A generous 30-track sampler drawn from the four-disc, 119-track box set Crescent City Soul: The Sound of New Orleans 1947-1974, this wonderful set is full of energy, history, and the marvelous vitality that has always marked the music of New Orleans. Included here are Fats Domino pounding the piano on "The Fat Man," singing his signature "Ain't That a Shame," and the warm and stirring "Walking to New Orleans," Archibald's energetic piano version of "Stack-A-Lee," Smiley Lewis' definitive rendition of "I Hear You Knockin'," Amos Milburn's loose-limbed and rocking "Chicken Shack Boogie," and Jessie Hill's classic party romp "Ooh Poo Pah Do," among other enduring gems. Technically, It may be a sampler, but it also works as a strong introduction to classic New Orleans R&B and it will make one yearn for the complete box set where even further treasures abound.