-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 !