with chicory?

New Orleans is a state of mind. And, part of that experience is honest to goodness, get down Dixie Land jazz.

This is a wonderful cd that brings a bit of New Orleans along with it.

There is only one small criticism. Between songs there is a narrator who explains the different parts of a jazz funeral. The description would have been better written on the cover.

But that is a minimal criticism. The music is wonderful. It makes feet tap. It plants tunes in the brain that the listner will hum for many days.

The Dixie Land jazz on this cd is loaded higher than a muffelleta. And the music isn't fattening!

Excellent introduction to Dixieland Jazz Funeral........1999-12-31

The soulful narration of Milton Batiste combines with the unique style of the Magnificent Seventh's Brass Band to provide the listener with a very enjoyable first-hand account of a typical New Orleans jazz funeral. While a couple of the songs drag on a little longer than perhaps they should, this 70+ minute CD ended before I was ready for it to. It contains an excellent rendition of Just a Closer Walk With Thee in a funeral-dirge style. I would highly recommend this CD to any fan of dixieland music!

You want an album of NoLa Funeral? This is the one!.......1998-09-04

Of all the brass bands, even the old ones by the "original cats", this collection compares favorably. This is one of the rare occasions where you say the band is both loose and tight. (That is a good thing, my friend).

It has three parts, "Wake Service (Gospel)", "Funeral Procession (Dirge)", and "Joyous Send Off (Second Line)".

So you got it all.

Average customer rating: Great Dirty South Blues great cd Sir Charles Jones strikes a chord best of best On the real

Love Machine Sir Charles Jones Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Thank You for Holding On Stand Up in It Best Of Tyrone Davis A Southern Soul Party Changing the Game ASIN: B00005UJDB Release Date: 2002-01-01

Tracks:

1. Love Machine
2. Is There Anybody Lonely?
3. Friday
4. Just Can't Let Go
5. Let Me See You Move It
6. Tell Me How You Want It
7. Let's Get It On
8. For Better Or Worse
9. Stop Fooling Around
10. Just Like Fire
11. Friday - Club Mix
12. Friday - The Remix

Customer Reviews:

Great Dirty South Blues.......2006-04-28

Like other reviewers, if you are from the south and love southern R&B or blues - you will love Sir Charles Jones! I have all of his music. This particular CD is great! If you like him, you should also check out Mel Waiters!

great cd.......2005-04-04

Hey this is a great cd even if you r not a big blues fan u would like this cd. If you are from the south, this cd takes you to the friday night fish frys.

Sir Charles Jones strikes a chord.......2004-12-10

I first heard of Sir Charles about 2 years ago. Everybody in Memphis and Mississippi was talking about "Is Anybody Lonely". I got the album and fell in love with it. I've seen him in concert 3 times and he puts on an excellent show. The most amazing part is his age. Who would have thought a man so young could really sing the blues. The album is a masterpiece and I can't wait for the next one.

best of best.......2003-10-15

found this cd in memphis tn. several yrs ago...best soul music of decade as far as i am concerned..everyone that heard this cd wanted it..this is the best of Sir charles

On the real.......2003-04-24

Sir Charles is the best blues singer I heard. I went to one of his concert and let me tell you the brotha got skills. If you listen to his songs, you can relate to them. I know I can. I'm so happy to see somebody from Mississippi do something positive with his life, he not letting his talent go a waste, he using what God gave him. Sir Charles I hope him the best in his music. Just Keep God first and don't forget where you come from.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Southern Soul Various Artists Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Time to Get Loose On the Chitlin Circuit: Southern Soul Hits Stand Up in It Thank You for Holding On Changing the Game ASIN: B0000DIZV1 Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. Slow Roll It - The Love Doctor
2. Friday - Sir Charles Jones
3. Already Gone - La Keisha
4. She Only Wants To See Me On Friday - Mr. Zay
5. 2 Birds - X-Man
6. Teddy Bear - Big Ike
7. Is Anybody Lonely? - Sir Charles Jones
8. Just Another Love Song - Sir Charles Jones
9. Pony Ride - Andre' Lee
10. Rockin' Slide - Stan Mosley
11. Waiting On You - Cicero Blake
12. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due - Tonya
13. You Said It, No I Didn't (Lies) - The Love Doctor
14. Hood Rat - Eric Perkins

