Professor Longhair - Tipitana: The Complete 1949-1957 New Orleans Recordings

Longhair’s piano genius: each one makes the cut

He wasn’t very educated and doesn’t appear to have been particularly hirsute, but Henry Roeland Byrd’s stage name neatly encapsulates his appeal, pitched as he was halfway between technical skill and enthusiastic chaos. This two-disc volume collects all of the professor’s lectures delivered between 1949 and 1957. Its 46 tracks trace his growth from a young pup wowing Dave Bartholomew and Ahmet Ertegun in nightclubs to a master rivalling Fats Domino as the Crescent City’s top piano wizard.

His piano work is a feast of party vibes that could only have come from New Orleans, bouncing on and off the beat and sending melody and rhythm in opposite directions that eventually reunite somewhere enjoyable. The Prof’s vocals are something else: a whooping ramble of jumped octaves, slurred lyrics, jokey raps and the occasional bit of singing. He whistles too, with such infectious fervour that you’ll be spraying friends and family with saliva in an attempt to render Mardi Gras In New Orleans.

This compilation features multiple (and often quite varied) takes and comes with insightful, authoritative sleevenotes and recording details, making it one more for collectors than newcomers. Civilians should start with Crawfish Fiesta, a standout disc from the Prof’s long-overdue 70s rediscovery.

Important Artists | 7802 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Mat Croft
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