The “Empress of the Unexpected,” as dubbed by NPR, has reinvented herself yet again. Known for her razor-sharp wit and versatility, Werner’s most recent record ventures down to the Big Easy with a piano-driven romp titled NOLA. Werner says she studied the works of Dr. John and sought guidance from Preservation Hall trombonist David L. Harris while crafting this New Orleans-inspired record. This is exciting new territory for an acclaimed artist who has written a Broadway score and a range of folk, jazz, and pop tunes over her 20-year career. Raves No Depression, “When it comes to crafting a song, Ms. Werner’s only peers are Jimmy Webb and Paul Simon.”