Hailed by NPR as “deft assemblers of a sound that traverses decades and styles with humble grace,” New Orleans band The Deslondes mine from the rich history of American music to craft their compelling and wholly unique eponymous debut album, due June 9 on New West Records.
Co-produced by the band and in-demand producer Andrija Tokic (Benjamin Booker, Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff) at his Nashville studio the Bomb Shelter, the 12 tracks are influenced by classic soul, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, folk, roots country, swamp-boogie, honky-tonk and pre-war music and introduce a collective of gifted singer-songwriters with a deep love for the past and a palpable passion for the present. “They manage to resurrect a lost sound, exclaimed Rolling Stone in their “20 Reasons To Love This Year” preview, adding, “Stax and Sun records are distinct touch points, as are upright-bass-driven melodies – while giving it a modern, vibrant swing, building on the foundations of old-time traditions without sounding like they’re stepping out of a time machine.”
Ahead of the release, the band ­- named after the street in the Holy Cross neighborhood of the Crescent City where they first came together – fittingly released a two-song 7-inch on Mardis Gras, available exclusively on their current tour or via iTunes. The A-side and opening track of the forthcoming record, “Fought the Blues And Won,” premiered last month via NPR and B-side “Yum Yum,” a cover of Joe Tex’s 1959 rockabilly tune, premiered at The Bluegrass Situation and injects the song with some New Orleans R&B and country blues.
The Deslondes will play a handful of high profile shows at SXSW, including New West Records Official Showcase, the Pandora Discovery Den and the Heartbreaker Banquet taking place at Willie Nelson’s Luck, Texas ranch and featuring Willie, Leon Bridges, Angel Olsen, Hurray for the Riff Raff and labelmates Nikki Lane and Daniel Romano. They are also confirmed for several spring and summer festivals including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 26 and the inaugural Big Barrel Festival in Dover, Del. on June 26. See below for more info.
March 17 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
March 18 – Austin, TX @ SXSW – New Frontier Touring Official Showcase
March 19 – Luck, TX @ SXSW – Heartbreaker Banquet – 2:40 pm
March 19 – Austin, TX @ SXSW – New West Records Day Party (email for info)
March 20 – Austin, TX @ SXSW – Pandora Discovery Den – 4 pm
March 20 – Austin, TX @ SXSW – Continental Club – New West Official Showcase – 11 pm
April 26 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 22 – Evans, GA @ Banjo-B-Que Festival
June 26 – Dover, DE @ Big Barrel Festival
* With Banditos