It’s Jazz Fest month — the month when the definition of “New Orleans Jazz and Heritage” expands beyond reason. For those not in the know, the official title of our Jazz Fest is the “New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.” In the past, that heritage has somehow involved Sting, Dave Matthews and this year, Billy Joel. It’s an economic thing.

But what the hell, the spirit of Jazz Fest welcomes all. The beauty of it is that those big names can bring in the numbers, while we locals go enjoy some second lines in the Economy Hall Tent, some zydeco at the Fais Do Do Stage or some newer jazz in the Jazz Tent.

Part of the New Orleans heritage is certainly the Caribbean influence. We are closer to Cuba or Jamaica than to much of the USA. This is much more significant than mere geography.

And Jazz Fest always brings in some of the best reggae bands. In addition to the local Revealers, recent years have brought in Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Third World. It is our own mini-Sunsplash.

On Friday, April 25th, Burning Spear will be playing the Congo Square Stage: check 'em out with "Burning Reggae."

Ah … I can almost smell that special scent that smokes through the crowd during so much of Jazz Fest.

But here is the band of the week, one of the greatest reggae bands ever: Steel Pulse. They will be playing at the Congo Square Stage, Saturday, May 3. Last time they played, the sound system was messed up. Disappointing. But I bought their most recent CD — “African Holocaust” — and listened at home. Not disappointing.

Behind the cut, a taste of that CD.