Russell Batiste & Page McConnel
Drummer Batiste, who joined New Orleans funk legends the Meters when they re-formed in the late Eighties, was voted Musician of the Year in New Orleans a few years back. "He is a musician from a family of musicians in a city of musicians, not unlike the Neville or Marsalis family," notes McConnell. "It's no secret to the people down there; everyone knows who Russell is."
Legacy Recordings will release Page McConnell, the much anticipated debut solo album from the keyboardist/songwriter, on April 17. Page composed nine new pieces for this first solo album, which introduces fascinating new musical facets and lyrical concerns from an ever-evolving artist. Page McConnell combines the signature heartfelt vocals, memorable musical hooks, and complex animated improvisations that made his contributions to Phish so vital.
Outformation
With years on the road guitar teching for Michael Houser, founding member of Widespread Panic and one of the most infamous jam guitarists in the history of the genre, Sam Holt was no stranger to the music scene or the road.
However in forming his own band Outformation, Holt would have to step out of the shadows both literally and figuratively to prove that he could stand on his own in a genre where fans are hard won, but once captivated are also loyal as the day is long. Following the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album Tennessee Before Daylight, the band just released their anticipated follow up album Traveler's Rest on August 21.
Jerry Joseph
Jerry Joseph is constantly touring. If it isn’t solo, it is with his rock band The Jackmormons or his side project with Dave Schools, The Stockholm Syndrome. Regardless of what configuration he is playing in, it is always about the songs.
When not touring or recording solo, Joseph is on the road with his power rock band, Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons, who are celebrating their 10th year together this fall. They have spent part of the summer recording their next album. Joseph also writes and tours with his side project, the Stockholm Syndrome, a band he fronts with Dave Schools, Eric McFadden, Wally Ingram and Danny Dzuik.
Joseph got his start in music in the 80’s when he led the reggae/rock band Little Women, based out of Boulder, Colorado, which ruled the Rocky Mountain club circuit for most of the 80's and broke up in 1993. Joseph continued to record before an oft-publicized drug addiction temporarily sidelined his career. The process of getting clean took Joseph to New York, Montana, Salt Lake City, where the Jackmormons were formed in 1996, and eventually to Portland. Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons recently released “Mouthful of Copper” which is the second release from Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons on Terminus Records and follows the critically acclaimed Conscious Contact which was released in early 2002. Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons have released four other albums as well.
Col. Bruce Hampton & The Quark Alliance
Over the years Col. Bruce Hampton (ret.) has traveled the world and beyond fronting such legendary musical acts as The Hampton Grease Band, The Late Bronze Age, The Aquarium Rescue Unit, and The Fiji Mariners.
Now Col. Bruce has teamed with quitarist Perry Osborn, bassist Kris Dale, and drummer Mark Letalien to bring you Col. Bruce & The Quark Alliance.
Eric McFadden
Thoughout his illustrious career, singer, songwriter and guitarist Eric McFadden has steadfastly rebuked the Sirens of commerce, instead heeding the fearless, uncompromising Muses inside his head. This all-consuming obsession helps explain the twisted trajectory of McFadden's career. A veteran of celebrated west coast bands including Liar, Alien Lovestock, Angry Babies, IZM, Holy Smokes, Faraway Brothers, and the Eric McFadden Experience, McFadden has recorded three independently produced solo albums that are regarded as underground masterworks by fans and critics alike.mention.
Frenchy
Randy Leo Frechette -– a.k.a. Frenchy –- has been drawing since he could grip a pencil. In grade school he impressed friends with caricatures of teachers and classmates, but he did not realize his true calling until The Boston Horns approached him in Orlando and persuaded him to paint their performance live.
From that point forward, Frenchy has led a colorful and dynamic ride with stops at concert venues and sports stadiums all over the globe. Based in the talent-rich city of New Orleans, Frenchy is an ambassador to the arts and a bastion of creativity. Since 1997, Frenchy has called New Orleans his home and his muse. The vibrant local music scene pushes the artist's creativity and expressiveness to new limits. And he has branched out further by tapping into the city's sporting events -– ranging from weekly Saints game as the “official team artist” to Super Bowls and NCAA Championships. During Mardi Gras season he can be seen marching in parades, painting onto to canvas while others toss beads.
He is as “New Orleans” as red beans and rice on Monday, yet he doesn't limit himself to the Crescent City. Frenchy aggressively tours the country, painting events in order to quench his creative thirst. He hits music festivals and sporting events across the globe, while also pausing for commissions and studio pieces. All the while he bounces along with a care-free step and creative smile.
Monsta Productions