Behind the Levee (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Tommy Malone (vocals, guitar); John Magnie (vocals, accordion, piano, organ); Steve Amedee (vocals, tambourine, percussion); Rosie Ledet (vocals); Tim Cook (bass voice, percussion); Phil Chandler (organ).

Additional personnel: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (horns); Rosie Ledet (background vocals); Phil Chandler.

Recording information: Dockside Studios, Lafayette, LA (05/2005).

Illustrator: Rick Spain.

On 2006's BEHIND THE LEVEE, the Subdudes, purveyors of a musical gumbo of roots styles, offer up a dynamic set that benefits from the shimmering production work of blues luminary Keb' Mo.' Although Mo' co-pens one tune with the ensemble (the funky, loose "Social Aid & Pleasure Club"), he doesn't appear on the album, leaving the New Orleans natives to shine on their own. While the band indulges in energetic, harmony-laden tracks (the fun, breezy "Papa Dukie & the Mud People" and the gospel-tinged "One Word [Peace]"), they also present some quieter moments, most notably the soulful "Next to Me," making this another eclectic, top-notch Subdudes album that is sure to appeal to the group's dedicated fans. minimize