Known primarily as the organist in Gate's Express, Joe Krown appears on four Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown albums. He also previously recorded four albums with his own Joe Krown Organ Combo and two solo piano albums. Joe however is primarily a traditionalist. For five years he held the Monday piano night spot at The Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. This slot was held by both Professor Longhair and James Booker. Joe has won two Big Easy Awards, the last with the trio Sansone, Krown, and Fohl. Joe has just released his newest piano album called "The Joe Krown Trio, Old Friends". The Trio includes Organ Combo members Brint Anderson, guitar and Mike Barras, drums. Brent Rose from the Organ Combo guests on tenor sax; also added is percussionist Michael Skinkus.

Joe Krown opens with "Keep on Gwine" written by trumpeter Mel Lastie who played with King Curtis. The he goes into two Professor Longhair standards, "Junko Partner" and "Tipitina"; Joe is carrying on for "Fess". Joe Krown contributes four original piano compositions, "It Wasn't Me", the title track "Old Friends", "The Royal Boogie" and the "Tchoupitoulas St. Rag". Also included is the Walter Donaldson-George Whiting "My Blue Heaven" and the "St James Infirmary" popularized by Louis Armstrong. Other local New Orleans hits included here are "Lipstick Traces" popularized by Benny Spellman, and "Feel So Good" originally recorded by Shirley and Lee at the legendary J & M studios. Joe closes with the "CC Rider Boogie" which is listed as traditional.

On Joe Krown's two previous piano outings "Just the Piano...Just the Blues" and "New Orleans Piano Rolls" Joe performed solo, here as a trio with Michael Skinkus on percussion the songs have much more depth. Brint Anderson also sings on "Junko Partner", "Tipitina", "My Blue Heaven", "St James Infirmary", and "Feel So Good". Brint's sweet vocals, reminiscent of Doc Cheatham, make this a party album.

Joe Krown's newest cd continues his contribution to the rich piano heritage of New Orleans. The cd is dedicated to Joe's friends who have passed since Hurricane Katrina, including "Gatemouth" Brown. When in New Orleans be sure to say hello to Joe, an "Old Friend", it helps to keep him going.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com