Americana Highways presents this premiere of the song “Jambalaya” from swing pianist Mitch Woods’ A Tip of the Hat to Fats. This album is Mitch Woods’ tribute to Fats Domino with embellishment and flair, due to be released on Blind Pig Records/The Orchard on April 29. Woods’ band on the album includes Roger Lewis (Dirty Dozen Brass Band) on baritone saxophone, Amadee Castenell and Brian “Breeze” Cayolle (Allen Toussaint) on tenor saxes, Cornell Williams (Jon Cleary) on bass, John Fohl (Dr. John) on guitar, and Terence Higgins (Tab Benoit and Ani DiFranco) on drums.
With classic rhythm ‘n blues, early rock ‘n roll style piano, saxes and horns, this song recalls the best-loved music entertainment styles. Throwing off both restriction and sentimentalism, “Jambalaya” is a sheer celebration, and A Tip of the Hat to Fats is an album we all could use right about now.
Even though “Jambalaya” was originally written and recorded by Hank Williams, it is one of Fats Domino’s signature songs. It is such a classic song about the bayous and great creole and Cajun food, music, and Louisiana that Fats personifies. I love performing it and always gets the crowd dancing and smiling. My two goals when performing. Another “Tip Of Hat To Fats.” — Mitch Woods