Search - Paul Weston :: Crescent City - The Music of New Orleans

Still great after 45+ years!

01/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased the original "LP" of this album in the late 1950's while attending high school or LSU. The original vinyl recording's cover jacket has a picture of New Orleans from the air at late afternoon and shows the single span of the Greater New Orleans Bridge under construction (the now existing second span had not been dreamed of yet). Being born in New Orleans and having lived here all of my life, these songs are still haunting and authentic representations of the New Orleans I grew up and lived with. It was then, and is still now, a classic work of smooth sounds and easy listening music.
I am so pleased to find it available on CD. I will purchase several immediately for myself and friends."

Thank You, Paul Weston, For An UNMATCHED Classic !!

RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 07/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Weston clearly outdid himself with this piece of music which is unmatched in it's genre. Every song is truly outstanding. And the availability now on CD is great!!



I grew up in New Orleans and have listened to the LP album version over and over for decades. And it is a magnificent mosaic of music, which allows the imagination to take one on a magical travelogue around the city, into areas and history not usually seen by the tourist. Obviously, a great deal of research went into the music and this capsule history of New Orleans. The orchestra performs the arrangements flawlessly and the solos are truly inspired. I must point out the stings, in particular, which are absolutely wonderful throughout, and a perfect memorable example is the soaringly beautiful and unusual "Esplanade at Sunset", one of the recording's 'Pieces De Resistance'.



The hauntingly beautiful main "Crescent City" theme is one of the best I have ever heard and it appears, transmuted slightly, over and over throughout the recording. The piece that is a standout is the blues ballad "Storyville": the arrangement, the musical conception, the train station sounds, and the sax solo are awesome. The Creole triptych "Un, Duex, Trois"; "Salangadou"; and "Michie Preval" is an arresting piece of arranging and inspired brass and strings. And the ending piece, "Mardi Gras", is a wonderful whirlwind of music that puts the perfect cap on the CD, as it surges into the main theme again. This is a must have addition to any CD collection."

Perfection!

RBSProds | 10/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album captures an era of music we're not likely to see again. This music tells a story, and takes you along! Dick Cathcart on "Nobody Knows..." is perfection itself. "Vieux Carre" will haunt you. I would recommend this to any serious music lover, or to anyone looking for great accompaniment to a romantic dinner."