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A propelling force of classic New Orleans jazz, the unique experiences that the clarinetist had throughout his career paired with his ability to articulate the significance and timelessness of the music has made him a highly influential voice. Opening the record is "Jambalaya" which was a #1 country music hit when recorded by the famous singer Hank Williams. "The song's catchy melody makes it perfectly suited to be a traditional jazz instrumental." White explains. "Midnight Special" is the title track of the 1970s television popular music show and hit recording for the rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival. Original track "Eternally Blue" is a lush and soulful composition held together by bouncing piano whileJanis Joplin's 1970 hit "Me And Bobby McGee" swings perfectly as an instrumental for both small jazz band and brass band "second line" interpretations. Also in a fresh brass band vein is the rock group The Turtles' classic 1969 hit "Happy Together."In addition to receiving the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship Award, White was named Louisiana Humanist of the Year by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and he also won the Offbeat Magazine Best of the Beat Award as Clarinetist of the Year, and Gambit Magazine's Big Easy Entertainment Award forTraditional Jazz Artist of the Year. He has also performed on recent records by Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis and Marianne Faithfull, and recently joined Herbie Hancock and others to perform in a special International Jazz Day concert. Join Dr. Michael White on an "adventure" as he explores and creates ensemble pieces from classic favorites.Track List:1. Jambalaya (4:20)2. Midnight Special (4:06)3. I Love You Too Much To Ever Leave You (3:02)4. Petite Fleur (3:45)5. Panama (7:10)6. St. James Infirmary (4:15)7. Me And Bobby McGee (4:30)8. And The World Weeps (9:03)9. Tiger Rag (6:07)10. Precious Lord (2:55)11. Eternally Blue (4:40)12. Happy Together (5:13)13. Second Line (4:28) Review rendered with what is clearly a deep love for the New Orleans tradition of ensemble improvisation, an extraordinarily high level of musicianship, and a highly infectious feeling of joy and enthusiasm --Roger Hahn for OffbeatClarinetist Dr. Michael White has one of the real rich tones, making these tributes to the music of the Crescent City a pleasure to behold. . . This mix of the sacred and secular is the true heart of New Orleans, and Dr. White perfectly filled the prescription. --George W. Harris, Jazz WeeklyThe way Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band continue to play and evolve New Orleans Jazz is a great thing for the listeners today. --Fred Kasten, WWNO
