Wednesday, 29 Oct 2008
Few tunes are so genuinely New Orleans as the Earl King penned “Big Chief.” Though King wrote the song, it was made famous and catapulted to legendary status by Professor Longhair in 1964. Below, Dr. John calls on Earl King to join Professor Longhair and The Meters for an evening closing version of “Big Chief.” Basically, you’re seeing the DNA of New Orleans music as we know it today all on stage together. Good stuff.
Since we’re on the subject. I’m looking to expand my New Orleans music collection and am seeking your recommended artists and albums. If you’ve got something our ears should hear, please do drop us a comment.
Side Note: If the song sounds familiar to you, it could be by way of Lily Allen’s “Knock ‘Em Out,” which sampled the driving piano part that makes the song such a beauty.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
The first and last place to start any New Orleans music library is with Antoine “Fats” Domino. One of the more influential figures in rock ‘n roll. In addition to the names listed in your post, I’d also check out Irma Thomas, The Neville Brothers, Bobby Charles, Clarence “Frogman” Henry. And because he lived there briefly as a youth, and New Orleans’ sound is a key influence, Randy Newman. Finally, although not rock ‘n roll, everyone should own music from the most famous New Orleans native of them all, Louis Armstrong.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Thanks for the post! Dr. John’s album “Gris Gris” is a classic and Professor Longhair’s “Live on the Queen Mary” is a great album as well.
October 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
The New Orleans Bingo! Show
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=16877295
http://neworleansbingoshow.blogspot.com/
Home of the Groove
http://homeofthegroove.blogspot.com/
wwoz.org
Thanks,
Editilla~New Orleans Ladder
October 29th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Depends on what kind of New Orleans music you’re talking about, but The
Jazz Vipers are fantastic, as are The Red Stick Ramblers (Baton Rouge)
and the Zydepunks.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I’m wit’John… hard call where do you stop when it just doesn’t stop?
Jus’don stop…
Those Vipers
Grayson Capps
Slewfoot & Carrie B
Ratty Scurvics
Jon Cleary
Jeez Louie we could be here for days…
but what a way to go,
Editilla
October 30th, 2008 at 8:19 am
James Booker
Eddie Bo
October 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Definitely a lot of music from the Big Easy worth listening to. I’d add Snooks Eaglin to the mix, especially the Smithsonian Folkways acoustic records.
October 31st, 2008 at 3:51 am
You might check out the Wild Tchoupitoulas album. It’s a big favorite of mine.
And there’s nothing that makes me miss living in New Orleans like listening to Anders Osborne. It’s perfect sweltering summer night on the porch swing music.
Especially check out:
Me & Lola
Ash Wednesday Blues
Summertime in New Orleans
Don’t Pray For Me
Louisiana Rain
Through and Through
February 26th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Great Blog!
Yeah ya rite!
New Orleans Music Store