Here’s why this album should be in your collection!
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (1) is (musically) the next best thing to being there for Carnival season. After over 35 years, this is still the most authentic and definitive collection of Mardi Gras music available.
Every song is a classic. They began as 45rpm favorites in the city’s black neighborhoods and eventually became international treasures. The playlist is anchored by two generations of hometown bands: The Hawketts (1950’s), with “Mardi Gras Mambo;” and Stop, Inc. (1970’s), with “Second Line.”
It’s a sure bet that “Carnival Time,” by Al Johnson will be heard on many passing truck floats, and “New Suit” by The Wild Magnolias will be blaring out of neighborhood bars.
But the album’s biggest star is Henry Roeland Byrd, the legendary Professor Longhair. It contains his iconic song “Go To The Mardi Gras” and both the “A” (instrumental) and “B” (vocal) sides of “Big Chief,” his tribute to New Orleans Indians.
There are now so many Mardi Gras music compilation CDs that they constitute their own genre. But if you want to hear what folks are actually playing (very loudly) all over the New Orleans area on Mardi Gras day, buy this album. Please consider purchasing it from a local independent record store.
Here’s an interesting fact!
The Hawketts featured Arthur Neville as lead singer. Neville went on to become a founding member in two of the most iconic bands from New Orleans: The Meters and The Neville Brothers.
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