When New Orleans music legend Antoine ‘Fats’ Domino disappeared in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, we all feared the worst – which made his reappearance all the sweeter. A rock’n’roll pioneer who influenced everybody from The Beatles to reggae’s Yellowman, Domino scored 35 Top 40 chart hits during the 50s, including five million-sellers.
Thrillin’ In Philly! documents a 1973 concert by the R&B legend, and although Domino was 20 years past his prime, his performances punch as hard as Rocky Balboa. The hits are all here – Blueberry Hill, Ain’t That A Shame, My Blue Heaven – each performed with joyous energy. Among the 22 tracks are a few concealed gems, like the bluesy Goin’ To The River or a raucous cover of Professor Longhair’s Going To Mardi Gras. Domino imbues every song here with the indomitable, unconquered spirit of New Orleans.
