This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Idiosyncratic piano magician Henry Byrd — aka Professor Longhair — was a founding father of the New Orleans music scene, blazing the trail for the likes of Dr. John, Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint.
This live album — first issued back in 1993 — documents a typically rollicking, bumptiously groovy gig from 1971.
ON THE MENU: A heaping helping of the Prof.’s trademark swampy gumbo, dished up on classics like Jambalaya, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Whole Lotta Lovin’ (no, not the Zeppelin tune) and Junco Partner (yes, the one The Clash covered).
SURPRISE: A couple of solo piano numbers like the title cut that showcase Longhair’s tremendous technical ability and prove he was much more than just a Mardi Gras showman.
