Jon Cleary - Occapella - Having fun with the songs of Allen Toussaint.
I 1st heard Cleary briefly on HBO's Treme (a great source for new music!). After digging a bit I came to the realization that I've been listening to him and his music for years! He recorded with Taj Mahal on 2 favorite Taj records; 'Phantom Blues' & 'Senor Blues'. Also on Bonnie Raitt's 'Silver Lining' & 'Souls Alike'. He was a member of their bands, playing keyboards, with Bonnie and Taj both recording songs of his on their albums. So I owned performances of his and his music, I just wasn't aware of it! Cleary originally hails from England (!) but he's been a New Orleans native for over 15 years, the dude's a phenom!! Funky, soulful, bluesey good-time music, a great score!!
I 1st heard Cleary briefly on HBO's Treme (a great source for new music!). After digging a bit I came to the realization that I've been listening to him and his music for years! He recorded with Taj Mahal on 2 favorite Taj records; 'Phantom Blues' & 'Senor Blues'. Also on Bonnie Raitt's 'Silver Lining' & 'Souls Alike'. He was a member of their bands, playing keyboards, with Bonnie and Taj both recording songs of his on their albums. So I owned performances of his and his music, I just wasn't aware of it! Cleary originally hails from England (!) but he's been a New Orleans native for over 15 years, the dude's a phenom!! Funky, soulful, bluesey good-time music, a great score!!