
2025 ARTISTS
MASTER P
PLACEHOLDER
JON CLEARY & THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN
Jon Cleary was born in London in 1962 -- not the first line you expect in a bio about a New Orleans piano great, is it? Not only that, but he’s a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, arranger and producer, as well. Guitar was his first love, starting in England at age 5, moving on to performing at 11 and graduating to working as a musician at 14. At age 16 he formed ‘Delta Wing’ with renowned blues slide guitarist Roger Hubbard (of whom Muddy Waters said in 1972: 'Roger Hubbard is as good as any blues guitarist in the UK or the United States’.) This would be the first of his many brushes with greatness. As a teen Cleary grew increasingly interested in funk-infused music and discovered that three such songs that he particularly admired – LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” Robert Palmer’s version of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” and Frankie Miller’s rendition of “Brickyard Blues” – were attributed to Allen Toussaint as either the songwriter, the producer, or both. Cleary’s knowledge of Toussaint’s work expanded significantly when his uncle returned home to the U.K., after a two-year sojourn in New Orleans, with a copy of a Toussaint LP and two suitcases full of New Orleans R&B 45s. The match was struck. In 1981 Cleary flew to New Orleans for an initial pilgrimage and took a cab straight from the airport to the Maple Leaf Bar, a storied venue which then featured such great blues-rooted eclectic pianists as Roosevelt Sykes and James Booker. Cleary first worked at the Maple Leaf as a painter, but soon graduated to playing piano— the instrument for which he is known today. His mastery of the New Orleans style landed him gigs playing as a session musician in the bands of local legends Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill and as a guitarist for Mac Rebennack (Dr John). 'Listen, we got a guy by the name of Johnny Cleary who’s been livin’ in N’awlins for a long time. He’s got the spirit. You can’t beat that'. -Dr. John 1989 saw the release of Cleary’s first album, Alligator Lips & Dirty Rice. It was also the year he moved briefly to New York and landed the job of providing the backing band for visiting New Orleans artists at leading NY venue, ‘Tramps’. In New York he was able to study Afro Cuban music and, after a temporary move back to London, started traveling regularly to Havana and Santiago in the early 90’s. ‘I love playing with Jon Cleary, he’s the real deal’ -Taj Mahal Soon after, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards introduced Cleary to musician/record producer John Porter who then hired him to write, record and tour with Taj Mahal - who covered four of Cleary’s compositions. When Porter secured a record deal for Cleary with Virgin, Cleary invested the advance money on recording equipment and set up a studio in New Orleans where he recorded Moonburn, and then two further records for Basin Street Records. He called the studio, aptly, “Funk Headquarters”. 'Cleary is the 8th wonder of the world’ - Bonnie Raitt Later on in Los Angeles, performing with BB King, Cleary was asked by Bonnie Raitt to join her new band in which he played keyboards, percussion and guitar. Cleary stayed for a decade, Raitt cut five of Cleary’s songs, and all the while, Cleary juggled his own career touring around the world with his celebrated band, the Absolute Monster Gentlemen. "Cleary can be an absolute monster on his own, but Cleary’s full combo R&B is as broad, deep and roiling as the Mississippi river, the combined swinging product of local keyboard tradition, Cleary’s vocal-songwriting flair for moody Seventies soul and the spunky-meters roll of his Gentlemen” -David Fricke, Rolling Stone In 2016, Cleary released Go Go Juice to critical acclaim. It went on to earn him his first GRAMMY. Later on he partnered with guitarist John Scofield for a number of tours worldwide. Cleary also appeared in Martin Scorcese’s documentary “Red, White & Blue”, accompanying Jeff Beck, Tom Jones and Van Morrison at Abbey Road Studios in London. 'He is a real fountain of knowledge and one of the great R&B singers of our time’ - John Scofield His dizzying career has included on-stage performances and studio recordings with a veritable who’s who of the business; Rufus Thomas, John Lee Hooker, D’Angelo, Heavy D, Eric Clapton, Keb-Mo, Ryan Adams, Levon Helm, Zigaboo Modeliste, Mavis Staples, Ann Peebles, Allen Toussaint, Dr John, Brian May, Robert Plant (Cleary’s one and only gig as a drummer!), Warren Storm, Bobby Charles, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur, Walter Trout, Norbert Scrod, Little Milton, Ike Turner, Henry Butler, Charles Brown, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Junior Wells, Irma Thomas… and the list goes on and on. In addition to his aforementioned GRAMMY, Cleary has spent the last 20 years consistently winning New Orleans music awards including Best Piano/Keyboard Player, Best Louisiana Artist and Record of the Year from OffBeat, as well as several Gambit New Orleans ‘Best Of”’s. In 2017 he was presented with the prestigious Ascona Jazz award. In 2020 he was named the “Best International Blues Act” by UK tastemaker JazzFM. Today, the music continues. Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen tour all over the world on an almost never ending basis, while maintaining a robust local schedule in New Orleans. In addition, Cleary’s solo piano performances remain a fan favorite at venues like Chickie Wah Wah and the Saturn Bar.
