Song of the Day 4/27: Hurray for the Riff Raff, “Look Out Mama”

I don’t know what Our Man in New Orleans has on his agenda, but he’d be a fool to pass up a chance to see this homegrown Crescent City band fronted by a Puerto Rican singer and guitarist from the Bronx. Alynda Segarra grew up a punk kid but, as you can hear, New Orleans changed her. “Look Out Mama” was the title track of the band’s 2012 album, which is also when this video was shot. They’re opening this afternoon for Katy Perry. Nothing says Americana better than setting up out back by the Airstream and playing while a couple of big dogs roam the yard. I don’t think you’ll find Katy Perry back there.

But that’s not what Hurray for the Riff Raff sounds like anymore. Segarra explored her roots in Puerto Rico and her childhood neighborhood in the Bronx and, as you can hear, it changed her. The music got more Latin and her worldview got radicalized.

I’d be interested to know if she delves into her back catalogue for a return to the jazz festival.