New Orleans has produced a decent number of extremely talented pianists. Just think of Jelly Roll Morton, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Mac Rebennack aka Dr. John and Professor Longhair, as the most famous keyboard players. And yet there is one important person missing from the list, namely James Booker who was perhaps the best. When he died from drug-related health problems in 1983, Booker had only four albums to his name. In his own country he did not enjoy a huge reputation, but fans in Germany adored him. Between 1976 and 1978, James played about a hundred concerts there. Concerts that were shrouded in a mysterious haze until yesterday. But that is now changing. After all, Richard Weize Archives tells the story of Booker's European adventures on this edition. This is done on the basis of 5 CDs packaged in a luxurious 10 inch, 60 page book containing beautiful, often never before seen photos and illustrations, extensive liner notes and new information about Booker's European tours. The 5 CDs contain three complete concerts. These took place in East Berlin in December 1976, in Lausanne in January 1977 and in Leipzig in October 1977. You can read how and why James Booker gave his best concerts behind the Iron Curtain in an article by Johannes Waechter in the book.
After listening to the 5 CDs, it is so true that James Booker was a piano genius in New Orleans rhythm & blues. Sometimes vocally, accompanying himself on piano, sometimes also completely instrumentally, but James Booker fascinates across the board. In addition, his voice was unique. Blues or soul, it didn't matter, he always managed to get out of the corner vocally and emotionally. In addition to his own songs, he also knew how to give a completely different twist to other people's work and this in the most diverse music styles. In addition to original songs, you will find work by, among others, Earl King, Percy Mayfield, Hank Williams, Leadbelly, Ray Charles, Allen Toussaint, Curtis Mayfield, The Beatles, Fats Domino, Huey 'Piano' Smith, Joe Tex, T-Bone Walker and Charles Brown. But he also gives music by classical composers such as Beethoven and Chopin a very personal touch. In addition, no one knew how to link songs and turn them into a medley, as James Booker did.
His voice and his piano, that's all James Booker needed to impress.
This formidable release is an unprecedented tribute to a legendary artist. If you don't know James Booker, well then this is the dream release to get rid of this problem once and for all. A must have for fans of piano New Orleans rhythm & blues. You won't find better than this!

​New Orleans has always been unique among the American cities. Multi-ethnic, the Mississippi, its swamps, the voodoo scene and its delicious Creole cuisine are so "specific." Jazz was born there and in the 1950s New Orleans was also the source of a distinctive current
R&B, blues and rock and roll. The band The Hungry Williams epitomize all of this. They took their name from Charles "Hungry" Williams. Drummer John Carr met Kelli Gonzalez in New Orleans during a session with the band Big Nick and The Cydecos. With a shared love for New Orleans R&B, they founded The Hungry Williams a few years ago. Kelli Gonzales’ rocking' vocals add that extra touch to the sound. They swing through their oeuvre with a pleasant mixture. Highy recommended..!

​The Neville Brothers have grown over the years into a musical family that contributed greatly to the fame of New Orleans rhythm & blues. Their talent was already present from the beginning, proven by these recordings that Art and Aaron made in the period 1955-1962.

​Eddie Bo, born on September 30, 1930 and deceased on March 18, 2009, may have recorded a lot of catchy New Orleans blues and rhythm & blues, yet he is one of the most underrated artists in the genre. Just listen to the 43 often piano-driven New Orleans blues and rhythm & blues songs that you get served on this doubler. Recommended!

​When we think of New Orleans R & B, our thoughts immediately go towards Allen Toussaint and Mac Rebennack aka Dr. John. But Johnny Adams and Lee Dorsey also provided a nice piece of New Orleans sound with their recordings between 1959 and 1962.