In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a major disaster in the southern United States. The dikes around New Orleans broke, flooding about 80% of this place. The disaster claimed more than 1,800 victims. Under the title When the Levees Broke, filmmaker Spike Lee made a poignant documentary about this flood disaster. New Orleans trumpet player Terence Blanchard contributed as Lee's regular composer
… and as an actor who plays himself as he accompanies his mother in recording the damage in her water-ravaged home. Blanchard developed the film score into the album A Tale of God's Will and also asked his regular band members for a composition. The whole results in a very impressive CD, with original New Orleans rhythms, a symphony orchestra, tabla percussion and wordless vocals topped by the emotional and blues-soaked trumpet of Blanchard. This record touches you, without false sentimentality, and makes you think. A worthy ode to New Orleans, the cradle of jazz. (HB)more