Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
Washboard Chaz Blues Trio - 2010
The Washboard Chaz Blues Trio is a New Orleans favorite that plays acoustic blues, covering the Delta, Piedmont and Chicago Style Blues. Consisting of Washboard Chaz on washboard and vocals, Andy J Forest on harmonica and vocals and St.Louis Slim on guitar, the Trio amazes audiences with its full sound and danceable tunes.
Four recordings, 2008′s “Mix It Up”, 2006′s, “Hard Year Blues”, 2004′s, “Dog Days” and 2002′s, “Courtyard Blues”, capture the authenticity of their sound. The band has performed at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage and French Quarter Festivals from 2003 through 2009 and have amassed an international following with regular tours of Italy, France and Switzerland.
The Trio was featured in HBO’s hit show Treme, and have been nominated for many “Best of Blues Awards” and was OffBeat magazine’s Best Emerging Blues Band for 2004. The numerous reviews about the Trio send locals and visitors alike to the Frenchmen Street music district for their performances at reknowned clubs like The Spotted Cat and dba.
Tin Men
Tin Men - New Orleans 2003
Tin Men rose from the ashes of Royal Fingerbowl to become one of New Orleans most interesting and exciting bands back in the Spring of 2002. Consisting of Alex McMurray on guitar and vocals, Matt Perrine on sousaphone, and Washboard Chaz Leary on washboard and vocals, the band has riveted audiences with its own brand of music.
Take the moving original songs of McMurray, throw in some unexpected covers, Chaz’s lighthearted pop tunes, mixed with their very different vocal stylings and the wit of Perrine’s sousaphone punctuation, and you have a unique and mesmerizing trio. Their first CD, released spring of 2003, Super Great Music for Modern Lovers, received raved reviews in the Offbeat, Gambit and Where Y’At magazines.
“One of the most interesting bands to emerge from New Orleans in years.”
A. Cohen, Offbeat June 2003
Palmetto Bug Stompers
Palmetto Bug Stompers Jazz Fest 2005
The Palmetto Bug Stompers are one of the finest purveyors of traditional and New Orleans jazz. With a wide and varied background of musical influences, they get the crowd up and dancing.
They have performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival and Lincoln Center’s Mid Summer Night Swing. They are a favorite of the Lindy Hop dancers, performing at many of their showcases across the country. The band consists of Washboard Chaz on washboard and vocals, Robert Snow on acoustic bass, John Rodli on guitar and vocals, Will Smith on trumpet and vocals, Bruce Brackman on clarinet and Paul Robertson on trombone. The Bugs have a weekly gig at dba in New Orleans on Sundays from 6-9pm. Come check us out and bring your dancing shoes!
“..a snapshot in music of some good old New Orleans fun.”
S. Steinberg, Offbeat April 2005 Palmetto Bug Stompers CD Review
Palmetto Bug Stompers Detail
Washboard Rodeo
Washboard Rodeo - New Orleans 2009
Washboard Rodeo is Chaz’s newest project based out of New Orleans and playing western swing. A repertoire consisting of musical greats like Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Spade Cooley and Cliff Bruner holds down the western swing.A few city swing by the likes of Cab Calloway, Count Basie and The Cats and the Fiddle round out the sound.
With a lineup featuring string instruments, the band gives off an old time feel. Neti Vaan, aka Nellie Belle, on fiddle, Matt Rhody, aka Tater, on fiddle and mandolin, Matt Johnson, aka Dapper Dan on guitar, James Walsh, aka Big Possum, on upright bass and Chaz, aka Scrubboard Chuck, on washboard and snare drum.
Their debut album, Washboard Rodeo, has received great reviews and is an excellent addition to your music collection.
More details on Washboard Rodeo’s Website.
