Revealing the heart and soul of reggae For those of you that thought good 1997 by Offbeat magazine and but now we match our covers to reggae could only be found in the nominated for a 'Big Easy award. They original songs," DeBose said. "We're ghettoes of Kingston, Jamaica, you played Jazz Fest last spring and getting the crowd to where they don't were wrong. released their debut full-length CD, know which one's which." At first glance, the Revealers seem Paradise, on Dec. 9. The Revealers, as a whole, are like a typical local band playing the Paradise features 11 rootsy originals certainly not lacking talent, but the New Orleans club circuit tirelessly, that comprise the Revealers' live show. unique triad of vocalists cannot be despite producing a solid debut CD. The disc boasts three exceptional overlooked. Williams and Dempsey are But in the Marigny, what Cafe Brasil songs. "Deslonde," a tribute to Charles solid sopranos that complement calls home, the Revealers show there's Deslonde, one of the first black DeBose, whose voice is reminiscent of more to the band than what first meets freedom fighters in Louisiana history, Tone Loe on one of Loe' s better days. the eye. is a bluesy ballad with great guitar fills. And it works. In fact, it works well. The The Revealers' music is a mix of jazz, "Jungle Girl" is an energetic and fun CD is good, but the Revealers' live funk, gospel, classical, R & B and blues dance tune while "We Love Reggae" show is great. They are a high-energy all wrapped into their self-described shares a sweet piano intro that band that keeps the crowd smiling and "New Orleans funky reggae mix." As a continues throughout the song. dancing. They know how to put on a result, the multi-talented septet attracts Although their CD is catchy, after show. ethnically diverse crowds wherever seeing them live, it doesn't really do In the future, the Revealers aim to they perform. "We've got something them justice - the disc is rather tour the Gulf South and the Bob Marley for everybody," said frontman Chris mellow in comparison. In concert, the circuit, and they dream of someday "DeRoc" DeBose. Revealers add another musician on playing the Reggae Sunsplash Festival The group has only been playing bongos, which is a plus, and the in Jamaica. But for now, you can see the together for 15 months, but several of combined voices of three dancing Revealers on Feb. 27 at Jimmy's with the members were formerly part of the vocalists, DeBose, Theresa "Ms. T" Cool Riddums or at "home" at Cafe .' Reggae Revealers, which evolved into Williams and Merlyn "M.D." Dempsey, Brasil on Feb. 28. the present band in the fall of 1996. In are impressive. The Revealers' two- the following months, the Revealers hour set includes original songs mixed ｾ ｒ ･ ｮ ･ ･ Orgeron, got their start at Cafe Brasil and were in with some cover tunes. contributing writer voted the Best New Reggae Band of "We've always done original tours, Kermit Ruffins defines New Orleans In case you were wondering what exactly New Orleans is, local music giant Kermit Ruffins has his answer. In an eight-minute track on his new CD release, Kermit and his Barbeque Swingers explain:

What is New Orleans? New Orleans is red beans and rice on a Monday night. What is New Orleans? New Orleans is Creole gumbo, fillet gumbo, cayenne gumbo, chicken gumbo, smoked sausage gumbo, hot sausage gumbo, onion gumbo What - What is New Orleans? New Orleans is grits; liver smothered with onions, brown gravy and two sunny-side up eggs with a little biscuit on the side with cheese on top of the hash browns What is New Orleans? New Orleans' hot sausage on the grill every day of the week What is New Orleans? New Orleans is New Orleans is fish, grits and eggs. New Orleans is pork chops, grits and eggs. New Orleans is any kinda meat you want with some grits and eggs y'all. What is New Orleans? New Orleans is New Orleans is Ruth's Cozy Corner. New Orleans is foe's Cozy Corner. The little people's place y'all. fD..£ f'H01'0 Rebirth Brass Band, partly organized by former member Kermit Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers play every Monday night at Ruffins, will play on the quad today at 4:00 pm. Donna's bar and Grill in the Quarter and every Thursday night at Vaughan's in the Ninth Ward.

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