Louisiana Cultural Vistas - Fall 2005 - (Page 71)

completely, in the tragic destruction of Saint Bernard Parish. Precious recordings of this music do exist, but these songs may never be sung again by those who learned them firsthand, within the community. The instructive element in this sad situation is that the genuine folk cultures and music of our region must not be replaced by bland re-enactments of former glory, credible only to tourists. The time for grassroots preservation is now. On the physical plane, we have seen the disastrous results of vanishing wetlands. Cultural erosion is a serious threat, as well. Space does not permit detailed recommendations, here; suffice it to say that local/regional government would do well to look to cities such as Austin for proven, effective policies. The tragedy of Katrina reminds us, too that the creative spark which enlivens music is not mere artistic abstraction. Music also addresses the grim realities that all in this community have confronted of late. Consider storm songs such as Memphis Minnie’s “When The Levee Breaks,” Bessie Smith’s “Backwater Blues,” and Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927.” Under normal conditions, their lyrics are no more relevant than Pliny’s archaic account of Pompeii. But, during Hurricane Katrina, these songs functioned as figurative forecasts for Doomsday. Hurricanes notwithstanding, however, the surge of new releases continues unabated. A contemporary New Orleans R&B singer known as Tondrae debuts with an excellent self-produced album entitled Still Searching (MTK, www.tondrae.com). Combining elements of classic soul and hip-hop, Tondrae’s supple voice and insightful lyrics are apt to garner national attention. Two striking, passionate albums feature women who primarily perform original material: Shannon McNally’s Geronimo (Back Porch) and Just Believe It (www.susancowsill.com) by Susan Cowsill. Both emerged as solo artists in New Orleans, and have had to seek refuge elsewhere; both, hopefully, will find a conducive climate for returning home. Cowsill’s glorious album references many facets of her varied career, which includes a long stint with the acclaimed band The Continental Drifters. Just Believe It is also notable for a gorgeous rendition of the poignant “Who Knows Where The Time Goes,” which was originally written and sung by Sandy Denny, of the seminal ‘60s‘70s British band Fairport Convention. Fairport Convention has been praised in this column for popularizing archaic British folk music in rock circles, much as Michael Doucet avec BeauSoleil would do with Cajun music just a few short years later. And Fairport Convention’s guitarist, Richard Thompson, has been praised here, too, for his collaborations with Doucet and his own prolific work. In that latter regard, Thompson released two brilliant albums this summer. Live From Austin (new West), recorded in 2001, and the brand new Front Parlour Ballads (Cooking Vinyl.) Thompson’s oeuvre combines mordant wit, exquisite command of language, and a taut, haunting vocal style. He is also a dexterous and quite unique guitarist, and a dedicated connoisseur of Louisiana music. The devotion of such far-flung musicians is one measure of the profound respect that New Orleans elicits. Homage to its traditions has galvanized many world-wide efforts to raise relief funds post-Katrina. Had that tempest hit elsewhere, the sense of tragedy would not have encompassed a comparable sense of cultural loss. New Orleans can greatly enhance its challenging recovery by showing comparable respect to its own rich musical legacy. Ben Sandmel is a New Orleans-based free-lance writer, folklorist and drummer for the Grammy-nominated Hackberry Ramblers. Fall 2005/LOUISIANA CULTURAL VISTAS 71 http://www.tondrae.com http://www.susancowsill.com http://www.pharmacymuseum.org http://www.evergreenplantation.com http://www.pharmacymuseum.org http://www.evergreenplantation.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Louisiana Cultural Vistas - Fall 2005

Louisiana Cultural Vistas - Fall 2005 Contents Editor’s Column Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Louisiana State Museum After Katrina and Rita Tabasco: Edmund McIlhenny and the Birth of a Louisiana Pepper Sauce Historic New Orleans Collection Louisiana Association of Museums New Orleans’ Coffee Connection No Man’s Land Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism Bookstand (Book Review by Thomas Uskali) Sound Advice (Music Review by Ben Sandmel) Forum (Commentary by Roy Blount, Jr. )

Louisiana Cultural Vistas - Fall 2005

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