James Booker Live in Concert- Maple Leaf Bar 1983

                                 


I believe this is the next to last performance played by James Booker October 1983. He died a few days later. As one can tell listening, Booker grew up with strong gospel roots. Both his Father and Grandfather were ministers. Booker  is probably my favorite piano player.My wife loved him as well. (R.I.P. to both of them). What a true son of New Orleans he is. I absolutely hate the Dr. John quote that he was the "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.". He was probably the best piano player all of New Orleans ever produced. James Booker was also an awesome showman as well as a master pianist.. He even taught Harry Connick Jr. how to play piano fulfilling legal obligations to stay out of prison from Harry Connick Jr.s dad .Booker's reputation playing show's in New Orleans were of legendary status at time. Booker also played with such people as Dr. John, Ringo Starr, John Mayall, The Doobie Brothers, Labelle, Maria Muldaur, and Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia. He even joined the Jerry Garcia Band for a while in 1976. Some of those recordings are phenomenal. Garcia said it felt he was backing up James Booker..He died from complications of substance abuse ( mainly heroin and alcohol) November 8 1983 at the age of 43 waiting to see a doctor in a hospital. Truly one of the best musicians ever since the dawn of time.

tracklist Papa Was a Rascal On the Sunny Side of the Street So Swell When You're Well A Taste of Honey He's Got the Whole World in His Hands Gonzo's Blue Dream Eleanor Rigby Malagueña Piano Salad Little Coquette Besame Mucho Tico Tico Over the Rainbow