Various Artists - A New Orleans Visit: Before Katrina

In April 2005, before Katrina devastated the city, Arhoolie Records' owner Chris Strachwitz visited New Orleans with Maureen Gosling and Chris Simon, two filmmakers who are working on a documentary about Arhoolie. With the help of friends Jerry Brock, Michael Doucet, Lars Edegran and Benny Jones, they filmed and recorded some of their favourite musicians in the Big Easy. This CD features spontaneous performances by Michael and David Doucet who also back Miss Lollypop on her unique version of Hey! La Bas. Michael and David then join clarinetist Sammy Rimington, singer and bass drummer Lionel Batiste Sr and guitarist Lars Edegran. The great blues singer and pianist Henry Gray is here, as well as Bruce Sunpie Barnes, singing and playing accordion and harmonica, backed by Michael Doucet on fiddle. Finally there is a live parade by the Black Men of Labor Social Club with music by the Trem� Brass Band, augmented on this occasion by Sammy Rimington.The companion Arhoolie CD ARHCD532 is devoted entirely to the music of Sammy Rimington, recorded live at the Palm Court with his own band and in the company of others noted above.