John "Papa" Gros - GIANTS - Funky Krewe Records

JOHN "PAPA" GROS

 

Produced by John Gros

Mixed by Tracey Freeman

Recorded by David Farrell at Silent S Studio, New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Doug Deutsch - PR

 

 

 

                         

It's an amazing testament to the sound,flavor,and human spirit that make up the sonic wonderment of the Crescent City music scene. Here is a musical conversation that speaks in tongues, blending the voices and traditions of many cultures—a unique, colorful "language" found nowhere else. Here is soul-stirring music beating through the heart of New Orleans, the rhythm of life pulsating to the beat of the music. The latest from a masterful keyboardist, seasoned songwriter, and powerful live performer is "GIANTS," a groove-driven tribute  gifted to us from the legendary John "Papa" Gros, certainly designed to make us move, dance, and feel the hypnotic spirit of "Nawlins.

                 

                   "GIANTS" is a musical gumbo - it mixes the flavors of funk, blues, jazz, and soul, layered with the improvisational spirit and rhythmic vitality that define New Orleans music. The music isn't just played - it's unleashed, a uniquely captivating musical celebration of the Crescent City's heritage, blending reverence with joyful spontaneity and lively improvisation. John "Papa" Gros - the authentic musical voice of the city - has released an inspired tribute—a celebration of tradition and a creative reimagining that pays homage while adding fresh energy and personal interpretation. Recorded live in New Orleans with support from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and the Threadbare Cultural Foundation, "Papa" Gros delivers a tribute to the artists who shaped his musical DNA—Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, The Meters, Levon Helm, and Billy Preston. 

                         

                        * "Quitters Never Win" - written by Malcolm Rebennack - Dr. John - in 1974.

                  * "Hurricane" - written by Thom Schuyler,Keith Stegall,and Stewart Harris,recorded by Levon Helm in 1980.

                  * "All That I've Got" - written by Billy Preston and Doris Troy in 1970 and released on Apple Records,produced by George Harrison.

                  * "Yes We Can" - written and recorded by Allen Toussaint in 1970 and further popularized by the Pointer Sisters when they covered it in 1973.

                   * "Ain't No Use" - written in 1974 by Zigaboo Modeliste,Art Neville,Leo Nocentelli,and George Porter,Jr, known as "The Meters" .

 

Ian Bowman's saxophone is lively and spirited while "Papa" works the keys with a stunning virtuosity and a haunting essence; both instruments stand out on the album's sound. Every musician brings a lively groove-driven energy to all the arrangements; the backing vocals are sensational, and all of the electrifying, hypnotic, and addictive performances shine."GIANTS" is the kind of album that Marie Laveau herself would have found irresistible.Channeling equal parts Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Art Neville, and Randy Newman John "Papa" Gros follows the great New Orleans piano tradition, bridging the generations—a torchbearer whose artistic independence delivers music filled with both reverence and risk. "GIANTS" is deeply personal, an enchanting release, serving up plenty of wonderfully delicious musical flavors; each musician and vocalist adding their own distinctive "seasoning".Each song is a dish of its own, all part of a harmonious feast. A genuine,bona fide,one-of-a-kind musical experience well worth seeking out!!

 

And we thunderously applaud....

                 Alex Mallet on guitar, Matt Booth on bass, Russ Broussard on drums, Michael Christie on trumpet, Terrance Taplin on trumpet, Danny Abel on guitar, Yolanda Robinson and Kiki Chapman on backing vocals

 

Check out - 

The Rhythmic Soul of New Orleans: Where Music, Culture, and History Dance Together - Zazella

 

Review written by John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1

 

 

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