French Quarter Fest returned to New Orleans for the first time since 2019, and we were excited to have a number of our artists perform! Check out some of the photos from their performances! All photos by Braden Piper.
Kevin Gullage advances again on American Idol with duet performance
Kevin Gullage continues to impress the American Idol judges. This week he was featured in a duet with Yoli Mayor where the two performed an original arrangement of “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.” Luke Bryan had no doubt in his voice saying, “You two are definitely going on to the next round.”
So stay tuned next week, as we continue to follow Kevin’s amazing American Idol journey.
Kevin Gullage Advances Through Hollywood Week 1 on American Idol
Following his debut on American Idol, Kevin Gullage messes with the judges a little bit with a few “false” starts before grooving into his own rendition of “I’m So Tired of Being Alone” by Al Green. The judges responded positively to his performance, with Lionel Richie commenting, “He definitely gets your attention immediately!”
Later in the episode, Kevin officially advanced to the next round of the show.
Kevin Gullage Sings Katy Perry to Her Feet on American Idol
Basin Street Records recording artist Kevin Gullage auditioned before the judges on American Idol this past Sunday performing “That’s How Strong My Love Is”, and impressed Katy Perry enough to earn a standing ovation from her! Katy Perry said, “Kevin, one of those ad-libs was from another lifetime ago. That was crazy.”
And Luke Bryan says, “I tell you what I love… you’re smile. You look like somebody anyone can talk to.”
And Lionel Richie’s review is, “I grew up with that song… that song requires exactly what you gave us… My friend, you’ve got so much flavor! It’s gonna be such an exciting adventure.”
The judges unanimously agreed and proclaimed together, “You’re going to Hollywood!”
Tune in to American Idol next week to continue to follow Kevin’s journey!
Basin Street Records Signs Kevin & The Blues Groovers
Album & American Idol Appearance Coming Soon
Basin Street Records, New Orleans’ premiere Grammy and Billboard award-winning record label, has signed their next new artist, Kevin & The Blues Groovers. Led by the 22-year-old piano-playing talent Kevin Gullage, Kevin & the Blues Groovers are a perfect fit on the powerhouse label who have a history of signing the best talent out of the city of New Orleans, including Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth Brass Band, and Henry Butler to name just a few. A New Orleans native born into a musical family, and an alumnus of NOCCA, The Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp, and Loyola University New Orleans, Kevin Gullage leads his band of veteran players with poise and confidence. The Blues Groovers consist of bassist Tony Gullage (Henry Butler, Dr. John), Hammond B3 Player Brandon Adams (Kenny Neal), Guitarist Carlton Ross (Glenn David Andrews), Saxophonist Roderick Jackson (Kenny Neal), and Drummer Mac Carter (Jon Cleary).
When faced with the end of their residency at B.B. King’s Blues Club New Orleans (which has indefinitely closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic), Kevin & Co. turned to the recording studio for their creative outlet and have put together an outstanding record titled Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed Blues slated for release by Basin Street Records in the Spring of 2022. The record explores a variety of blues styles including original works by Kevin Gullage, covers of classic tunes, and lesser-known works groovified for your listening pleasure.
Undeterred by the end of his recent residency, Kevin has been busy prepping for the next big thing. He will appear in the 20th season of ABC’s American Idol, which will air its premiere this Sunday, February 27. Looking ahead to 2022, Kevin will spend much of the year as a featured performer for Disney Cruise Lines.
Basin Street Records is excited to add this outstanding young talent to their artist roster. President Mark Samuels expresses this excitement as such, “Kevin is a dynamic talent with deep roots in New Orleans music educated by this city’s best musical minds. In addition to being an accomplished player and vocalist, he has demonstrated a great capacity for songwriting, showmanship, and the versatility to perform the blues in addition to many other genres of music.”
Stay tuned for more updates on Kevin & the Blues Groovers, and their upcoming album Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed Blues.
Happy Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras season has officially begun, and we have Spring weather, Parades, King Cake, Crawfish and Live Music on the mind! Be sure to check out our Mardi Gras collections, so you are ready for your next Carnival party!
On top of the good news that Mardi Gras parades will be happening in New Orleans this year, we recently learned the lineup for this year’s Jazz Fest, and we are excited to see many of our artists represented (many playing multiple sets as well) including: Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth Brass Band, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Dr. Michael White, Bonerama, Davell Crawford, Jason Marsalis, Jeremy Davenport, The Headhunters, Lena Prima, and Bill Summers. Check out the full lineup here: https://www.nojazzfest.com/music/