BAND PHOTO: JAY SKOLNICK | New Orleans Suspects release their latest recording today. Kaleidoscoped is another step in the evolution of a band that formed in the wake of the breakup of the Radiators and features some of the best musicians in town. Though no one who has heard the band live has doubts about their cohesive strength, the recording is a testament to their potency as a recording ensemble.
Produced by saxophonist Jeff Watkins and guitarist Jake Eckert, the album soars in the ears with blinding saxophone solos, searing guitar work, percolating keyboards courtesy of CR Gruver, and the supernaturally synced up rhythm section of bassist Reggie Scanlan and drummer “Mean” Willie Green. Several special guests also add to the fun especially Big Chief Juan Pardo and Mardi Gras Indian percussionist “Big Ike” Kinchen. The two Indians appear on what is essentially the Suspects theme song, “Round Up Dem Suspects.”
The song is credited to Pardo and the band and it introduces each of the musicians with sly lyrical references amid traditional Mardi Gras Indian call and response style vocals. “They got one with an axe, don’t know how to act…another with that brass make ya shake your ass,” introduces Eckert and Watkins. It also has a chorus, which is rare in the world of Mardi Gras Indian songs.
Guitarist and vocalist Paul Barrere and mandolin player Fred Tackett of Little Feat make guest appearances on Barrere’s “Dixie Highway.” They enliven the proceedings without taking away any of the inherent groove defining this band.
The songwriting credits are shared by the principal writer and the full band on all of the other tunes. “Cocaine Jane,” a favorite from the band’s live sets, is a standout as is “Whatcha Gonna Do,” which opens with Gruver’s organ and Watkins’ saxophone and showcases the deep funk this band is capable of at its grooviest.
Kaleidoscoped is a great addition to the catalog of a band that continues to mature. With founding bassist Reggie Scanlan stepping aside due to health concerns and Charlie Wooten taking over, the album is an outstanding definitive statement.
