Henry Byrd, aka Professor Longhair, was one of the most influential musicians to come out of New Orleans this century. Longhair embodied the Carribean-funk bar-band style of music that's most closely associated with his city today. His piano playing has influenced players of every stripe from classical to country. 'Fess collects tracks laid down over a rocky career that stretched from the 1940s to Longhair's sudden death in 1980, just before he was scheduled to open a tour for the Clash. It's surprising how little Longhair's music changes over these 40 songs, as though the man was above the changes occurring in the musical world around him. Though the backing bands and styles evolved over the years, Longhair's piano boogie and deep, rolling voice absorbed them all and remained unchanged. From solo piano tunes to big bands struggling to keep up with the Professor, from New Orleans standards ("Tipitina," "Stag-O-Lee") to live jams, every song will bring a smile to the face and get you bouncing around the room. I've never heard a Professor Longhair album not worth owning, but this package is a perfect introduction, and it's likely all you need to get hip with one of America's natural wonders. (Pat Anders)