From The Big Apple to The Big Easy   Various Artists   Rhino Entertainment - 2006   A Review By Paule Pachter, October 9, 2006

In a continuing effort to raise even more money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast Region, Rhino Entertainment has teamed with Cablevision and Madison Square Garden Entertainment to release a 2 disc DVD featuring highlights of the September 20, 2005 “From the Big Apple to the Big Easy” concert at Madison Square Garden. The 2 disc DVD features some of the best performances of the evening including Buckwheat Zydeco (Rock Me Baby); Lenny Kravitz (When The Levee Breaks); and Irma Thomas (Backwater Blues). But, in my opinion and probably by judging the reaction of the audience, the concert belonged to Jimmy Buffet. Buffet is featured on the DVD seven times, performing some of his greatest hits including (Margaritaville; Son of a Sailor; Fins; Pascagoula Run; and a wonderful rendition of Fortune Teller). Watching the DVD in the comforts of my own home was much more satisfying then watching the concert on a monitor from a backstage press room at Madison Square Garden. The sound quality is excellent and you get to hear even more clearly what some of the artists were saying from the stage. The DVD features all of the great performances one could ask for. Some of the more memorable ones featured include Clarence “Frogman” Henry (Ain’t Got No Home); Cyril Neville (Big Chief); and Kermit Ruffins (Saint James Infirmary). Sure, the DVD also features Elton John, Elvis Costello, Simon and Garfunkel, John Fogerty and Bette Midler. But it’s the Louisiana artists that shine on these DVDs. These are artists that we don’t get to see much of on DVDs, and their performances were simply outstanding. “From the Big Apple to the Big Easy” 2 disc DVD set is a great addition to anyone’s collection. Along with great performances, the fact that 100% of the net proceeds will continue to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina is more than enough reason to go out and buy a copy. You can purchase this DVD online at: www.thegarden.com or at Amazon.Com. We greatly appreciate 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 ] Also visit copyright 2006 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.