Kirk Nelson & Jambalaya West - Lagniappe (2021)

After the release of the last album, “Collectibles” in 2018, Jambalaya West was formed. Setting sights on a National tour, the band tightened up playing steadily around Southern California until March of 2020 when all shows were cancelled until further notice. Spending time wisely, I wrote some material for ten tunes and JW recorded a new album including two covers in homage to Willie Dixon and Porterhouse Bob.

Drum contributions from Mitch Montrose (Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone) brought a strong second line feel to the tunes. Add in Don “Notorious Dr. Funk” Read (Barbara Morrison) on bass and a West Coast “New Orleans Blues” was created. Regular players Tommy “The Gator” Cunningham (Ramsey Lewis) on trumpet and Ethan Saxe (John Lindahl) on Trombone really help establish the “Jambalaya West” sound. Local favorite Mike Guerrero (Jazz on the Waterfront) added most of the guitar tracks with special performances from award winning guitar slingers Ewen Williams and Michael Granger.