Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Joy Week, Take Two: Day Two- "Booker"

First this...
 


Then this...



 And lastly...

 


 

I've mentioned the Tipitina's Record Club before, but it's worth mentioning yet again because the new release is too marvelous for words.  James Booker's solo performance from April of 1978 is a stunner. I love everything about Tip's Club. It's affordable. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles or recipes to jack up the cost. It's quality vinyl in a quality package. And all four releases so far, have been smart. Upcoming releases includes the long out of print, Allen Toussaint produced Ernie K. Doe record from 1971 and a live set featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Dizzy Gillespie.

Get it on it now! And tell Tip's, I sent ya!
 

TIPS RECORD CLUB

11 comments:

pmac said...

This is the first mention I've read as to what the new Booker release sounds like. Guess I know what to do with that Fathers Day money I still have laying around.
Really appreciate this post - but, Connick is a mystery. Guy rivaled Booker in terms of chops, but has left it behind to pursue a pedestrian career as a Sinatra wanna be.

Sal Nunziato said...

pmac,
Harry Connick has many talents. He can act. He can sing. He's funny. And yes, he is one of few who can play Booker. But I'm guessing he followed the money. Not much dough, I'm guessing, in piano trios. He has put out of number of fantastic records that aren't Sinatra wannabe sets--30, Chanson Du Vieux Carre, Lofty's Roach Souffle, Oh My Nola. All of these are solid sets with Connick's NOLA chops. And then there was "She," which confounded the "Harry Met Sally" crowd, but blew my mind. Connick doing convincing funk and R&B with The Meters! Sadly, it was a flop.

pmac said...

Oh, I loved Connick's early stuff. About 8 years ago he recorded an entire lp in New Orleans and each song featured a different NO artist (Toussaint, Walter Wolfman, Mac, Art Neville etc) but at the request of his management, he shelved it and it has yet to see the light of day. A friend was at the studio the entire time. Claims its the best thing he's ever heard Connick do, yet it sits in a can somewhere........

Troy said...

Still waiting for my Booker album to arrive. Post office tracking says it is in Chicago. I am in the Chicago suburbs. So why is expected delivery in 4 days? I could walk to the Chicago post office, pick up my record, and be home by then. Grrrr....

Troy said...

So whaddya know? As soon as I post about the USPS delivery timeframes, I get an updated notice that my Booker album is out for delivery today. Yay, me!

Oh, and pmac, that Connick album sounds terrific! Sure hope it sees the light of day!

Whattawino said...

The Connick piece was kinda eye-opening for me in just the execution and explanation of the how and why and wow-ness of Booker’s approach. Then, Sunny Side of the Street just brought tears of JOY to my eyes! That’ll do it! Thanks a mill….

Sal Nunziato said...

@Whattawino
Thanks for that. My exact emotions, re: the Connick piece.

RadioTowerRecords-Berlin said...

Hello Sal
You mentioned Tips before and thinking that it looked interesting I reached out to them…and…again…and again…
Nobody from there wanted to talk to me or would take the time to reply it seems. Shame

Sal Nunziato said...

@RadioTowerRecords
Tips is a legendary club in New Orleans, owned and run by members of the band of Galactic who are currently on tour. What exactly were you inquiring about? The Record Club is done all online. Any other inquiries might prove to be difficult as NOLA is in seriously bad shape at the moment. I'm sorry to hear of your problems getting in contact, but it doesn't sound like the usual behavior from these people.

A Walk In The Woods said...

Oh shite - I had passed on playing the first clip of Harry Connick Jr explaining it at first, because I was busy. But just went back and played and it and my oh my oh my. Best thing I've seen this week, that's for sure.

My younger son plays piano and is especially good at rags. He's 13 and has been playing since he was 5. I'll have to show him this.

Michael Giltz said...

JOY! I've been loving the Booker release Classified. Thanks for pressing it on us.