Sounds of NOLA with Alex

Deltaphonic

Thursday, March 29 at 10:00pm

D.b.a

There’s nothing like some homegrown talent. Andrew T. Weekes and Ciarán Brennan (Key-Ron) are the first of two New Orleans bred groups this week. Interestingly, they’re back on Frenchmen Street this week where they got their start in 2014. Since then they’ve come out with two albums, most recently their 2017 hit album See Red.

Their sound consists of some New Orleans blues, rock, and funk, each well placed in every song. When you add this to the groups dynamic playing style and subtly clever songwriting, you’ve got a hometown treat that competes with the likes of a sno-ball on a hot summer day. (Notice I was careful not to say a Hansen’s sno-ball).

One can’t possibly overlook Weekes’s hair–standing almost on end–which is more than fitting for the way the lead singer jams out. Appearances aside, Weekes and Brennan have found what connects them and most musicians: the power of music. The duo draws their inspiration from some of the best blues musicians and classic rockers New Orleans has to offer. While they are unmistakably New Orleans, like a good pot of gumbo, they’ve got a little something for everyone.

The title track on their new album may be my personal favorite: https://open.spotify.com/track/2Bki5uFwmm5uZxkissE6Il?si=DZTX8C7vTU6H8xyoS79mUQ

Will Hoge

Friday, March 30 at 10:00pm

Gasa Gasa

Will Hoge was raised just south of Nashville, in Franklin, TN on his father’s country music record collection. Thankfully for us, this motivated Hoge to try his hand at country rock. He released his own album Carousel in 2001. He quickly established himself with listeners as a result of his songwriting and authenticity. His rock and roll naturally had a bit of country twang to it. Hoge further gained favor with fans by doing things the old-fashioned way.

He consistently produced quality studio albums and was constantly on tour. Yet, he still didn’t gain much national recognition until one of his songs, “Even if it Breaks Your Heart,” made it to number one when it was recorded by another artist. After this, the requests for him to write songs for other groups came pouring in.

While Hoge enjoyed the recognition and steady paycheck that came as a byproduct of this, he lost his sense of self and purpose. He briefly ventured to the dark side and had forgotten why he began writing and performing in the first place: to create something with real emotional depth that connected with people. Hoge took some time off and came back with, what I believe, is his best album, Anchors. The album is a signature fusion of classic country, folk, and heartland rock. Despite the drums and strumming of his classical guitar, Hoge’s genuine country accent paired with his cool demeanor gives audiences the impression he’s just telling them a story. It’s a masterpiece that captures his powerful vocals, profound lyrics, and includes a kick-ass supporting crew.

Check out his songs “Little Bit of Rust” ft. Sheryl Crow and my favorite “Cold Night in Sante Fe”: https://open.spotify.com/album/58MwCDxtyXvpW6kNKPC99M?si=sQjkFTOvSK2Y2QCMRv7GDQ

Sam Doores

Sunday, April 1 at 8:00pm

Siberia

The second of our hometown artists comes in the form of Sam Doores. While Doores is not a native New Orleanian, he has certainly made a home for himself down here. He is now one of the songwriters and lead vocalists for The Deslondes. The New Orleans based group formed in the Holy Cross neighborhood of the lower ninth ward (Yes, the origin of their name is from the street that runs through the area). Formerly The Tumbleweeds, it really doesn’t matter what you call Doores & Co. because you know what you’re going to get every time.

The sound reaches back in time to blues, country, folk, and gospel from decades ago. Their lyrics remind me of a Bob Dylan narrative. There’s a reason that Doores is playing at Siberia’s “Songwriter Night.” Unlike our next group, Doores will lure you in with a smooth blues rhythm and then…Bam! He’ll kick it up a notch.

That’s exactly what he and The Deslondes did with their most recent album Hurry Home. The group recorded their album in The Tigernmen Den in the Bywater. They do it right, with some country folk and psychedelia. The Deslondes also put more emphasis on the organ, which I love. Apparently, Doores has even more new music in the works. If you’re lucky, maybe he’ll drop some of it on you.

Here’s a look at their album Hurry Home: https://open.spotify.com/album/4RKuLpgetLJvQjY8e9NufA?si=ofaJGyEEQmWpeHufNbKXAQ

Timber Timbre

Monday, April 2 at 9:00pm

Gasa Gasa

You won’t find a better band to unwind with after a long day of work on Monday. The Canadian quartet drew the inspiration for their name from the timber cabin they recorded in early in their career. It’ll make more sense after you listen to them. Or, on second thought, maybe not. They deserve every bit of the label “creative genius.” They’re spooky, psychedelic, mysterious, chill, and inviting–all in the best of ways. In each and every rendition, the group gets the most out of the composition of instruments they choose. This could be any number of five different guitars, keys, violin, drums, and a multitude of different sound effects.

I love their unwavering devotion to playing their brand of music. No matter what, they’re going to play at their own pace, which happens to be fairly slow. They sucker you in a few times, giving the impression they’re gearing up for a big drop. But don’t be fooled. The voice of lead vocalist Taylor Kirk reminds me of singer Bobby Pickett. Coincidentally, Pickett is known for his own spooky hit, “Monster Mash.” For the time that they have you, if you’ll let them, Timber Timbre will take you to another dimension while all of your other thoughts and worries float away.

Their lyrics are piercing. Yet, half the time there will be so much going on around you that you’ll forget about the words. I envision a deep set of fog encompassing the stage just as the band begins to play. I guess you’ll have to show up Monday night to find out.

I’ll let you choose which kind of spooky, psychedelic fun you like: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HeVXdOdMhLslVputGTZFQ?si=mQoKZa7cRG2iiwo0yeHh7A