Putting aside "their territorial
differences to make beautiful music," Big Chief Romeo from the 9th
Ward and Big Chief Jermaine of the 7th Ward formed the
79rs Gang in 2013, producing a new kind of Mardi Gras Indian music
that combines tradition with club and electronic elements. The duo
has come a long way since the authentic, traditional rhythms of their
first album Fire On The Bayou was
released in 2014.
Working alongside writer/producer Eric
Heigle (The Soul Rebels, Lost Bayou Ramblers), Jermaine and Romeo
have crafted their latest album Expect the Unexpected,
a unique collection that straddles two worlds, bringing traditional
Mardi Gras Indian sounds to the hip hop dance floor. "Romeo
and Jermaine are two of the baddest Indian singers out there, not to
mention Romeo can play tambourine as well as anyone I've ever seen,"
said Heigle. "That along with the concept of solidarity that is
embedded within the 79rs Gang concept makes this project super
unique. They worked really hard on this music and I couldn't be
prouder of 79rs Gang for Expect the Unexpected."
For Expect the Unexpected, the
79rs Gang collaborated with many different artists including notable
musicians such as Win Butler of Arcade Fire, trumpeter Nicholas
Payton, famed New Orleans percussionist and vocalist Cyril Neville,
and the Haitian music collective Lakou Mizik. The brilliantly-hued
artwork on the album cover was created by local artist Ceaux Young.
"In
the 1970s, Bo Dollis and Monk Boudreaux opened the door and took
Mardi Gras Indian music and culture around the world using New
Orleans funk. On Expect the Unexpected,
we bring this culture into the future," says Bossier. "We take
this music around the world using a beat machine, using the sounds of
hip hop and dance music. This is music for young people and old
people, for the people of New Orleans, and for people who know
nothing about this culture. This is music for the whole world."
**For more information on 79rs Gang and
Expect the Unexpected visit https://79rsgang.bandcamp.com/.
Listen via Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Spotify and more!
