Philly Gumbo

Bio:

"a personal pastiche of rhythm 'n' blues, rock and reggae that's not just irresistible but positively transcendent." --The Philadelphia City Paper

Philly Gumbo has been the foremost exponent of New Orleans music in the Philadelphia area and perhaps the only band to effectively mix New Orleans r ‘n’ b, reggae, blues, and African music.

Philly Gumbo has also been recognized by Philadelphia Magazine in the annual “Best Of Philadelphia” issue and by the Philadelphia Music Foundation.

During its long history, Philly Gumbo has released three recordings: the debut single “Holy War” b/w “Mardi Gras” (1984 Gumbo Records), an original song, “Xmas In New Orleans” featured on the “Seasons Greetings Philadelphia” benefit CD (1999 Record Cellar) and a unique version of the traditional song “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” on “Public Domain”, a roots-music compilation (2000-Big Music). Now in 2011, Philly Gumbo releases their first full length CD "Come and Get It"

A Philly Gumbo performance is the next best thing being at Jazz Fest!

Philly Gumbo's distinctive blend of New Orleans R&B, blues and reggae has made it the standard-bearer for New Orleans music on the Philadelphia music scene for more than a quarter century.

That's why the band was selected to kick off the first annual Jambalaya Jam festival at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and Philadelphia Magazine twice made Philly Gumbo a "best-of Philadelphia" pick.

Philly Gumbo delivers a unique listening experience even as its irresistible grooves impels people to get up and dance. Expect to hear such classic New Orleans' anthems as "Iko Iko", "Hey Pocky Way," "Big Chief," "Brother John," "Go To The Mardi Gras" all delivered in the infectious Philly Gumbo style.

Philly Gumbo has been featured at Jam On The River, The Benson & Hedges World Music Festival, The West Oak Lane Jazz Festival, WRTI 90.1 FM Groovin’ in the Garden concert series and more.

If you want to have a true New Orleans musical experience, then you do not want to miss Philly Gumbo.

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Member Since:

February 11, 2009

Members:

..Philly Gumbo

.. India Rex: lead vocals

Randall Grass: keyboards

Tim Hayes: drums

Pete Eshelman: guitar

Bert Harris: bass

Richard Orr : sax

Philly Gumbo Auxiliary: Allen James: guitar, Randy Lippencott: bass, Neil Simpkins: drums, Daryl Ray: sax, Carol DiFlorio: vocals, CC Crabtree: sax, Troy Corley: sax, Gitsy: guitar, Veronica Underwood: vocals, Rick Hall: keyboards, Monette Sudler: guitar

Philly Gumbo Alumnae: Walt Taylor: vocals, Richard Johnson (r.i.p. 2000) guitar and vocals, Brenda Smith: vocals, Jeannie Brooks: vocals, Bill Hayward: bass

Influences:

Meters, Bob Marley, Professor Longhair, Staple Singers, Nina Simone, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, UB40, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Stax, Motown, Toots

Sounds Like:

A truly unique sound... Philly Gumbo has been the foremost exponent of New Orleans music in the greater Philadelphia region and perhaps the only band to effectively mix New Orleans r ‘n’ b, reggae, blues, and African music.

"a personal pastiche of rhythm 'n' blues, rock and reggae that's not just irresistible but positively transcendent." --The Philadelphia City Paper

Record Label:

Gumbo Records