The world owes New Orleans a debt. Without it, we would not have jazz, rock, blues, and more. Our culture as US citizens would be less rich, spicy, and creative. Honoring its heritage and presence requires having a good time. “Laissez les bon temps rouler”, as they say down in the delta.
The forthcoming documentary film, Take Me to the River: New Orleans, celebrates the Crescent City’s rich musical history and influence. It features new recordings by a host of different artists from a variety of genres. The first single, “Act Like You Know”, starring Dee-1, Mannie Fresh, Big Freedia, and Galactic, was issued earlier this month.
The song expresses that special N’awlins attitude made up of pride, strut, and confidence. The vocals are smart, sassy, and funny. The music’s brass, bass, and drums will have one dancing in the street. It makes one hungry for the upcoming flick.
In the meantime, the album’s second single was just released with an accompanying video. It’s Aaron Neville and Dirty Dozen Brass Band teaching about the town’s musical heroes and the importance of the neighborhoods they call home on “Stompin’ Ground”.
The complete soundtrack will be released 1 April 2022 on CD and deluxe vinyl set featuring two LPs and a large format 60-page book, and a digital album via Petaluma Records.
TRACKLIST
CD ONE:
1. Cyril Neville with Voices of the Wetlands – “In Love with My NOLA”
2. Dee-1, Mannie Fresh, Big Freedia, Galactic – “Act Like You Know”
3. The Neville Brothers with Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, and George Porter Jr. – “(Hey Mama) Wild Tchoupitoulas”
4. Irma Thomas with Ledisi, featuring George Porter Jr., Eric Krasno, Ian Neville, and Ivan Neville – “I Wish Someone Would Care”
5. Dr. John and Davell Crawford – “Jock-A-Mo”
6. Soul Rebels featuring 5th Ward Weebie – “504 Enjoy Yourself”
7. Cyril Neville with Dumpstaphunk – “Street Parade”
8. PJ Morton featuring Cheeky Blakk and the New Breed Brass Band – “New Orleans Girl”
9. Aaron Neville with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band – “Stompin Ground”
10. Walter Wolfman Washington – “Funk is in the House”
11. Snoop Dogg, G-Eazy, William Bell – “Yes We Can Can”
12. Davell Crawford – “We Shall Gather at the River”
13. 79rs – “Wrong Part of Town”
14. New Orleans Drummers – “Lil Liza Jane” *
CD TWO:
1. Anders Osborne – “Improvise” *
2. Voices of the Wetlands with Cyril Neville – “Late in the Evening” *
3. Ledisi with George Porter Jr, Ian Neville, and Ivan Neville – “Knockin” *
4. Davell Crawford – “One More Time” *
5. Ani DiFranco with Lost Bayou Ramblers and Roots of Music – “Little Plastic Castles” *
6. Donald Harrison with the Tipitina’s Interns – “Donald’s Tune” *
7. Dr. John – “Someone to Love” *
8. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux with Voices of the Wetlands – “Firewater”
9. Donald Harrison and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah – “Sand Castle Headhunters”
10. Lost Bayou Ramblers with Ani DiFranco, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, and the Roots of Music – “Blue Moon Special”
11. Donald Harrison and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah with the Tipitina’s Interns – “When the Saints Go Marching In”
12. Irma Thomas with Cyril Neville, George Porter Jr., Ian Neville and Ivan Neville – “Carnival Time”