Marshes and bayous mark the landscape in the Mississippi Delta. This humid, fecund setting has acted like a cultural petri dish, as African, Caribbean, French, and Spanish have fused and transformed into one of the most culturally rich and unique regions of the United States. Louisiana Gumbo focuses on the soul, R&B and blues that has served as a foundation for much of America's popular music today. This collection is called Louisiana Gumbo because this Creole stew is a perfect metaphor for the blend of musical elements found in the music of Louisiana. The primary ingredient in this southern casserole is the blues, a form that permeates local musical expression and serves as the foundation for all Louisiana musical expressions, including gospel, Dixieland, jazz, R&B, rock, funk and soul. Louisiana Gumbo is an entrancing blend of old and new, household names and lost legends that creates an aural image of the humid, funky groove of Southern Louisiana. The extensive liner notes also feature photographs by Rick Olivier and Jack Vartoogian.
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