Two Hurricane Relief Compilations Released

The widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina left many musicians homeless and others searching for ways to help. While New Orleans slowly begins to get back on its feet, an impressive roster of jazz musicians has banded together to release compilations whose proceeds will directly aid Katrina victims.

Rounder and Marsalis Music recently released its compilation, A Celebration of New Orleans Music to Benefit MusiCares Hurricane Relief 2005. All proceeds will go to the MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund, which provides assistance to musicians and others in the music industry directly affected by Katrina.

In a similar vein, Rykodisc has released Voice of the Wetlands which features many of Louisiana’s renowned musicians coming together as the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars. Included in the group is Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Bourdreaux, Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr., Johnny Vidacovich, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone and Waylon Thibodeaux. Recorded in Jan. 2005, the original inspiration for the album was to raise awareness about the destruction of South Louisiana’s Wetlands but it soon took on a whole different meaning after Hurricane Katrina. A portion of the proceeds will directly aid Louisiana victims of Katrina.

The track list for A Celebration of New Orleans Music to Benefit MusiCares Hurricane Relief 2005 is as follows:

1. Dirty Dozen Brass Band – Mardi Gras in New Orleans
2. Davell Crawford – Something You Got
3. Harry Connick, Jr. with Branford Marsalis – It’s Good To Be Home
4. Irma Thomas – Second Line Medley: I Done Got Over/Iko Iko/Hey Pocky Way
5. Al Johnson – Carnival Time
6. Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias – Meet de Boys on de Battlefront
7. Eddie Bo – Check Mr. Popeye
8. ReBirth Brass Band – Do Whatcha Wanna Pt. 3
9. Jelly Roll Morton – I’m Alabama Bound
10. James Booker – Lawdy Miss Clawdy
11. Theryl de Clouet with Galactic – I Get Lifted
12. New Orleans Nightcrawlers – Keep On Gwine
13. Branford Marsalis Quartet – B’s Paris Blues
14. Professor Longhair – Cuttin’ Out
15. Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters – Funkyard
16. Johnny Adams and Aaron Neville – Never Alone

Tracklist for Voice of the Wetlands:

1. Bayou Breeze
2. Louisiana Sunshine
3. Clean Water
4. Lightning and Thunder
5. Kiddin’ Me
6. Heart of Stone
7. We Ain’t Gonna Lose No More (Without A Fight)
8. Weary Silent Night
9. We Make a Good Gumbo
10. Louisiana Man
11. Me Donkey Want Water

Originally Published November 4, 2005