The Blind Boys of Alabama: Live in New Orleans

They aren't all blind, they're not boys, and they don't all hail from Alabama, but those details are of no consequence when the Blind Boys of Alabama take the stage for this delightful gig, recorded at New Orleans' historic Tipitina's nightclub in 2008. Essentially a visual companion to their Down in New Orleans CD, this concert highlights the group's novel, if not quite unique, hybrid of traditional gospel and the strutting funk of New Orleans-Dixieland jazz (imagine a cross between the Neville Brothers and the Staple Singers and you'll get the general idea). To that end, the joyously infectious Blind Boys are joined by N'Awlins vets such as pianists Dr. John and Henry Butler, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and singer Marva Wright (singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi also sits in) as they perform a 16-song set that includes gospel tunes like “I'll Fly Away” and “Down by the Riverside” and Crescent City standards such as “Bourbon Street Parade.” Arguably the best part of the show, however, is the opening, when the Blind Boys (who have three terrific lead singers in Jimmy Carter, Billy Bowers, and Ben Moore) sing four “crossover” numbers: “Amazing Grace” (set to the tune and changes of “House of the Rising Sun”), Norman Greenbaum's ‘60s “Jesus rock” hit “Spirit in the Sky,” Tom Waits' “Down in the Hole,” and Curtis Mayfield's “People Get Ready.” Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, DVD extras include a BET-aired “making-of” on Down in New Orleans and the music video for “Free at Last.” Highly recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)