MySpace a place for friends

John “Papa” Gros’ debut CD, Day’s End, described by Keith Spera (New Orleans Times-Picayune) as “bits of Leon Russell, Dr. John, and Little Feat plus a whole lot of John Gros” is a promisingly fresh look at New Orleans music.

Born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge, Gros studied French horn and jazz piano at Loyola University. In 1996, he joined George Porter Jr.’s band, Runnin’ Pardners where he honed his New Orleans piano and organ skills, paying great homage to Dr. John and Art Neville. In 2000, John founded the all-star funk conglomerate, Papa Grows Funk.

Papa Grows Funk’s down home New Orleans sound mixes the slinky Meters with a sophisticated jazz quintet at one helluva Mardi Gras party, making for one over the top, blow you away kind of gumbo. Conceived as a simple Monday night jam session, all of this simmered into three critically acclaimed CD’s, Doin’ It (2001), Shakin’ (2002), and Live at the Leaf (2006), numerous Band of the Year awards and a coast to coast national fan base.

Day’s End, honored as New Orleans’ Best New Orleans Roots Rock CD of 2004 (Times-Picayune), introduces New Orleans music lovers to “Papa’s” colorful songwriting while featuring his funky piano and gritty, soulful voice. Swamp blues, Dr. John-ish piano, Louisiana rock-n-roll, heartbreak ballads, and even a Cajun waltz highlight these musical gems. Gros “pulls the different strains of New Orleans music together similar to the way the Radiators and the subdudes do.” (Gambit ) And that’s good company.

John’s Rat a Tang Tang was featured on the Starz Network documentary, New Orleans Music in Exile (2006), heard on broadcasts of Major League Baseball's World Series, Major League Baseball regular season games, the National Basketball Association’s Championship Series and Division Series and his House of Love will be featured on the upcoming Lion’s Gate movie Sea of Fear.

Will Spitz from the Boston Herald says it best,” We’ve seen keyboardist and vocalist, John “Papa” Gros hold his own at enough New Orleans “Piano Night” showdowns (with the likes of Henry Butler, Marcia Ball, and Dr. John sharing the stage) to know that he and his band, Papa Grows Funk are the real deal.”

John “Papa” Gros is the sound of New Orleans.