We Partyin' Traditional Style

The official party purveyor of New Orleans, Kermit Ruffins, is at it again with his new CD 'We Partyin' Traditional Style.' An intriguing collection of Jazz standards put through the good times grinder by the King of Treme himself, 'We Partyin' Traditional Style' is a rare glimpse into the influences that inspired Ruffins while a youthful New Orleans street busker working toward international celebrity.
Pulling classics from the 20th Century like fedoras from his collection, Ruffins' playful nature breathes new life into versions of 'Exactly Like you' and 'Jeepers Creepers.' With more than a little help from veteran jazzmen like Lucien Barbarin and Shannon Powell (both previously sidemen for Harry Connick, Jr.) Ruffins delivers with a sharp musical elegance, one that would certainly make his progenitors tip their hat.
Boasting a honed raspiness all his own, Ruffins' take on Louis Armstrong's 'When It's Sleepy Time Down South' serves as a calm prelude to his rollicking original, 'Treme Second Line.'
The always triumphant 'When the Saints Go Marching In' finalizes the record along with any doubt that, with his new release, Ruffins gracefully channels the glory of the roaring 20s through the standard of celebration that is life in the Big Easy.
But he may just tell you, 'WE PARTYIN'!'