Various Artists New Orleans Music in Exile BluRay Review by Gary Hill
I think anyone who really enjoys music, and particularly music in the way it relates to a specific area will really like this documentary. I'd also say that it should have a wider potential audience than that. It really is a story of adversity and the collective human spirit response and drive to rise above diversity.
This documentary was made in 2006 and released the next year on DVD. It is not available on Blu-Ray. A lot of the focus is the catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina. However, it focuses on the New Orleans music community. It showcases their personal stories and the process of their relocation to other cities. Yet, it's also about the drive and desire to rebuild New Orleans and that musical culture.
This includes archival footage, live performances, interviews and much more. It's a beautiful film that's emotional and has some great music. The featured artists here include Dr. John (how can you have a video on the New Orleans music scene and not include him, really?), Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Marcia Ball, Theresa Andersson and more. I love the fact that includes bonus features that showcase more musical performances. All in all, this is recommended to a wide range of viewers, but especially music fans who love the New Orleans music scene.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
