Here is an interesting artist that's new to me, and I wanted to share his music.

A few years back I went to the Louisiana Hot Sauce festival and one of the non-hot sauce vendors was selling a Louisiana Music Map poster.  The map shows 1600 Louisiana musicians with their name located on their birthplace. It's very cool. I picked a couple (one as gift).

It's all genres, not just jazz, but quite complete and well researched. There is also a Facebook page that has little nuggets about each of the musicians. Just search for "Louisiana Music Map" in the Facebook app, or if you must use a browser, here is the browser version.

I love that one.  I also love the sound Clarence Gatemouth Brown coaxes from his violin on Song for Renee - https://youtu.be/BaF28f4mj_M

Any now for something completely different - https://youtu.be/qE4Z-tq-45Q

I second rok's recommendation of Louisiana Scrapbook.  This was probably my first intro to Louisiana music. I traveled to Baton Rouge for work several times between 1987-89 and fell in love with the music and food.

Here are a couple of gems, the second being from the Louisiana Scrapbook CD.

Irma Thomas - Loving Arms - Here's a great intro to her music.  

Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Mardi Gras in New Orleans

I'll post some more when I get a chance.

Regarding the question of why musicians tend to stay around New Orleans more than other places, just a guess, but there seems to be a very strong sense of community in NOLA.  They have their own food and their own style of music (several of each actually).  Very few places can boast both.  I think this enhances the sense of community. 

Enjoyed the Papa Mali and Redbone chant. Got to be in the mood for it though.  

If you like the Neville Brothers you'll probably like the Subdudes. Bought the CD for their name and really enjoyed the music.

https://youtu.be/alcK9ZgykLs

https://youtu.be/jdXC2JoEmn8

I'm sure everyone has seen this, but if not, look up Ken Burns Jazz on Amazon prime. They spend a lot of time in NOLA, since it's the birthplace and all. Great history lesson on jazz, most of it from early on.

https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/jazz/episode-guide