Tomorrow night, July 25th, The Den at the Howlin’ Wolf will host New Jersey based reggae group Quincy Mumford and the Reason Why. On the road in support of their fifth studio album It’s Only Change, we caught up with the band to find out why they are especially excited to stop in New Orleans and why they are inviting local musicians to jam.
“We’ve never been to New Orleans before,” said Quincy, the front man and primary songwriter for the Reason Why, “and we all love New Orleans music so much. The Neville Brothers, the Meters, Jon Cleary, these are all major influences on me. I grew up listening to New Orleans funk and I think the super jam portion of our set will be incredibly special here if we can get the local musical community on board.”
He continued, “We really enjoy playing with other musicians and there are so many great players in New Orleans. We dig brass bands, so we’re hoping we can get some horn players on board. It’s a musical community we would love to get familiar with.”
The show at the Howlin’ Wolf will be a two-part event. The first set will be the band’s originals and the second set will be a super-jam involving local musicians. Any artists interested in participating can go here and send an e-mail detailing their interest. Online, any local talent can find a list of covers the band is open to playing during the super-jam set.
Its Only Change is an interesting album because despite the heavy reggae and funk vibes, it was produced Ken Coomer, known for his work with alternative rock, Americana tinged groups Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. Mumford met Ken when he entered a songwriting contest. He wrote a funk song, not realizing it was a country music songwriting contest. He didn’t win, but Ken loved the song and flew him out to Nashville to talk about making an album together. “He’s the type of producer that let’s you do whatever you want to do. He expedites your vision. I really felt like I was a co-producer with Ken,” Mumford said of his experience making the record.
So come out Friday night to a show Mumford promises, “will leave you feeling lifted.” Doors open at 10 with tickets available here.
