On her web page, Irma Thomas sends this message to her fans:
"I know that this is a trying time for all of us in the City called New Orleans, but I know and feel everything is going to be alright. New Orleans has a lot of strong FAITH people and I am One of them. We are just displaced for a short time and Can and Will rebuild that beautiful city bigger and better then ever. Remember God first and he will grant you good success. To all my fans, KEEP THE FAITH. Love Irma"
Irma Thomas was on a gig in Austin, Texas when Katrina hit her beloved New Orleans. She went home to find her home and all of her belongings were gone. She was for a time, considered missing, and word went out that "The Queen of New Orleans" was lost. She was found, and has set an example for the rest of her fellow New Orlean residnets for her optimism and spirit. All of the songs on this CD were selected before Katrina hit, but it is not just fortune or luck but Faith that these all work as a post Katrina Memorial. This CD has the soul you expect and is sung directly from the heart. The songs span 75 years and Irma Thomas has re-written some verses to fit the occasion. What a find, what a woman, what memories and love she invokes.
Irma Thomas invited musicians from New Orleans to play with her on this CD. It was recorded in Southern Louisiana some months after Katrina hit. The players include jazz pianist
David Torkanowski, acoustic bassist James Singleton, drummer Stanton Moore, plus Dirk Powell, playing a variety of string instruments from guitar to banjo and fiddle. Guests include guitar sensation Sonny Landreth, and bluesman Corey Harris.
"In the Middle of It All", by Arthur Alexander gives us the first example of how powerful and loving this CD will be. "The love I gave was really, really real"
"Flowers", is a song about the consequences of drunk driving. This has a low country feel... "Look., look, lookin' for the Flowers".
"I Count the Tears" is an old song by Doc Pomus. A song to sing with.. "Na, Nah, Nah, Nah, late at night, I Count the Tears" simply sung with back -up singers.
"Make Me Down A Pallet On Your Floor" is an old standard that is overwhelmingly sad. "Where are all you good time friends of mine? Where are you when I only have a dime?" so fitting for post Katrina as we now know.
"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free"- Billy Taylor's old song is one of the most beautifully sung songs on this CD.. Old time Gospel. Stand up and sing..
"Say'em loud. Say'em clear, for the whole side world to hear".
"If You Knew How Much" love song for everyone. "If You Knew How Much I Love You, If you Knew What I was Thinkin'. You would Never Look My Way."
"Another Man Done Gone" Irma Thomas rewrote the lyrics of the old traditional song to reflect the events of Katrina. "Another storm done gone, the water is at the door, he couldn't stay no more."
"Til I Can't Take It Anymore" an old love song. "I'll be praying that you never let me go".
"These Honey Dos," was co-written with David Egan. The lyrics reflect the independence of Irma Thomas. "You're still in that chair, that is where you is. Do you want me or These Honey Dos".
"Another Lonely Heart" is a combination of soul and country. "While you kiss me in the dark, I am just Another Lonely Heart."
"Soul of a Man" is another traditional song. "Won't somebody tell me, Answer If You Can, What is the Soul of a Man?"
"Stone Survivor" country and low down, "I ain't no apologizer, I'm a Stone Survivor".
"Shelter In The Rain" the entire CD in one song. "When you were down, I lifted you up from there".
Spare and longing, this CD is epitome of soulful New Orleans. Irma Thomas has given us a CD of memories and love, longing and forgiving, wanting and wistful. Filling us with the Faith that is needed for the people of New Orleans.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 7-01-06