Mixing it up in New Orleans

Article by: Tom Downs, November 2006

My compilation follows an emotional arc through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the emergent optimism of the future. My inspiration was a New Orleans' tradition: the jazz funeral, where marching bands play sad, dirge-like songs on the way to the cemetery, then pick up the tempo with up-beat tunes on the way back home. But this is no funeral: New Orleans is alive and kicking (and well worth visiting right now), so I threw some fun, nonsensical tunes into the mix, cos that's New Orleans for ya.

Irma Thomas: 'It's Raining'

With this melancholic number, the 'Soul Queen of New Orleans' sets the tone perfectly. Besides, it's about rain, which fits with the flood theme.

Clarence 'Frogman' Henry: 'Ain't Got No Home'

The opening lines relate directly to the destruction of so many houses in New Orleans. Then the lyrics take a comic turn, with a couple of verses being croaked out like a frog.

Jelly Roll Morton: 'Don't You Leave Me Here'

Jelly Roll really delivers a sad lyric. He's tough and resilient as ever, but deep feeling comes through.

Johnny Adams: 'I Won't Cry'

The great Johnny Adams changes the direction slightly, acknowledging things are bad without being defeated.

Aaron Neville: 'Tell It Like It Is'

This song, by one of New Orleans' best-loved singers, serves as a sort of rallying cry for witnesses to the devastation.

Fats Domino: 'Walkin To New Orleans'

Fats was on everyone's mind during the aftermath of Katrina, when he went missing for several days. His house in the Ninth Ward was destroyed by the break in the Industrial Canal. This song has an innocent, dreamlike quality, with a lyric that seeks comfort in a return to New Orleans.

Dr John: 'Right Place Wrong Time'

This one comes from the Night Tripper's psychedelic voodoo period, back in the early 1970s. I thought that sort of mayhem suits the city's current situation.

Tremé Brass Band: 'Gimme My Money Back'

I felt these gents, who comprise one of New Orleans' venerated brass bands, had a right to vent a little on this collection.

Huey 'Piano' Smith: 'Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu'

After Katrina, New Orleans was understandably under the weather, but according to this early 1960s hit, a little bug shouldn't cause you to lose that pep in your step.

King Oliver: 'Sobbin' Blues'

This song, recorded way back in the 1920s, is no weeper, with a driving, up-tempo beat and a soaring horn section.

Shirley and Lee: 'Let the Good Times Roll'

For decades, the rallying cry to party in New Orleans.

Al Johnson: 'Carnival Time'

Carnival 2006 was seen by many as New Orleans' official return, and while there are many Mardi Gras songs, this one's the anthem.

James Andrews: 'Got Me A New Love Thing'

This 2003 hit strikes all the right notes: 'I lost my job but I don't care... I wrecked my car but I don't care... My house burned down but I don't care... I got me a new love thing.'

Corey Harris & Henry Butler: 'Shake What Your Mama Gave You'

You can lose everything, but you'll still have what your mama gave you. Two richly talented musicians making positive and uplifting music.

Nicholas Payton: 'Cannibis Leaf Rag 1'

Payton was known as a very traditional cornet player until his Sonic Rag was released in 2003. On this number he's experimenting, fusing different styles and using technology. Yet it still grooves.

Los Hombres Calientes: 'New Second Line'

This exhilarating ensemble effort, from one of the city's tightest contemporary jazz groups, sounds like the re-emergence of New Orleans.

Sugarboy Crawford: 'Jock-a-Mo'

This 1954 chartbuster calls to mind the chants of the Mardi Gras Indians, whose neighbourhoods were decimated by Katrina. Many came back for Mardi Gras in 2006, which was seen as a real sign of hope for the city.

Ernie K-Doe: 'Te Ta Te Ta Ta'

Even in difficult times New Orleans can be a pretty silly place. Besides, this is just an infectious number.

Louis Armstrong: 'When the Saints Go Marching In'

'The Saints' will always be a showstopper in this town. The NFL Saints have also come marching back home and they're playing winning football, too.

If this Post-Katrina playlist gets ya swinging and singing, you'll find it sitting pretty in itunes - only catch is - you have to pay for it. Or, why not make your own mixed tape? Make the music match your journey. Check it out here ›