Email this article | Printer friendly page The Nouveau String Band
|
 |
Radio personality Todd Ortego jokingly dubbed the Nouveau String Band “the old people’s Red Stick Ramblers.” Since each of the five members hails from different musical traditions that span across Creole, Cajun, blues, bluegrass, honky-tonk, and swing, Ortego’s tongue-in-cheek description isn’t a bad one. Although they met playing Cajun open jams, they soon discovered a mutual love for exploring other genres as a string band. As a result, they cover considerable territory with their real strength being their roots-centric selections.
The blues jump tune “Palm Springs Jump” ignites the proceedings and soon they’re off and running with selections from old-time country star Jimmie Rodgers, bluesman Muddy Waters and Creole legends “Bois Sec” Ardoin and Canray Fontenot. Since they never stay in one genre too long and each of the five takes a crack at lead vocals, overall, there’s a collaborative chemistry that exudes joy. Dave Trainer sparkles on mandolin and piano; John Buckelew adds a touch of Texas dancehall grit by crooning such numbers as “If You Ain’t Lovin, You Ain’t Livin” and “That Sure Would Go Good.” On these selections, Lee Tedrow’s lap steel stylings are so tasty that his presence should have been more prominent in the mix.
And then there’s Lacouture—a soprano who’s blessed with a voice so startlingly magnificent and heart melting, it recalls the purity of Emmylou Harris. Additionally, she penned two quality tunes that hint that a foray into original material is their next quest. A good first record, the foundation has been laid and what comes next is exciting to look forward to.
The Louisiana Music Collective
Authentic New Orleans and Louisiana roots music resources.
