There are many New Orleans voices that tell you immediately where they are from. Louis Armstrong's scat improvisations, Louis Prima's swagger, Aaron Neville's quivering falsetto and Mahalia Jackson's majestic spirituality are all informed by the relaxed cadence of New Orleans speech, heard as neighbors greet one another on the street, or as friends linger in conversations that go on longer than they otherwise might if they were not reveling so in the music of talking. But no voice more beautifully reflects the warmth and easy-going soul of the city than that of Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans.

Remixed and remastered and pressed on gatefold 180g vinyl 2LP for the first time courtesy of Craft Recordings, 2006's After The Rain was recorded at rural Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana only months after Hurricane Katrina. A majority of the songs were chosen prior to the hurricane, but the album's prophetic themes offer a message of hope. After the Rain won Irma her first Grammy Award (Best Contemporary Blues Album) after nearly fifty years in the business.

On After the Rain, Thomas brings her rich and resonant vocals to a surprisingly varied repertoire that spans 75 years of American songwriting, the common thread being Irma's soulful and direct-from-the-heart delivery. Spare and often acoustic instrumental settings by an all-star Louisiana band allow Irma's vocals to shine through on each song. After the Rain is a remarkable declaration of resilience, presenting Irma Thomas at her very best!

Features:
• 180g vinyl 2LP pressing from Craft Recordings
• Marks Grammy-winning album's first time on the format
• Remixed and remastered audio
• Housed in gatefold jacket packaging

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