Watch records was owned by Earl King and Wardell Quezergue.These are treasures from the vaults of that long gone company. Some were regional hits that were later covered by other artists, and others have through time become a part of the New Orleans lexicon, through Jazz Fest and related activities. Some of the artists are familiar, five cuts by Professor Longhair and six by the “Tan Canary” Johnny Adams, but most are not known outside of New Orleans,apart from the rare dance tracks that featured on the northern scene in the UK,are here... though they deserve much wider recognition. People such as Leona Buckles, Tommy Ridgley, and Dell Stewart show what the people of New Orleans have known for years, this is a town with that deep felt soul that is a hybrid mixing of the blues and gospel music, exposing the heart to view. It takes many forms, from the doo wop of the Crescents & the McMillian Sisters to the mixing of African and Caribbean rhythms combined with the natural rhythms of the streets that is Professor Longhair’s trademark and with many ear-opening stops in between. Listen to “I Want Some Money” by Tommy Ridgley and recognize the song that became a hit for Barrett Strong. The only thing to change about this most generous length disc is to give some of the lesser known people some more play time. To its credit, it for the most part stays away from the well known songs and gives a look at some of the lesser known gems that flowed from these artists. It is a good solid look at one of the strongest and most influential areas of New Orleans music. The album is superb,all genres catered for.
AMM
The Northern Tasters!
17 comments:
Very rare indeed thank for presenting it!
This My Kind Of Music! Thanks For Puttin It In The Map.
Really great compilation. The Prof Longhair & the Clippers songs are extremely difficult to find, which is ashame because they are fantastic (as are the other Fess cuts). Not a bad song in the lot. For the otherwise uninitiated, Benny Spellman is the gent who took the song Fortune Teller to fame. Johnny Adams had a long and storied career, which found him doing mostly jazz and blues albums in the latter portion of it (all on the Rounder label). His sole "hits" were his versions of "Release Me" and "Reconsider Me" from the late 60s.
Grab this and get your dancin' shoes out, gents!
Thanks AMM for some under the radar NO Soul.
more 60's Soul from New Orleans, lovely stuff, thanks AMM
Thanks for sharing this interesting review
For a cd that's 22 years old i'm surprised i've not come across it before. Thanks for reviewing MM.
cheers
This is a classic in it's own right this is what it's all about Thanks AMM for the review
Cheers Pedro
Awesome Tracklist AMM Thank you
thanks for another great Mardi Gras releases AMM
I like the looks of this baby,AMM. Johnny Adams and the Professor!
New Orleans soul is always needed - especially the rare one. Thanks for review, P.
NOLA my home away from home. Git it Git It! TIA!!!
Great share AMM
many thanks Reb
Looks like I skipped this review. Thanks AMM.
Thank you mate for the great review
Bit late getting to this but my excuse is that I just joined this excellent blog. Superb example of New Orleans music, or should I say sample. They contributed so much and their influence on music in general goes on. I second the second line! Many thanks for this one.
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