Harry Connick Jr.'s Oh, My Nola

Just as Billy Joel is New York's favorite son, Harry Connick Jr. is synonymous with New Orleans. His new album, "Oh, My Nola", is a collection of re-made songs with four new tunes to show his love for the re-cooperating New Orleans. This 16 track album is worth the listen.

The first track is simply put...excellent. "Working In A Coal Mine" is both classic and current as Harry's opening track to his homage. His patented long instrumental intro starts "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?" with his band showing off again in the middle of the tune. "Something You Got" is a cute love song, where the back-up singers add rather than distract, and will soon have you singing along, too. "Let Them Talk" is a slow piano based melody, while "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" is an upbeat, fast-paced jam session, that is subdued in parts and is just like being in New Orleans.

"Careless Love" returns to the slow soulful sounds. "All These People", the first of four original compositions, has spoken words in the beginning, and is about the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It is segued into a follow up song, "Yes We Can", a positive, repetitive phrasing that works by lifting the spirits. "Someday" is a cautionary tale of longing; mellow but with rhythm. "Oh, My Nola", another original, is Connick's love song to New Orleans. "Elijah Rock" has Harry hitting a high falsetto.

Connick heads back into jazzy sounds in "Sheik of Araby". "Lazy Bones" has the big saxophone intro, and continues into a sassy little number. "We Make A Lot Of Love" is another original and pretty love song. "Hello Dolly" once again amuses the listener to a long instrumental session before breaking into lyrics. His smooth voice enters nicely into this toe tapping tune. The last track and final original on the album is "Do Dat Thing" where upbeat melodies become a jazz symphony.

Another new album, released the same day as "Oh, My Nola" is "Chanson du Vieux Carre". This largely instrumental, 12 track album is for those who love the big band sound. For anyone who has ever or never been to New Orleans, or anyone who is an avid listener or a casual fan of jazz, "Oh, My Nola" is a great album to pick up.

It'll set the mood for Mardi Gras, whether you're stuck at home or celebrating in the city itself. It is important to note, a portion of the royalties from both albums will be donated to the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village, which supports the arts in Connick's native city. So before you start swinging your bead necklaces and get those margaritas ready, pick up a copy of "Oh, My Nola" or "Chanson du Vieux Carre" today.