GEORGE PORTER JR &
RUNNIN' PARDNERS
George Porter Jr. is an award-winning bassist, songwriter and vocalist. He is a founding member of New Orleans’ seminal funk band, The Meters and widely recognized as one of the greatest bass players of all time. Formed alongside Art "Poppa Funk" Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste, the pioneering R&B funk outfit hit the scene on the streets of the Crescent City in the 1960s, to ultimately become one of the progenitors of the funk music genre. The groundbreaking collective carved out syncopated polyrhythms and grooves inherited from New Orleans’ deep African musical roots. Porter’s heavy pocket and fat notes formed the rubbery bass lines behind funk classics like their signature “Cissy Strut,” the now classic 1969 funk instrumental released as a single from their eponymous debut album, which reached No. 4 on the R&B chart and No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 respectively. While the group rarely enjoyed massive mainstream success, they are widely heralded alongside James Brown, Sly Stone, and George Clinton’s Parliament/Funkadelic as the founding fathers of funk. The Meters have been nominated four times for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (most recently in 2017), and were presented with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. At the outset of his young career, Porter developed his signature style on sessions in his hometown New Orleans, with early musical pioneers Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, Snooks Eaglin, Eddie Bo and The Lastie Brothers. While Porter developed his pedigree, The Meters were gaining notoriety, soon becoming the house band for Allen Toussaint’s recording label, backing classic records from Dr. John, Lee Dorsey and Earl King, while later supplying the musical foundation for classic hit albums and singles from modern artists Robert Palmer, Paul McCartney, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, not to mention Patti Labelle’s No. 1 R&B hit “Lady Marmalade.” George and The Meters toured with the Rolling Stones in '75, were embraced by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, and became primary influences to modern artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys. Porter’s rhythmic work with drummer Modeliste also became the building block behind primary samples used by the most relevant hip-hop artists of the 1980’s and 1990’s, including A Tribe Called Quest, Run DMC, N.W.A. and Queen Latifah. Porter has accompanied the stage as a band member or special guest with the likes of David Byrne, Dead & Company, Jimmy Buffet, Warren Haynes, Widespread Panic, Tedeschi Trucks Band, John Scofield, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart and various members of Phish, to name a few. He continues to be the bandleader of current projects, George Porter Jr. and Runnin' Pardners and George Porter Jr. Trio; with both incarnations still playing often locally, and touring prolifically, garnering respect not only as quintessential New Orleans' bands, but also as major national attractions within the jam band and festival scene. On special occasions, Porter still anchors Foundation of Funk, a current Meters "reinvention" with original drummer Zigaboo Modeliste, boasting a rotating line-up which has featured members of Widespread Panic, Medeski Martin & Wood, Dumpstaphunk and 2018's now infamous Lockn Festival sit-in by Bob Weir, John Mayer and Grateful Dead drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, the latter of whom George played with in the popular side project, The 7 Walkers. Currently, Porter still maintains a healthy touring schedule with his trio and Runnin’ Pardners projects with a cast of seasoned and talented musicians including long-time collaborator Michael Lemmler (keyboards), Terrence Houston (drums) and Chris Adkins (guitar). George and his Runnin' Pardners recently released their highly acclaimed first new studio album in six years, Crying For Hope in March 2021. The album garnered national coverage with Billboard, Tidal, MOJO, Premier Guitar and Bass Player, along with Porter's hometown publication, Offbeat, which declared: "While the title cut harkens back to the social commentary lyricism of some of the best Meters songs and references the déjà-vu all-over-again experiences of Black America in these fraught times, the rest of the album remains emotionally upbeat and hopeful. For a band that is known for its stop-on-a-dime tightness when performing live, this album proves over and over that with the right musical ingredients the magic can actually be bottled." During the course of his career spanning more than four decades, Porter has made a deep impression as an elite player; acknowledged as one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 50 Greatest Bassist of All Time. At 74 years young, George Porter Jr. plans to keep a smile on his face and often says, "I feel like I am working towards something that will be remembered." For more information, visit georgeporterjr.com
BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION WITH JELLY JOSEPH
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NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS WITH JENNIFER HARTSWICK
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ERICA FALLS
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THE RUMBLE
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GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOOD TIMES
GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOOD TIMES is the side project from Robert Mercurio and Jeff Raines of the popular New Orleans funk band Galactic (www.galacticfunk.com) Good Enough For Good Times formed in December 2005 - The setting was post Hurricane Katrina—New Orleans was devastated and there were very few people in town. Due to the scarcity of musicians in New Orleans at that time, a lot of the club owners were calling around asking local musicians to put projects together to fill their empty stages. GEFGT came together to play for them (and for us) - the New Orleans people and workers who came home quickly after the storm and needed to hear some good music to get their minds off of the crazy SH*T that was going on around them. Good Enough For Good Times had such an immediate chemistry and intensity that it was obvious that they were not just a stage filler for Karina victims. They have now been touring the Southeast and West Coast for almost 20 years - it is only because they love to do this. The sound of the band is best described as New Orleans Soul Funk. Definitely for the dance floor in mind. The band members are: Robert Mercurio bass (GALACTIC) Jeff Raines guitar (GALACTIC) Simon Lott drums (Charlie Hunter trio) Joe Ashlar (just a general bad ass)
SPACE & HARMONY
Space & Harmony is a four-piece funk/fusion outfit consisting of members of The Revivalists and Naughty Professor. Tight but loose, technical but raw, their live performances channel the deepest reaches of the cosmos, the margins of reality where ancient things dwell. When Space meets Harmony, things get weird.
BUCKTOWN ALL-STARS
Est. 1992, The Bucktown All-Stars are a brass-driven New Orleans party band specializing in 1960s Classic R&B and Soul, 70s Funk and New Orleans jams. Multi year winner of Gambit Readers Poll, "Best Band That Doesn't Fit Any Of These Categories" and 11-time winner of the prestigious Offbeat Magazine Best of the Beat Awards. The All-Stars' New Orleans shows are legendary in the Crescent City. The band has earned their place as the top call party band for weddings, Mardi Gras balls, fundraisers, galas, festivals and corporate gathering across the greater New Orleans area and the country. Below are examples of the festivals, Mardi Gras balls and corporate/fundraising clients for whom we've had the pleasure of performing over the years...
RIVER ECKERT
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SOUL PROJECT
Built upon the funky foundation of New Orleans, the Soul Project FUAS (Funky Uncle All-Stars) bring their own voices to the mix of Funk, Blues, Gospel, Jazz. and Groove that the Crescent City continually produces. A new vehicle for Soul Project NOLA frontman Jon Cristian Duque, (Guitar/Vocals (Soul Project NOLA, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters, The Soulful 3), the Funky Uncle All-Stars are an ever changing cast of characters currently consisting of: Wanda Joseph, Bass/Vocals (Soul Project NOLA), Wayne Maureau, Drums (Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters, Krown/Ricci Trio, Mia Borders, The Soulful 3), Whitney Alouiscious, Vocals (Sam Price and the True Believers, Gene’s Music Machine), and Jake Gold, Keyboards (Gene’s Music Machine, Jon Roniger Good For Nothing Band, Margie Perez)
THE ORIGINAL PINETTES BRASS BAND
Whoever said, “A dream can’t become a reality” didn’t know the Original Pinettes Brass Band. The Original Pinettes Brass Band, The World’s Only All Female Brass Band, was formed by Jeffery Herbert in 1991. Each member, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, attended St. Mary’s Academy High School, an all-girl Catholic school. Beginning, with 16 or more members, the Original Pinettes ended up with not only St. Mary’s females, but other females around the town. The Original Pinettes Brass Band can be seen at many different venues, such as: The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Essence Festival, The Satchmo Festival, The Krewe of Muses parade (An all female parade in New Orleans, Louisiana), and The French Quarter Festival, just to name a few. The ladies also have a long resume around the town for doing parties, weddings, conventions, school events, nursing homes, etc. The Original Pinettes played their first international festival when they toured the cities of Turkey in 2011. They also performed on the series Treme, seasons 3 and 4. The