JAZZ: Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers released its latest effort #imsoneworleans in April. The smooth, swingy title track, “I’m So New Orleans,” along with the catchy “Tipitina” and a gospel-tinged rendition of “At Last,” featuring Nayo Jones, will stick in your mind-radio for days. Recorded at Music Shed Studios, the album includes guest appearances by June Yamagishi, Britney Chauntae and other notable New Orleans musicians.
ANTHOLOGY: Essays, photos, recipes, music, poems and most of all, passion, permeate the pages of the journal-like new coffee table book New Orleans Jazz Playhouse by jazz trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. Broken down by days of the week, the comprehensive, 304-page tome centers on the themes of jazz and love and includes the seven-CD set of recordings from “The Love Sessions,” showcasing countless local musicians. Images by renowned photographers and artists, such as Garden Parks, George Rodrigue and Greg Miles, bring to life the music, food, art, cocktails, people and places celebrated in the book. Lovers of jazz or simply lovers of New Orleans will want this book in their collection.
SOUTHERN ROCK: The funk-infused Royal Southern Brotherhood’s Don’t Look Back: The Muscle Shoals Sessions is set for release on May 26. This is the third studio album for the supergroup led by bandleader Cyril Neville. With new guitarists Tyrone Vaughan (son of Jimmy Vaughan and nephew of blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan) and the classically trained Bart Walker joining the fold, expect a heavier, funk vibe than prior efforts.
Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Melanie Spencer, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005.