Average customer rating: One of the Greatest New Orleans, French Quarter, Mardi Gras-Styled Jazz CDs One is Likely to Ever Hear Essential Dixieland

Pete Fountain Presents the Best of Dixieland: Al Hirt Pete Fountain Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Dixieland | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Super Jazz Pete Fountain Presents the Best of Dixieland The Best of Pete Fountain "Al Hirt - All-Time Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" Swingin' Blues ASIN: B000056PQZ Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

1. The Original Dixieland One-Step
2. Tin Roof Blues
3. Royal Garden Blues
4. Panama
5. Blue And Broken-Hearted
6. Wolverine Blues
7. Washington And Lee Swing
8. I'm Going Home
9. Jazz Me Blues
10. Night And Day
11. South Rampart Street Parade
12. Sugar

Customer Reviews:

One of the Greatest New Orleans, French Quarter, Mardi Gras-Styled Jazz CDs One is Likely to Ever Hear.......2007-01-02

This is a great CD of trumpeter Al Hirt's dixieland, Mardi Gras music. Al Hirt used to play at a club on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter district, which I have only read about. If you're looking for French Quarter, dixie-style jazz music, this CD is perfect. Trumpeter Hirt is a technical marvel, and this disc of Pete Fountain's, the clarinetist, is great for the people who love Hirt's music, as this disc is a Pete Fountain tribute, the two playing together with four others in a group, to Hirt who had apparently just died before this CD released, according to its liner notes written by Pete. It says Al and Pete used to go fishing together.

Under normal circumstances, I suppose this fact about fishing together would be unimportant; but, it gives me something about Hirt's personal life, as does the part about Al's and Pete's laughably terrible tenure together as pest control exterminators when the jazz scene in Orleans was still scarce early in their relationship.

During my own, personal trumpet-playing years through junior high school--I played about four years--I looked up at Al "Jumbo" Hirt as a kid. And, like Hirt, I also went into the army, although I had other duties than playing a bugle or trumpet there: I had nine years beginning in 1997.

I once saw Al Hirt play live. It was July Fourth, probably around 1989 would be my guess. He came to Ormond Beach, the adjacent city--meaning next to--Daytona Beach in Florida--where I lived and went to school. Needless to say, I will never forget that experience for as long as I live. It was under the Granada Bridge, which is the largest bridge crossing the Intercoastal Waterway River, called the Halifax River in that part of Florida. It runs parallel to the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach shoreline. Actually, that "beach side" of the river is only a few blocks wide. The largest bridge in the Daytona Beach area is the one that crosses the Halifax River in Ormond Beach: the Granada Bridge. At the foot of the eastern beach-side of the river, there was a large picnic-style festival with cotton candy, watermelon, and other stuff that one finds in a carnival-styled picnic. This festival was called Jazz-Matazz. There were several jazz musicians at the fest, one of them was a local who had come from the area. But, the highlight of this great jazz night was seeing Al Hirt with his band on the podium playing dixieland jazz. As dusk loomed over onto the west, I could see behind me thick crowds of spectators standing on Granada Bridge up to a mile back from where I was sitting, on the grass, and they loved the music. The crowds gathered there once Hirt-and-company started to play: talk about attracting a crowd! And so, Al Hirt played until the merriment of July Fourth fireworks of Ormond Beach went crashing onto the dark sky. Man, what a memorable image I carry from that evening when my dad took me and my younger sister to that fest.

I guess I must've been very busy with the army for those nine years because, in 1999, I didn't even know that Hirt had died. That's a long life from his birth in 1922. But, reading these liner notes somehow changes me. I only just found out he died about a week ago, and hence I picked out a great disc of Hirt jazz in the same memoriam to Hirt that Fountain provides by this release: this is the disc I chose. Knowing of his death makes me feel loss, remorse, and regret; and, I even feel I'm on the verge of tears. But, I know that if I feel the notion of sorrow, that it fits in with Hirt's music somehow. In addition to that, I also have that live performance on the Super Jazz CD, with Fountain and Hirt. In that disc, Hirt talks about something called a "jazz funeral."

A jazz funeral is a New Orleans-style funeral where, instead of ordinary funeral music, dixie and rag music would be played live after the funeral procession, much like having a party. He says the jazz music would start slow to show sympathy to the dead person, but that the music would then crank up into fast dixie-style jazz like a happy party--like in that movie "One Night Stand" with Wesley Snipes. I don't know if Hirt had a "jazz funeral" when he died, but I imagine so; and, I imagine the pain felt by those, like Fountain, for Hirt's death. And, I share in that pain. A marvel who plays as well as Hirt shouldn't have to die; he should get to ramble around forever.

