After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, the preservation of the city's cultural and musical heritage became a priority in restoring normalcy to a tragic situation. And while many people believed him to be dead even before the storm's arrival, 79 year-old Fats Domino emerged from Hurricane Katrina as both a tragic and triumphant figure. The tragedy - as shared by numerous others - came in the forms of damage to his home and the loss of possessions. In fact, Domino's house was looted and his gold records from the '50s were stolen as a result. But despite enduring heartbreak and loss, Domino became the tangible, surviving face of a rich musical heritage.
The two-disc tribute album Goin' Home finds Domino's music filtered through a diverse array of artists. In addition to renditions from megastars John Lennon, Neil Young and Willie Nelson, the collection includes contributions from Louisiana stalwarts Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Dirty Dozen Brass Band to name only a few. And while some of the artistic collaborations seem forced - most notably Robert Plant and Lil' Band o' Gold's "It Keeps Rainin" - highlights including Los Lobos' "The Fat Man," Dr. John's "Don't Leave Me This Way," and Randy Newman's "Blue Monday" make the tribute a worthwhile project. Moreover, Goin' Home brings Domino's importance and influence back into the public eye. Proceeds from sales of the disc will help restore areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. www.vanguardrecords.com
CherriMadry
