I saw Mr. Connick, jr. and company last night in Miami at the wonderful new Performing Arts Center in downtown Miami([...]). They were fantastic. The things that I came away with were 1) A recollection of Harry's marvelous rapport with the audience (I had seen him previously in Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, but had forgotten just what a natural he is at communicating with the crowd), and 2) His quite impressive keyboard virtuosity.

He played not only a Steinway, but also what I think was a Hammond B3 Organ, as well an upright piano. I have to say that his playing of the upright was the most impressive. He not only displayed amazing knowledge of the music of New Orleans, but also exhibited astounding chops. He used the occasion to, not only display his chops, but to do so in a way that was not cocky, but rather respectful of the musical heritage that belongs to both him and the musicians that accompanied him last night.

His first piece on the upright (a tribute to James Booker) was done in a fashion reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein's classic young musicians series for PBS. He started out by explaining a little of what formed the basis of the piece and then, after playing a bit, explained how Mr. Booker elaborated upon the original idea. Continuing in that vein, Harry added to the complexity of the piece until it reach a feverish pitch ... and then laid it on a bit more.

I would encourage anyone who wants to hear some real good, real 'feel good' music to grab a copy of 'Oh, My Nola!' I bought the disk at the show last night and, having heard it today, I can say that it is a gem.


God Bless New Orleans,
Mark Edward Hendricks

Native son and N'Awlins hometown hero, Harry Connick Jr. pays tribute to the city of his birth and residence, its music and, most importantly, its musicians. Stepping back to let the band swing, Harry proves time and again that this is not just a vanity production, letting the musicians shine and carry the weight even taking time to pay tribute to Nola musicians who have passed on. The collection of songs, including four original Connick Jr. compositions, is an eclectic bunch that you've probably heard many times before but never quite like this. "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" is pretty straightforward but the jazzy, askew versions of Hank Williams' "Jambalaya On The Bayou," and "Sheik Of Araby" sparkle and an off-kilter reading of "Working In A Coal Mine" brings a whole new understanding to that chesnut. The originals all hit their targets especially "All These People" and "We Make A Lot Of Love." Harry's in good voice consistently and, more importantly, has totally discarded his "Sinatra Reincarnate" style here, which is just as well since that gimmick has been co-opted by Michael Buble.

Nevertheless it is the musicians he has surrounded himself with and given the space to strut their stuff that makes this tribute CD worth the money out of your wallet.

Sit back and get ready to smile.

Harry gets back to his roots with this impressive collection of covers and original recordings honoring his New Orleans legacy. One can't help but smile as he puts his unique stamp on old favorites and makes his new "classics" sound like they have been kicking around NOLA for years. Simply put, this cd swings!

The CD is full of great jazz hits and remains light-hearted and upbeat. I couldn't wait to get this uploaded onto my iPod! Reminds me of the Spring weekend my husband and I spent in NOLA before Katrina hit in August. Thank you Harry for another great CD!

I feel I must begin this with a disclaimer that I am a dedicated Harry Connick jr. fan. That said, I am finding this to be one of his most creative and exciting CD's. Harry mixes his own piano playing prowess and vocal charms, while still humbly showcasing the extraordinary talents of his fellow musicians. Harry almost holds back at time, making sure that it is the music that gets the spotlight instead of himself.

Jambalaya on the Bayou is my favorite track as it really gets me dancing and really shows off the talents of his band. I think it is pure genious the way the song totally changes tempo, style, beat, and range right in the middle and changes to a big band swing type sound.

Most of the songs on this CD are ones I have heard a gazillion times by many different artists in many different ways (there are only 4 new songs on the CD). But Harry has arranged them so differently and has put his own musical spin to them that makes them sound totally new!

Harry also mixes in moving tributes to post-Katrina New Orleans, but with a hope and passion that makes me know that pre-Katrina New Orleans music will not only come back, but will thrive and be better than ever!

By the way, if you arrange the order of the songs correctly on your iPod, it makes for a great workout CD, complete with warm-up, high energy, and cool down.