LOUISIANA RED HOT RECORDS

Posts in the EMERGING category

COLIN LAKE

BIO

Seven years ago while visiting New Orleans in the springtime, Seattle native Colin Lake met his future wife in the Louis Armstrong International airport. The meeting sparked a cosmic chain reaction that would change his life forever.

Overwhelmed by the gravity that seemed to be drawing him to the city, Lake made his home in The Big Easy less than a year later, and his passion and innate feel for roots music found fertile ground. Lake draws from a unique musical palette, creating songs that reflect a personal journey which has already spanned great distances, both spiritually and geographically.

While his soulful vocal style and searing touch on the lap steel guitar owe heavily to countless blues greats, Lake’s knack for song craft defies genre and is what truly sets him apart. Lake’s latest release One Thing That’s For Sure captures his personal sound, which springs from songs teeming with penetrating lyrics and gritty sincerity. On the album’s eleven original songs, Lake sings of love and longing, truth and transcendence, hope and struggle. Indeed, they are love songs, but not exclusively in the romantic sense. They are songs that celebrate love’s well-earned triumph over fear, treading the territory where light and shadows meet.

On songs like “I’m Trying to Tell You” and the heavily distorted “Pay the Price”, Lake offers desperate pleas reminiscent of a man fighting for his life. The chorus of the laid back title track and the sun-soaked refrain of “She’s Mine” finds the singer swelling with joy as he revels in the spoils of love. And why shouldn’t he? These songs were born in New Orleans, the world capital of joyful expression. Lake may not have been born there, but he will tell you that in New Orleans he was born again.

In the past year, Lake has opened for acts like Dr. John and Gary Clark Jr, and performed at festivals around the country, including the 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the 2013 Austin City Limits Music Festival, Alabama’s Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival, the Key West Songwriters Festival and New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival.


PRESS

“Songs as sturdy as his fleet-fingered, blues-based guitar skills” – Keith Spera, Times Picayune

“If John Mayor had any actual soul, he’d be the Seattle-bred, New Orleans based Colin Lake.” – Brett Milano, Offbeat Magazine

www.colinlake.com

LILLI LEWIS

Lilli LewisBIO

With vocals said to have “enough energy to power a large city, Lilli Lewis is a singer, pianist, and composer of rare grace and grit. Paired with a love for music that began before she composed her first song on the piano at age three, her progressive, provocative, and conscientious presence is fueled by a boundless appetite for poetry and rhythm. Whether looping solo a cappella as “a one woman Sweet Honey in the Rock,” throwing down with full on soul psychedelica, the Athens, Georgia native has the power to stir even the stiffest listener.

Even though she was born to a Baptist minister in the deep south, Lewis grew up studying classical music, spending countless hours at the piano decoding Brahms and Beethoven well into the late hours of the night. She also knew she loved to sing from a very early age, and her near obsession with harmony led to early experiments in recording and overdubbing her voice to analog tape, a practice that ultimately made her a 2008 NewSong Competition regional finalist, and the A Cappella Recording Awards 2009 runner-up for best world-folk album, a title she shared with the Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It was upon her first hearing of the earthy a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock as a young teenager that Lewis determined she would have a musical story to tell outside of the world of classical music.

Since then, she’s been a featured performer on main stages across the US and abroad, making her home in New Orleans in 2014 and quickly becoming a sought after side arm to some of New Orleans’ most musical elite, including Dirty Dozen Brass Band founding member and sousaphone master Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove. Equal parts unassuming and fearless, her own full band known simply as the The Lilli Lewis Project, features the Dozen’s own Takeshi Shimmura on lead guitar. The 8 piece is a rhythm and soul orchestra ensemble of depth, girth and decibels that delivers “innovative, soulful music that will never go out of style.”

www.lillilewis.com

JOHN LISI

lisiBIO

It seems Goodyear’s loss was music’s gain.

Rather than the rote replies of “actor,” “poet” or “teacher” when asked what he’d have chosen if not for his actual career track – John Lisi, in keeping with the decidedly atypical approach he carries from studio to stage, thinks a few thousand feet outside the box.

“I knew since the age of 5 or 6 that I was going to be a musician when I grew up,” he said, “but to be honest if I wasn’t a musician I would love to be a blimp pilot.”

And while he ultimately went for a more gravity-based profession than steering free-flying aircraft, neither the zigzagged path he’s followed since nor the variety of work he’s produced while doing so is any less eclectic than the initial reply might suggest. He played, sang and co-wrote on Rockin’ Tabby Thomas’ “Long Live the King of the Swamp Blues” in 1998, then, a year later, released his debut “Blues For Chloe” – featuring guest bluesmen Big Jay McNeely, Henry Gray, Larry Garner and J. Monque’D.

