Virtuoso
S J Buck | Kent, UK | 04/19/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Henry Butler is a marvellously versitile pianist who can play in a multitude of different styles. On this album you find him paying tribute to some of the great New Orleans Pianists. He covers 'Tipitina' (Prof Longhair) and the title track 'Orleans Inspiration' undoubtably was influenced by James Booker. His New Orleans based playing is very exciting and these tracks alone make the album worth getting.
However, Butler is also a modern Jazz pianist as well being a very good classical pianist. So you will find a variety of styles on this album, not all of which will neccessarily be to your taste. The track 'Somewhere' showcases his remarkable vocal abilities as well. Butler is a classically trained singer whose vocal style is somewhat at odds with his playing on this album.
Overall though this is a great album to get hold of if you're interested in hearing a variety of different Piano styles (occasionally he uses electric keyboards as well).
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