DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #17: Blue Drag

I discovered this version by the New Orleans Jazz Vipers on the compilation “Swing Around the World” by the Putumayo World Music label.

In fact, it's taken from their first album, recorded and released in 2002. (BTW Linnzi Zaorski did some lead vocals on this album!)

The Band was founded back in the 90s in New Orleans by Joe Braun (sax), John Rodi (acoustic guitar) and Robert Snow (acoustic bass).

With the time the band evolved to a seven-man-formation. They mostly played in the traditional way without amplification.

In 2009, the New Orleans Jazz Vipers morphed into two new bands and both of them are playing regularly on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans:

• New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings (features six former members) and
• Joe Braun's new New Orleans Jazz Vipers (features two of the original Jazz Vipers).

Blue Drag is a relaxed tune with a groovy rhythm section, nice solos and John Rodli's lead vocals suit perfectly to the feeling of the tune.

Check out their website for more informations.

Title: Blue Drag
Artist: New Orleans Jazz Vipers
Recorded: 2002
Album: New Orleans Jazz Vipers
Tempo: 182 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop

You can find the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist.
Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw

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Now Check out:

• Song of the Week #2: “When I Get Low” by Linnzi Zaorski
• Song of the Week #16: “Six Appeal” by Charlie Christian
• Song of the Week #15: “The Raggle Taggle” by Boots & His Buddies