His first album with Delta Funk, “Preachin’ to the Choir,” was released in 2000 and yielded the follow-up “Can Ya’ Dig It” in 2004. Elsewhere, he co-wrote and played on Big Chief Monk Boudreaux’s “Rising Sun” in 2006, teamed up with Cody Dickenson and Jimbo Mathus on “Dead Cat Bounce” in 2007 and was prominently featured on the Devil Dolls’ “Return of Eve” in 2008. He’s also co-fronted the band Six Strings Down, and, in 2009, received the Slim Harpo Award for Blues Pioneer, alongside Dr. John and Alvin Batiste.

Bottom line, Lisi not only thrives on the work…he loves what he does saying “I have an unshakable belief in my original songs and being able to deliver them live, as well as honestly enjoying creating and performing,” he said. “I don’t have to do this. I get to do this.”

The creative edge was honed along the way on many stops since he first caught the musical bug as a kid in his native New Jersey. A love affair with the trumpet was soon supplemented when he saw an old film of the original Woodstock festival in 1969 and was instantly captivated by the guitar prowess of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townsend and Alvin Lee, among others.

An initial move to the Gulf Coast brought stints in several Tampa, Fla.-based bands, with which he began developing the dynamic stage presence that’s ultimately become a trademark. From there he went to Los Angeles and worked in genres from blues and funk to rockabilly, swing and metal, toured with several acts and picked up studio guitar work for major network television shows including L.A. Law and Quantum Leap. Relocating his base to New Orleans provided opportunities to play with several Delta staples, including Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Raful and Kenny Neal, Rockin’ Tabby Thomas, Bryan Lee, Galactic, Tab Benoit and Jason Ricci.

“In Jersey, I learned to play with drive and intensity and in Florida we would play insanely long shows. It was a musical marathon training camp,” he said. “In California, I learned to appreciate it is a business and to approach it that way, but in Louisiana I learned to play with soul and not think about what I learned everywhere else. I did set out to play, write and sing. I honestly didn’t think there was any other choice. It’s nice not having to rely or wait around on anyone to finish songs.”

”His offbeat outlook, distinctive voice and instrumental versatility were all put to work on his 2010 release, “Super-Most-Fantastic!” a compilation of eclectic blues that yielded Lisi a glowing review from New Orleans-based OffBeat magazine, which said he “snorts and stomps like an unholy cross between the Chili Peppers’ ‘BloodSugarSexMagic’ and Led Zeppelin’s more wonderfully obnoxious moments on ‘Physical Graffiti.’ The future of New Orleans music.” Other critiques from Living Blues magazine, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper and LiveNewOrleans.com website are similarly positive, calling Lisi “reminiscent of John Hammond Jr., “ saying he “shows that some blues musicians still write songs like the old masters did” and recommended fans “go see (his) band before they get too big for your britches.”

“It’s fun to mix it up while maintaining some form of a musical identity. I love for the band to flex our musical muscles a bit live. When you make a record you owe it to the song to keep things brief – the old saying, ‘Don’t bore us. Get to the chorus.’ If the audience can walk away shocked and amazed, then I’ve done my job – that and with a handful of our music!”


PRESS

“Stunning guitar riffs with blues and funk to create music that is just downright fun.” – Gia Pecoraro, Times Picayune

“Amidst a plethora of talent, the young man made a name for himself through his offbeat portrayals of life, the honesty ringing from his sultry voice and his ability to make his fingers fly…as the mood took him.” – Times Picayune

www.johnlisi.com

BIO

From Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jonathon “Boogie” Long was born with the blues coursing through his veins. Brought up in a Southern Baptist community, he first picked up the guitar at the age of six, teaching himself old gospel songs. Years later, a teenage Long found himself playing weekly gigs at blues clubs and events around town. At fourteen, he left school to lay down his roots touring with local legends Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, he has toured with Chris Duarte, Kenny Wayne and Tyree Neal on the Chitlin’ Circuit. Boogie has shared the stage with standout musicians such as Warren Haynes and Govt Mule, Dr. John, Rockin’ Dopsie, Monte Montgomery, Ellis Hall, Kenny Neal, Larry Garner, Henry Gray, Lil Ray Neal, and Lou Marini of the Blues Brothers Band.

