The things I've heard about John Carey seem to all have a common theme. He's not only the glue that hold the blues scene together in New Orleans, he's also the main reason there's a blues scene at all. I guess you might say that in the Crescent City, he's to blues what gumbo is to food. On the other hand, Piano Bob is well known for his barrelhouse and boogie woogie piano playing with an emphasis on the New Orleans style. It's no wonder these two fine musicians are a natural together.

On "Back In New Orleans" John Carey sings lead and background vocals, plays electric and acoustic rhythm guitars, percussion and did most of the song arrangements. Piano Bob, of course, plays the Grand piano and also arranged several of the songs. The rest of the band consists of: John Fohl on lead & rhythm guitar; Sean Carey on bass, background vocals, percussion & harmonica; Willy Panker on drums; Jimmy Carpenter on baritone and tenor sax & horn arrangements; and Eric Ensminger on trumpet & trombone. Additional special guests include: Tim Stanbaugh on percussion (8); Eric Lindell on lead guitar & vocals (9); Jumpin' Johnny Sansone on accordion (14); and Marc Stone on steel guitar (11). Now let's go have a listen to several of the fifteen original tracks.

If you've ever been there, the opening and title track will have you feelin' like you're "Back In New Orleans". Bob's opening piano intro sounds like something you'd hear coming from one of the many back alleys or courtyards adjacent to the juke joints in and around the French Quarter. Then once Jimmy starts wailing on the sax with the rhythm kicking in, and the two Johns jump in on vocals and guitar, it's all out N'awlins blues in full swing.

There's nothing like a slow, soulful ballad to showcase a vocalists talents. "Spirit Inside Of Me" is just that song, and it's highlighted by John singing his heart out. This is an absolutely beautiful song, absolutely beautifully sung.

Although his union dues are paid, John's still got a case of the "Union Man Blues". This one's got all the elements that make up a smokin' shuffle. Sean and Willy got the toe tappin' rhythm going on, John's got the harp hoppin' and Bob's got the keys kickin'. Real good stuff.

Other than the wonderfully quiet rhythm and the whispering harmonic background vocals, this one's all about the lead vocals and the guitars. Their delicate blend come together to create an incredible listening experience. This one's definitely made for "Slow Dancin'" with your baby. Another beautifully written and performed song.

"Gipsy Woman Blues" is my kind of stuff - slow, lowdown, dirty blues. You know the kind I mean....played in adagio tempo with scorching guitar riffs, piercing harmonica chords, the tickling of those keys way down the end of the piano and gut wrenching, emotional and soulful vocals. By far the disc's best track and much to my delight - at well over six minutes - the longest as well.

There's one dance that just about everyone, even the wall flowers, enjoy doing - that's "The Box Spring Boogie". You know it......it's the one where the headboard's usually providing the rhythm. Well, this one's got some hot rhythm of it's own with lots of help from the piano and the horns, and great harp and guitar leads. This one's a smoker.

"Father and Son", features a harmonica blow off between the senior Carey - John and the junior Carey - Sean. It's fast, it's hot and it's one hell of a harmonica zydeco hoe-down.

Other tracks on "Back In New Orleans" include: "Parade Of Injustice", "Soul Surgeon", "Doin' The Big Easy", "Boathouse Blues", "Rock-A-Bye-Baby", "The Storm", Ride The Train" and "Desier`ee".

You can visit John Carey and Piano Bob at their individual websites - www.satchmo.com/johncareymusic and www.pianobob.net. At either site you'll be able to purchase a copy of the disc and tell both of them that the Blewzzman sent you.