MOJO

Bio:

MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies are powerfully talented musicians and entertainers who immerse the audience into all original Cajun and Zydeco music and dancing in the Southwest Louisiana tradition. No one will be able to sit still, and everyone will remember MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies forever. MOJOs truly unique musical adventure literally delivers lifetime memories. MOJO music is infectiously happy, and all ages go nuts - to put it simply. MOJO shows are wild, but totally natural and positive, appealing to EVERYONE in all walks of life- Boomers, kids, teens, and even seniors. MOJO (Accordion and Vocals) Mojo, leader of the Bayou Gypsies, has been performing for more than forty years, and from the way he moves, it's obvious that he's still excited about what he's doing. Mojo is the vocalist, accordion player, songwriter, and father figure for MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies. Internationally known for his work, Mojo has performed across America, in Europe and Canada, and is a truly charismatic performer. Mojo is also the man who, in collaboration with Frottoir maker, Tee Don Landry, got the Frottoir -- the Zydeco rubboard -- inducted into the Smithsonian Institution Museum of North American History Folk Music collection! MOJOs work to benefit children is legendary. As a Touring Performance Artist and Artist in Residence, Mojo and his band deliver hundreds of performances each year to inner-city, underprivileged and handicapped children. Their work continues to the college level where they perform, mentor and provide master classes. Mojos working tools embrace the philosophy that no man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child. A portion of proceeds from every MOJO concert is donated to charity. MOJOs performances have benefited Rotary International, Masonic charities, Shriners Hospital for Children, Public Action to Deliver Shelter, Prevent Child Abuse, Habitat for Humanity, Masonic Childrens Home, IL Foundation to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Drug Treatment Facilities, Masonic Hospital, American Cancer Society, Urban Gateways Arts Outreach, YMCA and many more just in the last 12 months! Zydeco T Carrier, Frottoir (Rubboard) Zydeco T Carrier is a legend known for her skill as a player of the Frottoir, and as a charming AND exciting performer. A native of Church Point, LA, Zydeco T is a French-speaking Creole from the famous Carrier family. Her brother is Roy Carrier, her nephew is Chubby Carrier. With her million dollar smile, Zydeco T is a pleasure to watch. Greg "The Fire" Hirte, Fiddle Mojos Fiddler, Greg Hirte, is an industry legend. Widely known for great solos, Greg is a classically trained violinist and actor who started playing violin at age four, and studied acting at the Piven Theatre workshop. In 2002, Greg was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson award for best original score. Greg came to MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies after performing with Billy Corgan, Nick Tremulus, Ronnie Specter, and Steve Earl. Gregs performances are always a treat. Tee John Moser, Drums Tee John Moser, drummer for Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies, is a lifetime performer known for his fabulous ability. He is young, good looking, and plays like a monster. As a drummer/percussionist, John has performed and toured the United States, Canada and Europe. His high-energy playing has landed him over 30 full length CD debuts along with Radio jingles and TV spots on 3 major networks. His career as a professional started in the mid 90's, including tours and performances with Tito Puente, Blue Lou Marini (Blues Brothers), Clark Terry (Johnny Carson Show), Louie Bellson, and Tito Corillio. This young man is clearly an accomplished musician. What else can we say? Just watch him play! Beau Brian Burke, Bass Beau Brian Burke, on bass, is a great musician and a great sport. Playing amazing bass all night long, Beau Brian fills out Mojo's powerful rhythm section. With a Master's Degree in Jazz Bass Performance, Beau Brian has distinguished himself with a wide variety of touring and performances. He is a much sought after "John Paul Jones" actor/performer in Led Zeppelin tribute productions. Beau Brian is also the object of the Mojo Family's playful teasing, often in French between Mojo and Zydeco T. You see, Beau Brian is the youngest at 23, and the whole crowd joins in every time to say, "He's REALLY young." Rich "Tex" Stitzel, Drums & Percussion Rich "Tex" Stitzel, drummer and percussionist with MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies, comes from the great Texas Percussion tradition and from a long line of famous Texas musicians and music educators! Tex is a monster player! He began his career at the University of North Texas, and now tours with legendary performers and can be heard on dozens of recordings (albums, jingles & industrial films) playing jazz, pop, country, latin and beyond. He has played with Mary Wilson & The Supremes, Brad Thompson (Texas Singer/Songwriter), Bertha Coolidge (acid-jazz), Chuck Rainey (Steely Dan), Christian Howes (Les Paul Trio), Keith Carlock (Steely Dan), Cornelius Bumpus (Steely Dan & Doobie Brothers), Andy Timmons (Olivia Newton John), The Jim Widner Big Band, The Texas All-Star Big Band, and many, many others. The Songs The songs you'll hear from MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies are all Mojo originals, from the shuffle "Louisiana Saturday Night," to the waltz, "Cypremort Point," to the funky spooky "Madame Magique." They're all different, they're all fun, and they all bring the spicy taste of Louisiana Bayou country to wherever Mojo performs.

Member Since:

March 24, 2006

Members:

MOJO (Accordion and Vocals) Zydeco T Carrier, Frottoir (Rubboard) Greg "The Fire" Hirte, Fiddle Tee John Moser, Drums Beau Brian Burke, Bass Rich "Tex" Stitzel, Drums & Percussion

Influences:

Zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans, Rock, Blues, Country, all Americana.

Sounds Like:

Check out MOJO's Sound FOR YOURSELF!

Here's what folks enjoyed at MOJO's last CD Release Party!

Record Label:

JLM Success, Chicago