Making Naptown to NOLA
First stop of the trip, visiting with my bonus mom, Lolet Boutte, and little Miss Blanche!
Second stop, Maple Leaf Monday with George Porter Jr. & His Runnin' Pardners. Had to say hi to George and get myself into the zone to record!
Out to dinner with the old Cool Riddims posse: Sean, Eric, Lo, and met. Celebrating Lo's 80th!
At the guest house in the Marigny getting ready to head over to record.
Marigny Studios in the Faubourg Marigny. Doesn't look like much from the outside but it's magic inside! Used to be Luthjen's Dance Hall back in the day.
The threshold into the studio, recalling the building's past life.
At Marigny Studios and ready to record with Raymond Weber and Matt Hampsey, laying down rhythm tracks for "Thursday Night at the Rock'n'Bowl."
Talking through "Rock'n'Bowl" with Chubby Carrier.
Chubby Carrier laying down accordion for "Rock'n'Bowl."
Chubby also played the frottoit on the song.
Matt Hampsey laying down some sweet guitar.
Even with all the bass I usually play, "Rock'n'Bowl" was one of the few songs on the album on which I play bass.
The entrance of the actual Rock'n'Bowl, the Thursday night home of zydeco in New Orleans.
George Porter Jr. putting his special mojo on the song.
Raymond Weber bringing the deeeeeep pocket.
With Deacon John during the session.
Deac dropping his tracks.
Listening back to the take with Ivan, Joe, Matt, and others.
Johnny Vidacovich hanging on the couch at the studio, waiting for his turn.
Random studio moment.
Joe Krown making the piano magic happen.
The incredible Mack Major at the board.
Ian Neville thinking pensively about the track.
George Porter Jr., Joe Krown, me, and Johnny Vidacovich after a killer session.
Deacon John and me.
Raymond Weber and me.
Me and Ian Neville.
Me and Ivan Neville.
A quick stop across the street at the Friendly Bar after the session.
Dinner with my buddy, the incredible pedal steel player Dave Easley, who would make a contribution to the album in the near future.
A morning stroll through the neighborhood before the session.
In the neighborhood.
Ian laying down some funky rhythm guitar.
Joe Krown making notes during the first session
Ivan Neville at the Hammond B3 making some groovaliscious sounds.
Still one of the best restaurants in town!
The mural of Allen Toussaint and Ernie K-Doe (both of whom I got to work with) outside Kermit Ruffin's Mother-in-Law lounge in the Treme.
The legendary Dookie Chase's restaurant, an iconic Creole establishment and one of the settings in my song "Gold Rolls Royce."
Ran into my old friend Eric B. who was doing a session at Marigny before us.
Ready for day two of the sessions.
My old friend Cass Faulconer dropping some sweet bass on a couple tracks.
Craig Klein and Leroy Jones discussing the chart.
Discussing the track with Tanya Boutte Ellsworth.
Tanya and me.
Me with Craig, Leroy, and Alonzo.
Alonzo Bowens demonstrating mastery of the clarinet.
Craig Klein bringing that trombone goodness.
Leroy Jones showing why he's one of the greatest trumpet players from New Orleans.
Craig Klein, Leroy Jones, and Alonzo Bowens dropping horns.
Cass and me doing the bass player appreciation thing.
The entrance to the legendary Tipitina's, once home to the mighty Neville Brothers.
Not far from Tip's is this corner. Valence is the street the Nevilles grew up on and where Art Neville lived most of his life.
Out at City Park with Tebo in the morning before the day's sessions.
Ibis at City Park in the morning.
A stop by our old house on Hagan Avenue in Faubourg St. John, just half a block off the bayou. The place is looking great!
On Rampart Street at the top of the French Quarter is one of the locations for Cosimo Matassa's legendary J&M Recording Studio.
Next door to the Maple Leaf is Jacques Imo's, one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans.
