This is the full text of my interview with Hurray For The Riff Raff in New Orleans. I've added a lot of music to listen to as you read; not just by Alynda and the Riff Raff, but by some of the other New Orleans musicians who are critical to the story. Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JohnRMulv...
Three key albums from the extended Riff Raff family
SUNDOWN SONGS
Far From Home
CD BABY 2009
The New Orleans collective’s 2008 debut, Like A Jazz Band In Nashville, set out their MO. Alongside the excellent Kate Cavazos, this second album incorporates Alynda Lee Segarra and Sam Doores into their country songwriting bootcamp.
Segarra: “That was the first band I was in where multiple songwriters all together played country music that was a little weird. They really encouraged me to write.”
SAM DOORES, RILEY DOWNING & THE TUMBLEWEEDS
Holy Cross Blues
DOLLARTONE 2012
The first release from Doores’ own, very fine country band. The band have recently renamed themselves The Deslondes and incorporated a third lead singer, Cameron Snyder, to complement the talents of Doores and Downing. Doores’ solo comp, True To My Luck: The Early Years, is also worth tracking down on bandcamp.com for deep Dylan-in-Greenwich-Village vibes.
LONESOME LEASH
One Foot In Front Of The Other
BANDCAMP.COM 2013
The latest project of key Riff Raff alumnus Walt McClements confirms him as dramatic, evocative indie boulevardier who merits comparisons with Beirut and perhaps even early Arcade Fire.
