From Lonnie Johnson to Earl King, Snooks Eaglin to Deacon John, guitar players have been a part of the New Orleans sound since at least the 1920s. And the guitar sound here isn’t just blues — you’re likely to find elements of jazz, funk, soul, and even gospel as well.
In this program we hear four different New Orleans guitarists explain how they started playing, and where the guitar took them. Featuring John Mooney, Spencer Bohren, and Ernie Vincent — and Walter “Wolfman” Washington, who gives us an exclusive live performance recorded at the historic Basin Street Station.
Here’s a special audio extra not contained in this episode: an audio segment featuring Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Ernie Vincent describing the influence of New Orleans guitarist Irving Bannister on their style and careers.
In January 2015, Walter Wolfman Washington performed a special set for New Orleans Calling at the historic Basin Street Station. Here’s a video of one track from the event, “At Night In The City.”
Snooks Eaglin – “Kiss of Fire” (music bed)
The Professionals – “Maggies Farm (instrumental)” (music bed)
Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell – “Blue With The Blues” (music bed)
Son House – “Levee Camp Moan Version 2” (music bed)
John Mooney – “Pearline”
Professor Longhair – “Meet Me Tomorrow Night” (music bed)
John Mooney – “In the Night”
George Long – “What Shall our Answer Be” (music bed)
John Fahey – “Old Southern Medley” (music bed)
Mississippi John Hurt – “Spike Driver Blues” (music bed)
John Lee Hooker – “Canal Street Blues” (music bed)
Spencer Bohren – “Back To The Delta”
James Booker – “Professor Longhair Medley Tipitina/Bald Head” (music bed)
Earl King – “Come On, Pts. 1 & 2” (music bed)
Spencer Bohren – “People Get Ready”
The Meters – “Little Old Money Maker” (music bed)
Eddie Bo – “Hey Bo” (music bed)
Ernie Vincent – “Swamp Jump Boogie” (music bed)
Ernie Vincent – “Things are Better”
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington – “Funkyard” (music bed)
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington – “Get On Up (The Wolfman’s Song)” (music bed)
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington – “Are You the Lady” (music bed)
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington – “At Night in the City” (Recorded live by WWOZ at Basin St Station)
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington – “Shake your Booty” (Recorded live by WWOZ at Basin St Station)
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington – “Peepin'” (music bed)
NEW ORLEANS CALLING is a production of WWOZ, listener-supported community radio in the Crescent City.
George Ingmire is the host, writer, editor, interviewer, audio engineer, intrepid field recorder, and co-producer.
Dave Ankers is the producer.
Melanie Merz is the supervising producer.
National distribution managed by Russell Shelton and Carmen Connor Post.
Web support by David Stafford.
Executive Producer is WWOZ’s General Manager David Freedman.
Live From Basin St Station segment is produced in partnership with Valentino Hospitality Enterprises.
Special thanks to Michael, Bubby, and Jay Valentino, Laura Tennyson, Kim and Kelly from Clandestine Nola, and WWOZ’s Dwayne Breashears.
Live recording of Walter “Wolfman” Washington produced by Damond Jacob.
Special thanks to:
Sally Young and Melanie Merz, for their voice talents.
Charlie Steiner and Damond Jacob.
Photo by Dale Gunnoe.
