It has been said that on a bad night Cowboy Mouth can do no less than then blow the roof off, and on a good night they’ll save your soul. That’s as true in 2022 as it was when they first burst out of New Orleans in 1990 and landed on the Top 40 charts with “Jenny Says.” The song helped propel the band onto the national club and festival scene—cementing Cowboy Mouth’s place as one of the most powerful, durable, and consistently entertaining rock ‘n’ roll bands on the circuit. They’ve been in the saddle for 30 years and have played over 3,500 shows. When asked about the secret to the band’s longevity and completely constant roadwork drummer and frontman Fred LeBlanc quips, “bullheaded tenacity and determination, with a pretty healthy dose of faith in there.”
The band that has done it all over the past three decades is gearing up for Carnival with the release of their latest single “Mardi Gras State Of Mind.” The song features Big Sam Williams, quintessential New Orleans trombone player and bandleader of the namesake Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
“The inspiration for the song came to me one morning about a month ago when I was getting excited about Mardi Gras actually happening this year!” LeBlanc said. “Mardi Gras is like the adult version of Christmas morning—except it lasts much longer! It’s been a really long and harrowing two years, and I believe that it’s time to blow off some steam and forget our worries by joining the party in the greatest city in the entire world. And believe me, it’s going to be great! I am already in a Mardi Gras state of mind…”
No stranger to Mardi Gras festivities, Cowboy Mouth will also be performing at the 35th annual Lundi Gras celebration in Spanish Plaza on Monday, February 28. This free event features live music from some of New Orleans’ favorite performers and a fireworks display on the Mississippi River. The event culminates with the arrival of Rex, King of Carnival. The mayor of New Orleans traditionally takes the stage to hand over the keys to city to Rex, who declares Fat Tuesday a day of fun and revelry for all.
