Red Beans 'N' Rice

'An enigmatic pianist and vocalist whose hip-shaking, Caribbean-influenced sound in many ways served as the archetype for the entire New Orleans R&B genre, Professor Longhair was the foundation upon which the careers of Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, and countless others were built. Red Beans N Rice contains many of Fess' best-known songs, including the Mardi Gras standards Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Tipitina, as well as Big Chief, a virtual Rosetta Stone of Big Easy 88's-tickling. That said, the versions included here are a bit of a mixed bag; about half the tracks appear to be from the same high-energy 1979 Chicago club date documented on Fuel 2000s Big Easy Strut release, while others are much earlier classic studio tracks also available on several older collections. Among the less-common highlights are the jaunty, humorous She Ain't Got No Hair, and a particularly loose, greasy live take on the drug-themed NOLA standard Junko Partner. While certainly not the most representative, best-sounding, or most complete introduction to Professor Longhair, Red Beans N Rice is still a fine collection of music from an iconic artist.' ~ Pemberton Roach, All Music Guide