ART Creole World by renowned New Orleans author and fine art and editorial photographer Richard Sexton is a lush and colorful journey through New Orleans and Latin Caribbean cities, exploring their Creole connections and heritage. The 200 photos explore the people and places; interiors and exteriors; history and architecture of this rich and storied culture. “If I were merely remarking that New Orleans is actually a Caribbean city, a multiethnic, multiracial gumbo, I wouldn’t be adding much to the already lengthy discourse,” the author says in his preface. “My perspective isn’t new, but is part of a long tradition. The newness is in the medium of expression.” An accompanying exhibit featuring more than 50 of the vibrant, texture-infused images are on view through Dec. 7, at the Historic New Orleans Collection’s Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art.
JAZZ The wait is over with the first release in three years by Grammy Award-winning, local institution Rebirth Brass Band and its June 24 release, Move Your Body. The party is still goin’ on with original jams like “Who’s Rockin’, Who’s Rollin,” where they kick out the Afro-Caribbean beats. In the masterful cover, “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” the band flexes its musical muscles to remind us they can make any song their own. In the title track, Rebirth tells us to move and if you aren’t dancing to this 11-track party train, you clearly aren’t listening. Forget the time-consuming playlist making, for your next gathering, insert Rebirth, press play and enjoy the insta-funk of New Orleans’ booty-shake makin’ music masters.
COOKBOOK With a forward by New Orleans-based food and drink author Julia Reed, Mississippi Current Cookbook: A Culinary Journey Down American’s Greatest River, by American Queen chef de cuisine and restaurateur Regina Charboneau, combines some of the creativity of the Midwest and the American South.
INDIE After a seven-year hiatus, Mahayla is back and better than ever serving up pitch perfect American alt rock on its March release, “Electricspaceagesweetheart.” If you yearn for the catchy licks and lyrics of bands like Cracker, with whom they’ve shared the stage, make this album your summer soundtrack.
