Joe Krown – Tribute
Sledgehammer Blues
11 songs time – 51:16
This project is just what the title says. It is New Orleans based piano player-organist Joe Krown’s salute to those musicians that have been an influence to him. He was the long time keyboard player with Gatemouth Brown and has played with many others. He is currently with The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. Joe has the New Orleans piano style nailed, as the presence of Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and James Booker are everywhere throughout this recording. Although the piano is the main focus, joe also handles himself admirably on the organ. He has gathered a first rate group of players to back him here. He has also enlisted three vocalists for what is otherwise an instrumental based record. Allen Toussaint penned three of the tunes included here, but his vibe intertwines the other piano masters sounds.
Of the three Toussaint songs here, I am only familiar with “Southern Nights”, done here as an instrumental. Most of us remember Glen Campbell’s big hit vocal version. The other instrumental “All Of It” none-the-less has Allen’s unmistakable stamp on it. Joe takes his piano playing into an intense area. Guitarist Leo Nocentelli of The Meters adds his distinctive rhythm playing. Noah Hunt achieves the warm southern atmosphere in his vocal on “With You In Mind” that was so much a part of Allen Toussaint’s sound. On all three songs, Joe captures Allen’s classy piano technique that encapsulates Fess, James Booker, Toots Washington and other New Orleans piano professors, while maintaining his own signature feel.
Another New Orleans stalwart Dr. John is represented on two tunes. Ivan Neville delivers the vocal a good rendition of “Such A Night”, staying pretty close to the original. The instrumental “Dorothy” is the mellow, melodic side to the Doctor’s music. It transports me to a lazy warm southern afternoon.
Arguably the main man of the New Orleans piano sound, Professor Longhair is remembered in “Tribute To Fess”. His essence is skillfully captured here. Michael Skinkus adds percussion on top of the kit drums to lend an authentic Fess feel to the song. Written by Big Jay McNeely, but often associated with Professor Longhair is “Something On Your Mind” in an instrumental version. Harmonica master Jason Ricci and sax man Joe Sublett add power along with Joe’s unrelentless tinkling on the keys.
To paraphrase Dr.John, also included is the best gay, junkie piano player James Booker with his song “Classified”. It is a very energized upbeat instrumental.
The late Walter “Wolfman” Washington lends his gruff voice and lead guitar skills to Lightning Hopkins’ “Feel So Bad”. Joe plays some blazing organ here along with his piano playing.
It is all summed up in the boogie woogie of what else, the Joe Krown penned “Gumbo Boogie”. He really burns up the keys here and backs himself on organ. A proper send off.
It makes no matter if you are a fan of the New Orleans sound or just a music lover, there is much to enjoy in this celebration of the great city’s music. Piano enthusiasts will find a feast here as well.
