GULF COAST BLUES & IMPRESSIONS: A HURRICANE RELIEF - GEORGE WINSTON
Although the good-time, high-energy playing of New Orleans pianists Professor Longhair and Henry Butler seems worlds apart from the plaintive, prototypical New Age style perfected by George Winston in the ’80s, those artists have long been a formative influence on the Windham Hill veteran. In tribute to the Katrina-ravaged Crescent City, Winston salutes Longhair, Butler, James Booker and even Dr. John on rollicking covers of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “The Breaks” and “Pixie,” which jump alive with crafty right-hand rolls that’d make the masters proud. For the first time in ages, the album includes more of Winston’s own work than interpretations; “Gulf Coast Lullaby — Part 2″ and the heartfelt “Blues for Fess, Beloved” are two of his best original compositions since 1990’s “Summer.” Proceeds from the set will be distributed to Gulf Coast and New Orleans aid organizations. Billboard
