Worldwide
United States of America
J. Monque'd
Tentang J. Monque'd
Asal
United States of America
Genre
Worldwide
J. Monque'D comes from the school of musicians who say if you are going to play the blues, you have got to live the blues. This blues man has certainly done that; they ought to make a movie of his life. It's a story of poverty and privation, hardships, and hard knocks. Death. Alcoholism. Abuse. Vietnam. Divorce. Drugs. If it just stopped right there, it would be just another sad story. But because J. Monque'D has prevailed, liked some old cussed snake in a song, it's the story of the blues.
Born into a less-than-functional family of mixed heritage of Native-American, Cajun, African-American, and Anglo descent, J. Monque'D went to live with his grandparents in Pointe a la Hache, deep in the Acadiana country of Louisiana. It was there that his grandmother gave him his first harmonica when he was four, and taught him a traditional song that was perhaps prophetic: "Trouble in Mind." The song says, "If trouble don't kill me, I'll live a long time."
Monque'D is a survivor, making it through a tour of duty in Vietnam, a stint in prison for stalking his ex-wife who he said kidnapped his daughter, the death of his twin sister, to name a few troubles. He has scratched around at odd jobs, working in sugarcane fields and truck farming. In the French Quarter, he was a Lucky Dog vendor and a Bourbon Street strip-joint barker.
Having seen the more desperate side of life cannot help but be evident in his music. Monque'D has been playing professionally in New Orleans since he was 13. A musician's musician, they keep asking him to pour on his brand of blues at clubs, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and on the radio. He has played with R&B greats like Dr. John, Earl King, and Michael Ward. But when Monque'D steps out front and does his own material, he is the main man.
He has three CDs to his credit. His first CD, Butter Churnin' Man, cut on an Austrian label in 1993, is difficult to find. His other two releases are perfect vehicles for the musician, featuring songs he wrote and performs, with lyrics alternately hilarious and poignant. The harmonica licks are always intensely heartfelt.
After the Beep features some kick-out pieces that reflect the unique heritage of New Orleans, such as "Harmoni Gras." He and blues diva Marva Wright get down on a great tune, "Indian Princess." The harmonica player receives outstanding support from Earl Turbington and Michael Ward on "No Doubt About It." The 12-minute "If You See Kay" is mind-boggling blues.
Chittlin' Eatin' Music, also released in 2000, again features tunes penned by Monque'D. That titles like "Rough and Rocky Road" and "My Home Is a Prison" are autobiographical probably goes without saying. "Whiz Bang" brought some well-deserved national attention to this Southern blues master who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1999. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer
Mirip dengan: J. Monque'd
Temukan lebih banyak musik dan artis yang mirip dengan J. Monque'd, seperti Leigh Harris, New Orleans Klezmer All Stars, Liquid Mind
