Bo Dollis and the Original Wild Magnolias

Not only the greatest Mardi Gras Indian albums ever made, but some of of the most seriously bad-ass funk ever played anywhere. The Turbinton brothers band, known both as the New Orleans Project and the Gaturs, absolutely DESTROY it on both records; first with Snooks Eaglin on guitar and Julius Farmer on bass, then with Guitar June (not the Japanese guy) and Ervin Charles on bass for the second album. Farmer and Charles were two of the funkiest bass players EVER. (George would be the first to agree) Of course leading the show here on some of the most revolutionary music ever played in New Orleans is the great Bo Dollis at the height of his powers. This is how he will always sound in my mind's ear; rest in peace my big chief.

Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias - I'm Back at Carnival Time!

I hadn't noticed before just how square the review sounded.

''Bo Dollis, New Orleans' most popular "Indian" chief, has been heading the Wild Magnolias since 1964. His fiery, flamboyant, charismatic style is ideal for the backdrop of Mardi Gras. He's an exuberant vocalist, equally gifted at rousing chants, energetic up-tempo tunes, or even more traditional gospel-tinged soul. This session featured Dollis and the Wild Magnolias backed by a great set of session musicians and, at times, the Rebirth Brass Band. This links the Indian performing tradition with Crescent City blues, R&B, and vintage jazz sensibilities, resulting in several superb, roaring performances. The best in both Mardi Gras and contemporary/classic New Orleans fare."

Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias - 1313 HooDoo Street

New Orleans looses another giant today - the greatest Mardi Gras Indian singer the world has ever known has passed, but we will never forget him. Thankfully his manager Glen has kept his promise to Bo and made sure that he leaves us a strong recorded legacy - I imagine that at least one or two more will appear in the next couple of years.

Oddly enough, despite the cover, this one is not primarily a Mardi Gras Indian album; at least not to the degree that most other Mags albums are. On this album arranger Wardell Quezergue chose to focus on Bo Dollis as a New Orleans R&B singer.
 The song choices are unlike any other Bo Dollis album and the results?.......check it out, it is one of MY favorites!

Wild Magnolias - Thirty Years A Still Wild!

 Believe it or not Mardi Gras season has begun!

"The Australian AIM record label has been a major proponent of Louisiana-centric zydeco and mardi gras music. This release represents a 30-year history of rare recordings from seminal New Orleans favorites Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias. No doubt, this is dance music steeped in New Orleans' Mardi Gras heritage, hearkening back to the slave trade as the tradition of "masking" (costume garb) carries forth some 100 years later. Commencing around 1970, Dollis and his associates were among the first to extend these roots and to include street music, or "second line" dance progressions, into a commercial forum. Moreover, this retrospective contains six new tracks, as the spirit of Mardi Gras is transposed to your listening space in altogether joyous and exuberant fashion. A noted live act, the Wild Magnolias meld catchy hooks, funky horns, and guitar parts with rumbling rhythms and festive chants. Here, second-line dance grooves attain a happy co-existence with a contemporary or modern-day Mardi Gras-induced outlook. Dollis possesses a muscular voice and knows how to work the crowd. In addition, famed New Orleans natives Zigaboo Modeliste (drums), Donald Harrison (sax), and the late, great Professor Longhair (piano) represent just a few of the many notables performing throughout. Think of it as a series of magnificent events stitched together via a 30-year time lapse. A wonderful affair indeed." 

I used to have a copy of this that Bo had given me, but it was stolen a couple years ago, I'm about to order a new one.