band has very much in common with the other male brass bands around the city, the only difference is the Original Pinettes are all females. The ladies gained more respect when they earned their crown and became the winners of the 2013 Red Bull “Street Kings” Brass Band Blowout competition where they beat three other male brass bands changing the name to Red Bull “Street QUEENS!” Some of the ladies specialize in other careers as well. From a school teacher to the head of a technology department, these ladies have full schedules including being mothers and wives. Nothing will get in the way of these ladies who consider each other sisters. Riding down the disloyal roads of the entertainment business, the ladies still haven’t had a chance to show much of the world their skills. Knocked down so many times, the ladies remain standing tall and faithful. “Not even Hurricane Katrina could stop us from doing what we love”, said band leader Christie Jourdain of the band. “The band members were misplaced after the storm hit. We were in six different cities not knowing if everyone (and their families) had made it out safely. But now, we are back like you never heard us before. The Original Pinettes Brass Band is here to stay…….Thank you, God!” Today, the band is still on a journey of becoming the best in the industry and to take over this male dominated industry. The Original Pinettes Brass Band’s dream is to travel worldwide and show everyone that music is definitely a universal language.
JAMAL BATISTE BAND
New Orleans' Jamal Batiste is a renowned music master playing percussion-charged rock, jazz, funk, soul, gospel, hip hop and RnB around the world. He has performed in nearly every corner of North America, as well as in the Caribbean, South Africa, Morocco, Japan, Ireland, Scotland, France, Austria, and England. He writes, record and perform on the Jam-All Pro. Music Group independent record label. “I enjoy the passion, love, creativity, motivation, excitement, energy, enlightenment, and peace of music,” writes Jamal Batiste of his love of sound. “Music is one of God's greatest gifts to this earth. I can use it to help and heal people – and it's fun to create, compose, arrange, record, produce, and perform.” Jamal Batiste released two official singles in 2017 leading up to his most recent LP collaboration, “A Beautiful World,” which didn't stop climbing charts until it hit No. 1 on Billboard Jazz and on Heatseekers. Other popular full-length releases include “T.U.D. Just Jamal” (2010), “David Batiste & The Gladiators: New Orleans Is Coming Back”, “Jamal Batiste The Unorthodox Drummer: The First Assemblage” (2008), EP “All Rock’d Up” (2017), and “Beatz N’ Vibez Vol. 1 (2023). Jamal Batiste has performed in cinema (“Get On Up,” the James Brown story starring Chadwick Boseman, 2014) and has received awards and accolades from the New Orleans City Council and the mayor of New Orleans, as well as from President Barack Obama (Lifetime Achievement Award). He has been working with students (youth and young adults) as an instructor for NOSACONN at Batiste Cultural Arts Academy & Smothers Academy, for How Big Is Your Dream Academy, and A Star Is Born Performance Camp at the historic Carver Theater. The Jamal Batiste Band has performed at “the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products industry” (NAMM in Anaheim, CA) and with Grammy Award Winning musicians such as Leo Nocentelli, Art Neville and George Porter (The Meters), Ledisi, PJ Morton, 2 Chainz, and Jon Batiste, and that's just to name a few, the list goes on and on. Jamal has appeared on the Today Show with Hoda & Jena, Good Morning America, CNN, CBS Nightly News and USA Today. Also to include several local news stations, newspapers and magazines as well. When Jamal isn't making an in person appearance one can still catch his extraordinary drumming talents in Disney's very first African American princess movie entitled "Princess and the Frog" he also played acoustic guitar in Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger TV series, and spoke at the 2014 Cutting Edge Music Conference about the audition process for his role in “Get On Up.” Then he was invited to be the musical director for a tribute band called The Gladiators, congratulating his father David Batiste, Sr. receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Best Of The Beat Award Show 2023. Jamal Batiste writes to fans, “Just want to thank you for your prayers, love and support on my continuous journey in music and in life. Thank you for continuing to share my music with everyone you know. It is my goal to motivate, inspire and impact people to fight for a positive outlook despite of one's circumstances. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you! Let's continue to build together and share a genuine positive atmosphere, quality sound and high energy! God bless you and your family. Peace!”
UNCUT
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