Album Review: Kyle Roussel - Church of New Orleans

Kyle Roussel

Church of New Orleans

**** out of *****

The newest Big Easy piano maestro delivers an ode to his hometown, as Kyle Roussel's Church of New Orleans captures the current sound of the town with tip of the cap to its history and a lot of grade A support from Roussel's friends and colleagues.

For the uninitiated, Roussel is a major piano force, having released his confident 2014 debut, Rookie Of The Year and his excellent 2023 solo piano record Nola al la Mode. He also plays keys with both Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Headhunters, easily adapting to many musical styles along the way. From Jelly Roll Morton to Professor Longhair to James Booker to Allen Toussaint to Dr. John, Roussel absorbs influences from each, but continues to craft his own style. 

For Church of New Orleans, Roussel had help from a host of hometown players as he moves through jazz, funk, rock, gospel and more. He opens with "Daylight (Remix)", a tune that rides along on a hip-hop beat provided by guest Jamison Ross on drums. The song swells with modern gospel theatrics and spiritual feelings, setting a positive vibe to start. 

The cities famous Second Line is infused in his sound as both "Don't Wait" featuring Glen David Andrews and "I Can Do Anything" with Ivan Neville both use that marching drum and brass foundation to sing more uplifting reaffirmations that are designed to motivate and keep everyone pushing forward in the gospel tradition. 

The ripping jazz flows out as Roussel brings aboard his Pres Hall bandmates for a supremely confident spin through Toussaint's "Pickles", containing a gorgeous solo from Roussel which turns out to be an album highlight. The other standout offering is a rendition of Booker's "African Gumbo" which brings on board Charlie Gabriel and George Porter Jr. Roussel is all over the boogie-woogie, focusing on his organ work while the hip shaking and super grooving number feels like it could roll on forever. 

While the complete album is solid, there isn't one song that truly standouts from Roussel, who as a songwriter has yet to find that elusive hit, however, his talent is undeniable. His vibrantly stunning piano solos on the showcase closer "True" outshine Irma Thomas' vocals, a rare feat indeed.     

Roussel expertly supports John Boutte's vocals on the soft ballad "Changes" with sultry organ work while pumping up the percussion on the Mardi Gras Indian inspired "Sankofa" that finds Donald Harrison Jr. chanting and Herlin Riley along with Shannon Powell beating on the big drums.  

Mixing styles with the best musical guests the town has to offer in 2025, leads to an excellent full-length release. Roussel has clearly studied the towns legendary piano players and with Church of New Orleans continues to add to his resume, joining that vaunted club. 

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