LIVIN’ LARGE   Joe Krown Organ Combo   Independent - 2005 A Review By Paule Pachter, September 26, 2005

Start a conversation about New Orleans keyboardists or recording session men and the name Joe Krown quickly comes up. Krown sits large in status behind the keyboard and foot pedals of a Hammond B3 organ, whirling out some of the most impressive rhythms from the mammoth B3 speaker cabinets. And his sound and name have deservingly become synonymous with New Orleans music. Joe Krown has provided back up for some of the biggest names in New Orleans music circles including Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Marva Wright and C.J. Chenier. He’s received numerous music awards and his talents have graced the stages of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Maple Leaf Bar, House of Blues and the legendary Tipatina’s. On his latest release entitled “Livin’ Large,” Joe Krown takes the B3 to new levels. With his unique command of the keyboard, Krown and the combo sail through eleven tracks that amply define what Blues and Jazz is all about in the City of New Orleans. Krown’s sound is all about the rhythm that can be pumped out of the B3 organ. His fingers virtually speak to you as they dance over the keys. “Livin’ Large” is truly one of Krown’s best solo efforts to date. Among the standout tracks contained are the title track; “Under the Influence;” “Stick a Fork in It;” and “Dame Dreaming.” Although Joe Krown could probably carry an entire CD by himself the power in his recordings rests in the extremely forceful back up rhythms that round out his sound. On “Livin’ Large” he’s backed up by some of the best session musicians in New Orleans including Brent Rose (tenor saxophone and percussion), Brian Cayolle (tenor and baritone saxophone), Brint Anderson and Sam Hotchkiss (guitars), Jim Markway, Bob Sundra and Mike Mayeux (bass guitars), and mike Barras (drums). “Livin’ Large” is another clear example why Joe Krown is a staple on the New Orleans music scene. He’s an artist who consistently goes one step further toward perfection with every CD he records. Listen to this CD and you will truly understand why people are anxious for the music to return to New Orleans following the recent devastation of Hurricane Katrina. “Livin’ Large” earns four-peppers and can be purchased online at Amazon. You can learn more about Joe Krown on his official website at: www.joekrown.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 2005 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.