2828 CANAL STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Walk down the tree-lined streets of New Orleans’ Faubourg Marigny neighborhood on a hot sultry night, and chances are you’ll hear John Boutte’s voice floating out of one of the area’s trendy nightspots. Perhaps he’ll be singing soulful versions of Sam Cooke’s "A Change Is Gonna Come" or Annie Lennox’s "Why," or maybe it’ll be one of the bayou-blended tunes he’s co-authored with Paul Sanchez, his pal in the Marigny. Whatever the song, its soulfulness will stop you in your tracks, for Boutte lives and breathes the heart and soul of New Orleans. Born into a large Creole family that goes back seven generations in Louisiana, he was exposed to music early in life, soaking up New Orleans jazz, soul, blues and gospel, then adding his own Creole traditions along the way. Today, Boutte works with a wonderful amalgam of styles -- from torchy jazz to aching soul and African-American gospel -- all convincingly delivered.
John has won Best Male Vocalist year after year at both the Best of the Beat Awards (including the most recent 2007 award) and the Big Easy Awards. His critically acclaimed collaboration with Cubanismo, Mardi Gras Mambo, won multiple awards including a Big Easy Award for Best Latin Album, and a Best of the Beat award for Best Latin Album by a Louisiana Artist
John Boutte — 7 P.M. Every Wednesday
Clarinetist Evan Christopher is a refreshingly bright light on the internationaljazz scene. He combines virtuosity, immaculate taste, and enthusiasm with
a deep commitment to exploring the full range of musical possibilities in the
traditions of New Orleans Jazz. His sound is individual yet authentic: it is
anchored in the musical language created by early Creole clarinetists such
as Sidney Bechet, Omer Simeon, and Barney Bigard.
Evan Christophers Clarinet Road plays every Monday at 7 P.M.
"When I Grow Too Old to Dream"
HAnders, Fohl, and Sansone -- Every Tuesday @ 8 p.m. (but come early to get a seat)
Anders Osborne was born in Uddevalla, Sweden, and raised on Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea, Anders Osborne began his musical education by listening to his father, a professional pop and jazz drummer who toured the same German club circuit as the Beatles. Osborne cut his musical teeth playing drums, but soon switched to guitar. By 16, his wanderlust led him to travel across Europe, into Africa, and the Middle East. Eventually, he wound up in United States, where he lived for brief periods in New York, New Orleans, and California. Then it was on to Southeast Asia before a return trip to America, which led him back to New Orleans, where he’s lived now for more than 20 years.
"My grandfather had a lot to do with me moving to New Orleans," says Osborne. "He was a sailor, and when I came to New Orleans he told me he used to live here. He started sending me all of these photographs of him in New Orleans, addresses and stuff like that. I just felt connected to his memories of the place. Its in my DNA I guess."
"Coming Down"-- Anders Osborne
John Fohl- Since his arrival in New Orleans in 1996, John Fohl has become one of the busiest guitarists anywhere. He is currently playing guitar in Dr. John's band. He’s released two records, 1998’s I Got News For You and this year’s Time Ain’t Waitin’, and is cultivating a successful solo career that keeps him in demand locally and abroad. Both recordings feature John’s formidable acoustic guitar skills and rich, soulful voice in an intimate setting with some special guests sitting in. In addition, John’s eclectic style has become key to many of the Crescent City’s top acts. Whether funkin’ it up with The Joe Krown Organ Combo or George Porter jr, playing rock and soul with Tommy Malone, swinging with Ingrid Lucia or backing up blues legends Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin when they come to town, all agree; John comes to play!
"I Know What You're Doin'" --John Fohl
Johnny Sansone-See Below
Anders, Fohl, and Sansone play every Tuesday at 8 P.M.
“. . . Johnny Sansone could easily cut a record that coasts on his formidable harmonica skills . . . [but] rather than fence himself in as a mere stylist . . . the ebullient Sansone incorporates elements of trad blues, zydeco, and roots-rock into a formidably listenable [record].”
–Gambit Weekly
“Sansone’s keen songwriting . . . brought to life with his robust voice and instrumental prowess . . . [make] Crescent City Moon one of the strongest Louisiana records of the ’90s.”
–Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide
” . . . everything he does is locked into the syncopated beats that get the party going . . . “
–Washington Post
Jumpin’ Johnny’s Blues Party and Fish Fry Every Friday at 7 P.M.
"Poor Man's Paradise" --Johnny Sansone
