Sentimental Journey: Live at the University of New Orleans

AMG Review of Sentimental Journey: Live at the University of New Orleans

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Blue Label's double-disc 2007 release Sentimental Journey: Live at the University of New Orleans captures a 1987 concert from the Fat Man, as he rolled through 26 songs. A bunch of the big hits are here -- all the ones that the casual fan knows, such as "I'm Walking," "Ain't That a Shame," and "Blueberry Hill" -- plus some rollicking numbers better known to Fats and New Orleans aficionados, such as "Please Don't Leave," "Poor Me," and "Going to the River." Domino is in good form -- he may not hit the high notes like he did 30 years prior, but his singing is as robust as his propulsive piano -- and the band is a bunch of pros who keep the groove rolling (although the bassist is far too busy, particularly on "The Fat Man," where his incessant popping is distracting). This is neither Fats at his best nor worst, but rather just a good solid double down the middle -- maybe not the kind of album that's your first choice to put on, but once it's playing it's hard not to get caught up in its infectious good times.