NOLA

.:.impossible · April 24, 2011

I'll be in New Orleans in two weeks and hope to hit a shop or two while I'm there. Any particular recommendations for shops? Also, for those of you with a knowledge for NOLA history, any particular regional labels/artists that I should look for?

Im particularly interested in learning more about the rock n roll and rhythm and blues records that were local to New Orleans.

My friend's father in law, a retired editorial writer for the picayune, is a big listener who I'm sure will have some info, but I thought I'd ask the trusty organissimo brain trust.

LWayne · April 24, 2011

On 4/24/2011 at 2:07 PM, .:.impossible said:
I'll be in New Orleans in two weeks and hope to hit a shop or two while I'm there. Any particular recommendations for shops? Also, for those of you with a knowledge for NOLA history, any particular regional labels/artists that I should look for?

Im particularly interested in learning more about the rock n roll and rhythm and blues records that were local to New Orleans.

My friend's father in law, a retired editorial writer for the picayune, is a big listener who I'm sure will have some info, but I thought I'd ask the trusty organissimo brain trust.

Best shop for jazz and rhythm and blues in New Orleans is the Lousiana Music Factory in the French Quarter on Decatur Street. Barry Smith, the owner, is very knowledgeable about the local history and carries many small independent releases. They also have live, in-store, music performances on a regular basis. They are a fun destination during JazzFest.

http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/

Enjoy!

LWayne

Edited April 24, 2011 by LWayne

papsrus · April 24, 2011

Seconded.

Hopefully Jeff will weigh in. He has intimate knowledge of the city and its music scene.

Check out OffBeat online for listings of what's going on.

And Frenchmen Street is a must.

Edited April 24, 2011 by papsrus

six string · April 24, 2011

There's a branch of Euclid Records there now from what I've heard. If you like guitar players look for Snooks Eaglin albums.

jeffcrom · April 25, 2011

I second all of the above, although Euclid's appearance in New Orleans has been since my last visit, so I can't say much about it except that it looks like it's in the Bywater neighborhood, not in the usual tourist areas.

Louisiana Music Factory is a must, and is one of my favorite record/CD stores on the planet. They have a great selection on New Orleans music, and the staff is very knowledgeable. Browse and ask questions.

One way to go for some great NOLA R & B is the Gumbo Stew series on Ace - three CDs (Gumbo Stew, More Gumbo Stew, Still Spicy Gumbo Stew) of famous and obscure music, much of it from the AFO label, a musician-owned label that recorded some great stuff, financed by their one hit ("I Know" by Barbara George). The best Snooks Eaglin albums, in my opinion, are The Complete Imperial Recording from the 1960's and Soul's Edge from the 1990's. The Imperial CD is out of print, but you may be able to find it. And check out the brass bands - the funky ones like the Rebirth Brass Band and the more traditional ones like the Treme. And like I said, talk to the folks at the Music Factory.

Go out and hear some music! New Orleans has incredible music every night of the year. Like Paps said, you'll find amazing music just wandering up and down Frenchmen Street, in the Marigny neighborhood adjacent to the French Quarter. The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., The Blue Nile, and Snug Harbor are all on Frenchmen. Have fun!