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Henry Roeland "Roy" Byrd, better known as Professor Longhair, was a New Orleans blues singer and pianist. He was active in two distinct periods, first in the heyday of early rhythm and blues and later in the resurgence of interest in traditional jazz after the founding of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. His piano style has been described as "instantly recognizable, combining rumba, mambo and calypso". His distinctive style of piano playing was influenced by learning to play on an instrument that was missing some keys.
All of the best of Longhair's work on the Atlantic Records label have been collected on this compilation album New Orleans Piano. His work was famously marvelous. The version of "Mardi Gras In New Orleans" reeks of revelry in the streets of the French Quarter, "She Walks Right In" and "Walk Your Blues Away" ride a bedrock boogie, and "In the Night" bounces atop a parade-beat shuffle groove and hard-charging saxes.
Track Listing
SIDE A
SIDE B
