Amid all of the hoopla surrounding Carnival, a show is happening on Thursday night at Gasa Gasa that will put you into the true spirit of Mardi Gras. The guitarist and vocalist June Victory will be reuniting with the rhythm section that defined Mardi Gras Indian funk in the 1990s along with a very special guest.
I have run into June a few times since he returned from a self-imposed exile for health reasons in the wilds of Minnesota. He played a set at Chickie Wah Wah with the other screaming lead guitarist named June. That of course, would be Yamagishi or as Victory calls him, “Japanese June.”
I also had a long chat with him waiting for Big Chief Bo Dollis’ funeral procession to commence. He reported that a new album is in the works and that he has over 300 (!) new songs ready for eager ears.
But he seemed most excited about the gig Thursday night. He has been playing with drummer Jasmin Cardriche since she was literally a child. Together with bassist Earl Nunez they form a rock solid rhythm section to support Victory’s Hendrixian guitar excursions. A special treat for music lovers with long memories will be a rare local appearance by guitarist and long time Tipitina’s MC Rickie Castrillo. Also expect some spirited Mardi Gras Indian dancing.
For music lovers interested in the original Mardi Gras Indian funk sound as detailed in my book, fans of straight up guitar pyrotechnics and anyone interested in getting into the spirit of Carnival—this is a show not to be missed.
