Various Artists – Louisiana Legends (Songlines compilation CD) (2012)

Songlines is the name of a British based magazine launched in 1999 that covers music from traditional and popular to contemporary and fusion, featuring artists from around the globe.

Songlines is published eight times a year and contains CD reviews, artist interviews, guides to particular world music traditions, concert and festival listings and travel stories. Every issue comes with an accompanying compilation CD featuring sample tracks from 10 of the best new releases reviewed in that issue and 5 additional tracks chosen by a celebrity. A podcast containing highlights of each issue is available to download through iTunes or through the Songlines website.

The magazine is edited by Simon Broughton, co-editor of The Rough Guide to World Music.
The name was chosen based on the aboriginal mythological concept of Songlines.

In 2008 Songlines Magazine was expanded to include ‘Songlines Music Travel’ a music tourism service offering excursions to renowned world music locations and festivals.

In 2009 Songlines launched Songlines Digital, an online subscription version of the magazine. (by wikipedia)
And this is the 2nd bonus CD from the issue Nr. 86 (August 2012) a 15-track Louisiana music sampler, and was compiled by Garth Cartwright

Exclusively distributed with the August/September 2012 issue of Songlines magazine (#86) (Vocal selections sung in English and French Creole.)

It contains previously released recordings (1967-2011, principally 2007-2011).

Irma Thomas

The music of Louisiana can be divided into three general regions: rural south Louisiana, home to Creole Zydeco and Old French (now known as cajun music), New Orleans, and north Louisiana. The region in and around Greater New Orleans has a unique musical heritage tied to Dixieland jazz, blues and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. The northern portion of the state starting at Baton Rouge and reaching Shreveport shares the similarities with the rest of the US South. (by wikipedia)

Okay, let´s discover this very special brand of music !

Tracklist:
01. Feufollet: Ouvre la porte 3.25
02. Lil’ Band o’ Gold: Spoonbread 3.56
03. Allen Toussaint: West End Blues 3.52
04. Irma Thomas w/Dr. John: Be You 5.04
05. The Savoy Family Band: I’ll Be Lonely 3.31
06. Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys: Grand Isle 3-22
07. C.J. Chenier: Ridin’ With Uncle Cleveland 4.34
08. The Hot 8 Brass Band:  What’s My Name? 6.32
09. Chuck Perkins: Congo Square 3.05
10. Soul Rebels Brass Band: Say Na Hey 4.06
11. Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole: Pa Janvier 4.43
12. Little Freddie King: I Used To Be Down 5.08
13. “Sunpie” Barnes & Michael Doucet: Zydeco et la encore 4.26
14. Jo-el Sonnier: Amede Ardion 4.29
15. The Balfa Brothers: Drukard’s sorrow waltz (La valse des bambocheurs) 3.12

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Various Artists – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (1976)

This wonderful set of live recordings may have a few flaws audio-wise here and there, but there’s something in the excitement of the proceedings captured here that nullifies all of that. For sheer class, it’s hard to beat Irma Thomas’ or Allen Toussaint’s turns with the crowd, just as it’s impossible to ignore the loose and jagged performances of legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Professor Longhair, perhaps the centerpieces of this unheralded work of genius. The real thing in front of the hometown crowd, this is one modern-day live album with some spirit to it. (by Cub Koda)

Once a year, during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, some of the greatest artists the Crescent City has to offer get together to revel in their colourful past and give fans a sample of what’s in store for the future. The 1976 Jazz & Heritage Festival was no exception to this tradition. The music contained within is not only indicative of the time it was recorded but also transcends time by affecting the popular music being produced today by bands like Galactic.

Most of the tracks on this album were recorded on April 9, 10, and 11 at the R&B segment of the festival. The album contains performances by jazz progenitors and New Orleans greats such as, Professor (‘Fess) Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Lee Dorsey, Ernie K-Doe, Robert Parker, Earl King, and Lightnin’ Hopkins.

This is some of the most heartfelt and feel-good music I’ve heard in a while and it’s bound to make you feel the same way. (onepointeightseconds.blogspot)

Alternate frontcover

In 1989 this album was re-rleased by Rhino Records with a complete different cover and artwork.

Tracks 1 to 5 rec. on riverboat “President” 9/4/1976.
Tracks 8, 9, 12 to 14 & 17 to 21 rec. New Orleans Fairgrounds 11/4/1976.
Tracks 6, 7, 15 & 16 rec. Sea-Saint Recording Studio 11/9/1976.
Tracks 10 & 11 rec. Sea-Saint Recording Studio 26/9/1976.

Tracklist:

Allen Toussaint:
01. High Life (Toussaint) 1.56
02. Sweet Touch Of Love (Toussaint) 3.09
03. Play Something Sweet (Toussaint) 3.48
04. Shoorah, Shoorah (Toussaint) 3.33
05. Freedom For The Stallion (Toussaint) 3.33

Lee Dorsey:
06. Workin’ In A Coal Mine (Toussaint) 2.40
07. Holy Cow (Toussaint) 3.24

Ernie K-Doe:
08. Ain’t It The Truth (K-Doe) 4.09
09. Mother-In-Law (Toussaint) 3.01

Robert Parker:   
10. Barefootin’ (Parker) 3.17
11. Country Side Of Life (Parker) 2.56

Irma Thomas & The Tommy Ridgley Band:
12. You Can Have My Husband But Please Don’t Mess With My Man (La Bostrie) 3.29
13. Cry On (Neville) 3.08
14. I Done My Part (Neville) 2.43

Earl King: 
15. Mama & Papa (Johnson) 4.36
16. Trick Bag (Johnson) 4.39

Lightnin’ Hopkins:  
17. Mojo Hand (Hopkins) 3.13
18. Baby Please Don’t Go (Hopkins) 3.27
19. All Night Long (Hopkins) 3.42

Professor Longhair:   
20. Tipitina (Byrd) 3.29
21. Mardi Gras In New Orleans (Byrd) 2.56

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