I saw "Irma Thomas":http://www.irmathomas.com last night under a tent - about 5 minutes from my house - in a really cool private show.. For those of you who, like me before last night, don't know who she is...Irma is "The Soul Queen of New Orleans":http://www.helsinki.fi/~ilva/irma.htmlIn this super intimate setting, Irma simply had a 6 inch thick 3-ring binder and her reading glasses handy. At certain times during the show, folks were asked to just shout out songs if they were moved and she would perform it...and, if necessary, she would reference her lyrics.As Irma said, she's been singin' a long time and there ''ain't no shame in her game''...there were some rehearsed parts as we were lucky enough to watch the soundcheck as she perfected the Mardi Gras classic ''Second Line Medly'' with Aiko, Hey Pockey Way and other traditional refrains....She also played ''Time is on My Side'' which she wrote and was made somewhat popular by The Rolling Stones....As I read and learn about her, it is evident she is a living legend of the New Orleans sound. As I watched her, it was evident, she was at home on that stage. She even made thanking the audience after each song look easy and sound melodious.It was a totally unique experience that I won't soon forget.
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