Personnel: [Henry Roeland Byrd] a.k.a. Professor Longhair (piano, vocals), Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (guitar, violin), Julius Farmer (bass), Edwin "Sheeba" Kimbraugh (drums), Alfred "Uganda" Roberts (conga).
Additional personnel: Jerry Jumonville (baritone & tenor saxophones), Steve Madaio (trumpet).
Recorded at Studio In The Country, Bogalusa, Louisiana on April 3-4, 1974. Includes liner notes by George Winston and Philippe Rault.
ROCK 'N' ROLL GUMBO contains songs from one of the Professor's final recording sessions in the early 70s. This was remixed in 1985 with "the piano brought up a little higher in the mix," horns newly added to one track, plus two previously unreleased songs.
Personnel: Professor Longhair (vocals, piano); Henry Roeland Byrd (vocals, piano); Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (guitar, violin); Jerry Jumonville (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Steve Madaio (trumpet); Edwin Kimbraugh (drums); Alfred "Uganda" Roberts (congas).
Audio Remixer: Steve Hodge.
Liner Note Authors: George Winston; Philippe Rault.
Recording information: Group IV Recording (04/04/1974-02/??/1985); Studio In The Country, Bogalusa, LA (04/04/1974-02/??/1985).
Photographers: Michael P. Smith; Barry Kaiser.
Arranger: Jerry Jumonville.
One of Professor Longhair's finest latter-day albums, ROCK 'N' ROLL GUMBO finds the New Orleans legend getting his groove back after years out of the public eye. The revered pianist/vocalist (born Henry Roeland Byrd) performs many of his best-known proto-rock-&-roll/R&B numbers, including the celebratory "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" (replete with energetic whistling) and the rollicking "Tipitina." As if hearing Fess behind the eighty-eights again weren't enough, GUMBO pairs him up with blues jack-of-all-trades Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, who sits in on both guitar and violin. Supported by a tight backing band, Longhair and Brown ease into Little Walter's sauntering "Mean Old World" and the Hank Williams classic "Jambalaya," among others, clearly having a good time. Although this album, recorded in 1974, marked the beginning of Longhair's comeback, it unfortunately proved to be one of his last studio sessions before his death in 1980, making it a significant document of this Big Easy icon's legacy.
Recorded in 1974, this album almost never saw the light of day. Fortunately, the master tapes were found and the album was released posthumously. Professor Longhair was a giant in the New Orleans music community, but had not recorded in over ten years when he was convinced to start playing again. From the opening riffs, one can understand the stature of Professor Longhair as a great pianist -- he demonstrates that he is equally at home playing rhumba boogie, blues songs, and calypso. He plays New Orleans standards (many penned by himself), but what makes this recording a classic is the chance to hear him play with guitarist Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. The interplay of these music veterans is mesmerizing. The piano playing is breathtaking, and has a percussive quality unlike any other player before or since. It is hard to believe that Professor Longhair languished in obscurity for so many years after hearing the jubilance of "Mardi Gras in New Orleans," a song that will have you tapping your feet and hands as if you were in the parade. This album is essential for fans of New Orleans music and those aspiring to be rock & roll pianists. ~ Vik Iyengar