Harry is on tour in support of his two new albums, Oh, My NOLA and Chanson du Vieux Carre. He and his band will play the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prarie at 8 pm on Saturday, May 12. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 972-647-5700 or visit tickmaster.com.On "NOLA", Connick blends jazz, gospel, r&b, country and funk on songs associated with New Orleans musical idols such as Louis Armstrong ("Hello Dolly") and Raymond Myles ("Elijah Rock"). Connick adds some new twists to old favorites like Hank Williams' "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)", which starts with a catchy New Orleans groove only to abruptly switch to medium tempo big band swing.
"Chanson" shines a spotlight on Connick's often overlooked jazz big band that boasts some scintillating ensemble playing, a powerful rhythm section, Connick's economical piano solos, and such distinctive soloists as trumpeter Leroy Jones and trombonist Lucien Barbarin. As an arranger, Connick demonstrates a deft touch whether on his own darker "Ash Wednesday" which uses lush orchestral colors a la Duke Ellington or Paul Barbarin's infectiously joyful "Bourbon Street Parade" which climaxes in swaggering brassy ensemble play.
A portion of the proceeds from both cds are being donated to the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village. Connick and saxophonist Branford Marsalis launched the project to aid in building several hundred homes for displaced Hurricane Katrina musicians.
