March 11, 2007 - Culture meets melody in the newest Harry Connick Jr. release, Oh My Nola. The sounds of New Orleans, the big band/jazz era, told from the perception of Connick himself all fused together to form this entertaining and masterfully produced album. Growing up in New Orleans Connick was no stranger to the sounds of the old jazz greats. They all say the soundtrack for his life ushering him from one stage to the next and their influence finally finding their way into his adult life making a home ever so slightly into his own musical projects. Throughout the decades their influence can be felt in every note he sings and this album is Connick’s chance to pay homage to those singers who have gone before him and to those whose sounds remind him of a ‘lil piece of heaven he likes to call Nola.

"Oh My Nola" Album Cover

As you listen to the album, you can feel the overwhelming sense of pride that he takes in his beloved hometown. For die-hard Connick fans that is nothing new in fact that is something that he has always made apparent, which may be why he is so good at what he does. When a singer or musician can cause a listener to feel the emotions that they feel when working on a project they are no longer just a musician they have transcended into the realm of artistry. That is something that Connick has done time and time again and it is with this album that he has established his place among the greatest blues and jazz singers of all time.

Connick starts the album with “Working in the Coal Mine”, originally done by Dorsey/Toussaint’s, in which he captures the hard working, blue collar, day to day grind that gives New Orleans its backbone. Follow that with the instrumental “Wont you come home Bill Bailey?” which has been covered by all the jazz greats from Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, It adds some of the heartache that is underlying not only in New Orleans but in jazz/blues itself. Only when you read the words that actually go along to this brassy instrumental piece will you understand the pain, which says something about the city. Pain, struggle and heartache all to the up-tempo of a big band beat.

Connick’s band adds the soul, funk Jazz sounds that carry this album however Connick is still the major star. Nothing overshadows his time-tested abilities and while he definitely shows more of his range on this album. Reaching into more of an R&B soulful sound that while is not far from his style it still diverts from the classic jazz sound that we are used.

Concert Review by Melissa Deskovic - Copyright © 2007 - Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.