Tuesday, May 02, 2006

New Orleans Jazz Fest good news

An unquenchable New Orleans still lets the good times roll / Jazz festival draws thousands despite storm devastation:
"Elvis Costello made the live debut of his collaboration with New Orleans songwriter Allen Toussaint Sunday (after a two-song sneak preview the night before during a benefit concert downtown at Harrah's Hotel and Casino), an album called 'The River in Reverse,' to be released in June. The title song is Costello's eloquent, powerful plea for New Orleans.

Toussaint, New Orleans' greatest songwriter, is living in Manhattan until his home is repaired in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans. But he and Costello recorded part of the album in the one remaining studio in the Big Easy last November, just after the first hotel reopened."


I got to see Alan Toussaing on Friday at the Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette. It was a fine set (even without Elvis costello) and if I can I'll post a picture or two. Irma Thomas opened the evening and it was a great New Orleans night in Lafayette. My friends from NO were in (hi, guys!) and we had a good time in spite of the HUGE rainstorm that drenched us all on Saturday, and knocked out the performance I was looking forward to the most. Michaiel Doucet had been scheduled to headline Saturday night, debuting his new album, Live in Louisiana (produced by my old friend's son, Todd Mouton-- it's their best album in years -- go and get it. Now.)

Check out the website
Way Down in Louisiana

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