Check out this detailed review of 'A New Orleans Christmas'

"To my ears, it is one of the most refreshing holiday albums to come along in many a year. I love it. It will make a great stocking stuffer."
--Bobby Jay, WCBS-FM

"The famed producer brings a dash of Big Easy panache to this soul-stirring collection of Christmas music by artists on his NYNO label."
--Marc Weingarten, Entertainment Weekly December 1997

Allen Toussaint & Friends
"A New Orleans Christmas"

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

James Andrews, lead singer and trumpeter of The New Birth Brass Band, is one of the most talented and charismatic figures on today's jazz scene. James (locally known as "Satchmo of the ghetto") is a member of a prominent New Orleans music family which also includes Prince LaLa and Jesse Hill. His recently released solo CD, Satchmo Of The Ghetto , which also features Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, is a mix of traditional New Orleans trumpet workouts , acid jazz-styled instrumental funk and gruff, soulful Louis Armstrong influenced vocals.

Tricia Boutté grew up in a very musical family that also includes her aunt, legendary jazz vocalist Lillian Boutté. At one time, Tricia worked as a secretary for Sea Saint studios. When Allen Toussaint found out she could sing, he invited her to do some session work. Allen liked what he heard so much, Tricia was signed to NYNO! In addition to singing soul and R&B, Tricia, as Sista Teedy, leads a New Orleans reggae band called Cool Riddims. Check out Pledge To My People their NYNO debut.

Grace Darling has been gigging heavily in New Orleans and elsewhere for several years. A talented vocalist and saxophone player, she has performed with everyone from the Neville Brothers to Bonnie Raitt. Her new NYNO album, Imaginary Lover, features a diverse mix of styles and features the title track, written especially for Grace by the great Al Kooper.

Larry Hamilton is truly a New Orleans music veteran. In the sixties he was lead vocalist for both David Batiste and the Gladiators and the Invaders. He has also penned hits for Albert King, Irma Thomas, Etta James, King Floyd and many others. Larry's self titled NYNO debut has reviewers calling Larry "the new soul king of New Orleans."

Wallace Johnson is well known to New Orleans record collectors for his legendary early 60s singles on the AFO label. Following the release of those sides, Wallace retired from the record business, devoting the next two decades to supporting his family. In 1996 Wallace reemerged with the critically acclaimed Whoever's Thrilling You, his first ever full length album.

Raymond Myles started his career as a gospel singing child prodigy. He scored a hit single at age 12 and was subsequently chosen to perform at Mahailia Jackson's funeral. Since that time he has recorded several albums and performed all over the world with virtually every big name artist in Gospel. Raymond also plays secular music and is legendary for his incredibly high energy live shows. His latest NYNO release, Heaven is the Place, is a live gospel album recorded with Raymond's choir, The RAMS, at two historic Crescent City churches.

The New Birth Brass Band is at the forefront of the recent New Orleans brass band renaissance. The band fuses hip-hop, Mardi Gras Indian chants, funk, and modern jazz with age old traditional sounds. Although all under 30, the members of New Birth are jazz veterans and have played with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Dizzy Gillespie. The New Birth Brass Band has recently gained national acclaim with features on MTV and articles in several high profile national publications. D-Boy, their new NYNO album, is an all out jam.

Allen Toussaint is one of the most important figures in American music. A prolific songwriter, producer and arranger, he is also universally recognized as one of the greatest New Orleans pianists of all time. Allen has worked with a who's who of musicians including Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Dr. John, Albert King, Elvis Costello, Chet Atkins and many, many others. In 1996, Allen (along with his partner, broadcaster Josh Feigenbaum) founded NYNO Records and soon after released Connected, his first new album in over a decade.

CD Tracks

1. Christmas This Year - Larry Hamilton
2. We Three Kings - Raymond Myles
3. New Year's Resolution - Larry Hamilton & Tricia Boutte'
4. Santa's Second Line - New Birth Brass Band
5. Silent Night, Holy Night - Allen Toussaint
6. Christmas Comes But Once A Year - Wallace Johnson
7. Christmas In New Orleans - James Andrews
8. Jingle Bells - New Birth Brass Band
9. O Holy Night - Raymond Myles
10. The Christmas Song - Wallace Johnson
11. Winter Wonderland - Allen Toussaint
12. Do You Hear What I Hear - Tricia Boutte'
13. Merry Christmas, Baby - Grace Darling

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