Greetings, cyber-buddies. Marc Stone here. Thanks for hitting my site. I hope you like it. Over the past six years I've done a lot of musical work here in New Orleans and around the world. I've also done a lot of work retailing Louisiana music at various locations. In the course of this kind of work I've always been approached by people for advice on local music, restaurants, events, etc. In response to many of the more commonly asked questions I've decided to post some of my personal faves on this page.

BANDS

There are so many great bands around that I couldn't possibly list all the ones that I love, but here a few whose work is really worth checking out.

New Orleans

Jeremy Lyons and the Deltabilly Boys - Outrageous slide guitar, driving rhythm, and remarkably consistent performances make these guys a sure thing every time.

Eddie Bo - New Orleans piano at its best. Period.

Duane Dopsie - This young son of the late Rockin' Dopsie Sr. has barnstormed the local scene with unstoppable zydeco accordion playing. All of the old guard better watch out for this kid, he's coming up very fast.

New World Funk Ensemble - One of the most ambitious bands on the New Orleans scene, New World is forging a new path with it's unique blend of slick contemporary funk, African stylings, Latin music and sophisticated jazz influenced arrangements and soloing. The driving force behind this band is the dedication of its members. All accomplished players in their own right, their collective effort has produced a remarkable new sound. A big hit at the Polaroid Stage at the 1999 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Mike West and Myshkin - Mike's original Bluegrass and Hillbilly music is the best in town. That explains that stacks of awards and great reviews he's accumulated in his (not too many) years in New Orleans. Myshkin, his wife and partner in song is also a fine multi-instrumentalist. Her eerie vocals and edgy song writing make her the most original modern rock artist in town. Don't miss these guys if you get the chance to see them. Check out their website.

Jeff and Vida - This young husband and wife team employ fine picking skills and dead-on vocal harmony to produce outstanding traditional Bluegrass.

Big Al Carson and the Bluesmasters - Al Carson's big frame is barely sufficient to house his massive soul. Nobody in New Orleans has vocal control or range like this guy. One of the most warm and engaging performers I've ever worked with, Al is a must see. His long time guitar player and vocal foil Harry Sterling was a student of the late Danny Barker. Catch them regularly at the Funky Pirate on Bourbon Street.

Sista Teedy and Cool Riddums - Led by Sitsa Teedy, of New Orleans premier family of vocalists, the Bouttes, this band kicks irresistable reggae grooves flavored with four part hamony and excellent horn section work. Check out their CD on Allen Toussaint's NYNO Records.

Smoky Greenwell - New Orleans #1 harmonica virtuoso. Don't believe me? Ask Offbbeat magazine, who named him New Orleans best harmonica player at their most recent Best of the Beat awards. Not satisfied? He was chosen for the top harmonica slot in the world when the original members of WAR chose him to fill Lee Oskar's spot in the band for the last couple of years. Check out his stand at the French Market, were he retails CD's of local music (including his own outstanding work), harmonicas, and cool musical odds and ends. Smoky's CD's are produced by Johnny Neal, formerly of the Allman Brothers Band, and feature guitar players that make me want to throw my gear in the river. Check out Smoky's Store online at SmokyStore.com

Thanks and stay tuned. This page, like the rest of the site, is still in it's formative stages. Much more to come, including semi-weekly updates on hot music events around town. Let me know what you think of the site so far. E-mail me at marcstone@lalink.com