a superb set of blues standards and originals..

Graham Clarke - Blues Bytes, Phoenix Blues Society

New Orleans Sessions, the latest release from the Canadian duo A.W. Cardinal (guitar/vocals) and Jasmine Colette (upright bass/vocals), a.k.a. Blue Moon Marquee, was recorded in two sessions one year apart at Bigtone Records. The pair are backed by B.C. Coogan (piano), Danny Abrams (baritone sax), Jon Atkinson (harmonica), and Nicholas Solnick or Brett Gallo (drums) on this cool ten-song set, split between originals and covers, which were recorded live off the floor to tape with vintage analogue equipment.

The album opens with four of the five covers, beginning with a rollicking take on Memphis Minnie’s “Black Rat Swing,” highlighted by Colette’s vocal, Coogan on piano, and Abrams’ baritone sax break. Next is a lively reading of Leadbelly’s “Ain’t Goin’ Down” with the pair taking call and response vocals, and Bo Carter’s “Let’s Get Drunk Again,” where they share raucous lead vocals with stellar backing from the band on both tracks.

Their energetic version of Charlie Patton’s “Shake It And Break It” is a lot of fun, and a definite toe-tapper. “Trickster Coyote” is the first original on the disc, a gritty, grungy feel blending well with the classic tunes. “What I Wouldn’t Do” is a fine after-hours blues with great guitar work from Cardinal, and the funky rocker “Red Dust Rising” has a Crescent City vibe.

The classic “St. James Infirmary” showcases Cardinal’s gruff, weathered vocals and Coogan’s excellent solo on piano, while “Some Ol’ Day” sounds like a long-lost Windy City blues classic. The closer, Lonnie Johnson’s “Got The Blues So Bad,” offers crisp fretwork from Cardinal and harmonica from Atkinson.

New Orleans Sessions is a superb set of blues standards and originals that successfully blend traditional and blues styles. Blue Moon Marquee does this as well as any other blues bands currently practicing.