31 Jul New Orleans Suspects at Telluride Jazz 2013
New Orleans Suspects, by Jeffrey Dupuis
The usual suspects are in no way usual. Au contraire. These denizens of the Big Easy are musicians in a league of their own.
The New Orleans Suspects perform at the Telluride Jazz Celebration on Sunday, August 4, New Orleans Day, on a powerhouse bill with other musicians from their home town.
Who are the Suspects?
“Mean” Willie Green has been the drummer for the Neville Brothers band since the 1980s. His unique attack has defined funk drumming for a quarter of a century, but he is not a one-joke actor: Willie’s taste in music spans modern rock styles. The man is as comfortable driving the beat as he is holding down the groove.
Reggie Scanlan‘s career is defined by his 33 years playing bass in The Radiators, the longest running rock act in the history of New Orleans, but his resume goes deeper. Scanlan spent much of the 1970’s in the bands of legends such as James Booker and Professor Longhair.
Jake Eckert was the lead guitarist in the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. While living in Los Angeles he played in the band New Soul Underground along with jazz great Larry Carlton. He has performed with some of the biggest names in the business, including Warren Haynes, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and Dave Matthews.
CR Gruver is a classically trained pianist who immersed himself in New Orleans piano style after touring with nationally known bands such as The Meters Experience, Outformation, and singer/songwriter Angie Aparo. Since moving to New Orleans he has become a well-regarded sideman, adept at James Booker-style piano and the swelling B-3 stylings of Art Neville.
Jeff Watkins is an accomplished sax player, engineer, and producer. He played all over the world leading James Brown’s band for 12 years, including the induction into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. After Brown died, Jeff worked for six years with Joss Stone as her producer, engineer, and band-leader before joining The Suspects full-time.
The New Orleans Suspects are known for their high-energy live shows, performing compelling originals and tasteful covers all rooted in the Big Easy style. The group released two albums in 2012, including ane ponymous debut studio album and Live at the Maple Leaf, which made it into iTunes highly competitive “New and Noteworthy” page. The band is continually touring while working on a second studio album to be released in 2013.
Check out this recent interview as JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic talks about the band.
Tickets on sale*: www.telluridejazz.org or call 970-728-7009
Patron Pass $750 Limited number available:
Special stage-side seating at Town Park performances with “Wine & Dine” food and beverage catering in the Patron Pavilion. Patrons have First Priority entry to all participating Night Venues and events. In addition, patrons are invited to parties and special sponsored events throughout the weekend.
Weekend All-Access Pass $185:
Entry to Town Park Stage and participating night venues, on a first-come first-serve basis after top priority Patrons, Sponsors and Artists are seated.
Three-day Park Passes $135:
Entry to all Town Park Stage performances.
Single Day Passes:
Friday – $45
Saturday – $55
Sunday – $55 “New Orleans Day”
*Note: All tickets are subject to 5% handling and processing fee
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