Our final night of the trip, Tebo and I headed back to the Maple Leaf to catch Johnny Vidacovich with his mind-blowing trip featuring Steve Masakowski and James Singleton.
Me and Hunter Miles Davis, who took so many incredible photos and video of the sessions. Plus, he's a talented musician.
The stellar Eastport Wobble backup team: Jenn Byrne, Leslie Webber, Doug Segree, me, Michael K, Scott Hymes, Kevin Lebling, and Lakin Ducker.
I look like I'm up to no good with Ahren Buchheister in the background working his engineering magic.
Session candids, care of Doug Segree.
Session candids, care of Doug Segree.
Mike Noonan dropping some beautiful vibraphone work on "Her Echo Carries On."
NOLA session two began with dinner with my friends Russ Broussard and Reid Wick at the incredible Cochon.
The wizard of the sousaphone, Kirk Joseph, adding his parts to the brass band tunes.
Julie Cymek delivered some truly sassy vocals for "Eastport Wobble."
Doug Woolverton and Ron Holloway taking things to the next level with their horn work on the two brass band tunes.
The one-and-only Michael McHenry delivering the goods on "Fleet Feet."
Davonne D'Neill digging in on "Fleet Feet."
Rahsaan 'Wordslave' Eldridge brings the magic to "Fleet Feet."
Gillian Thompson laying down soulful vocals on "Fleet Feet."
Dave Bontempo adding his sousaphone part to "Fleet Feet on Fleet Street."
Lionel Abbott plays that trombone so nice.
Lakin Ducker getting all saxxy.
Matt Tebo laying the deep pocket.
Chris Watling showing why he's one of the finest baritone players around.
The masterful Steve Wright, namesake of his studio, behind the board.
Back in Maryland with the Naptown Brass Band at Wrightway Studios in Baltimore.
My final stop on the way out of town, to pay homage to my old boss Allen Toussaint and see how the city has been doing right by it's cultural heritage.
My old friend Will Howard laying down some sweet backup vocals on "Mama Lo."
The uber talented Sean LaRocca dropping his backup vocals on "Mama Lo."
Yet another incredible horn section: Tracy Griffin, Joe Cabral, and Jeff Albert.
My old Allen Toussaint Band bandmate Tracy Griffin laying down some perfect trumpet.
A mini Cool Riddims reunion on the session with me, Will Howard, and Sean LaRocca.
Joe Cabral putting down some perfect tenor sax, including a great solo on "Mama Lo."
My friend and former Cool Riddims bandmate Jeff Albert delivering some terrific trombone, along with pitch perfect horn charts.
Post session moment with Jeff Albert, Joe Cabral, me, and Tracy Griffin.
Another legend, Bill Summers, adding tasty percussion to two tunes.
Bill and me post session.
Adam Keil behind the board for this session.
Me dropping some guitar.
My old Dreamland bandmate Russ Broussard adding some dynamic drums in an incredibly quick session--we still have that telepathy.
It's always great to make music with Russ.
Shannon Powell demonstrating why he's one of the masters of the tambourine.
Me and Shannon post session.
The Vermillion River runs beside Dockside studios. At night, the tree frogs make quite a chorus!
A stroll through Abbeville after dinner and a great day of recording, first at Marigny Studios in New Orleans, then at Dockside Studio in Maurice, LA.
Last stop for this trip was Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana, where so many great roots artists have recorded.
Looking down the lane at the studio.
The main room at Dockside.
The control room at Dockside.
Chubby Carrier laying down vocals for "Rock'n'Bowl."
A final stop on the trip on my way to the airport - lunch at one of my faves in the country, B&C Seafood.
Laying down background vocals for "Her Echo Carries On" with me, Meg Murray, Tommy Lepson, and Mary Ann Redmond.
Meg and Mary Ann doing their thing and channeling our old friend, Eva Cassidy, who the song is about.
Tommy Lepson behind the board at his Area 51 Studio.
