Happy Chanukah everyone! It’s been a bit of an arduous week for me, as I’ve been out of the Big Easy for the last few days… attending Sister’s college graduation. But I’ll be back soon, and I’ve got a bit of time right now, so I figured I’d put up a quick post. Below you’ll find a photoset from back in October which features Portland rockers Blitzen Trapper, Baltimore duo Wye Oak, and local songsmith Vox and the Hound (also know to some as multi-instrumentalist Leo DeJesus of MyNameIsJohnMichael). Again, I'm promising a show review... soon! Oh, by the way, this set was taken at One Eyed Jacks. Good tidings, rest easy, and ROCK ON!

Meet Leo DeJesus a multi-faceted, multi-talented man of many hats. For those who’ve followed the burgeoning New Orleans indie rock scene over the past few years, you’ve probably gotten to know Leo from his days fronting (the severely missed New Wave act) The City Life or from his time spent pounding the drums for Big Rock Candy Mountain. Nowadays, Leo can most often be found rocking out behind a wall of keyboards and percussive knickknacks with surging indie outfit MyNameIsJohnMichael. Yet, recently, this man about town has added another dimension to his ever-growing repertoire, solo artist. A short while back – the night Andrew Bird sat in at Preservation Hall – DeJesus filled me in on his latest incarnation. There he told me that he was slated to open for Blitzen Trapper in few weeks. As it turns out, those few weeks have flown by, and this show is happening this Sunday, October 4th at One Eyed Jacks.

Now, in case you’re wondering what you’re in for… Well I assume Blitzen Trapper needs no introduction, but if you’re not familiar with these Portland, Oregon based folk rockers and if you continue on reading, you’ll find a video and MP3 of their sunny, effervescent roots gem “Furr.” As for DeJesus, I’ve got three MP3s cued up below. Just press play. The self-described electroacoustic, country, lounge man has a sound that flows somewhere between the aching lullabies of Kelley Stoltz and the poignant whimsy of the High Llamas. Personally I can think of no higher compliment to pay him than to refer to him as the Curt Boettcher of the Crescent City – and judging by his circle of friends, he might not be far off.

MP3: Leo DeJesus - "High Horse"
MP3: Leo DeJesus - "Clouds 1-8"
MP3: Leo DeJesus - "No Way to Know"