Harry Connick, Jr. | "Oh My Nola" - "Chanson du Vieux Carre"

When Hurricane Katrina struck, Harry Connick, Jr. rushed to his hometown days before the National Guard arrived, traveling around the flood-ravaged city to aid the victims and appeal for help on national TV. Connick puts these heartbreaking memories of dead bodies and neglected people to verse in his original song, "All These People," a duet with gospel singer Kim Burrell, that provides a deeply personal centerpiece to his new vocal album, "Oh, My NOLA" (Columbia).

"NOLA," recorded last June, is one of two CDs that Connick is releasing simultaneously just weeks before Mardi Gras. The other, "Chanson du Vieux Carre" (Marsalis Music) is a largely instrumental jazz big band album recorded in 2003 that mixes Connick originals with his updated arrangements of such New Orleans classics as Louis Armstrong's "Someday You'll Be Sorry," Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur," and Professor Longhair's "Mardi Gras In New Orleans."

"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.

On "NOLA," Connick the singer stirs up an appealing gumbo of jazz, gospel, r&b, country and funk on songs associated with hometown musical idols such as Armstrong ("Hello Dolly") and Raymond Myles ("Elijah Rock") as well as family favorites ("Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?"). Connick adds some new twists to old favorites: Hank Williams' "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" starts with a catchy New Orleans groove only to abruptly switch to medium tempo big band swing.

Connick's own funky "Do Dat Thing" pays tribute to departed New Orleans musical legends from Al Hirt to James Booker, while his title track in a traditional New Orleans jazz style honors the city's living legacy by bringing in veteran and young New Orleans musicians. Connick's optimistic spirit finds expression in an old Allen Toussaint song "Yes We Can" which could serve as a theme song for the city's recovery.

These CDs rank among the most passionate and inspired of Connick's career — a joyous celebration of New Orleans' rich musical legacy that also seeks to ensure its future. A portion of the proceeds are being donated to the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village, a project launched by Connick and saxophonist Branford Marsalis to build several hundred homes for displaced musicians.

AP-

Find more Harry Connick, Jr. music at amazon.com
Jazz from Amazon.com
Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music