Search - Chris Kenner :: Land of 1000 Dances

If you like '50s New Orleans flavored R & B, you'll love thi

Captain Opinionated | Los Angeles, CA USA | 07/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Kenner is a forgotten great of the '50s New Orleans R & B scene. Known primarily as a great songwriter, the songs he penned proved to be chart toppers for other artists (i.e., Wilson Pickett, who scored with Kenner's "Land of 1000 Dances" and "Something You Got"). However, he cut dozens of sides as a solo artist in the '50s and they're all of a very high quality. His voice is not extraordinary but is full of feeling. He brings an understanding and delivery to the material that only the songwriter could bring. The sound is firmly entrenched in the '50s New Orleans R & B tradition, probably most reminiscent of Fats Domino (who co-writes a couple of the tracks found here). Great, rolling piano and honking saxes dominate. For the uninitiated, it seems that many of the artists from this period had a couple of hits (Ernie K-Doe being known for "Mother-In-Law," Earl King known for "Those Lonely Lonely Nights," etc.). But, the good news is, for Kenner and these other artists who are less known outside of New Orleans, all their stuff is pretty consistent. Music you can just turn on and sit back to, without worrying about hitting crummy tracks. Kenner's stuff ain't gonna set the world on fire but it's definitely catchy, danceable, and fun, like all the best N. O. R & B. He deserves to be in your party disc collection. Other greats to check out for those interested in putting together a great Mardi Gras collection: the aforementioned Domino, K-Doe, King, Professor Longhair, Irma Thomas, and, above all, Huey "Piano" Smith (of "Sea Cruise" and "Rockin' Pneumonia & Boogie-Woogie Flu" fame). You can't go wrong with this disc!"