DANCING IN THE SKY   Dr. Michael White   Basin Street Records – 2004 A Review By Paule Pachter, January 28, 2006

According to the Basin Street Records website, when clarinetist Michael White headed to the Mississippi River’s west bank for a two-month residency at A Studio in the Woods, he had the rare opportunity to contemplate New Orleans traditional jazz that has been central to his life. One of the concepts that the 49-year-old musician kept returning to was the duality that occurs in the music and in the nature of existence. White has clearly taken these deep-rooted feelings and transformed them via his clarinet into one of the most compelling musical presentations on New Orleans Jazz. “Dancing in the Sky” is Dr. Michael White’s personal tribute to the glory days of New Orleans Jazz, times gone by, and the mystical second line. Dr. White has blended every musical influence including klezmer, spirituals, and rag and spun them into 13 outstanding tracks. The entire baker’s dozen are standouts. Dr. White has the ability to transport you to another time and place. To another era and decade. To the lonesome highway or smoke filled juke joint. His compositions are honest and they are colorful. And each one is filled with passion. Dr. Michael White is joined by a bevy of serious musicians assisting him to create the magic, which is “Dancing in the Sky.” Among them are: Nicholas Payton and Gregory Stafford (trumpet, vocals); Thais Clark (vocals); Lucien Barbarin (trombone); Steven Pistorius (piano); Detroit Brooks (banjo); Kerry Lewis and Mark Brooks (bass); and Herman Labeaux (drums). “Dancing in the Sky” is an intelligent and thoughtful recording from one of New Orleans most brilliant musicians and musical visionaries. The CD earns our highest 5-pepper rating and can be purchased online from the record label at: www.basinstreetrecords.com or at Amazon.Com. your support and encouragement of The Zydeco Road. Working together, we can enhance the recognition that Zydeco music and its artists so greatly deserve on Long Island and within the Metro New York area.   [ Artist of the Month ] [Sounds of The Road ] [This Ain't No Rest Stop ] [ The Road Stops Here ] [Road Shows ] [Home ] [Email ]   copyright 2006 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.