Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Six weeks later, Grammy winning record producers Leo Sacks and Ray Bardini gathered together a group of New Orleans musicians to record an album that would help raise money for the city and begin the healing process. In Austin for this historic recording were Ivan, Cyril, and Charles Neville, Leo Nocentelli, Irma Thomas, Dr John, The Subdudes, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Marcia Ball, The Mighty Chariots of Fire, Chief Monk Boudreaux, Willie Tee and John Boutte.

This is an emotional recording, it is spiritually uplifting but it is also angry. After loosing their homes, and calling for help, help did not come. These musicians found themselves forced to become activists. Through their own resilence and the brotherhood of man they have survived. It is their spirit, faith and music that has gotten them by; as it has always done before.

Cyril Neville opens with Curtis Mayfield's "This is My Country". The song has never meant more than it does now. It has never been more magnificently performed than it is here. It is an affirmation of life, and an emotional declaration of love for one's country.

Ivan Neville sings Creedence Clearwater Revival's hit "Fortunate Son". It also has never been done this way before and its anger is tempered by its humor. Irma Thomas and Marcia Ball duet on "Look Up", the songwriting is credited to Naomi Neville. Naomi Neville is a pseudonym for Allen Toussaint. Dr. John reprises Fat Domino's "Walking to New Orleans". "Hey Troy, Your Mama's Calling You" is by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. "Loving You Is On My Mind" originally by The Meters, is performed by the entire ensemble now called "The New Orleans Social Club".

Henry Butler contributes "Somewhere" the Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein show stopper from "West Side Story". "99 1/2 Won't Do" popularized by Wilson Pickett (songwriters Wilson Pickett/Steve Cropper) is listed here as Public Domain and performed gospel style by The Mighty Chariots of Fire. The Subdudes do a beautiful rendition of Earl King's "Make A Better World". And Willie Tee sings his original "First Taste of Hurt" co-written with producer Leo Sacks (Turbinton/Sacks). "Where Y'at?" is a medley including "Jesus on The Mainline", "I'm Walking" and "The Saints". It is performed here by The Sixth Ward All-Star Brass Band Revue featuring Charles Neville. "Chase" is performed by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux who also contributed the lyric. The album closes with John Boutte singing Annie Lennox's song "Why", a fitting close to a beautiful recording.

The spirit of New Orleans is captured on this new recording. There are many great recordings that accomplish that, but few can touch you like this one can. This is a historic recording and undoubtedly the best of 2006. Check out the accompanying video preview at burgundyrecords.com/nosc

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