Music offerings from deceased artists are normally just crap, mediocre rehashings/outtakes of previously-issued material deemed unsuitable for market in the first place. But an exception to that rule may just be this treasure trove of newly discovered recordings of the late, almost great Johnny Gumbo made with some of the legends of the New Orleans music/social scene from 2004 until his untimely passing in 2011. Painstakingly re-mastered by the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach ("I grew up hearing sooooo much about this Gumbo cat, man!") from dusty audio tapes found in some voodoo witch's lingerie basket, these recordings, to be released only on vinyl, capture The Gumbo at his spiciest.
The album song listing:
- The Big Me (a self-love story)- A Ska-influenced rap with Pool Hall Stud Marky G apparently recorded in a late-night bullshit session in the Warehouse District in 2004, backed by PHS Barry D's safe sax.
- She's So Fine- Noted NOLA songstress/watermelon tricket designer/runway model, Scarlett O'Hara, lends her unique, weathered voice to a Gumbo classic.
- Bar Stoolin'- A Cheers-like ditty with a dubbed-in chorus by the AJ Barroom Chorale
- Sorry, Barkeep- Gumbo's bluesy ode to his strict no-tip philosophy when ordering at the bar; Bobby Louis diTullio of the Little Freddie King Blues Band lends a wailing harmonica to the proceedings.
- Gumbo Got Bed (JK Got Floor)- Yeah, I had the floor that time back when Gumbo refused to share his bed; the Shoe Ladies' Soul Sister Revue backing vocals make even Gumbo sound good!
- Red Red Wine- Neil Diamond cover; Gumbo's whiskey-soaked vocals whispered over Allen Toussaint's reluctant ("I knew I shouldn't have come here tonight") piano.
- I'm Okay, Just Doesn't Look That Way- Before forming the semi-successful Johnny Gumbo Party Band, Gumbo played bass with Sly & the Family Stone (bet you can't pick him out); this song shows Gumbo's funk-you attitude along with funkbuddy Trombone Shorty.
- Going To A-Go-Go- Disco Johnny going retro; not a pretty sight.
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