Le Roux - Keep the Fire Burning (1979)

Second album by Lousiana's Le Roux, still so called on this outing, is a logical follow up to their first self-titled album. Once more we get treated to their smooth, yet highly enjoyable mixture of Southern Slickness. Maybe not as strong as the debut, this is still one of the finer albums you'll find this side of obscurity. Let's face it, if you're looking for some Raunch & Roll, look away. But if, like me, you're into R&B injected Southern Rock, sweetened up with vocal harmonies while in the meantime some cool picking is going on, then this is for you. Excellent originals and a nice cover of Otis Reddings' "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa". Funky and fierce. And on this out of print CD reissue some great bonus tracks to go. "Ain't Nothing But A Gris Gris", which would turn up again on their 1999 album of the same name, only this time sung by Jeff Pollard (a hell of a singer, now devoting his life to that other guy), has a great New Orleans groove. I guess you get the picture by now, this is hot stuff. Keep the fire burning!

Le Roux - Louisiana's Le Roux (1978)

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Louisiana's Le Roux, as this band was originally called on their first two albums, offers yet another original take on Southern Rock. With a definite NOLA twist, this band also had some similarities to bands like Kansas. In sound that is, cause there's no Progressive Rock to be found here (Kerry Livgren did use Le Roux vocalist Jeff Pollard on his excellent "Seeds Of Change", also featuring Mylon LeFevre...). Some superb musicianship, sure enough! This may be a bit slick to some, but it's a far cry from being lackluster. Superior vocal harmonies, terrific songwriting, faultless picking and.. And it's all good stuff, played with verve and pizazz. Check out "New Orleans Ladies", "Take A Ride On A Riverboat" and Slow Burn". Heavenly days .