Tommy laying down some stellar backup vocals for "Beam Me Up."
Mary Ann bringing the gospel flair to "Beam Me Up."
Abbie Palmer doing some remote recording, adding harp, nature sounds, wood flute, and vocals to "Beam Me Up."
Erin Snedecor adding cello to "La Valse de la Nouvelle Atlantide."
Grammy-winner Louis Michot adding fiddle (plus vocals and t'fer) to "La Valse."
Dave Easley adding his beautiful and incendiary pedal steel to "La Valse."
pictures through the years
Getting ready to hit the stage with Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots for the Civil Rights Festival at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park in Church Creek, MD.
Feeling incredibly fortunate that I got to work with one of the funkiest men alive, Ivan Neville.
Outside the studio with Bill Summers, legendary percussionist with The Headhunters and a thousand other sessions (my favorite perhaps being Quincy Jones' sessions for The Color Purple).
In the studio with Dumpstaphunk's Ian Neville, one hell of a funky guitar player.
In the studio with three awesome singers: Tommy Lepson, Mary Ann Redmond, and Meg Murray.
What an honor it was to work with this great horn section: trombonist Craig Klein, trumpeter Leroy Jones, and multi-reedist Alonzo Bowens. There's a whole lot of history in those lips.
In the studio with the lovely and talented Tanya Ellsworth Boutte, who has a voice of gold.
At Marigny Studios with Shannon Powell, a national treasure on drums and tambourine.
Am I dreaming or did I really just record a song with this rhythm section: George Porter, Jr, Joe Krown, and Johnny Vidacovitch.
In the control room with my buddy Russ Broussard, a fantastic drummer and human being.
Does it get any better than having one of your all-time favorite drummers go into the studio with you? There is no pocket deeper than Raymond Weber's.
Digging in at Marigny Studios with Grammy-winning zydeco star Chubby Carrier.
In the studio with a crack horn section, including former Cool Riddims bandmate Jeff Albert, Iguanas front man Joe Cabral, and former Allen Toussaint Band mate Tracy Griffin.
Two generations of Cool Riddims bass players getting to work together: me and the incredible Cass Faulconer.
What an honor it was to have New Orleans legend Deacon John Moore on my project.
With the Allen Toussaint Band at Tipitina's French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Allen (piano and vocals) and Jeff (bass).
The Rich Chorné All Stars (l-r): Gary Crockett, Tommy Lepson, Rich, Nadine Rae, Jeff
In the studio with two super talented musicians: Daryl Davis and Matt Tebo.
Cool Riddims performing at New Orleans Jazz Fest. Pictured: Tricia Boutte (aka, Sista Teedy, vocals), Jeff (bass), Cyril Neville (tambourine and vocals).
Lou Jerome Band at private party in Owings Mills, MD. Pictured: Eric Heavner (trumpet), Steve Swan (sax), Bob Hill (drums), Lou (vocals), Jeff (bass), and Sam Miller (guitar).
The Karl Straub Combo at Union Stage in Washington, DC. Karl (vocals and guitar), xx (piano), Jeff (bass), Matt Tebo (drums), and Steve Dawson (guitar and vocals).
The closing number at AMFM's annual Christmas show at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Julian Ewald, Aidan Ewald, Bryan Ewald (guitar), Julie Cymek, PJ Thomas, Jeff, Leah Weiss, Casey McConville, ?, Jimi Davies, Jen Smith, and Kevin Martin.
Performing at the Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. Matt Tebo (drums), Jeff (vocals and guitar), and Larry Melton (bass).
Meg Murray (vocals), Jeff (guitar & vocals), and Tom Bodor (guitar) perform at Reynold's Tavern in Annapolis, MD.
Tricia Boutte Band backstage at les Rendez-vous de l'Erdre in Nantes, France. Kid Merv, Tricia, Lolet Boutte, Geoff Clapp, Jeff, and Jonathan Lefcofski.
