
-The Swamp Kings
debut CD Swamp Appeal - Click here
The
Mississippi River is a breeding ground for wildlife, aquatic creatures,
people and swamps. Over 2300 miles of winding river stretches from
Northern Minnesota to Southern Louisiana bringing people a rich
tradition of music we call the Blues. Blues music varies in styles along
the path of the Mississippi and if you ever are in Louisiana you will
hear two styles of the Blues called Cajun Boogie and
Swamp Blues.

Cajun Boogie is a blend of traditional Cajun, Creole and Zydeco rhythms
mixed with
honky Tonk, Swing,
Boogie Woogie and Blues melodies. The origin of Cajun Boogie is
hard to pinpoint but Southern Louisiana is commonly referred to as its
homeland. Typical lyrics which accompany this style of music are simple
and to the point and often some what comical. The up-beat rhythms and
the I've been there before lyrics always seem to get people on their
feet to dance and have a good time .The
Hackberry Ramblers,
Tabby Thomas and
Raful Neal are examples of Louisiana musicians who have helped to
craft this style of music and musicians like
Tab Benoit and
Kenny Neal (son of the late great Harmonica player Raful Neal)
carry on the style today with their incredible musical talent.
Swamp Blues originated in the Baton Rouge Louisiana area by musicians
like Lazy Lester
and Slim Harpo
producing a more rock'n style of Cajun music.This style was brought to a
wider audience in the 1970's by popular musicians like
The Rolling Stones
and Tony Joe White.
The Swamp Kings, a Cajun Boogie and
Swamp Blues band from the Twin Cities area of Minnesota are
quickly gaining popularity in
live music venues
with their upbeat and energetic performances. The group was formed in
2006 by guitarist and vocalist Tom Harkness. Bass guitarist and vocalist
Matt Page joined The Swamp Kings when Harkness and Page retired the 10
year running Zen Garage Blues Band. Connor McRae joined the group in
2007 and energetically occupies the drum throne for the group.
The Swamp Kings style is rhythmic, energetic and raw blending Cajun,
Soul, New Orleans Boogie and Swamp Blues. Their music is made for
dancing! The bands popular strolling performances and audience
interaction makes everybody feel like a Swamp King!
The Swamp Kings 2009 debut C.D. Swamp Appeal featuring guests Harry
Pulver Jr. on accordion, Toby
Lee Marshall on
the Hammond B3 organ
and producer Paul Manske on back-up guitar and vocals is getting
national attention in the
Blues music scene and can be purchased at
www.cdbaby.com/cd/swampkings or at The Swamp Kings
performances.
Soulful vocals, spicy guitar and just the right amount of heat from the
rhythm section make the perfect ingredients for a night of good times.
Bring good times to your venue by having The Swamp Kings on your
entertainment menu !