Rating:
Genre:
Blues
Release Date: 03/14/2006
Professor Longhair's
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a strange collection because in essence, it is a CD reissue of his
Mardi Gras in New Orleans from
Nighthawk's 1981 release; but not quite. It contains a total of ten tracks, clocking in at a scant 28 minutes. The odd thing about the
Collectables issue is that it contains the original bonus cuts that appeared on
New Orleans Piano:
"She Walks Right In," "Tipitina," and
"Mardi Gras in New Orleans." Those looking to investigate
Roy Byrd's magnificent legacy would do well to seek out the
Nighthawk release, which is still available at a budget-line list price, with fine liner notes as well. The music here is dynamite coming form
the Prof's prime, but there is so little of it there doesn't seem to be a reason to overlook the more complete
New Orleans Piano, with 16 cuts, in favor of this dodgy reissue. While there isn't a weak cut in this scant bunch,
"Ball the Wall," "Longhair's Blues-Rhumba," and
"Tipitina," are the standouts.
~Thom Jurek, All Music Guide