John "Papa" Gros
Central City
**** out of *****
He was the electro-key backbone of Papa Gros Funk, but even before that, John Papa Gros is an New Orleans aficionado. On his most recent solo release, Central City, he has shifted gears from the elongated funk instrumentals, towards an album of covers and originals in traditional New Orleans fashion. The R&B, boogie-woogie and original rock and roll seeps deep throughout the fun record.
Central City is full of joy as Gros kicks it off with a tribute to the title area of New Orleans through a virtual tour and history lesson as "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" is a singalong ready stroll through the town and tunes which he clearly loves. One of the strongest songs presented here is playful cover of Alex McMurray's "All My Rivers" complete with tambourine shakes.
Gros supporting cast is a whose who of modern day New Orleans All-Stars as he brings onboard George Porter Jr., drummer Herlin Riley, Ivan Neville, banjoist Don Vappie, guitarist Brian Stoltz, trumpeter Mark Braud, trombonist Mark Mullins and clarinetist Tim Laughlin for various tracks.
"Deep In The Mud" goes full on NOLA with a marching brass band sound, swinging as it second lines forward while the swamp blues "Old Joe's Turkey" brings back Gros electric piano with banjo and deep bass. Two classic covers "Personality" and "It's Raining" are played surprisingly close to the vest and could use more free wheeling charm, like the spin Gros gives his cover of John Prine's "Please Don't Bury Me", an amazingly crafted rendition.
Gros gets his name in the parade party game with an original simply titled "Mardi Gras" which has a host of influences vigorously coursing through it in celebratory fashion while "Gone So Long" continues the combination of influences in tasty sonic gumbo fashion. The album wraps up with "You Do It" which brings in the gospel spiritual influences of the city, mixing them with musical legends and rounding out a new classic New Orleans album.
Continuing in the long line of piano men from New Orleans John Papa Gros has stated that: “Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling. That’s what I have been doing, and that’s what I’ll do with the rest of my life.” Central City is a great snapshot of the town and musical style he loves so dearly.
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