Al Hirt, if you're listenin' from up there, your music has made the world a better place.

Oh yeah, if you dig this Mardi Gras stuff, check out these CDs: Al Hirt at the Mardi Gras (fun stuff!), and Honey in the Horn/Our Man in New Orleans (the 2-album CD). These albums help prove why New Orleans is on the Music Map of the world. The only thing that came even close to the experience I've had with Al Hirt's CDs was when I visited Munich's Hofbraeuhaus while I was stationed in Germany, a restaurant with a live band that really cooks, although it's beer-drinking music of a different kind.

Essential Dixieland.......2004-09-24

This rare CD is a revelation. The music is well played swinging Dixieland music, played by the best. Al Hirt on trumpet, Pete Fountain on clarinet and also tenor sax, and Bob Havens on trombone. The remastering is excellent. A highlight are the two rare tenor sax solos by Fountain on Wolverine Blues and Washington & Lee Swing. Great stuff!

Average customer rating: big al carson Brilliant up-tempo modern blues from a true performer fun stuff with a bad lead-in

Take Your Drunken Ass Home Big Al Carson Manufacturer: Mardi Gras Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stand Up in It Welcome to New Orleans ASIN: B000060P56 Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

1. Because I Got High
2. Champagne & Reefer
3. Nursery Rhyme
4. Dip My Dipper
5. Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On
6. I'll Never Love Like That Again
7. Baby's Love
8. Everyday Dreamer
9. Built For Comfort
10. Strokin' (club version)
11. Tell It Like It Is
12. Take Your Drunken Ass Home

Customer Reviews:

big al carson.......2006-07-30

to know is to love him, big al and the band do their thing, and we all win

Brilliant up-tempo modern blues from a true performer.......2003-09-30

Big Al Carson leads a band called the Blues Masters, who play six nights a week at the Funky Pirate on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I've been to N.O. about half a dozen time in the last two years, and I catch at least one of Big Al's sets every trip.

Big Al is a powerful singer with an expansive voice that ranges from an Aaron Neville falsetto to a Barry White growl. He has a great rapport with the crowd, alternately using humor and his commanding presence to keep everyone engaged, entertained and in line. The Blues Masters are a tight trio who provide a solid backdrop for Big Al, who's clearly the focal point of the band. I'm not sure if the musicians on the CD are the same ones who usually play at the Funky Pirate, but the live band exhibits an easy camaraderie that makes it seem like they've all been playing a long time (or maybe that just comes from doing 20+ sets a week.)

"Take Your Drunken Ass Home" does a perfect job of capturing the feel of a Big Al show, with a good blend of up-tempo modern blues, a few soulful ballads, and a handful of lewd and very funny novelties mixed in. It's well-produced, with a good mix that keeps the vocals up front without losing track of the music. If you've ever seen Big Al Carson, you have to own this record. And if you haven't seen Big Al Carson, you better get to New Orleans ASAP.

fun stuff with a bad lead-in.......2003-02-11

yes, that's the same "because i got high" that afroman made into a novelty hit...and this version doesn't really work.

but other than that, this is an extremely fun cd that'll have you wishing you were singing along in the bar with big al and the band. and the title track will most definitely crack you up...it's the stand-out track on the cd. so, if you like your blues to be rockin' and out to have a good time, you'll want to pick this one up.

World Music:

1. Master Serie [Import]
2. Maximum Bob Marley
3. Memories from Poland: Famous Polka Hits
4. Memories from Turkey
5. Misty Eyed Adventures
6. Most Beautiful Rhein & Wein Songs
7. Musette de Paris
8. Music from the 13th Century [Live]
9. Music of the World: South Africa
10. My Story Classical [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Married With Singles [Import]

Vivaldi: 5 Cello Concertos

The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein

Hip Sway

Whiskey Bar [Import]

Why Can't We Be Lovers: The Invictus Sessions [Import]

Tanha Dil [Import]

Waiting for Columbus [Live] [Original recording remastered]

True to Me [Import]

Wagner E Venezia [Live]

Vs. [Import] [Limited Edition]

Transcendence

Traigo Lo Que Te Gusta [Import]

Classical Music classical-music-30

Ten