In 2011, Boogie Long was crowned Guitar Center’s “King of the Blues” from a field of over 4,000 contestants, in the competition for #1 Unsigned Blues Guitarist in America. Soon after, Boogie was sought out to film 2013’s “Boogie Blues Magic,” an instructional three-DVD set on which he shares his original tricks for learning fundamental blues styles (www.boogiebluesmagic.com). On another recent project, Boogie co-starred in the independent film, “We Be Kings,” a fictional story about an elderly couple that owns a juke joint in the Mississippi Delta.

Boogie currently fronts his own blues/soul trio, The Blues Revolution. His soul-stomping vocals and monster guitar shredding, paired with bluesy songwriting chops make his powerhouse performances a “must see.” In April 2013, Boogie was tapped by B.B. King to support his four week tour. Also, he was given a prime slot at the New Orleans Jazz Fest Blues Stage! Quickly ascending from Baton Rouge to the main stage, Boogie Long is on track with his lifetime goal of championing blues music and its roots. His debut record was released in April of 2013, making his national debut with the follow-up opus “Trying to Get There” on Louisiana Red Hot Records (7/22/2016).

www.jonathonboogielong.com

Kevin-Solo-Promo-2013BIO

As a 20 year veteran of the Austin music scene, Kevin Sekhani has done it all. From blazing rock-n-roll to Holy Ghost Honkytonk, Sekhani never fails to entertain crowds with heartfelt enthusiasm and poignant lyrics.

Spending time in Austin working with Michael Ramos (John Mellencamp, Patty Griffin), Andrew Duplantis (Son Volt), and Austin Chronicle’s three-time String Player of the Year winner Warren Hood. In 2010, Sekhani moved back to his home town of Lafayette, Louisiana to front The Mercy Brothers, a Gospel group walking the fine line of sinners and saints.

Since the prodigal son’s return home, he has won over the hearts of Jazz Fest and Festival International audiences, landed a top 5 spot on the Americana charts in Europe with The Mercy Brothers debut release, toured Sweden, and signed his Gospel group to Louisiana Red Hot Records.

Honed from years of collaborations and jam sessions with the legendary wordsmith Bill Carter, who wrote hits for Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Counting Crows, Waylon Jennings and others, Sekhani’s voracious songwriting extends beyond Gospel into secular territory with his new solo album Day Ain’t Done. Adam Sheets of No Depression praises Sekhani’s work on the album deeming it “one of the best debut albums I have heard in years.”

Day Ain’t Done is layered with Americana staple instrumentation, taking the earthy tones of violin, mandolin, accordion and acoustic guitars to give the feel of a back porch jam on a Louisiana Saturday night. The album’s track “Oilfield Tan” has found its way into regular rotation on local Louisiana and Texas radio stations, resonating amongst an area all too familiar with the demanding industry of oilfield work.

Kevin Sekhani celebrates his Louisiana roots by signing with Louisiana Red Hot Records to help bring Day Ain’t Done to the worldwide stage. With stops at 2014’s South by Southwest music festival, Sekhani has already began to garner excitement for his solo career. Still, whether you catch Kevin Sekhani at a large festival or on a small front porch, you are guaranteed to enjoy one hell of a show.


PRESS

“Sekhani’s alternative country gumbo of guitar, Dobro, fiddle, mandolin and more can hang with the best of them.” – Herman Fuselier, Music Writer

“Hailing from Lafayette, LA but cutting his teeth in the Austin music scene, Kevin Sekhani fuses the styles of country, rock and roll, and back-porch jamming to form a vivacious sound.” – The Independent Weekly

“Kevin Sekhani Cajun singer songwriter and veteran Austin musician makes a rousing debut on New Orleans’ Louisiana Red Hot Records with this year’s Day Ain’t Done” – Chris Gray, Houston Press

“If you like music that gets you dancing, this is an album you should add to your collection” – Gary Schwind, AXS TV

“With a voice slightly reminiscent of a young Steve Earle and solid songwriting, Day Ain’t Done is one of the best albums I have heard in years.” – Adam Sheets, No Depression

“Kevin has always been an exceptional singer and Songwriter” – Bill Carter, Songwriter (Caught in the Crossfire, Willie the Wimp – Stevie Ray Vaughn, Why Get Up – The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Palmer)

“Day Ain’t Done is a rich organic blend of alternative country styled Americana textured with fiddle, accordion and dobro that showcases Sekhani’s Louisiana roots both musically and lyrically” – Cody Daigle, The Daily Advertiser

“Day Ain’t Done is dripping with moss, delivering you right to the levee at Henderson swamp, while Ballad of a Lonely Clown and Jimmy would feel at home on the Grand Ole Opry Stage” – The Daily Advertiser

www.kevinsekhani.com

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