The personnel plusses are mainly on the final track otherwise it's basically a New Orleans' native paying tribute to his time and upbringing in the city.
Johnson plays the kind of tenor I love to hear. Not too many notes, not too few, but each one reflecting the mood of the piece whilst, at the same time, reflecting the mood of Congo Square as it was then and is now. Johnson's sound is relatively pure with an amazing technique that, as the album progresses, makes the opening sentence of this paragraph suddenly passé! When the chips are down Johnson moves up a gear challenging the jazz police to book him for speeding - if they could catch him that is!
However, it isn't all flash bang wallop stuff. Johnson can blow lyrical - witness Treme - and pianist Hanseler is likewise up there with him on either end of the rainbow. I use the word rainbow intentionally because the music is as colourful as the album cover.
Erica Falls appears on only one track - Johnson's Streetcar Love - I wanted more. A voice, possibly more Motor City than Big Easy, the gal nevertheless, kicks butt irrespective of location.
Lift Every Voice and Sing - complete with strings - brought the album to a smooth jazz close.
Johnson is one to note. Lance
I'm Walking; Summertime; Jewel's Lullaby; Anova; Resistance is Noble, but Defeat is Imminent; Treme; Streetcar Love; Lift Every Voice and Sing.
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