Sounds of NOLA with Alex

(photo by: Portland Press Herald)

 Who: The Ghost of Paul Revere

When: Thursday, March 1st at 7:00 pm

Where: Santos Bar (1135 Decatur Street)

Why: How can you not like this name? As a big fan of American History, I was tempted to throw them on the list without even listening to them. Thankfully, they made the decision easy for me after I listened to what they had to offer. The self-described “holler folk” group from Portland, Maine strike a chord with their audiences. Their lyrics are deep and performances emotional.

The trio reminds you of something that you once did solely because you loved to do it. I might have to start another series, “Bands with Banjos” because this is now back-to-back weeks in which I’ve featured a couple groups with formidable banjo play. Max Davis surely puts on an impressive display with his, adding to the bluegrass feel of the group. The combination of the bass, banjo, and harmonica get you moving almost instantaneously. The band’s ability to turn some of the all-time classics into their own is truly remarkable. Just check out their take on The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.” 

The group has opened for some big-time acts in the past but I have a feeling that’s about to change. The Ghost of Paul Revere could be a household name sometime in the near future. They’re my top pick for this weekend.

Who: Alexis & the Samurai

When: Thursday, March 1st at 7:00 pm

Where: d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen Street)

Why: Without a doubt one of the most unique groups you will find. Alexis Marceaux and Sam Craft could be described as Indie pop. Although, I don’t know of any other Indie pop group that sings songs half in English and half in French.

At times, they use up to seven different instruments. You’ll get a pop song like “Swamp Fire” one minute and then three minutes later they’ll hit you with a song completely in Cajun French like “Parlez-Nous à Boire” leaving you wondering if you’re still at the same performance.

I couldn’t find a style or technique to describe this because I don’t think there is one. With that said, if you don’t leave one of their performances both impressed and entertained then you’ve done something wrong. I’m not exaggerating when I say that Marceaux has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard. That paired with Craft’s mastery of countless instruments is spectacular. The fellow New Orleanians have created a sound that no one can match.

There are so many good ones but Marceaux really puts on a vocal exhibition with this rendition of CeeLo Green’s “Crazy”

Who: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

When: Friday, March 2nd at 8:00 pm

Where: Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way)

Why: What could have been. I know it’s been said, and I’m sure it will continue to be said about Oasis. In February 2010, Oasis won the award for “Best Brit Album of the Last 30 Years” at the 2010 Brit Awards. At that point, the band had been split up for almost six months. A year later former lead guitarist and vocalist, Noel Gallagher, had created Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

For those fanatical music fans, yes, Gallagher did draw his inspiration for the band name from Jefferson Airplane’s “High Flying Bird.” Since its formation in 2011, the English rock group has not missed a beat (pun somewhat intended – did you catch the earlier one?). Shockingly, the band which includes multiple former Oasis members actually sounds a bit reminiscent of their previous group. Listen for yourself:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7sjttK1WcZeyLPn3IsQ62L?si=IUzaBUg3Q7matEleEGFMDg.

My favorites are “She Taught Me How To Fly” and “In the Heat of the Moment.” It would certainly be unfair to simply label Gallagher and Co. as just a slight variation of Oasis. Every song is replete with a sensational array of different sounds and I love the quicker tempo. While undoubtedly rock, it is not overpowering.

The band sits in a nice sweet spot somewhere between rock and pop. Although they are nothing flashy, it is hard to complain about good music. Gallagher is a technician on the guitar and knows how to please the crowd. Most of all, he is just an outstanding musician. You don’t win an NME Award for “Godlike Genius” without a pretty good reason.

Note: Tickets are now at least $38. It won’t disappoint if you choose to go. However, I do have another great option for you.

Who: Andrew Duhon

When: Friday, March 2 at 9:00 pm

Where: Oak Wine Bar (8118 Oak Street)

Why: What I would describe as feel-good music, Andrew Duhon has a knack for making his listeners feel at home. The New Orleans native’s most recent album The Moorings was even nominated for a Grammy Award.

Despite the consistently high quality of his music, Duhon continues to slide somewhat under the radar. Duhon is a dynamic mixture of soft country, local blues, and folk. His pleasant, smooth melodies and terrific songwriting remind me of Jack Johnson. Johnson is about as good as it gets as a songwriter, but Duhon is not far behind.

Listeners can get caught up in Duhon’s lyrics and immediately feel a connection to the singer. On the other hand, it is just as easy to close your eyes and drift away to one of his peaceful melodies. Duhon is yet another special artist that New Orleans has to be proud of. If you’re looking for a chill Friday evening, look no further.

Listen to his album The Moorings here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1CLMMxoXlaXymWlsmK1A0L?si=soTEIRxeT2S28zeCHV-brg

Alex Abramson is a native New Orleanian. He is an avid sports fan, music lover, and enjoys playing just about every sport. Alex is a graduate of Isidore Newman School and has been a student at Washington and Lee University for a year and a half, where he is also a DJ. He is a passionate writer and is very excited about his opportunity to write for Via Nola Vie.