Fulton Street...Live
Various Artists

For this latest of many recent compilation CDs aimed at benefiting New Orleans and its musicians who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina, Harrah’s New Orleans and the Tipitina’s Foundation rounded up some of the city’s top vocalists and musicians. The result is a 14-track collection that ranks among the best of the benefit CDs done so far. Thirteen of the tracks feature vocalists Luther Kent, Ingrid Lucia, “Lady BJ” Crosby, Gina Brown, John Boutte, Barbara Shorts, Don Vappie, Leah Chase, Sharon Martin, Phillip Manuel, Leslie Smith and George French, with Joe Krown contributing the lone instrumental.

The collection is an eclectic mix of New Orleans-themed songs and pop standards penned by Rodgers & Hart, Duke Ellington and Irving Berlin. However, there are also some more modern tunes in there like Leah Chase’s mellow version of Sting’s “Fragile” and Sharon Martin’s soulfully raucous interpretation of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Contributing mightily to the effort are two of the most talented local pianists, Lawrence Sieberth and David Torkanowski, who are featured on nearly half of the tracks.

All of the songs were recorded live at the 528 club on Fulton Street with the applause and other ambient sounds weeded out. Sales of the CD benefit the Tipitina’s Foundation, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to preserving Louisiana’s unique musical culture.

To learn more about this fantastic tribute CD visit, www.fultonstreetlive.com or stop by the Louisiana Music Factory to buy a copy today. It's a great buy for a great cause!

by Dean Shapiro