Swamp Thing – Artists in Residence – Baton Rouge
Swamp Thing are touring Louisiana this April, having been invited by the city of Baton Rouge to spend a month as artists in residence.
New Zealand’s own ‘Two Man Blues Roots Juggernaut’ are currently playing a range of gigs and blues clubs and festivals across the State, as well as being a feature artist for the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and spending time as VIP guests at the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
They’ll also be going into schools and running workshops, as part of their work with the Tipitina’s Foundation, which is aimed at protecting and preserving Louisiana’s rich musical culture. Swamp Thing are also planning to record a couple of songs at a studio there with the New Orleans Brass Band.
Michael Barker (drums, percussion, keyBass, vocals) said it was “pretty cool that Swamp Thing were considered talented and different enough to be invited over.”
“The way we play blues is different and it’s obviously different enough for them to be interested in what we’re all about. The main thing for us is to learn as much as possible from the wonderful artists there.”
Here at Sonic Den, we’ve been loving following the stories of Swamp Thing’s jaunt through Baton Rouge. http://www.facebook.com/swampthingnz/
Baton Rouge photographer Jenn Ocken has shared some photos from a recent Swamp Thing shoot in Louisiana. Check out these awesome pics!
All photos copyright:
http://jennocken.zenfolio.com/
http://www.documentingblues.com/
Swamp Thing are:
Michael Barker & Grant Haua. A former long time member of The John Butler Trio and the touring drummer with Kiwi legends Split Enz, Michael Barker (drums, percussion, keyBass, vocals) formed the two man blues/roots duo Swamp Thing with Grant Haua (vocals/guitar) a greatly respected singer/songwriter and guitarist from Tauranga in 2010.
These two unique musicians come together bringing a wealth of experience, passion and love for their craft to make blues flavoured music with a deep groove and soulful spook.
http://sonicden.com/swamp-thing/
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About Jenn Ocken:
Jenn has also released a powerful documentation of blues performers in her book Blues On Beale Street which is available online.
Jenn Ocken – Fine Art, Photography & Photo Books