Search - Kid Howard :: La Vida Band

Powerful

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 08/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As soon as you hear the first few moments of this cd you will be captivated by its raw intensity and won over by its earthiness. The performance is magnificent. Kid Howard plays better than ever, especially on the blues, even at this later stage in his career. Israel Gorman provides a wonderfully gritty and expressive clarinet voice, far from the singing sound of George Lewis. Eddie Sommers trombone is heard in the right places, soloing well and supporting the horns of Howard and Gorman. Louis James played the bass and the always exciting Cie Frazier was on the drums. Emanuel Sayles plays banjo on the August 13th session. Homer Eugene replaces him on September 3rd. Six tunes from each day in 1961 are included on this cd.



The band's performance is exceptional. The quality of the recording is quite good. It's one of the best N.O. cd's available. Those in the know will already have it. Curious or first time buyers of New Orleans traditional music will be in for a wonderous surprise. Get this one while you can!



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