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Maureen Malloy Recommends...

Irvin Mayfield: A Love Letter To New Orleans

Since the late '90s, trumpeter Irvin Mayfield has gone from being an up-and-coming trumpeter to being a driving force in keeping New Orleans-style jazz not only on the map, but darn near close to the mainstream. Irvin is credited with creating and successfully leading the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, working with several popular jazz groups, composing, arranging, teaching and performing with some of New Orleans' greatest musicians. His new release, A Love Letter To New Orleans, showcases all of these accomplishments.
 

This record features selections from past Mayfield albums, such as his duo release with Jazz patriarch Ellis Marsalis (which also features the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra), a gorgeous interlude with the Dillard University Choir and his funkier work with the band Los Hombres Calientes. Also appearing are Wynton Marsalis, Donald Harrison Jr., the Rebirth Brass Band, and many others.

From "Mo' Better Blues" to the grand finale, "Mardi Gras Second Line," Irvin's love letter to his hometown brings you from church, to the street corner, to the parade. Each piece is unique in its own right, with just enough creole seasoning to remind you of where it came from.--Maureen