The 50 must-have New Orleans records
Joe Krown, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Russell Batiste Jr. -- Live at the Maple Leaf – 2008
After the hoopla of Jazz Fest past and tourists receded back to the suburbs, as the city entered its summer doldrums, three of the city’s great musicians recorded a steamy live album during two hot nights at the Maple Leaf Bar in June 2008.
On this night, those three great musicians -- Joe Krown, Hammond B-3; Walter Washington, guitar; and Russell Batiste Jr., drums – joined forces to produce a tightly-knitted live album that is two parts thick funk, one part soul with a pinch of blues.
The best part of the album is that cozy, lowdown sound you find any Sunday night if you popped into the Maple Leaf, grabbed a stool at the bar and ordered a beer. There is no pretense, no playing up for a big night. This is a regular night at a New Orleans live music club, and it just so happens three fine, fine musicians are at work. And regular nights in New Orleans often produce this type of exceptional music.
There are gigs around town that are etched into the calendar of music junkies – Rebirth, Tuesday at the Maple Leaf; Treme Brass Band, Wednesday at the Candlelight Lounge; Kermit Ruffins, at Vaughan’s on Thursday – and it seems Sunday night has found its regular partners in crime.
– Michael Luke
Video: Krown, Wolfman and Batiste - @ Louisiana Music Factory JazzFest 2009 - "Mother-in-Law"
- The Trio - "You Can Stay But That Noise Gotta Go"
