The Blind Boys of Alabama head Down to New Orleans

As Buena Vista Social Club proved a decade ago, when you put a bunch of old pros in the studio together, good things happen. Jimmy Carter and Clarence Fountain, founding members of the Blind Boys of Alabama, are about as seasoned as musicians can get. The original version of the group came together nearly 70 years ago at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind, back when its original members actually were boys. Seven decades, of course, gives a group a long time to hone its sound. On Jan. 29, the group releases its latest collection of sweet 'n' gritty soul and gospel, Down In New Orleans on Time Life Music.

Joining the group are some of the Crescent City's finest veteran performers - heralded R&B composer Allen Toussaint and Big Easy standard-bearers The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Track listing:

1. Free At Last
2. Make a Better World (w/ The Hot 8 Brass Band)
3. How I Got Over
4. You Got To Move
5. Across the Bridge (w/ The Preservation Hall Jazz Band)
6. You Better Mind
7. Down by the Riverside (w/ The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Allen Toussaint)
8. If I Could Help Somebody (w/ Allen Toussaint)
9. Uncloudy Day (w/ The Preservation Hall Jazz Band)
10. A Prayer
11. I've Got A Home
12. I'll Fly Away (w/ The Hot 8 Brass Band)

Given how road-tested these gentlemen are, it's no surprise that they're currently out on tour in Europe. The Blind Boys will make their return to America on Nov. 27 for a Grand Ole Opry performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. They'll tour through the month of December and then again in February, taking on the touring schedule of a band half their age. Spreading the good word is a full-time occupation, it seems. For the complete itinerary, check here.

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