These are treasures from the vaults of
Watch Records
. Some were regional hits that were later covered by other artists, and others have through time become a part of the New Orleans lexicon, through
Jazz Fest
and related activities. Some of the artists are familiar, five cuts by
Professor Longhair
and six by the "Tan Canary"
Johnny Adams
, but most are not known outside of New Orleans, though they deserve much wider recognition. People such as
Leona Buckles
,
Tommy Ridgley
, and
Dell Stewart
show what the folks of New Orleans have known for years, this is a town with that deep-felt
soul
that is a hybrid mixing of the
blues
and
gospel
music, exposing the heart to view. It takes many forms, from the
doo wop
of
the Crescents & the McMillian Sisters
to the hybridization of African and Caribbean rhythms combined with the natural rhythms of the streets that is
's trademark and with many ear-opening stops in between.
was a combination of the energies of
Earl King
Wardell Quezergue
recording many of their contemporaries such as
Eddie Bo
doing what they do best. Listen to
"I Want Some Money"
by
and recognize the song that became a hit for
Barrett Strong
. The only thing to change about this most generous length disc is to give some of the lesser known people some more play time. To its credit, it for the most part stays away from the well-known songs and gives a look at some of the lesser-known gems that flowed from these artists. It is a good solid look at one of the strongest and most influential areas of New Orleans music. ~ Bob Gottlieb