an exceptionally joyful collection of covers and originals-every track overflows with passion and soul.

Canadian duo Blue Moon Marquee (guitarist/ vocalist A.W. Cardinal and upright bassist/ vocalist Jasmine Colette) have been touring and recording since 2012. Inspired by a shared love of anything that, in their words, "swings, jumps, or grooves," the two musicians perform a distinct blend of blues and pre-war jazz. New Orleans Sessions was recorded in two sessions at Jon Atkinson's Bigtone Records. A passionate aficionado of analogue gear and old-school technique, Atkinson recorded the group live from the studio floor with no overdubs. The result is an exceptionally joyful collection of covers and originals-every track overflows with passion and soul.

A lively reading of Memphis Minnie's Black Rat Swing kicks off the proceedings. Colette's vocals have just the right dose of sass. while Cardinal's guitar work is consistently in the pocket. Guest Danny Abrams' honking and wailing baritone sax fleshes out the arrangement. On Bo Carter's Let's Get Drunk Again, Cardinal and Colette's harmonies shine bright. Guest B.C. Coogan's melodic piano work is thick with mood and atmosphere. Cardinal's gritty fretwork and growling vocals take center stage on the original Trickster Coyote. Atkinson joins in on harp-his thick tone and perfectly placed licks provide a perfect counterpoint.

The languid and simmering What I Wouldn't Do is further proof that Blue Moon Marquee performs original material just as adeptly as they cover classics. Coogan contributes some of his finest piano work while Colette's upright bass holds down the rhythm. Not every musician can do justice to a warhorse like Saint James Infirmary. but this band's reading is a showstopper. Cardinal pushes his voice to the limit, and Coogan and Abrams both get plenty of room to stretch out. Atkinson's deft touch on harp adds bite to a cover of Lonnie Johnson's Got the Blues So Bad. He and Cardinal have outstanding chemistry—the two musicians play off one another beautifully.

Listeners seeking an alternative to the rock-infused blues that is so dominant today need look no further than New Orleans Sessions. Blue Moon Marquee and Jon Atkinson make a great creative team—let's hope this collaboration is the first of many.

—Jon Kleinman, Living Blues Magazine