Lou Jerome Band performs at City View in Woodlawn, MD. Pictured: Harold Flood (guitar), Rastabla Hebron (drums), and Jeff (bass).
The Roustabouts perform at the Elks Lodge in Rockville, MD. Pictured: Phil Bucci (drums & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Dan Shine (guitar & vocals).
Performing with Dirty Bomb at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Jeff (bass), Andy Sullivan (vocals & guitar), Matt Tebo (drums), Kat Jackson (vocals), and Mark Felsenthal (guitar & vocals).
Zambezi plays a private party near Annapolis, MD. Matt Tebo (drums), Lakin Ducker (guitar & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Tom Bodor (guitar).
The Rich Chorne All Stars at Jillians in Annapolis, MD. Choo Choo Charlie Williams (harmonica), Rich (guitar), Reinhard Schmidt (drums), Jeff (bass), Nadine Rae (vocals), Tommy Lepson (organ).
The Basement Band performs at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Dean Rosenthal (guitar & vocals), Bryan Ewald (guitar), and Jeff (bass).
The Roustabouts perform the New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse, NY. Pictured: Phil Bucci (drums & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), Josh Himmelsbach (guitar & vocals).
Karl Straub Combo at 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. Karl (vocals & guitar), Matt Tebo (drums), Jeff (bass), and Andy Sullivan (guitar & vocals).
Backstage at Rams Head On Stage with Gillian Thompson and Jeff.
With Cool Riddims at Tipitina's French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Tricia Boutte (aka, Sista Teedy, vocals), Jeff (bass), and Cyril Neville (vocals).
The Basement Band performs at First Sundays on West Street in Annapolis, MD. Dean Rosenthal (vocals & guitar), Tom Fridrich (drums & vocals), Leah Weiss (fiddle & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Gary Wright (guitar & vocals).
Bossa Brothers Trip at Donna's in Columbia, MD. Jim Orr (keyboards & vocals), Rastabla Hebron (drums & vocals), and Jeff (bass & vocals).
Karl Straub Combo at The Artisphere in Arlington, VA. Chris Watling (sax), Matt Tebo (drums), Karl (guitar & vocals), and Jeff (bass).
Jeff (guitar) and Meg Murray (vocals) at a private party in Annapolis, MD from the Meg & Jeff duo era.
The Basement Band preparing for the show at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Dean Rosenthal (vocals & guitar), Gary Wright (vocals & guitar), and Jeff (bass & vocals).
The Roustabouts at Outta the Way Cafe, Derwood, MD. Dan Shine (guitar), Phil Bucci (drums), Jeff (bass), Pete Daniels (fiddle), and Andrew Wiley (vocals).
At Baltimore Blues Society fundraiser at the Fishhead Cantina in Arbutus, MD. Andy Hamburger (drums), Linwood Taylor (guitars, vocals, and splits), and Jeff (bass).
The Basement Band performs at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Jeff (bass & vocals), Leah Weiss (fiddle & vocals), Dean Rosenthal (guitar & vocals), and Tom Fridrich (drums & vocals).
Cool Riddims at the Yamaka My Weekend Festival in Rock Island, IL. Troy (sax), Jeff Albert (trombone), Sean LaRocca (keyboards & vocals), Gregg Casmier (drums & vocals), Will Howard (vocals), Jeff (bass), Granderson (percussion), Matt Hampsey (guitar), and Tricia Boutte (aka Sista Teedy, vocals).
The Gary Wright & Leah Weiss Band perform at 49 West in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Leah (accordion) and Jeff (bass).
The Cool Riddims posse backstage at Tipitina's in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Matt Hampsey, Will Howard, Jeff, Sean LaRocca, Gregg Casmier.
Jeff's Jes Grew album release party at the Eastport Clipper in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Jeff (guitar & vocals), Michael McHenry (guitar & vocals), and Meg Murray (vocals).
At WRNR in Annapolis, MD with Choo Choo Charlie Williams, Jeff, Rich Chorne, Nadine Rae, and Damien Einstein.
