Kermit Ruffins
“Panama” (mp3)
from “Happy Talk”
(Basin Street)
Happy Talk is Kermit Ruffins’ newest release following an unforgettable performance as himself in the first season of Treme‘, HBO’s acclaimed new drama series. Lifted into the national spotlight by the hit television show, Kermit keeps the momentum swinging with his first big band album. Happy Talk was produced by Grammy winner Tracey Freeman with Herlin Riley (drums), David Pulphus (bass), Matt Lemmler (piano and arrangements) plus a dozen other fine musicians.
The 44-year-old New Orleans native lives for passion, plays it and sings about it, and nowhere is it more evident than when he displays his craft: the swinging, good-time jazz that lured him in as a teenager and continues to whet his appetite even three decades and 10 solo recordings later.
“Kermit Ruffins is one of the prime reasons why New Orleans is mending post-Katrina, bringing his good-time music to the people as an entertainer,” said All Music Guides Michael G. Nastos on Billboard.com, “As a trumpet player and singer of heritage jazz, soul, and popular music, he’s uplifting the spirit of Crescent City dwellers who are slowly but surely rebuilding their neighborhoods.” There is no doubt Ruffins is a key part of modern New Orleans, and a keeper of the soulful city’s culture.
Kermit will also be performing on the Today Show this Thursday, as well as playing with Dave Mathews right before the Saints/Vikings game on Thursday Evening on NBC, live from Jackson Square in New Orleans, to kick off the NFL season right!
Here’s a bonus video of Kermit doing his thing, performing the classic tune, “St. James Infirmary” in New Orleans. Dig it man:
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Tags: Dave Mathews, Kermit Ruffins
