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Swings with authority. Feb 2, 2007 (22 of 26 found this helpful)
I've been eagerly awaiting more instrumental material from Harry Connick Jr. This disc doesn't let me down one bit.
In the liner notes, Harry talks about his decision to record the album after a tour, as opposed to the more standard practice of recording before. He says he felt that the band would be tighter. He was right. The opening notes of the first track prove this. You will know what I mean when you hear it.
I also bought Oh My NOLA and it is good, but it doesn't swing like Chanson du Vieux Carre. If you liked Lofty's Roach Souffle, or any of the other instrumental discs, you will LOVE this one. This album is a tribute to the Crescent City so many tracks have that New Orleans sound but it doesn't sound like a Zatarain's Jambalaya commercial. Which is good.
You can add this one to your collection of brilliant jazz performances by Mr. Connick. Enjoy!
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Harry Connick, Jr.- Chanson du Vieux Carre May 2, 2007 (4 of 4 found this helpful)
I have mixed feelings about Harry Connick, Jr. The jazz lover in me often pleads with other aficionado's to not shoot the innovative piano player, but please off the reckless crooner Connick can be.
Fortunately, Connick sticks to the ivories in his more lucid moments and on his latest effort, Chanson du Vieux Carre', he makes his grand piano perform wondrous magic along with his sensational big band.
Chanson du Vieux Carre' is a tribute to New Orleans and the cross cultural hybrid of blues, old time spirituals, and honky-tonk that earned the moniker of New Orleans jazz. Connick and his band rip several pages from past giants such as Louis Armstrong and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to make Chanson, however, this doesn't diminish the amazing power and overflowing spirit that lifts Chanson du Vieux Carre' to masterpiece status.
Like many of Connick's past big band efforts, he is nearly imperceptible, working as a small piece of an ensemble musical landscape. The band features some incredible players, including regular Arthur Latin on drums, Dave Schumacher on baritone saxophone, Mark Mullins, Craig Klein, John Allred, and the incomparable Lucien Barbarin on trombones, Jerry Weldon and Mike Karn on tenor sax, and the steady backbeat of Neil Caine's standup bass. Together, they navigate the salty waters of standards like Armstrong's "Someday You'll Be Sorry", Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur", Hoagy Carmichael's "New Orleans", and Sammy Cahn's "I Still Get Jealous"; plus about half dozen of Connick's original compositions. Each song is arranged brilliantly, making the most of the steamy sensuality of Crescent City jazz.
It's hard to know where not to recommend this album, but standout performances include Barbarin's vocal and solo trombone tracks on Connick original "Luscious", the unexpected horn blasts on "Someday You'll be Sorry", and the jump up and shout enthusiasm of the final track "Mardi Gras in New Orleans". The entire album succeeds in weaving a voodoo spell that will have jazz fans grooving zombie-like under its myriad charms.
Connick himself finds a groove too, and is smart not to hog the show with his solo work. When he does solo, it's simple and non-obtrusive, showing a great loyalty to the sound that has captivated him since childhood.
If all of that's not enough to convince you to buy this album, then you should also know that the profit from this album will go to building an old musicians home in the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, and to help with the reconstruction of the area in general.
So as much as I'd like to see Harry Connick the singer laid to rest, the pianist has made a huge contribution to jazz preservation with Chanson du Vieux Carre'. In so doing, he has earned his place among the legends of the musical form, and for the heart that has driven him to make this album.
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Sweet New Orleans jazz Apr 18, 2007 (4 of 4 found this helpful)
"Chanson Du Vieux Carre" is wonderful, traditional New Orleans jazz. Classic pieces written by jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael are inter-mingled with Connick compositions that not only pay homage but sound right at home next to the old favorites. This was recorded in 2003, according to Connick's liner notes, during the same studio sessions in which he and his band recorded "Harry for the Holidays," and "Only You." For the most part, this album is without vocals, with notable exceptions on "Someday You'll Be Sorry," "Luscious" (sung by trombone-player extraordinaire Lucien Barbarin), and "Bourbon Street Parade," which showcases trumpet-player Leroy Jones. The haunting Connick title composition was previously released on the album "Occasion," a piano/saxophone pairing with Branford Marsalis. If you're looking for songs you can sing along with, don't miss "Oh My Nola," the Connick album released on the same day as this one.
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OH my!!! Apr 11, 2007 (3 of 4 found this helpful)
What an enjoyable CD!!! Who doesn't steal the show on this one? Everyone, Leroy Jones, Lucien Barbarin, Craig Klein, Ned, Neal -- they are all at the top of the game. And yes, Mr. Connick can play a little too! :)
Get this CD.
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A very nice album, a bit of a departure from previous releases... Apr 6, 2008
I am pleased that I bought this album. I think that the arrangements are fresh and interesting. And the tracks with vocals (by band members, not Harry) are really fun. I enjoy being introduced to new songs, and this album delivers.