The closing number at the annual AMFM Christmas show at Rams Head On Stage. Pictured: Aidan Ewald, Julian Ewald, Bryan Ewald, Julie Cymek, PJ Thomas, Jeff, Leah Weiss, Casey McConville, Jen Smith, Matt McConville, and Kevin Martin.
Allen Toussaint introducing Cool Riddims at Tipitina's French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Thaddeus Ford (trumpet), Will Howard (vocals), Allen, Jeff Albert (trombone), Gregg Casmier (drums), Jeff (bass), and Matt Hampsey (guitar).
With Rickie Castrillo & Dreamland at the Rivershack Tavern in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Molly Thomas (fiddle), Jeff (bass), Dave Hutcheson (drums), and Rickie (guitar).
The Basement Band perform at 49 West in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Ruben Dobbs (mandolin), Dean Rosenthal (guitar), Jeff (vocals & guitar), and Gary Wright (piano).
Cool Riddims at Tipitina's in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Cyril Neville (vocals), Jeff (bass), Tricia Boutte (aka, Sista Teedy, vocals), Gaynielle Neville (vocals), Yadonna Wise (vocals), and Matt Hampsey (guitar).
The Roustabouts at Hyattsville Summer Jam, Hyattsville, MD. Pete Daniels (fiddle & vocals), Phil Bucci (drums & vocals), Andrew Wiley (vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Dan Shine (guitar & vocals).
Nadine Rae & the All Stars perform at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival in Annapolis, MD. Sam Miller (guitar), Nadine Rae (vocals), Andy Hamburger (drums), and Jeff (bass).
Karl Straub Combo at Iota in Arlington, VA. Karl (vocals & guitar), Matt Tebo (drums), and Jeff (bass).
At the Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD. Gary Wright (guitar), Joann Bond (vocals), Adrian Bond (guitar), Jeff (bass).
Performing with the Allen Toussaint Band at Tipitina's French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Allen and Jeff.
The Roustabouts rock Outta the Way Cafe, Derwood, MD. Alex (sax), Dan Shine (guitar & vocals), Phil Bucci (drums & vocals), Andrew Wiley (vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Pete Daniels (fiddle & vocals).
Jeff and George Rossi (aka, Li'l Georgie) backstage at the New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse, NY.
Leah & the Bayou Boys at Sam's Waterfront, Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Gary Wright (vocals & guitar), Jeff (bass), Tom Fridrich (drums & vocals), Dean Rosenthal (vocals & guitar).
Jeff's Jes Grew album release party at the Eastport Clipper, Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Jeff (guitar & vocals), Anthony Setola (bass), Mark Merella (drums), and Tommy Lepson (vocals & B3 organ).
Little Sammie & Soulification at the Columbia Lakefront, Columbia, MD. Jim Orr (keyboards & vocals), Bob Hill (drums & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Sam Miller (vocals & guitar).
The Basement Band promo photo, Annapolis, MD. Tom Fridrich, Leah Weiss, Dean Rosenthal, Gary Wright, and Jeff.
Rickie Castrillo & Dreamland at Snug Harbor in New Orleans, LA. Molly Thomas (fiddle), Uganda Roberts (congas), Jeff (bass), Rickie (guitar), Dave Hutcheson (drums), and Dave Easley (pedal steel).
The Roustabouts at Streetcar 82 Brewery in Hyattsville, MD. Pete Daniels (fiddle & vocals), Dan Shine (guitar & vocals), Andrew Wiley (vocals), Phil Bucci (drums & vocals), and Jeff (bass & vocals).
Tricia Boutte Band performs at les Rendez-vous de l'Erdre in Nantes, France. Pictured: Jeff (bass), Tricia (vocals), and Geoff Clapp (drums).
The Basement Band performs at 49 West in Annapolis, MD. Jeff (bass), Dean Rosenthal (harmonica & vocals), Tom Fridrich (drums), and Ruben Dobbs (mandolin).
