New Orleans, LA

Led by singer/guitarist Tommy Malone and accordionist John Magnie, the Subdudes draw most of their inspiration from the sounds of their native New Orleans, blending blues, gospel, funk, and R&B with their own harmony vocals; their sound is also notable for the band's substitution of a tambourine player for a drummer. The band came together after backing artists such as Joni Mitchell and Roseanne Cash, and released its eponymous debut in 1989. Like the group's subsequent albums (including 1991's Lucky, 1996's Primitive Streak, and 1997's Live at Last), The Subdudes featured a mix of covers and originals. After an eight-year sabbatical, the Subdudes joined Bob Dylan guitarist Freddy Koella to produce Miracle Mule in spring 2004. Keb' Mo' would be the producer for the band's 2006 effort, Behind the Levee, and Street Symphony would follow in 2007. ~ Steve Huey