AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Can’t Be in New Orleans? Listen to Mardi Gras Music at Your Desk

We thought we’d treat our cabin fever with a little bit of Louisiana jazz and zydeco courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways

Senior Editor

February 24, 2009

In honor of today's Mardi Gras festivities happening down in New Orleans, we thought we'd treat our cabin fever with a little bit of Louisiana jazz and zydeco courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways.

There is Blowout at Mardi Gras, a collection of Dixieland jazz recorded in 1955 featuring clarinetist Sid Davilla, trombonist Waldren "Frog" Joseph, trumpeter Thomas Jefferson and pianists Quentin Batiste and Red Camp, among other.

Another older selection that may get you in the mood is Clambake on Bourbon Street, a recording of more New Orleans jazz, this time with some Satchmo-inspired tunes from Sam DeKemel.

But lastly, on a tip from our friends over at Folkways, is a new release from the talented Michael Doucet, the acclaimed cajun/zydeco musician. The album was nominated for a Grammy this year, but he lost to none other than himself, as part of his band BeauSoleil.

Don't let your Fat Tuesday go by without a little merriment; just don't go too crazy with the beads or your bosses will start wondering what's going on.