Cool Riddims perform at Tipitina's in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Sean LaRocca (keyboards & vocals), Will Howard (vocals), Jeff Albert (trombone), Cyril Neville (vocals), Gregg Casmier (drums), Tricia Boutte (aka Sista Teedy, vocals), Gaynielle Neville (vocals), Jeff (bass), Yadonna Wise (vocals), and Matt Hampsey (guitar).
The Roustabouts perform at the New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse, NY. Tom Townsley (harmonica), Pete Daniels (fiddle & vocals), Andrew Wiley (vocals), Phil Bucci (drums & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Josh Himmelsbach (guitar & vocals)
The Nadine Rae All Stars at The Whiskey in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Nadine (vocals), Gary Crockett (drums), Rich Chorne (guitar), Jeff (bass), and Tommy Lepson (organ).
Karl Straub Combo at Union Stage in Washington, DC. Dave Van Allen (pedal steel), Karl (vocals & guitar), Jeff (bass), Matt Tebo (drums), and Steve Dawson (guitar & vocals).
Tricia Boutte Band at dinner in Nantes, France. Geoff Clapp, Jeff, Kid Merv, Lolet Boutte, Jonathan Lefcofski, Tricia.
Performing with Rickie Castrillo & Dreamland at Les Bon Temps Roule in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Jeff (bass) and Russ Broussard (drums).
The Basement Band performs at First Sundays on West Street in Annapolis, MD. Dean Rosenthal (vocals & guitar), Tom Fridrich (drums & vocals), Leah Weiss (fiddle & vocals), Jeff (bass & vocals), and Gary Wright (guitar & vocals).
Cool Riddims performing at Tipitina's in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Jeff Albert (trombone), Cyril Neville (vocals), Gregg Casmier (drums), Tricia Boutte (aka Sista Teedy, vocals), Jeff (bass), Gaynielle Neville (vocals), and Yadonna Wise (vocals).
Tricia Boutte Band performs at les Rendez-vous de l'Erdre in Nantes, France. Pictured: Jonathan Lefcofski (piano), Jeff (bass), Geoff Clapp (drums), and Kid Merv (trumpet).
Dean Rosenthal's Racket performs at First Sunday on West Street in Annapolis, MD. Jeff (bass), Dean (vocals & guitar), Tom Fridrich (drums), and Gary Wright (mandolin).
Rich Chorne Band at the Chester River Inn, Stevensville, MD. Choo Choo Charlie Williams, Danny Bierne, Doug Oscard, Rich, Meg Murray, and Jeff.
Cool Riddims perform New Orleans Jazz Fest in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Jeff (bass), Tricia Boutte (aka Sista Teedy, vocals), and Will Howard (vocals).
Leah & the Bayou Boys perform at Sam's on the Waterfront in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Leah Weiss (vocals & fiddle), Gary Wright (guitar & vocals), Tom Fridrich (drums & vocals), and Jeff (bass & vocals).
Allen Toussaint with Cool Riddims at Tipitina's French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Will Howard (vocals), Jeff Albert (trombone), Allen, Gregg Casmier (drums), Jeff (bass), and Matt Hampsey (guitar).
Meg Murray (vocals) and Jeff (guitar) perform at Reynold's Tavern in Annapolis, MD.
The Basement Band performs at 49 West in Annapolis, MD. Pictured: Jeff (bass), Dean Rosenthal (guitar & vocals), Leah Weiss (fiddle & vocals), and Gary Wright (guitar & vocals).
Cool Riddims performs at New Orleans Jazz fest in New Orleans, LA. Pictured: Earl (sax), Jeff Albert (trombone), Tricia Boutte (aka Sista Teedy, vocals), Gregg Casmier (drums & vocals), Jeff (bass), Will Howard (vocals), Granderson (percussion), and Matt Hampsey (guitar).
