Various Artists - The Best of Louisiana Music [Rounder]

Louisiana music has been one of Rounder's strong points in the 1980s and 1990s -- not only zydeco and cajun music, but also soul, blues, jazz, and rock. In 1993, the Boston-area label opened its own vaults to assemble The Best of Louisiana Music, which isn't essential, but is enjoyable on the whole. Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas' "Your Mama Don't Know" and Buckwheat Zydeco's "Hot Tamale Baby" are fine examples of exuberant zydeco party music, while Aaron Neville's "Mojo Hannah," the Meters' "Look-Ka Py Py," and Irma Thomas' "I Never Fool Nobody But Me" remind listeners that Louisiana was never lacking when it came to talented soulsters. On the dixieland tip, "If You're a Viper" finds the Rebirth Brass Band reviving a 1930s tune that paid tribute to marijuana smokers. ("Viper" was 1930s African-American slang for those who were subsequently called "potheads.") This CD is far from the last word on Louisiana music, but it does let listeners know how much exciting music they're likely to hear during Mardi Gras. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

Name Credits Aaron Neville Performer Al Tharp Producer Allen Toussaint Producer Beausoleil Performer Bill Halverson Producer Bo Dollis Performer Buckwheat Zydeco Performer Cajun Country Performer Chuck Carbo Performer D.L. Menard Performer Dr. John Performer Eddie LeJeune Performer Irma Thomas Performer, Producer James Booker Performer Jimmy C. Newman Producer John Delafose Performer John Parsons Producer Johnny Adams Performer Ken Gorz Producer Ken Irwin Producer Kermit Ruffins Performer Mac Rebennack Producer Mamou Performer Mamou Playboys Performer Marshall Sehorn Producer Michael Doucet Producer Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas Performer Professor Longhair Performer Quint Davis Producer Rebirth Brass Band Performer Rick Olivier Cover Photo, Photography Ron Levy Producer Scott Billington Producer Steve Riley Performer The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Producer, Performer The Eunice Playboys Performer The Meters Performer The Wild Magnolias Performer Wardell Quezergue Arranger, Conductor Willie Tee Producer, Performer Zydeco Cha-Chas Performer