Deacon John's Jump Blues

Billed as “a celebration of the artists, writers and producers who have made New Orleans music so recognizable and influential,” this hour-long concert, recorded in 2002 in the Crescent City itself, is exactly that. Frontman “Deacon” John Moore (who played guitar on classics like Lee Dorsey's “Workin' in a Coalmine”) is a good if not exceptional singer, but there are a host of great musicians on hand here to help him out, including producer/writer Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, vocal group the Zion Harmonizers, and others. Their “jump blues” (a cross between big band jazz, R&B, and rock 'n' roll) brings to mind immortals such as Count Basie, Louis Jordan, and Louis Prima, but this is New Orleans music all the way (the Fats Domino influence is also unmistakable), and the tuxedoes and somewhat formal concert hall setting do nothing to diminish the joyous, swinging vibe. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo, the disc also includes a featurette and two bonus audio tracks. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)