Filmmaker Martin Shore explored the music of the Big Easy for the spirited followup to his 2014 documentary Take Me to the River.
While that film centred on the music of Memphis, the second entry in the series celebrates the rich musical history, heritage, legacy and influence of New Orleans and Louisiana.
“There is nothing like the music of New Orleans,” reads a synopsis of Take Me to the River: New Orleans. “It is a wholly unique, worldwide collaboration that has resulted in an exceptional musical genre never before heard. This film will give the viewer an insightful historical perspective of how global influences shaped, and continue to shape, a musical quilt that formed the music of this extraordinary city.”
The film highlights more than 20 new songs, combining multiple generations of New Orleans musicians. Legacy musicians collaborate with the stars of today and students from the Tipitina’s foundation, under the guidance and tutelage of Donald Harrison. The collaborators featured in the film include the Neville Brothers, the Meters, Jon Batiste, Ani Difranco, Dr. John, Galactic, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Dumpstaphunk, Snoop Dogg, the Rebirth Brass Band, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and many more.
Shore joined us in the Gumbo Kitchen for a conversation about the making of the film and the musical magic of New Orleans.